RoadVitals

2018 Ford Fusion

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
434
+7 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Mar 10, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 434 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 160 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Mar 10, 2023
1,280,726 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
The risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 23S12View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Mar 12, 2018
1,301,986 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
The risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 18S08View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ22004ClosedRecall Query

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

Opened Aug 8, 2022
Closed Mar 24, 2023

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSLed to recall 23V162000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 12, 2026

The 1.5L EcoBoost motor has coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. The 1.5L EcoBoost motor sputters while driving causing the engine to be sluggish and not get up to speed when turning and might cause an accident on the highway due to the motor failing due to coolant intrusion design flaw in Ford Motor. Yes, Ford dealership confirmed the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3 and check engine light keeps coming on and off. Yes, the Ford dealership inspected the 1.5L engine in the vehicle and ran test to confirm the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. There was no other warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure/degrade of engine

NHTSA ID
11756448
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Aug 11, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

On August 10, 2026, I was driving my 2018 Ford Fusion at approximately 40 mph under normal driving conditions when, without warning, the hood unexpectedly released and flew completely backward into the windshield. The hood had been closed prior to driving and there was no warning before the failure. The hood struck the windshield with significant force, shattering it, immediately blocking my forward visibility, and sending broken glass into the passenger compartment and onto me. Because I suddenly could not see the roadway, I lost control and the vehicle left the road. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved and I did not require medical treatment. This was not a hood that simply became loose or partially opened. The hood fully opened and struck the windshield. Based on what occurred, it appears the primary hood retention/latch and the secondary safety retention mechanism both failed to prevent the hood from fully opening. The exact mechanical cause requires inspection. The impact caused extensive damage to the hood and windshield and tore/deformed metal around the windshield/A-pillar/roof area. An independent eyewitness across the street personally witnessed the incident occur in real time, and I have photographs documenting the aftermath. The vehicle has approximately 156,000 miles, was in good operating condition, and remains unrepaired and unaltered following the incident so the hood latch, secondary safety catch, striker, hinges and related components can be inspected. Ford was notified immediately and opened case CXH-08862363-V8C8X7, which Ford advised was escalated to its Office of General Counsel. I am reporting this because this apparent hood-retention safety failure created an extremely dangerous situation. Had this occurred at highway speed, at a higher speed, in heavy traffic, or near pedestrians, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

NHTSA ID
11756127
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026

Coolant leaking into the engine.

NHTSA ID
11754816
Incident
Sep 16, 2019
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 3, 2026

There is a recall for the transmission cable bushings for years 2013-2106. The recall came out in 2022. This same bushing is used in the 2018 ford fusion model that was not fixed. The bushing on my vehicle which is a 2018 complete failed while I was driving and left me immobile until I searched for a fix and found the bushing completely gone. Ford Escape: Model years 2013–2019, Ford C-Max: Model years 2013–2018; Ford Fusion: Model years 2013–2016; Ford Transit Connect: Model years 2013–2021; Ford Edge: Model years 2015–2018. Each model besides the fusion went past the 2018 model in which the 2018 fusion should be apart of

NHTSA ID
11754361
Incident
May 11, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 29, 2026

Transmission/cracked flexplate started approximately 12 months prior with vibrations getting progressively worse, complete failure needing replacement along with shift cable bushing causes vehicle to select wrong gear position when another is commanded by driver. Shrapnel from case or components could be expelled during flexplate/converter failure. Incorrect gear selection could lead to potential injury or damage from improper gear selection.

NHTSA ID
11753612
Incident
Feb 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11752380
Incident
May 20, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2026

There is a known coolant intrusion into the engine that caused the engine to suddenly only go to a certain speed while on the freeway. It could have caused an accident on the freeway by suddenly going at such a slow speed. It is now found out that the problem is known by Ford and is part of a technical service bulletin, but no recall has been issued on this known problem. The TSB associated are 19-2139, 19-2375, 20-2100. By not making this a recall, Ford is knowingly putting lives at risk with potential sudden loss of speed in these engines. It is lucky this was late at night when not many cars were on the road.

NHTSA ID
11751875
Incident
Jun 7, 2026
Filed Jul 10, 2026

Vehicle would not recognize car being in Park. Displayed warning messages: Shift Sys Fault Confirm Park Brake Before Exiting Vehicle. Transmission Not In Park

NHTSA ID
11749574
Incident
Mar 20, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

TSB 25-2570

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

SSM 53174

Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.

SSM 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

TSB 24-2165

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Fusion by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20201773058.8
20193093055.9
2018Viewing4342156.5
20171,1014158.9
20161,60113466.1
201598513462.9
20141,32219462.3
20131,78419564.9
20122,5116461.2
20112,7839459.5
20105,12613958.8
20091,0217462.0
20081,3536559.8
20071,0645459.6
20067305154.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.