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2018 Ford Fusion Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints 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.
30
Latest Jun 13, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
7%
of 434 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Ford Fusion submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 30 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming fuel system

The 25 most recent of 30, in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 13, 2026

I purchase this car on XXX Clinton Ford Dealership and engine need replacement Jan 2020 . I at that time did many replacement until the final diagnostic said engine replacement confirm by dealership Ford Dealership Fayetteville NC . The purge valve canister went out in 2022 and was replaced by Ed’sTire in Hope Mills Rd 11/19–11/22/2022 and now mechanic said it is in need of replacement again . Car problems started 2026 Feb and three pieces were replaced because the system was reading those code now to find out the purge valve canister needs replacement again. These hardship have cost me financial difficulties that a new car should never have had within 2 years . I believe no consumer should have to go through this.

NHTSA ID
11743867
Incident
Jan 4, 2020
EngineFuel system
Filed May 21, 2026

Formal Complaint – 2018 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost – Engine Block Defect Statement of Issue:I am writing to report a premature engine failure on my 2018 Ford Fusion 1.5L. The vehicle is exhibiting all symptoms of the well-documented "coolant intrusion" defect described in Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2222. Despite following all recommended maintenance intervals, the engine block has failed, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber.Observations:Confirmed coolant loss with no external leakage found via pressure test.Significant white smoke and rough idle upon cold start. Desired Resolution: Since this is a known manufacturing defect involving the engine block's cooling channels—and not a result of wear and tear—I am requesting a "Goodwill Repair" for a long-block replacement. The current TSB denial based on [8 years] is unacceptable for a known catastrophic design flaw that compromises vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID
11739403
Incident
May 1, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 28, 2026

- There is a crack in the engine block; coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. I am having the car taken by carvana on 3/30 and it will no longer be available for inspection, but I have record of the mechanical issues from taking the vehicle into the dealership on 3/18. - My/others safety was not immediately at risk, but I know that my engine could have blown while driving, causing an accident or even an engine fire. - As stated, issue was confirmed by dealer, and I have records of this - N/A - Check engine light appeared on approximately 3/5; was unable to have car inspected right away and continued driving. Started to get intermittent errors stating that the engine was overheating/coolant was low on 3/12. Stopped driving car more than 2 miles at a time after this. Boyfriend correctly diagnosed issue on 3/15 and I had the issue confirmed by dealer on 3/18.

NHTSA ID
11727679
Incident
Mar 12, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 19, 2026

2018 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L EcoBoost, just purchased the car 10 days ago and I already have antifreeze that's mixing with the oil causing the car to overheat and white smoke coming from the back cannot drive the car took it to three mechanics they told me it needs a new turbo and a head gasket which will cost well over $4,000 which I don't have the money that I bought the car with I borrowed from family members so I can go back to work and I don't have money to fix it so at the moment I am unemployed because I have no vehicle to get to work this is a major problem. My father before he passed away had a 2017 Ford Escape with the same engine and he had the same problem he sold it for $1500 lost 14 Grand on it

NHTSA ID
11725437
Incident
Mar 17, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 19, 2025

I would like to respectfully request that my 2018 Ford Fusion, with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, be considered for inclusion in the customer satisfaction programs related to the engine issues I'm experiencing. Despite my vehicle not being initially listed, the problems I've encountered, including the diagnostic trouble code P0302 and the coolant leak into cylinder #2, suggest that it may be suffering from a similar defect or design flaw that the program aims to address. Given the safety risks associated with the current condition of my vehicle, I believe it would be fair and reasonable to include it in the program and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. I would appreciate your assistance in facilitating this process and exploring options for resolving this issue in a manner consistent with the treatment of similar vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11681721
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2025

At approximately 67,180 miles, a Ford dealership performed a multi-point inspection on my 2018 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine due to a check engine light on. The Ford dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. The Ford dealership recommended the replacement of the short block and gasket kit, with an estimated repair cost of $7,465. This type of issue diagnosed for my vehicle is a known failure issue for 1.5L Ford EcoBoost engines documented in Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which covers coolant intrusion and engine damage in this engine type. Despite the Ford dealership diagnosis of my vehicle matching what is described in Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible. The Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 is an issue that poses a safety risk due to engine misfires, stalling, overheating, and possible sudden loss of engine power while driving. In my case, my vehicle has become unreliable and unsafe for regular driving. A Ford dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed and documented the issue, and the repair quote, diagnostic report and diagnostic payment receipt are available upon request. Ford has declined assistance despite the vehicle’s low mileage and clear alignment with known engine defects. I mailed a formal appeal letter to Ford Motor Company and I am filing a complaint with my state attorney general. This widespread issue affects customer safety, and vehicle safety standards and deserves further investigation, as many other Ford owners of vehicles with 1.5L EcoBoost engines have reported similar failures.

NHTSA ID
11678219
Incident
May 19, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 23, 2025

Coolant intrusion, coolant and oil is mixing causing my car to run hot. Engine light keeps coming on, repairs to multiple pumps replaced, water pump replaced, spark plugs replaced, radiator replaced, thermostat replaced. Ford dealership tried replacing all the above vehicle is still running hot. Now claiming I need a new engine.

NHTSA ID
11675774
Incident
Jul 10, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed May 3, 2025

Unknown. Car will not start, dashboard says overheating, white smoke was coming out of muffler but stopped and etc.

NHTSA ID
11658682
Incident
May 1, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 24, 2025

My car had a bad shifting linkage which I paid for out of pocket. My 2.0 Ecoboost engine is leaking coolant into my oil and makes a very loud concerning ticking noise, along with reduced engine power and sporadic/random loss of brakes. There has been recalls for these issues on most other Ford Fusion models and this one NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. My engine is going to blow any day now and I will be stuck paying for the rest of my car loan for a vehicle I cannot drive. All of the Ecoboost engines should be recalled for poor design.

NHTSA ID
11650127
Incident
Jun 8, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Nov 21, 2024

EVAP system leak. Vapor leak causes car to not start after putting gas in the tank. It takes several tries before the car starts up. Engine light stays on which causes car fob not to auto start.

NHTSA ID
11626746
Incident
Apr 30, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2024

I drive a 2018 Ford fusion ecoboost. It started with a misfire on cylinder 4 and in that same week the engine started to over heat. Had the spark plugs replaced. Upon checking and monitoring coolant levels noticed I was losing coolant. Wasn't having any puddles in the driveway and no visible leaks under the hood. After few trips to work and home the engine would overheat and my work is less than 2 miles from my home. Started to quickly get worse, more codes popping up on my fixt obd2 scanner. From po304, PO300, PO303, B124D, PO313, PO316, PO317.

NHTSA ID
11607854
Incident
Aug 11, 2024
Fuel system
Filed May 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failed EVAP purge system. The contact was informed that the EVAP purge system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the fuel tank made a vibrating sound before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID
11590156
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Mileage
79,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed May 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving or while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was sputtering while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the canister purge valve. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID
11587633
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Mileage
113,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contacted stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a malfunction with the gas cap. The contact was informed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID
11585856
Incident
Apr 29, 2024
Mileage
73,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 10, 2024

My car has stalled out coming up to a stop sign. It makes a sound coming from gas tank. I can not turn it off while pumping gas because it will not start after pumping gas. It is the purge value according to my mechanic. I know the recall on this issue is on the focus models but the fusion is basically the same car

NHTSA ID
11582231
Incident
Mar 27, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 2, 2024

I PURCHASED THE CAR [XXX], FEW WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN DISAPPEARED, I WAS ALSO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT COOLING FUNCTION, AS THE TOUCH SCREEN CONTROLS WAS SHOWING THAT THEY WERE BOTH ON AND IT WAS STILL WINTER/RAINY SEASON OUTSIDE. I TOOK THE CAR INNTO FORD DEALER AT SAN BERNARDINO CA, THEY TOLD ME THAT MOST LIKELY IT WAS JUST A DASHBOARD LIGHT MALFUNCTION BECAUSE THE DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS CAME OUT FINE AND AFTER RESEARCHING IN OTHER MANUALS EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT COOLING FUNCTION WAS SWITCHED TO "on", THE CAR DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH SEAT COOLING ONLY HEATED SEATS. 3 WEEKS LATER AFTER TAKING MY CAR HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ON Y DASHBOARD, I BOUGHT AN OBDII DIAGNOSTIC TOOL, THE RESULT CAME BACK WITH 2 DIFFERENT POWERTRAIN CODES THAT WERE STRICTLY MANUFACTURER CODES. 1ST CODE WAS P1450 WHICH IS DEFINED AS UNABLE TO BLEED GAS TANK - EXCESSIVE VACCUM. 2ND CODE WAS P2196 WHICH IS DEFINED BY O2 SENSOR STUCK TRYING TO CORRECT 1ST CODE. THE P2196 EVENTUALLY CLEARED ON ITS OWN BUT THE P1450 BECAME PERMANENT. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND HE TOLD ME THE SAME THING, EXCEPT THAT THE MAIN CULPRIT IS THE PURGE FLOW VALVE, WHICH IS A RECALL ISSUE ON OTHER FORD FUSIONS. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, I WAS SHOWED THAT THE CAR HAD NO RECALLS BUT THE "MYFORD" APP AND OWNERSHIP DIDNT TRANSFER TO ME RIGHT AWAY UNTIL 30 DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE, WHICH IS WHEN IT FINALLY LET ME VIEWED THE CARS PRIOR SERVICE / MAINTANANCE HISTORY AND EVEN THOUGH THE CAR SALES LADY SHOWED ME VIN RECORDS WHERE IT SAYS THERE IS NO RECALLS AND IT HAD NO ACCIDENTS, RECORDS THAT SHE SHOWED ME 30 DAYS PRIOR TO ME GAINING ACTUAL OWNERSHIP THRU "MY FORD" WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE "MY FORD" APP STATES THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN THE PAST BECAUSE ALMOST $8000 WENT INTO REPAIRS TOWARDS TRANSMISSION AND OTHER MAIN COMPONENTS. CALIFORNIA SMOG CHECK RECORDS SHOW THAT THE CAR HAS ONLY HAD 1 TEST IN CA LAST SEPT 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID
11580810
Incident
Feb 27, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 29, 2024

Coolant is leaking into my oil.

NHTSA ID
11568621
Incident
Jul 14, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 2, 2024

I went on a road trip to see family which needed 5 hours of travel. After returning and parking the car, I noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine bay when it was started and was idling. After doing what I could to rule out possible problems I concluded the Flexplate might be the culprit due to Recall 22N12 with Ford. A short time later, my car started to stall if I did not keep my RPM's high enough while my vehicle was stopped. After getting an inspection done with a dealership they confirmed that it is the Flexplate. The symptoms gradually got worse which is what ultimately led me to bring it in to a dealership instead of a different shop. The problem is that this repair estimate I got says this repair is going to cost me $3,000. I am arguing that my vehicle should have been on Recall 22N12. After contacting Ford and going back and forth for 2 and a half hours they told me i'm out of luck and that there was nothing they can/will do about this.

NHTSA ID
11563144
Incident
Dec 4, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 22, 2023

M 19 year old daughter purchased the 2018 Ford Fusion 1.5L FWD certified on May 10th from AutoNation Ford of Orange Park, FL on 5/10/2023. Car broke down on 7/31/23 at 93032 miles and had it towed back to AutoNation. Was told that the flexplate broke and that there was coolant intrusion in one or more cylinders. Had the car repaired using the extended warranty plan that was purchased for the engine repair. Also paid to have the flexplate replaced. Received the car back on 9/22/23 with 93041 miles. On 9/26/23, check engine light at 93173. Code read oxygen sensor and emission purge valve sensor. Did not have repaired right away so that we can save up for the cost since it wasn't covered by the extended warranty plan. The cost was going to be about 700.00. Then the car started to hesitate in traffic while making a loud "farting" noise and eventually breaking down on 11/8/23 . We were able to get it to Garber Ford in Green Cove Springs but was told by the mechanic that the car is to dangerous to drive anymore. After a diagnostic was performed, we were told that not only is the evap purge valve bad, the car now needs a new transmission. The transmission pours out as fast as they can put it in. Due to the broken flexplate being noted during the first repair, its highly likely that the warranty company will cover. Estimated cost is 10k if we approve the breakdown and they deny. If we do not approve the breakdown so that insurance can inspect and just replace the transmission it will be 7-8k.

NHTSA ID
11556443
Incident
Jul 31, 2023
Fuel system
Filed May 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The contact stated that the failure ceased while driving 40 MPH however, the failure recurred while driving below 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flywheel was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11521003
Incident
May 1, 2023
Mileage
80,000 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start soon after refueling. Additionally, while stationary and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate or stall upon depression of accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the powertrain warning light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11517416
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), she was unable to shift between gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the under hood shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for routine oil change service; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve (CPV) needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was replaced; however, the vehicle stalled after being refueled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11513994
Incident
Dec 1, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Feb 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the EVAP valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID
11506035
Incident
Jan 25, 2023
Mileage
71,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 5, 2023

When I stop to get fuel/gas for my car, I am unable to turn the ignition off because if I do, the car will not restart immediately or at all. There is also a jerking motion immediately after fueling and while driving. There is a "wailing" noise immediately proceeding the car shutting down. The check engine light is on.

NHTSA ID
11500270
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Sep 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 50-55 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front the of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence, where she turned off and restarted the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flywheel needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred a year later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flywheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11486870
Incident
Sep 28, 2021

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.

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