2018 Ford Fusion: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Ford Fusion? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 412 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2018 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Ford Fusion has 412 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Fusion
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 412
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 25
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 21 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 610
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Ford Fusion Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Ford Fusion?
The 2018 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Ford Fusion
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ford Fusion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion are heavily concentrated in the Engine Problems category, which accounts for the majority of reports. Transmission/Drivetrain issues also appear frequently. With only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems dominate complaints with 271 reports.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most common complaint.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8 reports.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Ford Fusion Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 271 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 102 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 46 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Unable to shift gears in vehicle and had a Flashing P displayed along with and Shift Sys Fault Parking brake warning. There was a recall already for earlier models of this vehicle for a shifter cable bushing (Recall 22S43). The bushing in my vehicle is disintegrated.
Coolant Intrusion after the 19B37 customer service program has been completed back in July 23rd 2020 call Ford Motor Company and told them that this service was completed to prevent the coolant intrusion and now it's intruding my car is completely disabled I can't work I bought i…
Coolant intrusion in cylinder 1. Confirmed by Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, MI. Known design flaw. Can potentially cause the engine to seize, misfiring of cylinders, excessive exhaust. Codes for rich fuel mixture and cylinder misfires were found when check engine light ap…
I was driving the vehicle on the freeway when the check engine light appeared and after a few seconds the cars engine suddenly shut off. There was a loss of power steering from the lack of engine power which made it difficult for me to steer and a sudden loss of speed which made …
Transmission is now not shifting out of park and this is after having issues with the engine allowing coolant to get in and causing damage with the cylinders. Would not pass the pressure test. When calling ford customer service and headquarters telling me there is no way they can…
- 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…
My vehicle has been throwing codes that the shifter cable is misaligned or misadjusted for a long time now. The dash flashes between neutral and drive while im driving. It says shift system fault all the time. I have to shut the car off and turn it back on to get it to work. I st…
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 …
I am a subsequent owner of this vehicle and it was sold to me with the known issue of coolant intrusion. Not only have I spent over $1000 in repairs. The issue is a known defect with the short block on the engine. While traveling down interstate 275 my car overheated without warn…
Leading coolant due to coolant infusion in the block of engine.
After I bought from personal owner feb. 3rd 2025 I drove 50 miles and overheated before I made it home . The check engine light came on it showed up as a bank 1 bank 3 misfire also camshaft position sensor so I replaced these things and it still was losing coolant oil is just fin…
Mechanical. Coolant Intrusion on my 2018 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L ecobuster
My car started rumbling and flashing the check engine light. I took it to the mechanic the next day, they tell me to contact Ford because of CSP 21N12 due to my spark plugs having coolant leaking on them and in cylinder, it was misfiring. They tell me the vehicle is unsafe to dri…
Sensor that believe the car to be overheating shut the car down while driving in on the highway.. turning the car off completely or powering it down 99%.
While operating my 2018 Ford Fusion, the vehicle began experiencing internal coolant loss resulting in engine misfires, rough running, and white exhaust smoke. The coolant intrusion caused engine failure and loss of reliability. This condition creates a safety risk, as it can le…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the center digital screen failed to illuminate, and the screen was black while the vehicle was shifted into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair…
The steering wheel is coming loose and is making it hard to drive. The car is becoming seriously dangerous. Others are having issues with this. Please let's fix these cars. I have children!
CVT transmission completely failed at 150k miles and is not covered by Ford
My Engine is on my car will not go over 25 miles and if it does it shakes and I place the car in park or shut it off u can hear like water sound coming from the engine were it’s seems as if it was boiling
Rear seatbelt driver side seat belt does not click or buckle at all. Nothing is stuck in it and it has never buckled as long as I’ve had the car
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Fusion.
2018 Ford Fusion Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Fusion. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Ford Fusion Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 412 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?▾
#1: Engine Problems (271 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (102 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Fusion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ford Fusion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ford Fusion, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 412 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ford Fusion. A major recall area is STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Fusion?▾
The 2018 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Fusion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Ford Fusion based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.