Notable Issues

2018 FORD FUSION Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion. This model year has 412 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

412
Complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
2
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2018 Ford Fusion Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
271
complaints

Engine Problems

#2
102
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:1
#3
46
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Considering a 2018 Ford Fusion?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Ford Fusion. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems271β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain1021β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues46β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults2511β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System20β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects17β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues10β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention8β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System8β€”β€”β€”
Brake System61β€”β€”
Gasoline6β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration51β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues51β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions53β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures21β€”β€”
Other2β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 412 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 24, 2026

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 19, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 8, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 2, 2026

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 …

Steering DefectsMar 30, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsMar 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…

Steering DefectsMar 28, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsMar 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 …

Engine ProblemsMar 19, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsMar 13, 2026

Leading coolant due to coolant infusion in the block of engine.

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 5, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsMar 5, 2026

Mechanical. Coolant Intrusion on my 2018 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L ecobuster

Engine ProblemsFeb 18, 2026

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 13, 2026

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%.

Engine ProblemsFeb 5, 2026

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…

Back Over PreventionJan 26, 2026

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…

Steering DefectsJan 23, 2026

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!

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 7, 2026

CVT transmission completely failed at 150k miles and is not covered by Ford

Unintended AccelerationDec 17, 2025

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

Seat Belt IssuesDec 14, 2025

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

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Fusion.

Recalls for 2018 Ford Fusion

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V167000Dec 3, 2018
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

23V162000Oct 3, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

2018 Ford Fusion β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2018 Ford Fusion has 412 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (271 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Fusion?β–Ύ

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 412 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ford Fusion. The largest issue: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2018 Ford Fusion?β–Ύ

The 2018 Ford Fusion has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2018 Ford Fusion

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.