2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid sits mid-pack among Fusion Hybrid years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 89, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (10), transmission (10), and brakes (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
78
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
7
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2018 compare to other Fusion Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 10 | 13% | — flat |
| Brakes | 9 | 12% | — flat |
| Other | 8 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 7 | 9% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 7 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO GIANT FORD (4600 BRANCH AVE, TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748, [PHONE]) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST COULD NOT DETERMINE…”
“I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a âBrake Malfunctionâ warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns.…”
“I was able to replicate the first issue once, second issue happens more frequently: Braking system not grabbing on as hard as they should and abs did not activate. car also seems to lunge forward sometimes when slowing down, most noticeable when preparing to turn. Took the car to get inspected at a…”
“On May 26, 2023, after I started moving from stop at a traffic light, I rear ended the vehicle in front of me when it came to a sudden stop. My speed was between 25 - 35 mph at most. My front and side curtain airbags deployed, the hood was crumpled and fascia was damaged as expected. However after…”
“I recently had to replace all of the lug nuts on this car due to swelling. Ford said they were all faulty. There were no warnings about the problem. It was noticed in a routine service appointment. I was informed the risk could be that I would not be able to remove them if I experienced a flat…”
2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid reliable?
It is close to typical for the Fusion Hybrid: 78 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2018 Fusion Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).
Does the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion Hybrid years belongs to 2020.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.