VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Fusion problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Ford Fusion is among the quieter years of the Fusion on NHTSA's books: 576 complaints (58% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 50% of all reports (288 of 576), far ahead of transmission at 109. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

576

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Fusion years?

Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted7,026 complaints2006: 920 complaints2007: 1,277 complaints2008: 1,533 complaints2009: 1,168 complaints2010: 7,026 complaints2011: 3,654 complaints2012: 3,057 complaints2013: 2,371 complaints2014: 1,766 complaints2015: 1,277 complaints2016: 2,078 complaints2017: 1,387 complaints2018: 576 complaints2019: 407 complaints2020: 262 complaints
Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fusion years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford Fusion problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine28850%
Transmission10919%
Other478%
Fuel System305%
Electrical System295%
Steering193%
Tires & Wheels132%
Driver Assistance102%
Seat Belts61%
Brakes61%
Airbags51%
Speed Control51%
Body & Structure31%
Suspension20%
Latches & Locks20%
Lighting10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V162000BrakesMarch 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 units

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.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

18V167000SteeringMarch 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 units

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.

Consequence

A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I purchased my car in September 2018 and I have brought my car in for many service problems within the first year alone. I now have a broken flywheel or flex plate, and my car is under 5 years old. With the amount of repairs I have done to my car it is as if I bought a used car. I am the first…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2023

“Terrible car, after long thinking about it the last accident in this car I think was caused from the transmission literally as soon as I put it in reverse it acted as if I was accelerating and proceeded out of the parking spot a little bit, another scary thing I pulled out of a parking lot and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2024 · crash

“On four separate occasions the truck will randomly open while driving. After the first couple times I was extremely careful to ensure I did not randomly hit the button or had my key fob in a way that the truck release could be activated by accident. Despite this the truck will still randomly open…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 29, 2021

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 10, 2025

“The driver reported they were driving at approximately 55 MPH and began to smell something burning. They pulled over to the left shoulder and saw the trunk on fire. The fire totally destroyed the vehicle. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 9, 2023 · fire

2018 Ford Fusion — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 576 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Fusion year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Fusion problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (288 complaints), transmission (109 complaints), other (47 complaints).

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Fusion. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Ford Fusion under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Fusion years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Fusion?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Ford Fusion earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.