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2018 Ford Fusion Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2018 Ford Fusion Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 521 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.1/ 10

Based on 521 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

173 33.2%

POWER TRAIN

94 18%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

83 15.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

46 8.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 3.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 33.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 44 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Ford Fusion

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 521 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 33% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Ford Fusion are ENGINE (173), POWER TRAIN (94), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (83).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 337 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Ford Fusion?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Fusion complaints2019 Fusion complaints2020 Fusion complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 33 of 33 systems

ENGINE

76 Reports30% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. I COULDN'T TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR UNLOCK DOORS. EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS IDLING AT THE STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

2/27/2019

I STARTED LOSING COOLANT AS A I DROVE WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE LEAKS AROUND THE ENGINE OR COOLING SYSTEM. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO MY DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE COOLANT IS LEAKING INTERNALLY AND THAT THE DEALER IS VERY USED TO SEEING THIS ISSUE ON 2018 AND 2019 FORD FUSIONS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. THANKFULLY IT'S UNDER WARRANTY. IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON ISSUE THAT THE DEALER IS AWARE OF IT AS SOON AS I BRING IN THE VEHICLE, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? THEY ARE WARRANTING THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR...SO I'M ASSUMING THEY HAVE FIXED THE ISSUE.

1/14/2020

74 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

49 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHANGES GEARS ON ITS OWN EXAMPLE-AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR PUTTING SEAT BELT ON, PUTTING FOOT ON BRAKE AND STARTING THE CAR, PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE,CHECKING MIRRORS USING THE BACKUP CAMERA I LOOK ONE MORE TIME. I WAS IN A BUSY PARKING LOT. LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHEN IT WENT INTO PARK. AN OTHER TIME WAS AT THE BANK I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO GET CLOSER TO THE WINDOW THEN TO GET CLOSER I PUT CAR IN DRIVE IT WENT BACK TO PARK. AN OTHER TIME I HAD PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY STOP TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN IT WENT BACK TO PARK. EVERY TIME SOMETHING WENT WRONG IT GO BACK TO PARK. I WAS JUST SETTING IN THE CAR ONCE WITH MY FRIEND THAT I WAS SHOWING HER MY CAR WHEN THE PARK FLASHED IT ALSO HAPPEN TO ME WHEN I WAS LOOKING AT SOMETHING AT THE BANK WHEN THE PARK LIGHT FLASHED. THE DAY I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER SERVICE TO TELL THEM I DIDN'T,WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY MORE I WAS TALKING TO THE SALEPERSON THAT HELP SALE THE CAR TO ME, HE TOLD ME MOVE THE TO NEXT LANE SO THE SERVICE PEOPLE COULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN WHEN THE GEARSHIFT MOVE IN MY HAND.I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES. ONE MANGER EVEN TOLD ME TO GO TO A DR.FOR HEAD BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. FORD IS HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THEIR CARS A LOT WITH THE GEARS SHIFT TOO. WHAT IF SOMETHING GO WRONG WHEN I AM GOING 60 TO 70 MILES DEATH! SHOW HER MY CAR WHEN THE PARK LIGHT FLASHED I REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. AS FOR THE DATE YOU ASK FOR BELOW. IT HAS HAPPEN TIME MANY TIMES SINCE DEC 2018 ALSO ON CITY STREETS, AT HOME AND IN PARKING LOT. ALSO IN MOTION

5/22/2019

ON 3/6/2020 WE TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP. THEY PERFORMED OIL CHANGE AND REPROGRAMMED PCM DUE TO RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON MY VEHICLE. 2 DAYS LATER WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH GAS MILEAGE SENSOR. DEALERSHIP TO US TO RESET. VEHICLE CONTINUE TO HAVE USSUES WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON, NOW WE HAVE PARASITIC DRAIN. CAR WONT START. WE HAVE GOTTEN JUMP START NEXT DAY VEHUCLE WONT START. WE WERE TOLD BATTERY IS GOOD. ISSUE IS WITH MODULE. I WENT THROUGH ON LAST FORD VEHICLE AND AFTER 4 REPAIRS, SPENDING OUT OF POCKET THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS THEY NEVER FIXED FORD FOCUS SO I PURCHASED FORD FUSION AND NOW THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. IT ALSO MAY LOUD SOUND DURING JUMP START. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DISABLED SINCE 3/27/2020.

3/29/2020

47 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Ford issued a recall in 2020 for my car for coolant leaks. My vehicle was under warranty at the time (28k miles), and in the same week had white smoke emissions, engine stalling on the interstate and overheating in idle. The smoke never went away even after extensive, month long repair. The vehicle again had the same issues in august 2020 (76k miles), taken to Ford dealership with $3,000 in out of pocket expense. It is now March 2022 (82k miles) and my vehicle is still showing signs of coolant leak with no help from any Ford dealership.

3/3/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with a message stating "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" displayed. Additionally, the engine sputtered while the vehicle was being started and there was gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1, causing damage to the engine long block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 112,000.

8/30/2022

24 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GOES OVER 70 DEGREES, THERE'S CREAKING NOISES UNDERNEATH, SOMETIMES VERY LOUD WHEN TURNING, EVEN WHEN PARKED, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES THE NOISE. LOOKING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, MY CAR HAS ONLY 72K MILES AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL SUMMER THIS YEAR AND IT'S GETTING LOUDER. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL.

8/31/2018

METAL SCRATCHING UNDER CAR

1/12/2020

21 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SOLD CAR WITH OPEN RECALL FROM MAC HAIK FORD , GEORGETOWN, TX

4/7/2018

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GOES OVER 70 DEGREES, THERE'S CREAKING NOISES UNDERNEATH, SOMETIMES VERY LOUD WHEN TURNING, EVEN WHEN PARKED, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES THE NOISE. LOOKING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, MY CAR HAS ONLY 72K MILES AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL SUMMER THIS YEAR AND IT'S GETTING LOUDER. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL.

8/31/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. I COULDN'T TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR UNLOCK DOORS. EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS IDLING AT THE STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

2/27/2019

AT A RENT-A-CAR FACILITY IN ABSECON, NJ, CUSTOMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLAINING THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED, NO DOORS WERE AJAR (RENTAL AGENT MADE SURE OF IT), LOCKED VEHICLE, AND TRIED THE HANDLES. FOUND AFTER ONE OR TWO PUMPS ON ANY HANDLE THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK ITSELF. EVEN TRIED TO LOCK WITH THE EJECT KEY IN THE FOB ITSELF AND THE SAME RESULT OCCURRED. CHECKED BACK LOG ON VEHICLE FOR KEY CODE ON THE DRIVER DOOR TO FIND NO SUCH CODE AVAILABLE. THIS MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL/FUSE ISSUE REGARDING THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS.

3/2/2020

7 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN EXTREMELY HEAVY TRAFFIC THE 2018 FORD FUSION SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND INDICATING LIGHTS CAME ON. IT WAS HARROWING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO NAVIGATE THE DISABLED VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALER STATES THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS INTERESTING SINCE, THE CAR IS ONLY SIX MONTHS OLD. ADDITIONALLY, THIS IS A KNOWN ON OTHER (OLDER) FORD MODELS WHICH MAKES ME SUSPECT THEY ARE USING KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS.

7/11/2019

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOTS OF WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAILPIPE AND DARK BLACK SPARK PLUGS AT 15,000 MILES! DEALER SAID I GOT BAD GAS OR VANDALISM THEREFORE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. I HAD TO PAY A LOCAL MECHANIC TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS, PUMP OUT AND REPLACE FUEL. TWO WEEKS LATER I RECEIVE A FORD LETTER STATING COOLANT CAN LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER BORES CAUSING EXACTLY HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. NOW I HAVE TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT.

1/22/2020

6 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE'S A LEAK IN THE VALVE STEM ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE.

7/24/2019

RECENTLY BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION TO FARNEY FORD IN SELMA, CA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE LUG NUTS EXPANDED AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. THEREFORE I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE 5 LUG NUTS REPLACED ON ALL 4 FACTORY INSTALLED TIRES IN ORDER TO GET A TIRE ROTATION. THE VEHICLE HAS GONE IN FOR TIMELY OIL CHANGES AND DID HAVE TIRE ROTATION DONE BY THE FARNEY FORD DEALERSHIP WITHIN THE PAST 15 MONTHS. WE DID PUT A COMPLAINT IN AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER FROM FORD. 5 DAYS LATER AND STILL NO RESPONSE. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I GET A FLAT AND CAN'T GET THE LUG NUTS OFF? WE LIVE IN A FARMING TOWN AND TRAVEL THROUGH BACK ROADS TO GET IN TO FRESNO, CA.

4/3/2020

6 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA AIRBAG. RECEIVED NOTICE OF AIRBAG RECALL OVER TWO YEARS AGO (JULY 2016). STILL TO REMEDY. WE WANT TO USE THE VEHICLE FOR VACATION TRAVEL BUT ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

9/29/2018

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A WRENCH SENSOR POPPED UP ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE CAR STARTING DE-ACCELERATING AND SHAKING AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DIRTY SO THEY CLEANED IT AND THEY CLEARED THE CODE BUT IT RECENTLY HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES. WHEN IT HAPPENS IT MAKES THE CAR NOT ABLE TO START AS EASILY. IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT MAKES IT TO WHERE THE CAR WILL JUST NOT ACCELERATE AND IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY THERE ARE CARS FLYING RIGHT PAST YOU. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 3 OR 4 TIMES.

3/2/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON OCTOBER 17, 2018, I DROVE INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND PROCEEDED TO PARK IN FRONT OF THE SHOPS. I HAD ENTERED THE PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW SPEED AND WAS ALMOST AT A DEAD STOP WHEN MY 2018 FORD FUSION SPORT LURCHED FORWARD WITH SUCH A POWERFUL BURST OF SPEED, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING A WINDOW AND BRICK WALL DIVIDING THE SHOPS. NO FLOOR MAT ISSUE WAS INVOLVED AND I DID NOT STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR THINKING IT WAS THE BRAKE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND INSURANCE NOTIFIED. THE CAR IS STILL AT FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE COLLISION & SERVICE MANAGER TOLD US THAT NO ERROR COULD BE FOUND WHEN PULLING CODES. THIS IS A MAJOR & DEADLY PROBLEM WITH AUTO SAFETY AND ADVANCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. AN ELECTRONIC GLITCH IN THE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM THAT CANNOT BE DETECTED AFTER ACCIDENT SHOULD BE NUMBER 1 PRIORITY ON AUTO SAFETY !!!! I AM SERIOUSLY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AFTER REPAIRS BECAUSE LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE, IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE THE PROBLEM DID NOT LEAVE A TRACE THE FIRST TIME. THE NEXT TIME COULD BE AT AN INTERSECTION AND LIVES COULD BE LOST !!!!

10/29/2018

I FIRST NOTICED HARSH SHIFTING AND DELAYED SHIFTING. THEN I WAS PULLING OFF FROM THE CAR WASH AND MY GEARSHIFT JUMP GEARS FROM NEUTRAL TO REVERSE BUT NOT DRIVE HOWEVER THE CAR DID MOVE FORWARD. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO WINNER GORD WHERE THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS COMMON. WHEN I GOT MY VEHICLE BACK THE HARSH/DELAYED SHIFTING WAS STILL AN ISSUE. WEEKS LATER THE CAR IN ADDITION TO HARSH AND DELAYED SHIFTING IT NOW SHAKES REALLY BAD.

4/23/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ABS PUMP FAILURE. ABS PUMP FAILS DURING AN ANTI-LOCK EVENT CAUSING PEDAL TO GO TO FLOOR AND NO STOPPING POWER. OCCUR SPORADICALLY WHEN ON ICE/SLUSH/SNOW OR WHEN BRAKING ON A ROUGH RODE.

3/16/2017

2018 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR SAFETY RECALL 19S54. *LD *JS

8/19/2020

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 40 MPH GOING STRAIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BECAME UNLATCHED AND PARTIALLY OPENED. A NOISE ON THE DASH SOUNDED AND STATED THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS AJAR, AND THE LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR TURNED RED. IT SEEMED TO BE PARTIALLY LATCHED STILL SINCE IT WOULD NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY, BUT I HAD TO USE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THEN CLOSE IT ALL THE WAY AGAIN. I HAD ALREADY TRAVELED ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN THE DOOR PARTIALLY OPENED, AND THERE WERE NO DASH OR WARNING SIGNS IT WAS OPEN WHEN I LEFT. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS CLEAR, NO RAIN OR WIND AND ABOUT 50-55 DEGREES OUTSIDE. CAR WAS PRIOR IN THE GARAGE BEFORE I LEFT ABOUT 1130 PM.

3/5/2018

BACK PASSENGER DOOR UNLATCHES WHILE DRIVING SPORADICALLY. FORD PREVIOUSLY HAD A RECALL ON THE 2016 MODEL HOWEVER, THEY ARE STATING THAT THIS DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. MY 4 YEAR OLD SON SITS IN THE BACK SEAT IN HIS CAR SEAT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. MY VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW AND THEY ARE FILING A CLAIM THROUGH MY 3RD PARTY WARRANTY COMPANY AND MAKING ME PAY FOR THE DEDUCTIBLE AND I SUSPECT THE LOANER VEHICLE. I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARCH 2020 AND I HAVE NOTICED IT WHEN SINCE PURCHASE. *TR

7/3/2020

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN SEAT BELT IS DETACHED FROM EITHER DRIVER OR PASSAGER NO INDICATOR WHILE DRIVING. IT INDICATES AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 MINUTES.

3/15/2018

The passenger seat belt is hard to buckle it gets stuck making it hard to even buckle up. And the shifter bushing broke had to use the key in the override shift to get it to shift so I could get it home, my father is the one who found the issue. We will be taking it in to the ford dealership to be looked at and to get fixed. The shift sys fault service required light did come on prior to it not shifting into gear.

8/1/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The audio/navigation display screen on my 2018 Ford Fusion went black as I was backing out of a parking spot almost causing an accident. It immediately came back on after this but unfortunately, it started to happen regularly upon startup, while driving, parked, just randomly, and for longer periods of time. It also started to increase the volume and I couldn't control it. The system completely stopped working after several weeks. I did a lot of research and noticed that this is a significant problem with Ford Accessory Protocol Interface Modules (APIM). Some have already been recalled on certain models of Fords and why they are not recalled on any that go out is beyond me. Seems that in and of itself would place some liability on the manufacturer in the event of an accident. The dealership wants to charge over $1,200 to replace the faulty APIM, which they described as a continued problem that everyone knows about. So maybe that is the reason it is not recalled. They can make money selling the vehicle and then another $1,200 after 40,000 miles when it goes out. I am very frustrated and will now be $1,200 less happy. Yes, I am frustrated at the financial impact, but it was a safety issue initially and at times startled me while driving, which could have caused an accident. I am sure that there are numerous examples of previous complaints that are able to prove this.

2/18/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the infotainment touch screen went black with no warning. The contact stated that the rearview camera and hands-free feature were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed with a failed Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The contact stated the APIM was not communicating with the vehicle. The APIM needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not been repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The contact was then transferred to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

4/14/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while parked in the parking lot and attempting to drive off, the vehicle failed to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,735.

6/17/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted into a lower gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.

11/13/2023

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My transmission has start to work weirdly. My car started vibrating when I am driving slow. When move to second gear suddenly the car make stop and move again.

7/2/2022

my vehicle axel and suspension broke while driving vehicle hit driver side curb while in turning left lane at the intersection during the green light to avoid another vehicle driving unsafe. Hitting a curb should not have cause vehicle axel and suspension to collapse. This could have caused major accident because vehicle behind me could have ran into the rear end of my vehicle while in the turning. Also particles were falling from underneath the vehicle while trying to get vehicle over to the far right lane out of the way of other vehicles.

7/29/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to restart due to the battery failing to retain a charge. The contact recharged the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30.

8/3/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and then stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. The doors were unable to open after the failure. AAA inspected the battery and informed the contact that the battery was not properly installed while the battery and bolts were the incorrect sizes. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,126.

8/9/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:FLYWHEEL,BEARINGS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

9/28/2022

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.

5/8/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

3/27/2023

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.

4/17/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank. The contact shifted into the drive and the screen started rebooting independently. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the instrument panel started flashing with the radio inoperable message displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back-over prevention camera was not activated. The contact checked the fuse, and the fuse was properly secured. On another occasion, while the contact was reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank, causing the contact to nearly strike a pedestrian. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure and the contact provided information on how to reset the software. The contact stated that the software reset failed to fix the issue. The failure mileage was 68,000.

8/1/2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen was black. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to activate, and the screen remained black. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera screen 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 30,000.

11/8/2023

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Went to have car serviced and was told lug nuts were swollen and it was a Ford defect, but had to pay over $120 to replace lug nuts in order to get my tires rotated.

12/10/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated during a routine oil change and tire rotation, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be cut off to be removed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

12/11/2023

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 40 MPH GOING STRAIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BECAME UNLATCHED AND PARTIALLY OPENED. A NOISE ON THE DASH SOUNDED AND STATED THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS AJAR, AND THE LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR TURNED RED. IT SEEMED TO BE PARTIALLY LATCHED STILL SINCE IT WOULD NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY, BUT I HAD TO USE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THEN CLOSE IT ALL THE WAY AGAIN. I HAD ALREADY TRAVELED ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN THE DOOR PARTIALLY OPENED, AND THERE WERE NO DASH OR WARNING SIGNS IT WAS OPEN WHEN I LEFT. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS CLEAR, NO RAIN OR WIND AND ABOUT 50-55 DEGREES OUTSIDE. CAR WAS PRIOR IN THE GARAGE BEFORE I LEFT ABOUT 1130 PM.

3/5/2018

BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Faulty APIM for radio/navigation/rear view camera. System won’t turn on or operate In cold weather. When warm, system works perfect.

1/13/2022

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the infotainment touch screen went black with no warning. The contact stated that the rearview camera and hands-free feature were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed with a failed Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The contact stated the APIM was not communicating with the vehicle. The APIM needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not been repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The contact was then transferred to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

4/14/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

2/7/2023

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the trunk unlatched independently. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,205.

3/13/2023

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Android Auto is incredibly unresponsive to user input. Using a Moto G Power cell phone (~2 years old...no performance issues when not using Android Auto), the screen lags for 5-10 seconds between inputs, requiring the user to make many attempts to press the cars Ford Sync 3 Infotainment screen. This is forces the user to take their eyes off the road for way longer than is safe. The quality of Google and Android Auto is considerably worse than Ford's native Sync 3 system...frankly Android Auto is dangerous. Tried this with multiple cables, and even other phones, and in other Ford vehicles and it is just as unresponsive. I don't understand how something so unregulated (Android Auto) is permitted to be used natively in vehicles. I believe car infotainment systems are supposed to be using "Realtime OS's", and I highly doubt Android Auto is doing this.

3/15/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While navigating a corner, suddenly vehicle became difficult to steer, numerous warnings became came active on dashboard for Steering Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill Start Assist Failure. A collision into a ditch was narrowly avoided.

5/23/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While navigating a corner, suddenly vehicle became difficult to steer, numerous warnings became came active on dashboard for Steering Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill Start Assist Failure. A collision into a ditch was narrowly avoided.

5/23/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:GEARS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle failed to shift to the drive position. The contact opened the hood and pushed the cap back on the bushing. While driving, at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled. There were no warring lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where it was diagnosed transmission bushing cap detached. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who provided case CAS-43077151-Q4R8H4. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

5/31/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle failed to shift to the drive position. The contact opened the hood and pushed the cap back on the bushing. While driving, at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled. There were no warring lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where it was diagnosed transmission bushing cap detached. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who provided case CAS-43077151-Q4R8H4. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

5/31/2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving on PA Turnpike westbound, in the rain, my windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. THANKFULLY, I was in the far left lane and able to pull off to the shoulder safely. Once rain stopped, I was able to take my car to my mechanic. Stated that my cars windshield wiper motors both failed AND melted, causing them to stop working.

8/26/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:BEARINGS/BUSHINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The message " Shift Sys Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A bystander assisted the contact in manually moving the transmission shifter cable bushing back into position. The contact stated vehicle then responded as needed; however, the failure recurred while driving and hitting a pothole. The transmission shifter cable bushing was manually moved back into position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the failure was related to the transmission shifter cable bushing; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact purchased the part from the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the part. The mechanic informed the contact that the repair was temporary, and that she would need to take the vehicle to dealer for an adequate repair. The dealer was contacted and stated that the earliest availability was in 3 weeks. 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 75,000.

10/12/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Ford Fusion is ENGINE, with 173 owner reports. That is about 33% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Are complaints about the 2018 Ford Fusion a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 337 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Ford Fusion?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Ford Fusion severe?

337 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford Fusion: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
521
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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