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2018 Ford Fusion recalls and problems

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 2 safety recalls and 445 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
445
Crashes / fires
9 / 1
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Ford Fusion vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Ford Fusion recalls

Recall 23V-162: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-167: Steering

Reported Mar 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

2018 Ford Fusion problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine206
Power Train112
Engine and Engine Cooling88
Unknown or Other47
Electrical System26
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Steering19
Wheels13
Back Over Prevention8
Seat Belts6
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Air Bags5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
  • Fuel System, Other › Kinetic › Flywheel — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Ford Fusion complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 5, 2026
My 2018 Ford Fusion automatically shifts back into Park and displays the "Shift Sys Fault" error message, the primary culprit is a broken transmission shift cable bushing, which I had replaced, however the "Shift Sys Fault" is continuing to be activated.
Engine · at 138,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the engine made a bubbling sound after turning off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an engine misfire was diagnosed, and a fuel odor was detected. The mechanic determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Power Train · reported Oct 24, 2026
My daughter was driving getting on the highway, went to accelerate and the car would no longer accelerate. AAMCO stated the internal pressure pump is failing and the transmission is losing pressure.
Engine · reported Oct 5, 2026
My 2018 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden and complete engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion — coolant leaking into the cylinders and destroying the engine. Pep Boys diagnosed that the failure developed internally over time and could not have been avoided by the owner. This is a known Ford factory defect in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, documented in Ford's own publications (SSM 47204, SSM 47462, TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2229), all of which cover the 2018 Fusion. The root cause is Ford's open-deck engine-block design, which allows coolant intrusion and cracking between cylinders. Ford…
Engine · reported Sep 30, 2026
Capital Ford of Wilmington diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder 2, accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes P0302 and P0316, after check engine light came on. I have been advised that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement, with an estimated cost of $13,180.89. The vehicle has experienced sputtering and hesitation, creating concern that it could lose power or stall. These symptoms are concerning. After researching this issue, I have learned that coolant intrusion is a documented problem associated with certain Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine…

Other Ford Fusion years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Ford Fusion: 23V-162 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-167 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Fusion?

Owners report engine problems most often (206 reports), followed by power train (112). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.