2018 Ford Fusion Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Ford Fusion has a complaint index of 14, the second-lowest of 15 model years, earning a Best verdict. It has 439 complaints and only 2 recalls, with Engine issues making up 62% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 14/100
- #13 of 15 Fusion years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 439
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2018 Ford Fusion problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine273 (62%)
- Transmission & Powertrain106 (24%)
- Other49 (11%)
- Fuel System30 (7%)
- Electrical System27 (6%)
- Steering19 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (2%)
- Brakes7 (2%)
- Airbags5 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speed while parking, resulting in a collision.
- Owners report the vehicle appearing to shut off unexpectedly at low speed, with steering and brakes locking up.
- Some drivers report the transmission behaving as if accelerating when shifting into reverse, or feeling like it slipped into neutral while in drive.
- One owner reported a burning smell followed by a trunk fire that destroyed the vehicle.
- A driver reported the axle and suspension failing after striking a curb while turning.
- One owner described the driver-side door unlatching and partially opening while driving about 40 mph.
2018 Ford Fusion recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V162000Mar 10, 2023Brakes1,280,726 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V167000Mar 12, 2018Steering1,301,986 vehicles
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
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.
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.
2018 Ford Fusion fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?
- Compared with other Fusion model years, the 2018 ranks well. It has a complaint index of 14, ranking 13th out of 15 years from worst to best, and carries a Best verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues make up 62% of reports, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 24% and Fuel System at 7%. Engine-related complaints have a median failure mileage of 90,000 miles for the model year overall.
- Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Fusion: a steering wheel bolt that could loosen and allow the wheel to detach, and front brake hoses that may rupture and leak brake fluid. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 Fusion compare to other Fusion years?
- The 2018 model year has a complaint index of 14, far below higher-complaint years like 2010 (index 100, Avoid) and 2011 (index 93, Avoid). Only 2019 and 2020 score lower among all 15 years tracked.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Fusion?
- EPA rates the 2018 Fusion at 25 mpg combined (21 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.