2018 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#9 most-complained of 11 Fusion years
The 2018 Ford Fusion ranks 9th out of 11 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Fusion years. It has 439 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with Engine issues making up 62% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 439
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21 city / 31 hwy
Top 2018 Ford Fusion problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, including one case where the car lurched forward while parking and struck a wall.
- Some vehicles reportedly shut off unexpectedly while driving at low speed, with steering and brakes locking up afterward.
- A trunk fire was reported after the driver smelled burning while driving at highway speed.
- Owners describe suspension or axle components breaking after hitting a curb during normal turning maneuvers.
- The transmission reportedly behaved unpredictably in reverse or drive, lurching or acting like it was in neutral.
- One owner reported the driver's door became unlatched and popped open 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 to other Fusion model years, 2018 ranks well, sitting 9th out of 11 years with a complaint index of 20 and a "Best" verdict. NHTSA lists 439 complaints and 2 recalls for this year.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Ford Fusion?
- Engine complaints make up 62% of all reported issues for this year, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 24%. The median mileage at engine-related failure is 96,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Fusion: one for front brake hoses that may rupture and leak fluid, and one for a steering wheel retaining bolt that may loosen and allow the wheel to detach. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 Fusion compare to other years?
- The 2018 Fusion has a complaint index of 20, far below years like 2010 (100) and 2011 (90), making it one of the better Fusion years by this measure. Only 2019 (10) and 2020 (0) score lower.