What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?

Engine complaints lead the list with 281 reports, followed by the power train with 119. See the problems section for what owners describe.

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes. The by-year data shows 2 recalls for 2018. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?

NHTSA has 508 owner complaints for this year. Those counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them with the problems and recalls sections.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Fusion get?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Which year of the Ford Fusion is best?

See the by-year comparison on this page. The 2018 model has 508 complaints and 2 recalls.

2018 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 508 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Fusion^[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 281 complaints^[2].

508owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[3]

20–42MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first. These are unverified owner reports, and one report can name more than one part.

Engine. 281 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe the car stalling or losing power while driving, warning lights, and coolant going missing with no visible leak. Some also describe a sudden lurch when stopped.
Power Train. 119 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a wrench warning light, rough idle, trouble accelerating, and a gear selector that changes position on its own or will not move out of park.
Unknown Or Other. 55 complaints^[7]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
Electrical System. 40 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the whole car going dark while driving, a slow or glitchy touchscreen, doors that unlock by themselves, and a sunroof that leaks inside.
Steering. 26 complaints^[9]. Owners describe creaking or clanking sounds when turning and a wheel that feels loose.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 25 complaints^[10].
Wheels. 16 complaints^[11].
Brakes. 15 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 Fusion is necessarily included.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (23V162), March 2023. About 1,280,726 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar (18V167), March 2018. About 1,301,986 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of steering, steering problems. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Fusion FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[15]	23 / 34 / 27	$2,500
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[16]	21 / 32 / 25	$2,700
Fusion FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[17]	21 / 31 / 25	$2,700
Fusion AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[18]	20 / 29 / 23	$2,900
Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	43 / 41 / 42	$1,600
Fusion AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[19]	17 / 26 / 20	$3,350
Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity^[20]	43 / 41 / 42	n/a

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[5]	5	4	5	4	10.9%
4 DR FWD^[21]	5	4	5	4	10.9%
4 DR FWD^[22]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	10.9%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2018 Ford Fusion with 1.5L 4-cylinder^[23]	169 hp
2018 Ford Fusion with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[24]	141 to 240 hp
2018 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[25]	173 hp
2018 Ford Fusion with 2.7L 6-cylinder^[26]	325 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
FUSION 4DR SEDAN^[27]	192 in	73 in	58 in	112 in	3,435 lb
FUSION 4DR SEDAN ENERGI PHEV^[28]	192 in	73 in	57 in	112 in	3,962 lb
FUSION 4DR SEDAN HYBRID^[29]	192 in	73 in	57 in	112 in	3,660 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fusion model year. The 2018 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2006	730	4
2007	1,064	4
2008	1,353	5
2009	1,023	6
2010	5,639	11
2011	2,926	7
2012	2,617	5
2013	1,957	20
2014	1,432	20
2015	1,066	14
2016	1,724	13
2017	1,202	4
2018	508	2
2019	473	4
2020	235	3

NHTSA's counts for the Fusion show 508 complaints and 2 recalls for 2018^[3]. Among the 15 model years listed, 2 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 12 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2020 (235) and the most are for 2010 (5,639)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2018 Fusion?

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 508 complaints on file^[1]. The engine group stands out well ahead of the rest with 281 complaints^[2], and the power train group follows with 119^[6]. Owners in those groups describe stalling, lost power and warning lights, which can be scary on the road. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where owners spoke up and not how often a part fails. If you are shopping for one, ask for service records and check the recall section above.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?: Engine complaints lead the list with 281 reports^[2], followed by the power train with 119^[6]. See the problems section for what owners describe.
Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have recalls?: Yes. The by-year data shows 2 recalls for 2018^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?: NHTSA has 508 owner complaints for this year^[1]. Those counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them with the problems and recalls sections.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Fusion get?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Which year of the Ford Fusion is best?: See the by-year comparison on this page. The 2018 model has 508 complaints and 2 recalls^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Fusion

2008 1,353 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 5,639 complaints, 11 recalls
2011 2,926 complaints, 7 recalls
2012 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls
2013 1,957 complaints, 20 recalls
2014 1,432 complaints, 20 recalls
2015 1,066 complaints, 14 recalls
2016 1,724 complaints, 13 recalls
2017 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 this page
2020 235 complaints, 3 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Fusion

Other Ford models from 2018

2018 Ford Explorer 737 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 Ford Fiesta 35 complaints, 0 recalls
2018 Ford Focus 837 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 Ford Mustang 196 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Ford Edge 846 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 Ford Escape 1,820 complaints, 4 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2018: midsize cars

2018 Nissan Maxima 36 complaints, 2 recalls
2018 Nissan Sentra 185 complaints, 2 recalls
2018 Toyota Camry 778 complaints, 8 recalls
2018 Volkswagen Passat 46 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Malibu 711 complaints, 6 recalls
2018 Lincoln MKZ 37 complaints, 2 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 508 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Fusion (18 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 13 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
281 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fusion model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 41 highway / 42 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
119 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,559). NHTSA vehicle records
55 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,500). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,126). NHTSA vehicle records
26 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
15 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 114,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 23V162, filed March 10, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V167, filed March 12, 2018: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 32 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 42 MPGe combined, 610 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Fusion with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 169 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Fusion with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 141 to 240 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 173 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Fusion with 2.7L 6-cylinder: rated 325 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,435 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN ENERGI PHEV: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,962 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN HYBRID: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,660 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2018 Ford Fusion: problems, recalls and fuel economy