2018 Ford Fusion Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Ford Fusion, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Fusion. Owners have filed 442 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and fuel system.
442 complaints 2 recalls, 2 crash risk 11th worst of 13 Fusion years
Top 2018 Ford Fusion problems
Engine problems
273 complaints (62%) name the engine, most often the engine and cooling system.
Transmission problems
106 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and gears.
Fuel system problems
30 complaints (7%) name the fuel system, most often the flywheel,bearings and hoses / valves / sensors.
Electrical problems
26 complaints (6%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and high tension / spark plug wires.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (185 of 442). The amber line is the middle value, about 91,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Ford Fusion recalls
Front brake hoses may rupture and leak
Crash riskThe front brake hoses can burst and leak brake fluid. A leak makes the brake pedal travel farther and lengthens the distance needed to stop, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: Your dealer will replace the front brake hoses at no cost to you.
Recall 23V162000 · Mar 2023Steering wheel bolt can loosen while driving
Crash riskThe bolt that holds the steering wheel on can loosen over time. If the wheel detaches while driving, the driver can lose steering control and the risk of a crash goes up.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer one at no cost to the owner.
Recall 18V167000 · Mar 2018Get an email when your 2018 Ford Fusion gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Ford Fusion, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Fusion years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Ford Fusion problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Fusion. Owners have filed 442 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and fuel system.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Fusion problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, fuel system and electrical system. 273 complaints (62%) name the engine, most often the engine and cooling system.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Fusion engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 78,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 98,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
2. Front brake hoses may rupture and leak (23V162000); Steering wheel bolt can loosen while driving (18V167000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Ford Fusion?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2020, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.