2018 Ford Fusion

Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2018 Ford Fusion: common problems and reliability

· 2nd generation

One of the best Fusion years.

The best Ford Fusion year. All Fusion years

505 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2018 Fusion?

The 2018 Ford Fusion has 505 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag hard, delayed, or harsh shifting from the 6f35 automatic transmission.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

505
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
18
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ford Fusion vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Fusion years only. How we score it

Is 2018 a good year for the Fusion?

Across the 15 Fusion model years we track, complaint volume runs from 233 (2020) to 5,923 (2010). With 505 complaints, the 2018 Fusion sits below the model's median of 3,051.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
207
power train
118
engine and engine cooling
91
electrical system
41
steering
26

Recalls affecting the 2018 Fusion

steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Campaign 18V167000

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.

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 23V162000

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

What owners report on the 2nd generation Fusion

Owners of the 2013-2026 Fusion generally describe it as a comfortable, quiet, and stylish sedan that serves well as a commuter, with the hybrid variants earning particular praise for fuel economy and longevity.

  • Very frequentHard, delayed, or harsh shifting from the 6F35 automatic transmission
  • RecurrentTransmission fluid leaks, including from the axle bushing and seal
  • RecurrentCoolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine failure on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines
  • RecurrentABS

    Traction control, and airbag warning lights caused by corroded wheel speed sensors or connectors.

  • RecurrentBattery drain, sometimes traced to the audio control module (ACM)

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Fusion. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Fusion listings typically run $9,178–$13,824 across 2010 to 2020 model years.

Other Fusion model years

Compare every Fusion year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Fusion against its rivals

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