Ford · Known Issues
2018 Ford Fusion Problems: 9 Known Issues
2018 model year · 5,630+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2018 model year · 5,630+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist ($0-$2,800 repair), 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure ($0-$7,000 repair), Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$7,000 repair), AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure ($400-$3,100 repair), Front Brake Hose Rupture - Loss of Brake Fluid and Longer Stopping (Recall 23S12) ($0-$400 repair) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder ($250-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist with 2,340 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist, 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure, Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 known issues documented across 5,630+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist and 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure and Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure and Front Brake Hose Rupture - Loss of Brake Fluid and Longer Stopping (Recall 23S12) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Ford Fusion issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist, typically costs $0-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
2014-2018 Ford Fusions use a different EPS module revision than the 2011-2013 recall (NHTSA 15V340) — but owners still report sudden loss of power steering assist, particularly at higher mileage. Without recall coverage, repairs are owner-paid: rack replacement typically $1,200-$… Repairs typically run $0-$2,800. Severity: high.
The 1.5L EcoBoost in 2014-2019 Ford Fusion is affected by the same open-deck cylinder block design defect as the Escape. Coolant leaks internally from the block passages into the combustion chambers due to insufficient sealing surface and porous block material that cannot maintai… Repairs typically run $0-$7,000. Severity: high.
Ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,50… Repairs typically run $1,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
On AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning sm… Repairs typically run $400-$3,100. Severity: high.
A design flaw in the front brake hoses lets them rupture over time, leaking brake fluid and increasing stopping distance. Ford recalled roughly 1.2-1.28 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans (recall 23S12) in 2023 after an NHTSA investigation. A ruptured hose causes a low brake-f… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
The 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longe… Repairs typically run $250-$3,500. Severity: high.
The plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one t… Repairs typically run $156-$400. Severity: medium.
Many Fusion owners report the battery going dead overnight or over a weekend from a parasitic draw. Common culprits are a module that fails to sleep - Body Control Module (BCM), APIM/infotainment, or amplifier - as well as the PATS anti-theft transceiver circuit on earlier cars. Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: medium.
Fusion owners frequently find water pooling in the trunk/spare-tire well and wet rear carpet. Sources include leaking taillight gaskets/plastic rivet pass-throughs, deteriorated trunk and rear-window seals, and split spot-welds in the channel under the rear glass. Standing water… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.