2018 Ford Fusion

441 complaints on file, page 1 of 23.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Wilmington, NCEngine

   Capital Ford of Wilmington diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder 2, accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes P0302 and P0316, after check engine light came on. I have been advised that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement, with an estimated cost of $13,180.89. The vehicle has experienced sputtering and hesitation, creating concern that it could lose power or stall. These symptoms are concerning. After researching this issue, I have learned that coolant intrusion is a documented problem associated with certain Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine produced during the 2017–2019 period. Ford has addressed this issue through Technical Service Bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. I contacted Ford and was told that my VIN is not covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. When asked why mine was not covered but other were , Ford stated that even if it is the same issue that is being recalled if my VIN is not flagged it will not be covered for any recall or assistance.I called Ford when I first purchase vehicle and asked about this recall and was told if I didn't have anything wrong with my car and no engine lights that my car was fine and to bring it in if I have any issues.

   NHTSA complaint 11768079
2. Filed Sep 25, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Madison, OHEngine

   My 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium FWD (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing sudden vehicle overheating, severe engine misfires, and a dangerous loss of power on the roadway.A certified Ford dealership inspection (Invoice #XXX) confirmed that the vehicle has a textbook manufacturing flaw known as EcoBoost coolant intrusion. A pressure test showed an immediate 5 PSI drop within 10 minutes, and a borescope confirmed that engine coolant is actively leaking across the block interface and pooling directly inside the engine cylinders (cylinders 2 and 3).This is a known, widespread structural engineering defect in Ford's block casting that creates a severe, sudden safety hazard by causing vehicle stalling and clouding exhaust smoke while operating at highway speeds. The vehicle is now entirely unsafe to drive and requires a full engine block replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11766837
3. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Sep 20, 2026Somerset, KYEngine

   My engine coolant keeps on overheating, I’ve tried changing the antifreeze tank out for a brand new one and it helped the issue for a while but I have to relieve the pressure myself which is a hazard. I’ve had to change the coolant in the tank more than 5 times and it just seems like it’s leaking somewhere other than going into the engine to cool it. When I go out roundabouts off a highway the engine overheats and makes the car go into a safe mode where it won’t go and I have to stop on the side of the road. When I’m driving with my heat on the heat will go cold when I slow down. If I’m not going over 3x1,000 RPMs it will go cold and fluctuate. This has been going on for months now.

   NHTSA complaint 11765677
4. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 3, 2026Hugo, MNPower train

   Got home and vehicle would not go into park. I can get it to drive but its only low range. Upon having it inspected, it was discovered the shift cable bushing at the transmission lever was missing.

   NHTSA complaint 11763218
5. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Aug 22, 2026122,000 milesFarmington Hills, MIEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming antifreeze. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic associated the failure with the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block was warped and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The contact researched the failure and stated that it was a known issue that the manufacturer had failed to correct. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via telephone; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11761524
6. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Aug 5, 2026Pennsauken, NJEngine

   We have coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 of our engine. This can cause highway failure of engine cuts out, car runs rough and it can become a fire hazard. We paid for a diagnostics through a ford dealer. Who we uses all the time for our warranty needs. We noticed car was starting to run rough and check engine light came on 8/5/26

   NHTSA complaint 11759853
7. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026Smyrna, DEEngine

   my 2018 ford fusion has catastrophic engine failure. Engine stuttering and misfires with check engine light. Low coolant levels with no visible puddles under the car. Engine overheating, could possibly catch fire. Car recently had a tuneup was told no issues at the time. Failure mileage at 109,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11759398
8. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Oskaloosa, IAEngine

   The 1.5L EcoBoost motor has coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. The 1.5L EcoBoost motor sputters while driving causing the engine to be sluggish and not get up to speed when turning and might cause an accident on the highway due to the motor failing due to coolant intrusion design flaw in Ford Motor. Yes, Ford dealership confirmed the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3 and check engine light keeps coming on and off. Yes, the Ford dealership inspected the 1.5L engine in the vehicle and ran test to confirm the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. There was no other warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure/degrade of engine

   NHTSA complaint 11756448
9. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026windham, NHBodyCrash1 injured

   On August 10, 2026, I was driving my 2018 Ford Fusion at approximately 40 mph under normal driving conditions when, without warning, the hood unexpectedly released and flew completely backward into the windshield. The hood had been closed prior to driving and there was no warning before the failure. The hood struck the windshield with significant force, shattering it, immediately blocking my forward visibility, and sending broken glass into the passenger compartment and onto me. Because I suddenly could not see the roadway, I lost control and the vehicle left the road. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved and I did not require medical treatment. This was not a hood that simply became loose or partially opened. The hood fully opened and struck the windshield. Based on what occurred, it appears the primary hood retention/latch and the secondary safety retention mechanism both failed to prevent the hood from fully opening. The exact mechanical cause requires inspection. The impact caused extensive damage to the hood and windshield and tore/deformed metal around the windshield/A-pillar/roof area. An independent eyewitness across the street personally witnessed the incident occur in real time, and I have photographs documenting the aftermath. The vehicle has approximately 156,000 miles, was in good operating condition, and remains unrepaired and unaltered following the incident so the hood latch, secondary safety catch, striker, hinges and related components can be inspected. Ford was notified immediately and opened case CXH-08862363-V8C8X7, which Ford advised was escalated to its Office of General Counsel. I am reporting this because this apparent hood-retention safety failure created an extremely dangerous situation. Had this occurred at highway speed, at a higher speed, in heavy traffic, or near pedestrians, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

   NHTSA complaint 11756127
10. Filed Aug 4, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2019Germantown, MDEngine

    Coolant leaking into the engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11754816
11. Filed Aug 3, 2026Failure May 11, 2026Oxford, CTPower train

    There is a recall for the transmission cable bushings for years 2013-2106. The recall came out in 2022. This same bushing is used in the 2018 ford fusion model that was not fixed. The bushing on my vehicle which is a 2018 complete failed while I was driving and left me immobile until I searched for a fix and found the bushing completely gone. Ford Escape: Model years 2013–2019, Ford C-Max: Model years 2013–2018; Ford Fusion: Model years 2013–2016; Ford Transit Connect: Model years 2013–2021; Ford Edge: Model years 2015–2018. Each model besides the fusion went past the 2018 model in which the 2018 fusion should be apart of

    NHTSA complaint 11754361
12. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Feb 8, 2026Spanaway, WAPower train

    Transmission/cracked flexplate started approximately 12 months prior with vibrations getting progressively worse, complete failure needing replacement along with shift cable bushing causes vehicle to select wrong gear position when another is commanded by driver. Shrapnel from case or components could be expelled during flexplate/converter failure. Incorrect gear selection could lead to potential injury or damage from improper gear selection.

    NHTSA complaint 11753612
13. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Tazewell, TNEngine and engine cooling

    See attached document for complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11752380
14. Filed Jul 21, 2026Failure Jun 7, 2026Saint Clair Shores, MIEngine

    There is a known coolant intrusion into the engine that caused the engine to suddenly only go to a certain speed while on the freeway. It could have caused an accident on the freeway by suddenly going at such a slow speed. It is now found out that the problem is known by Ford and is part of a technical service bulletin, but no recall has been issued on this known problem. The TSB associated are 19-2139, 19-2375, 20-2100. By not making this a recall, Ford is knowingly putting lives at risk with potential sudden loss of speed in these engines. It is lucky this was late at night when not many cars were on the road.

    NHTSA complaint 11751875
15. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Mar 20, 2026Cincinnati, OHUnknown or other

    Vehicle would not recognize car being in Park. Displayed warning messages: Shift Sys Fault Confirm Park Brake Before Exiting Vehicle. Transmission Not In Park

    NHTSA complaint 11749574
16. Filed Jul 3, 2026Failure Jun 30, 2026Cincinnati, OHElectrical system, Steering

    The electric power steering went out and locked my steering cannot figure out why and traction control light on and service light

    NHTSA complaint 11748136
17. Filed Jun 30, 2026Failure Mar 27, 2026Saint George, UTEngine

    Coolant Intrusion issue with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost. Short block was replaced by Ford Dealer then engine failed again after only 7,000-miles. Required complete new engine installed at my expense, $12,185.28.

    NHTSA complaint 11747318
18. Filed Jun 28, 2026Failure May 31, 2026Mohnton, PAEngine

    I own a 2018 Ford Fusion EcoBoost. I purchase it in 2021 with 11K miles on it.  Today it has 34K miles and the engine block developed a crack.  Through my research and my Ford dealer, I've discovered this issue is a known issue with the 1.5 and 2.5 litre engines in the Fusion.  My repair bill would be just about 7K.

    NHTSA complaint 11746994
19. Filed Jun 20, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2026Pulaski, WIEngine

    My engine failed months ago, and my car has been sitting immobile ever since. My car stuttered while driving, and then turned off. As I started it back up and continued driving down the road, it was shaking very badly. I called my brother to come drive my car home and he pulled clear fluid out of my oil tank. The exact issue described has been put out in the new ford recall under code 26S43.

    NHTSA complaint 11745411
20. Filed Jun 14, 2026Failure Jun 13, 2026Naples, FLWheels

    Ford's double-capped acorn lug nuts experienced outer cap expansion/separation during an emergency roadside tire change. A defective design known by Ford. Rendering the supplied tire iron and a separately purchased multisize tire iron ineffective at removing the lugs. The failure left the vehicle immobile on the side of a i75 in SWFL in the summer heat of June 2026. Present in the vehicle were the owner, spouse, and a [XXX] infant. They were stranded approximately 34 miles from home for nearly 3 hours, an extended period for a XXX, who quickly became visibly distressed. Standard FDOT Road Ranger assistance was unavailable, and towing services had estimated wait times exceeding 2 hours. The driver was unable to resolve the situation through any reasonable self-help measure due to the defective lugs, despite having successfully changed tires on the same vehicle previously using the same factory equipment. The defect was verbally identified during the incident by a responding AAA roadside technician. They recognized the defect as consistent with a known issue affecting Ford vehicles. No formal inspection by Ford Motor Company, law enforcement, or insurance representatives has taken place but will be pursued by the owner and available for inspection is requested. No warning lamps, dashboard alerts, or observable symptoms were present that would have indicated a lug nut defect to the owner. It only became apparent at the moment an emergency tire change was required. This is consistent with prior reported cases and litigation involving Ford. The owner was never informed of this defect during the vehicle purchase, service history, or extended warranty agreement. If known road side assistance would have been contacted, instead of self servicing the tire change which was rendered useless by a defect Ford has been aware of. Resulting in nearly 3 hours of preventable roadside exposure, emotional distress, and the endangerment of a [XXX] infant. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

    NHTSA complaint 11743999