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2018 Ford Fusion
Solid pick — the complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
426 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (46% of complaints, typically reported near 72k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2018 Ford Fusion, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Engine & cooling (86) · Electrical system (26) · Steering (19)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
46%196 complaints · typically near 72k mi · 87 in the last 2 years
“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 eng…”
Transmission & drivetrain
24%103 complaints · typically near 82k mi · 39 in the last 2 years
“When I put my car in drive it locked up on me & kept reversing all the way back to park the car would not move no matter what gear it was in it was just locked. I had …”
Engine & cooling
20%86 complaints · 41 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine with white smoke co…”
Fuel system
7%28 complaints · typically near 67k mi · 11 in the last 2 years
“I purchase this car on XXX Clinton Ford Dealership and engine need replacement Jan 2020 . I at that time did many replacement until the final diagnostic said engine re…”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 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.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Steering · 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.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2018 Ford FUSION beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2018? See how every Fusion model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2018 Ford Fusion against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.