Home · 2018 Ford Fusion Hev · Complaints

What 58 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Fusion Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (58)Crash / fire / injury (12)Electrical system (10)Transmission & drivetrain (10)Brakes (9)Steering (7)Airbags (5)Wheels (5)Engine (4)Engine & cooling (3)Fuel system (3)Seat belts (3)

9 of 58 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters

Jun 30, 2026Brakes1 injury

The chrome trim on the parking brake switch started chipping. The sharp edge drew a drop of blood and small pieces attached to your fingers. Replaced the switch in June 2026

NHTSA ODI 11747443

Aug 23, 2025SteeringElectrical systemBrakesCrash

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to protect the safety of drivers nationwide.

NHTSA ODI 11682612

Feb 7, 2025Brakes

Leaking fluid, etc similar to recall on other 2018 Ford Fusions

NHTSA ODI 11641441

May 2, 2024Electrical systemBrakesBackup camera & sensors

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

NHTSA ODI 11586631

Mar 29, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line on the output of the ABS pump had failed. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake hose had previously ruptured and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 160,300.

NHTSA ODI 11580097

Dec 7, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a grinding sound coming from the front brake pads. After shifting into drive, the message "Emergency Brake Failure, Vehicle Shutting Off" was displayed and the vehicle turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558984

Aug 10, 2021Brakes

Car is parked and fine. Started car and ABS comes on. Then brake fluid is low. Then hose line is ruptured and throwing out brake fluid.

NHTSA ODI 11428517

Jul 23, 2021BrakesCrash

I was able to replicate the first issue once, second issue happens more frequently: Braking system not grabbing on as hard as they should and abs did not activate. car also seems to lunge forward sometimes when slowing down, most noticeable when preparing to turn. Took the car to get inspected at a Ford Dealership, they claim to no be able to replicate the issue. I've also opened up a case with Ford Motor Co.

NHTSA ODI 11426179

Apr 14, 2018Brakes

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND WAS SLOWING TO MAKE TURNS, I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE SCREECHING NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AREA. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SCREECHING OF METAL ON METAL. I FOUND A SAFE LOCATION AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE BACK OF HIS FLATBED AND AGAIN APPEARED TO CORRELATE TO USE OF THE BRAKE WHILE DRIVING IT UP THE INCLINED FLAT-BED.

NHTSA ODI 11085082

Working with the data? Download all 58 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Ford Fusion Hev verdict →