The Lemon Index2018 Ford Fusion.
The 2018 Ford Fusion is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 69 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 20 to 42 mpg combined. The best Ford Fusion year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion, 20.9M views. The 2018 is the same generation.
- Gauges, lights & wiring1.6M views
Ford Fusion Headlight bulb replacement 2013-2020 *UPGRADE* // HOW TOThe Driver Mod · 877K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical1.1M views
2013-2020 Ford Fusion 4" to 8" Sync 3 Touchscreen Upgrade - Infotainment.comInfotainment · 269K views · 6 videos - Transmission & shifter669K views
2015 Ford Escape or Ford Fusion Shifter ProblemArkland Farm · 212K views · 5 videos - Brakes & ABS617K views
How To Put A Ford Fusion's Electronic Park Brake Into Service Mode (2013-2018)How to Automotive · 235K views · 4 videos
Show 2 more
- Intake, EGR & engine sensors238K views
How To Reset The 2007-2019 Ford Fusion TPMS Light Low Tire Pressure SensorVehicle Freak · 156K views · 2 videos - Steering & suspension82K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arms 2013-2020 Ford Fusion 2.0L I4TRQ · 82K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Fusion Sedan 2013-2020 2nd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 232K views
Ford Fusion (2013-2020): A Complete Reliability GuideThe Long Last Expert · 160K views
What You Should Know before Buying 2015 Ford Fusion "Common Problems"Flat Rate Mechanic · 82K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 508 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Fusion year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 61K to 113K miles on the car (219 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 58K–110K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 69K–106K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 12K–80K miles
Recalls 2
- brakes 2023
The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- steering 2018
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 163 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2017 and 2018 Fusion vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine and built on or before…
- Some 2017-2018 Fusion/MKZ/MKC/MKX/Continental with all audio systems and 2017-2018 Escape with…
- Fuel door opening delay longer than 15 sec or unable
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedFront brake jounce hose failures2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While stopped at a intersection for a red light the car completely died. I couldn't turn on the emergency flashers, roll down windows or unlock doors. Everything was dead. I was idling at the stop light when this happened.
2018 Ford Fusion owner · NHTSA complaint 11182876
More owner reports
Coolant leaked internally. Rough while idling. Loss of power while driving down the interstate.
NHTSA complaint 11354366
45,000 miles on the car. Engine coolant is leaking into the engine cylinders
NHTSA complaint 11408529
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Ford Fusion problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), transmission & drivetrain (17%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Fusion get?
20 to 42 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Fusion problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 61,000 and 113,000 miles. The middle report was at 89,000 miles, from 219 complaints.
Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Ford Fusion cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
1.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works