The Lemon Index

All cars · Ford Fusion · 2018

2018 Ford Fusion. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index37100 = average car
Complaints69NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold173,600U.S. model year
Per 100K sold40complaints
Year rank#3 of 15#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 7

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.5L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD23 / 34 / 27Regular$2,300
2.0L 4-cyl hybridAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD43 / 41 / 42Regular$1,500
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybridAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD43 / 41 / 42Regular$1,500
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD21 / 31 / 25Regular$2,500
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD20 / 29 / 23Regular$2,700
2.5L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD21 / 32 / 25Regular$2,500
2.7L 6-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD17 / 26 / 20Regular$3,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 61,000 and 113,000 miles. Median 89,000, from 219 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine88,30058,000–110,00063
Transmission & drivetrain80,60069,200–106,50049
Engine101,00087,300–121,50084
Electrical44,10012,000–80,00015
Steering65,00036,500–100,20012

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine29%
Transmission & drivetrain17%
Electrical14%
Steering9%
Airbags9%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
50818211143

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 23V162000 Mar 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 18V167000 Mar 2018 Steering / Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023
ClosedFront brake jounce hose failures20222023

Manufacturer communications 163

Ford filed 163 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalOptional

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion, 20.9M views.

TopicVideosViews
Gauges, lights & wiring51.6M
Infotainment, battery & electrical61.1M
Transmission & shifter5669K
Brakes & ABS4617K
Intake, EGR & engine sensors2238K
Steering & suspension182K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201590268300,170Steering
2016148410265,840Transmission & drivetrain
2017119285209,623Electrical
20183769173,600Engine
20194882166,045Engine
20207384122,446Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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