2018 Ford Fusion: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 62% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2018 Ford Fusion
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2018 Ford Fusion recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Brakes
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 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.
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
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 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.
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.
2018 Ford Fusion safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Engine: Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine - Powertrain Control Module Reprograming
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2018 Ford Fusion safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
439 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2018 Ford Fusion is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 120,000 mi | $8,610 |
| 160,000 mi | $7,733 |
From new to now
What each Ford Fusion model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line.
Other Ford Fusion years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator