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2018 Ford Fusion engine problems

274 complaints (62% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 98,207.

owner complaints
274
of this car's complaints
62%
typical mileage
98,207
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fusion engine problems in other years

2006201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford Fusion engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 148Overheating 117Misfire 74Engine failure 61Stalling 32Loss of power 20Won't start 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2018 Ford Fusion owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · 138,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the engine made a bubbling sound after turning off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an engine misfire was diagnosed, and a fuel odor was detected. The mechanic determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2018 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden and complete engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion — coolant leaking into the cylinders and destroying the engine. Pep Boys diagnosed that the failure developed internally over time and could not have been avoided by the owner. This is a known Ford factory defect in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, documented in Ford's own publications (SSM 47204, SSM 47462, TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2229), all of which cover the 2018 Fusion. The root cause is Ford's open-deck engine-block design, which allows coolant intrusion and cracking between cylinders. Ford corrected the design in 2019 production. A federal class action (Nelson et al. v. Ford, E.D. California) and the federal safety agency defect petition DP26008 concern this same defect. The sudden loss of engine power created an unsafe driving condition. My warranty claim was denied based on a 'blown head gasket' finding, which is the symptom of the factory defect, not the cause.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · NC

Capital Ford of Wilmington diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder 2, accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes P0302 and P0316, after check engine light came on. I have been advised that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement, with an estimated cost of $13,180.89. The vehicle has experienced sputtering and hesitation, creating concern that it could lose power or stall. These symptoms are concerning. After researching this issue, I have learned that coolant intrusion is a documented problem associated with certain Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine produced during the 2017–2019 period. Ford has addressed this issue through Technical Service Bulletins and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. I contacted Ford and was told that my VIN is not covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. When asked why mine was not covered but other were , Ford stated that even if it is the same issue that is being recalled if my VIN is not flagged it will not be covered for any recall or assistance.I called Ford when I first purchase vehicle and asked about this recall and was told if I didn't have anything wrong with my car and no engine lights that my car was fine and to bring it in if I have any issues.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · OH

My 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium FWD (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing sudden vehicle overheating, severe engine misfires, and a dangerous loss of power on the roadway.A certified Ford dealership inspection (Invoice #XXX) confirmed that the vehicle has a textbook manufacturing flaw known as EcoBoost coolant intrusion. A pressure test showed an immediate 5 PSI drop within 10 minutes, and a borescope confirmed that engine coolant is actively leaking across the block interface and pooling directly inside the engine cylinders (cylinders 2 and 3).This is a known, widespread structural engineering defect in Ford's block casting that creates a severe, sudden safety hazard by causing vehicle stalling and clouding exhaust smoke while operating at highway speeds. The vehicle is now entirely unsafe to drive and requires a full engine block replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Engine · KY

My engine coolant keeps on overheating, I’ve tried changing the antifreeze tank out for a brand new one and it helped the issue for a while but I have to relieve the pressure myself which is a hazard. I’ve had to change the coolant in the tank more than 5 times and it just seems like it’s leaking somewhere other than going into the engine to cool it. When I go out roundabouts off a highway the engine overheats and makes the car go into a safe mode where it won’t go and I have to stop on the side of the road. When I’m driving with my heat on the heat will go cold when I slow down. If I’m not going over 3x1,000 RPMs it will go cold and fluctuate. This has been going on for months now.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · 122,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming antifreeze. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic associated the failure with the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block was warped and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The contact researched the failure and stated that it was a known issue that the manufacturer had failed to correct. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via telephone; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Engine · NJ

We have coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 of our engine. This can cause highway failure of engine cuts out, car runs rough and it can become a fire hazard. We paid for a diagnostics through a ford dealer. Who we uses all the time for our warranty needs. We noticed car was starting to run rough and check engine light came on 8/5/26

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Engine · DE

my 2018 ford fusion has catastrophic engine failure. Engine stuttering and misfires with check engine light. Low coolant levels with no visible puddles under the car. Engine overheating, could possibly catch fire. Car recently had a tuneup was told no issues at the time. Failure mileage at 109,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Engine · IA

The 1.5L EcoBoost motor has coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. The 1.5L EcoBoost motor sputters while driving causing the engine to be sluggish and not get up to speed when turning and might cause an accident on the highway due to the motor failing due to coolant intrusion design flaw in Ford Motor. Yes, Ford dealership confirmed the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3 and check engine light keeps coming on and off. Yes, the Ford dealership inspected the 1.5L engine in the vehicle and ran test to confirm the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. There was no other warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure/degrade of engine

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine · MD

Coolant leaking into the engine.

Questions about the 2018 Ford Fusion engine

Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have engine problems?

Owners have filed 274 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Ford Fusion, 62% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Fusion engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 98,207 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Fusion engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2018 Ford Fusion problems

Transmission 108Fuel system 30Electrical 26Steering 19Wheels 11Driver assistance 10Brakes 6Acceleration 5Airbags 5Seat belts 5Body 3Locks 2Suspension 2Lights 1Visibility 1

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