2018 Ford Fusion: engine stalls while driving

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 Mar 28, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · MI

My vehicle has been throwing codes that the shifter cable is misaligned or misadjusted for a long time now. The dash flashes between neutral and drive while im driving. It says shift system fault all the time. I have to shut the car off and turn it back on to get it to work. I stalled out on a hill the other day and was almost rear ended by someone behind me. The steering wheel has physical play. It feels like it wobbles or sways while im driving and it shakes. I just had new tires put on and balanced so it's not that. The manufacturer website is claiming the recall is "complete" in their database, but the safety hazard still exists on the vehicle.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · DC

At approximately 67,180 miles, a Ford dealership performed a multi-point inspection on my 2018 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine due to a check engine light on. The Ford dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a coolant intrusion into cylinder 2. The Ford dealership recommended the replacement of the short block and gasket kit, with an estimated repair cost of $7,465. This type of issue diagnosed for my vehicle is a known failure issue for 1.5L Ford EcoBoost engines documented in Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, which covers coolant intrusion and engine damage in this engine type. Despite the Ford dealership diagnosis of my vehicle matching what is described in Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible. The Coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 is an issue that poses a safety risk due to engine misfires, stalling, overheating, and possible sudden loss of engine power while driving. In my case, my vehicle has become unreliable and unsafe for regular driving. A Ford dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed and documented the issue, and the repair quote, diagnostic report and diagnostic payment receipt are available upon request. Ford has declined assistance despite the vehicle’s low mileage and clear alignment with known engine defects. I mailed a formal appeal letter to Ford Motor Company and I am filing a complaint with my state attorney general. This widespread issue affects customer safety, and vehicle safety standards and deserves further investigation, as many other Ford owners of vehicles with 1.5L EcoBoost engines have reported similar failures.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Jul 4, 2025 · Engine · TN

Coolant intrusion into engine cylinder #2 causing misfire and low coolant levels and overheating and stalling. See Ford TSB 22-2229

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Engine · GA

The engine cooling system and engine block failed due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. This issue has been diagnosed by an independent mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine block, a known issue on this engine. The shop recommended full engine replacement and stated this is a common failure in this vehicle. Not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The issue has only been inspected by a certified independent mechanic. Yes, a check engine light appeared along with a coolant temperature warning message. The vehicle also began to idle roughly, produce heavy exhaust, and consume coolant. These symptoms began appearing shortly before diagnosis in June 2025. I own a 2018 Ford Fusion with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle recently began experiencing coolant loss, heavy exhaust, and check engine alerts. A certified mechanic confirmed that coolant has intruded into the engine block, causing internal misfires and risk of major engine failure. I was told this is a common and well-documented issue with this engine design, yet there has been no official recall from Ford despite similar problems affecting other models (referenced in Ford TSB 19-2208). The mechanic has recommended a full engine replacement with an estimated cost of $13,000. This is a serious safety concern, as the engine can overheat, stall, or seize while driving.

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Engine · KY

2018 fusion AWD Titanium, less than 70,000 miles, no warning, no reason. Driving 70mph on interstate when low coolant light comes on, check engine light comes on, car starts losing power and running rough, finally full stall in middle of freeway with catastrophic engine failure due to coolant leak and faulty design. Car was not low on any fluids as they were checked everyday before it was driven. This could have gotten me and my children killed and quite frankly I dont know how it didn't. I bought this car with 44k miles on it. Drove it less than 30k miles and had catastrophic engine failure. This was AFTER I had it in the shop several times for crank shaft position sensor, wouldn't start, and several other problems. The car was taken care of and in immaculate condition. Ford knew these engines would fail prematurely and continued to manufacture them and sell them.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine · NC

Was driving and car started overheating. Looking at coolant levels, they were low. Refilled coolant and car started fine. Next day driving the vehicle, the engine shut down completely. Took the vehicle to Parks Ford dealership in Hendersonville NC to find the problem. I received a call from a service representative and he said there is a coolant intrusion into the cylinder or cylinders and the engine needs to be replaced. I asked to check for recalls and he stated none were found. I did my own research and found many vehicles with the 1.5 liter Ecoboost engine have had this issue and have had a recall in the past. I. Short, Ford has said they will not have my vehicle fixed due to the fact the 3 year warranty has expired and or 85,000 miles have been passed. I have financed this vehicle starting [XXX]. As of now my vehicle has almost 110,000 miles. Doing more research into this Ford has offered a fix for this. A new midi small block replacement and head gasket replacement. Doing more research into this, I have found the vehicle engine could possibly catch on fire if the coolant intrusion is not corrected. The Ford dealership quoted me $9,000 without tax to replace the engine. This just isn't doable. How can this not be a safety issue if the vehicle can and will shut off while driving and potentially catch on fire? Ford should replace the flawed engine design that they have been very well aware of. I am still making payments on this vehicle to own and I cannot risk driving it because it is used to transport my children and my wife, not with the safety factors involved. Help to have the manufacturer flawed design fixed to the updated design, that has no issues of the same, would help blue collard individuals a tremendous amount. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The messages "Shift System Fault”, “See Owner’s Manual" and "Take Vehicle to Service Center Immediately" were displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that while shifting to drive(D) or to reverse(R), the gear shifter independently shifted back to park(P). The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure milage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Engine · 120,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough starts and there was a slushing liquid sound coming from inside the dashboard. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and causing coolant to leak into the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Engine · 135,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled occasionally and returned to normal operation once the contact had turned off and restarted the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke coming from the tailpipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken to a Ford dealer. The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer where it was confirmed that there was a coolant intrusion into the cylinder head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.