2018 Ford Fusion: hesitation when accelerating

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 Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

While operating my 2018 Ford Fusion, the vehicle began experiencing internal coolant loss resulting in engine misfires, rough running, and white exhaust smoke. The coolant intrusion caused engine failure and loss of reliability. This condition creates a safety risk, as it can lead to loss of power while driving, hesitation, and the possibility of engine shutdown. The defect occurred without warning and is consistent with widespread reports involving Ford EcoBoost engines. This issue is not related to maintenance or normal wear and tear but is a known design defect acknowledged through service bulletins and consumer litigation. Repair requires full engine replacement.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering violently, hesitated, and failed to accelerate to approximately 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer informed the contact that the engine small block needed to be replaced, but a full engine replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a complaint. The manufacturer advised the contact that a future report would be issued. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

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 May 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine experienced coolant intrusion, which is a known defect in certain Ford EcoBoost engines. My independent mechanic diagnosed the issue after I noticed significant engine performance problems. The affected components, including the engine block and cooling system, are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Coolant intrusion can lead to engine overheating, misfires, and in severe cases, engine fires. This significantly increased the risk to my safety and that of others on the road. Had I not addressed the issue promptly, a fire could have occurred while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was confirmed by an independent, certified mechanic—not by a Ford dealership. The dealer failed to properly diagnose or even acknowledge the problem, which appears to be common based on other consumer complaints. Ford did not identify what was truly going on with the vehicle, despite clear symptoms. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Ford has not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified, but they declined to take responsibility or offer a solution. There was no inspection by police or insurance representatives, as the issue was caught before a fire or accident occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The engine began running rough and hesitating under acceleration. I also noticed excessive white smoke from the exhaust, and the check engine light came on intermittently. These symptoms began appearing several weeks before the full diagnosis, and Ford service failed to address them accurately during prior visits

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started hesitating. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 20-2100 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke, And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the VIN was not included in the service bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Engine · 119,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The size of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe had increased over time. The “WRENCH” warning light remained illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was hesitating while attempting to start. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine block had coolant intrusion in two cylinders and was causing the misfire. The contact replaced the coils and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency ID Number: 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included due to the mileage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under the federal safety agency ID Number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2025 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The service vehicle message was displayed. There was a highlighted rectangle displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0218/P177S was retrieved, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Academy Ford Sales (13401 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707); where it was diagnosed that the transmission, intermittent clutch, and shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Transmission · 74,433 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission failed to shift into third gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,433.

Filed Oct 16, 2024 · Brakes · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and hesitated to come to a stop. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed that the brake fluid was leaking from the hose. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V162000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.)The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Transmission · 80,559 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, jerked, and experienced hard shifts while responding. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal transmission damage that caused clutch B to fail. The dealer determined that the transmission 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 assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,559.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Engine · 102,000 miles · AK

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After pulling over, the contact observed that the vehicle was idling rough and turned off the vehicle. Upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle initially failed to start and required a jump start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.