Is the 2018 Ford FUSION reliable?

The 2018 Ford FUSION has 562 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford FUSION?

Top problems: ENGINE (280 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (107 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (49 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Ford FUSION?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Ford FUSION?

The 2018 Ford FUSION gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Ford FUSION?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Ford FUSION is approximately $1,601/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Ford FUSION

Q: Is the 2018 Ford FUSION often stolen?

The Ford FUSION was the #14 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 7,100 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Ford FUSION has 562 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 1748. The most common issue is engine problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: while stopped at a intersection for a red light the car completely died. i couldn't turn on the emergency flashers, roll down windows or unlock doors. everything was dead. i was idling at the stop light when this happened.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 2 crash reports

562

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

280 complaints

50%

• WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. I COULDN'T TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR UNLOCK DOORS. EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS IDLING AT THE STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
• I STARTED LOSING COOLANT AS A I DROVE WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE LEAKS AROUND THE ENGINE OR COOLING SYSTEM. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO MY DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE COOLANT IS LEAKING INTERNALLY AND THAT THE DEALER IS VERY USED TO SEEING THIS ISSUE ON 2018 AND 2019 FORD FUSIONS. THEY TOLD
• CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOTS OF WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAILPIPE AND DARK BLACK SPARK PLUGS AT 15,000 MILES! DEALER SAID I GOT BAD GAS OR VANDALISM THEREFORE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. I HAD TO PAY A LOCAL MECHANIC TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS, PUMP OUT AND REPLACE FUEL. TWO WEEKS LATER I RECEIVE A FORD LETTER STATI

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. I COULDN'T TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR UNLOCK DOORS. EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS IDLING AT THE STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Ford FUSION

Based on 235 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 89K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 41K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Reported earliermedian 41K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 53K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 82K mi · 49 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 73K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 68K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR12/03/2018

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.

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.

Above-average theft risk

#14 most stolen in 2025

The Ford FUSION was the #14 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 7,100 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Sedan with widespread availability

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Ford FUSION

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ford FUSION

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,601

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1601

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford FUSION Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2018 FUSION, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 562 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. I COULDN'T TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR UNLOCK DOORS. EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. I WAS IDLING AT THE STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CHANGES GEARS ON ITS OWN EXAMPLE-AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR PUTTING SEAT BELT ON, PUTTING FOOT ON BRAKE AND STARTING THE CAR, PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE,CHECKING MIRRORS USING THE BACKUP CAMERA I LOOK ONE MORE TIME. I WAS IN A BUSY PARKING LOT. LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHEN IT WENT INTO PARK. AN OTHER T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GOES OVER 70 DEGREES, THERE'S CREAKING NOISES UNDERNEATH, SOMETIMES VERY LOUD WHEN TURNING, EVEN WHEN PARKED, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES THE NOISE. LOOKING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, MY CAR HAS ONLY 72K MILES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN EXTREMELY HEAVY TRAFFIC THE 2018 FORD FUSION SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND INDICATING LIGHTS CAME ON. IT WAS HARROWING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO NAVIGATE THE DISABLED VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALER STATES THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS INTERESTING SINCE, THE CAR IS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)