According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist ($0-$2,800 repair), 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure ($0-$7,000 repair), Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$7,000 repair), Front Brake Hose Rupture - Loss of Brake Fluid and Longer Stopping (Recall 23S12) ($0-$400 repair), 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder ($250-$3,500 repair) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure ($400-$3,100 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist with 2,340 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Campaign #25V68500010/10/2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Campaign #23V16200010/03/2023
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
Campaign #18V16700012/03/2018
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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist, 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure, Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Fusion reliable?
The 2018 Ford Fusion has 9 known issues documented across 5,630+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist and 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure and Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure and Front Brake Hose Rupture - Loss of Brake Fluid and Longer Stopping (Recall 23S12) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Fusion problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Fusion issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist, typically costs $0-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure - Sudden Loss of Assist?
2014-2018 Ford Fusions use a different EPS module revision than the 2011-2013 recall (NHTSA 15V340) — but owners still report sudden loss of power steering assist, particularly at higher mileage. Without recall coverage, repairs are owner-paid: rack replacement typically $1,200-$… Repairs typically run $0-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure?
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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Community reported
1,400 owners
On the 2010-2020 Ford Fusion, ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,500-$4,000 at independent hybrid specialists. 2nd-gen 2013-2020 (Lithium-ion, ~1.4 kWh): better thermal management has led to longer life on average but cell imbalance issues appear at 150,000+ miles. 'Stop Safely Now' warnings often precede full failure. 2013-2020 Energi PHEV variants share the architecture but with larger 7.6 kWh batteries — separate degradation curve. Owners should check cell balance via OBD-II scanner with hybrid module support (Forscan recommended).
Hybrid system shuts down and runs on gasoline only
How to Fix
Check warranty first - Ford covers 8yr/100k miles (10yr/150k in CA, CT, MA, ME, MD, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA states). If out of warranty, aftermarket/remanufactured battery packs from GreenTecAuto ($1,550-2,950 installed) are significantly cheaper than dealer replacement ($4,000-7,000). Individual cell replacement at specialized hybrid shops ($800-2,000) is an option if only specific cells have failed. Battery reconditioning is a temporary fix that may restore 60-80% of capacity for $300-800.
Owner tips & cautions
TipGreenTecAuto and BestHybridBatteries offer remanufactured Fusion Hybrid battery packs at $1,550-2,950, roughly half the dealer cost. These come with 3-5 year warranties. They also offer mobile installation in many areas.
WarningFord hybrid battery warranty is 8yr/100k (10yr/150k in CARB states). Check your state emissions warranty laws - you may have more coverage than you think. A "Check Hybrid System" warning within the warranty period should be a no-cost dealer repair.
Medium Confidence1,400 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2010-2018 Ford Fusion, many Fusion owners report the battery going dead overnight or over a weekend from a parasitic draw. Common culprits are a module that fails to sleep - Body Control Module (BCM), APIM/infotainment, or amplifier - as well as the PATS anti-theft transceiver circuit on earlier cars. A healthy vehicle should draw under ~50mA at rest; failed modules keep the network awake and flatten the battery.
Measure key-off current draw with a multimeter, then pull fuses one at a time until the draw drops to isolate the offending circuit/module. Repair or replace the module that will not sleep (commonly BCM, audio/APIM, or amplifier); reflash where required. Confirm the battery and alternator test good before condemning a module.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
2,340 owners
On the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion, 2014-2018 Ford Fusions use a different EPS module revision than the 2011-2013 recall (NHTSA 15V340) — but owners still report sudden loss of power steering assist, particularly at higher mileage. Without recall coverage, repairs are owner-paid: rack replacement typically $1,200-$2,000. Symptoms mirror the recalled generation (heavy steering, intermittent warnings, eventual full assist loss). For 2013 specifically, the 15V340 recall applies if the vehicle is without the 3.5L engine.
"Service Power Steering" warning message on instrument cluster
Sudden heavy steering requiring much more effort, especially at low speeds
Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn
"Hill Assist Not Available" and "Service AdvanceTrac" warnings accompanying EPS failure
Intermittent loss of power steering that returns after restart
Complete steering assist loss at any speed
Grinding or clicking from steering column during turns
How to Fix
Check safercar.gov with VIN for Recall 15V340/15S18 and 19V632 eligibility - free dealer repair. Out-of-recall: EPS rack assembly replacement ($1,200-$2,800). If experiencing intermittent "Service Power Steering" warning: try restarting vehicle as temporary workaround (does not fix underlying issue). Avoid car washes with high-pressure undercarriage spray aimed at steering gear area (accelerates bolt corrosion on 2013-2015 models).
Owner tips & cautions
WarningCheck safercar.gov NOW for recalls 15V340 and 19V632 - both provide free EPS repair. Recall 19V632 specifically covers corrosion of EPS motor bolts that can cause the motor to DETACH from the steering gear - a catastrophic failure at any speed.
WarningIf "Service Power Steering" appears, immediately slow down safely - steering effort is now entirely manual. Turning will require 3-4x normal effort. Do not attempt U-turns or parking lot maneuvers without extra caution. This is a safety-critical failure.
TipThe "temporary fix" of restarting the car when EPS fails is documented - this can reset the fault and restore power steering temporarily. But this is a band-aid: the underlying EPS hardware must be inspected and repaired. Do not rely on the restart trick permanently.
High Confidence2,340 reportsLast reported by owners Oct 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
1,890 owners
On the 2014-2019 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost, the 1.5L EcoBoost in 2014-2019 Ford Fusion is affected by the same open-deck cylinder block design defect as the Escape. Coolant leaks internally from the block passages into the combustion chambers due to insufficient sealing surface and porous block material that cannot maintain coolant pressure over time. Ford extended warranty coverage to 7 years/84,000 miles for short block replacement per TSB 19-2139 and TSB 19-2375. A consolidated class action lawsuit covers 2013-2019 Fusion and Escape with 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Some owners have experienced engine failure with no warning - no check engine light before coolant hydrolocked the cylinder.
White or gray smoke from exhaust, especially on cold starts
Engine misfires with P0300-P0303 codes (1.5L is 3 cylinders in newer versions; earlier is 4-cyl)
Coolant level dropping without visible external leak
Sweet smell from exhaust
Coolant reservoir bubbling or pressurizing excessively
Engine overheating
Rough idle that clears up as engine warms
No warning light in some cases before engine fails
How to Fix
Ford TSBs 19-2139 and 19-2375 cover short block and head gasket replacement under extended warranty (7 years/84,000 miles from warranty start date). Verify coverage at fordowner.com or call Ford Customer Relations 1-800-392-3673. Class action lawsuit for out-of-warranty reimbursement: lieffcabraser.com/defect/ford-coolant. Post-repair: Ford recommends monitoring coolant level and using only Motorcraft Orange coolant (VC-3-B).
Owner tips & cautions
WarningFord's 7yr/84k extended warranty for the 1.5L EcoBoost short block is YOUR money - call 1-800-392-3673 and reference TSBs 19-2139/19-2375 before authorizing any repair. Do not let dealers deny coverage without escalating. FusionEnergiForum has documented hundreds of successful warranty claims.
WarningUnlike most engine problems that show warning lights first, this failure can destroy your engine without a CEL. Some owners report zero warning signs before a hard start, white smoke, then engine death. Check coolant level monthly on any 2014-2019 Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost.
TipIf your dealer claims they cannot replicate the problem or denies the extended warranty, escalate to Ford Customer Relations and request a "Technical Assistance Request." Reference TSB 19-2139. The FTC investigated Ford's concealment of this defect - dealers are obligated to honor the extended warranty.
High Confidence1,890 reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion, a design flaw in the front brake hoses lets them rupture over time, leaking brake fluid and increasing stopping distance. Ford recalled roughly 1.2-1.28 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans (recall 23S12) in 2023 after an NHTSA investigation. A ruptured hose causes a low brake-fluid warning, a change in pedal feel, and a real crash risk from degraded braking.
Under recall 23S12 dealers replace both front brake hoses and, where equipped, modify the hose routing and ride-height sensor at no charge. Owners noticing a soft/low pedal or brake warning light should stop driving and have the hoses inspected immediately.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
On the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion, the 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longer hold clean line pressure, clogged/worn shift solenoids, and torque-converter clutch degradation. Many units develop symptoms well before 100,000 miles. A 2019 class-action lawsuit accused Ford of concealing the 6F35 defect on Fusion and Escape.
Start with a full fluid-and-filter service using the correct Mercon LV. For confirmed harsh shifts, reman or updated valve body with new solenoids is the durable fix; TCC shudder that survives a flush usually requires torque-converter replacement. Verify the transmission calibration is up to date (Ford released updated shift-strategy PCM/TCM reflashes). Severe internal wear = rebuild or reman transmission.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
On the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion, on AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning smell in the cabin, whining/growling, and eventually PTU seizure that can damage the transmission. Failures often occur relatively early in the car's life.
Whining, growling, or grinding from center of vehicle
Brown/black fluid leak near transaxle/axle area
Vibration or shudder under acceleration
Loss of AWD function
How to Fix
Preventive fluid changes roughly every 30,000 miles greatly extend PTU life even though Ford lists it as filled-for-life. A leaking unit may be resealed for $400-$600 if caught early; a failed PTU requires replacement, which dealers quote from ~$1,600 up to ~$3,100 including labor.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
On the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion, fusion owners frequently find water pooling in the trunk/spare-tire well and wet rear carpet. Sources include leaking taillight gaskets/plastic rivet pass-throughs, deteriorated trunk and rear-window seals, and split spot-welds in the channel under the rear glass. Standing water risks rust and corrosion of trunk-mounted electronics (on hybrids the high-voltage battery and electronics sit in this area), plus musty odor and mold.
Water-test to locate the entry point, then reseal or replace the taillight gaskets/rivet grommets, trunk weatherstrip, and rear-window seal; seal split spot-welds with seam sealer. Clear any blocked trunk/quarter-panel drain holes and dry the carpet/insulation thoroughly to prevent corrosion and mold.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
On the 2006-2020 Ford Fusion, the plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one temperature, wrong vent output, or one side blowing hot while the other blows cold. It is one of the most common Fusion comfort complaints across all generations.
Replace the failed blend-door actuator (driver side of the HVAC housing, accessed by dropping the glove box). After replacement, perform the actuator calibration: reconnect the battery, turn ignition to On without starting, and let the system self-learn its range for at least a minute. Parts are inexpensive; labor rises sharply if a deeper actuator requires dash removal.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Campaign #17V42700006/07/2017
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 27, 2016, to September 28, 2016. The left rear seat backs pivot pins may have been improperly welded.
The 1.5L EcoBoost in 2014-2019 Ford Fusion is affected by the same open-deck cylinder block design defect as the Escape. Coolant leaks internally from the block passages into the combustion chambers due to insufficient sealing surface and porous block material that cannot maintai… Repairs typically run $0-$7,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure?
Ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,50… Repairs typically run $1,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion Front Brake Hose Rupture - Loss of Brake Fluid and Longer Stopping (Recall 23S12)?
A design flaw in the front brake hoses lets them rupture over time, leaking brake fluid and increasing stopping distance. Ford recalled roughly 1.2-1.28 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans (recall 23S12) in 2023 after an NHTSA investigation. A ruptured hose causes a low brake-f… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder?
The 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longe… Repairs typically run $250-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure?
On AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning sm… Repairs typically run $400-$3,100. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion Water Intrusion into Trunk/Tire Well - Wet Carpet and Corroded Modules?
Fusion owners frequently find water pooling in the trunk/spare-tire well and wet rear carpet. Sources include leaking taillight gaskets/plastic rivet pass-throughs, deteriorated trunk and rear-window seals, and split spot-welds in the channel under the rear glass. Standing water… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2018 Ford Fusion Parasitic Battery Drain - Dead Battery / No Start (BCM & Modules)?
Many Fusion owners report the battery going dead overnight or over a weekend from a parasitic draw. Common culprits are a module that fails to sleep - Body Control Module (BCM), APIM/infotainment, or amplifier - as well as the PATS anti-theft transceiver circuit on earlier cars. Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2020 Ford Fusion HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure - Clicking/Knocking Behind Dash, No Heat or AC?
The plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one t… Repairs typically run $156-$400. Severity: medium.
