FORD FUSION HYBRID · model year

2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID

76 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018FORDFUSION HYBRID carries 76 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 FUSION HYBRID is power train with 10 filings, followed by electrical system (8) and unknown or other (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2018 FUSION HYBRID, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

76
Complaints
12
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

76 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
STEERING7
SERVICE BRAKES6
WHEELS5
ENGINE4
AIR BAGS4
SEAT BELTS3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1

Recent Complaints

20250823CrashSERVICE BRAKES

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to

20250823CrashSTEERING

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to

20250823CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to

20250207POWER TRAIN

Bad bearings in hybrid transmission

20250207SERVICE BRAKES

Leaking fluid, etc similar to recall on other 2018 Ford Fusions

20241204POWER TRAIN

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The transmission has failed twice. The first time it was replaced by a licensed dealer. The second time is current. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -We were stranded on the highway in Missouri. The second time the car failed was during winter weather with two small children, putting us at significant risk due to exposure to extreme cold and the dangers of being stuck on the side of the highway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the problem was confirmed by a dealer/service center after the first failure, and it has occurred again. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? - Yes, it has been inspected by a dealer, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance

20241129ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered momentarily. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

20241004POWER TRAIN

The contact's mother owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while his mother was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly stopped independently. The driver noticed that the vehicle had shifted to park(P) independently, and the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). An unknown warning light was illuminated. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). An independent mechanic arrived on the scene but was unable to correct the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20240929POWER TRAIN

In Mid-August I was sitting at a stop light about to turn left. I was about the 3rd car in line. The light turned, and the first car turned left, and we inched up the car in front of me was able to turn, and the traffic was clear enough for me to also make the turn. However, in the middle of the turn my car didn’t stall out but lost all acceleration. I was pushing the gas, but while the car coasted forward it didn’t begin the drive. However, I never lost power. It was like the car jumped from “Drive” into “Neutral” and I coasted through the turn. I hesitated slightly and then pushed on the gas. The engine made sound but no movement other than coasting. Finally, I felt a small jolt and the car started moving forward. I was able to clear the intersection and was back in Drive mode. At that time the “Engine Warning” light came up on the dash. The car was able to move, nothing else seemed to have a problem, breaks still worked, I pulled into a parking lot. I pulled over,

20240918POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

20240702STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH and making a U-turn, the steering wheel was loose and wiggling. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned 360 degrees. The steering wheel was uncontrollable. The “Uphill Park Assist” warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,898.

Mileage: 133,898

20240521ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that coolant needed to be added to the coolant reservoir occasionally. While driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. Additionally, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was slow to start. The traction, engine, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the head gasket had blown. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20240502SERVICE BRAKES

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

20240502ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

20240502BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

20240329SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line on the output of the ABS pump had failed. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake hose had previously ruptured and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 160,300.

Mileage: 160,300

20240320WHEELS

In for a normal oil change and tire rotation. The lug nuts were swollen and had to be broke off and replaced. with the same one that were on my car. I did not no Ford had a lug nut problem until then. To find out that some people had to have cars towed because of the tire not being able to come off. It is a saftey hazard. Ford know this and keeps making these lug nuts. Saying to replace every 50,000 miles at 160 dollars. this is crazy. I am sure there are many people who do not even know till it is too late. They should come up with a different design and replace them all. I travel 80 miles a day, and i rotate every 5,000 miles. i will be replacing them way too may times at this rate. this is unecessary.

20240320WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

In for a normal oil change and tire rotation. The lug nuts were swollen and had to be broke off and replaced. with the same one that were on my car. I did not no Ford had a lug nut problem until then. To find out that some people had to have cars towed because of the tire not being able to come off. It is a saftey hazard. Ford know this and keeps making these lug nuts. Saying to replace every 50,000 miles at 160 dollars. this is crazy. I am sure there are many people who do not even know till it is too late. They should come up with a different design and replace them all. I travel 80 miles a day, and i rotate every 5,000 miles. i will be replacing them way too may times at this rate. this is unecessary.

20240312ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while her husband was driving 35-40 MPH after an oil change had been performed on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Mileage: 118,000

20240305STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was inoperable. The steering wheel detached from the steering column and the steering wheel was spinning at a 360-degree motion. The contact stated that there was no motion on the tires. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering bolt. The contact was advised that the extent of the failure had not been determined and could be provided only if the contact agreed to have repairs completed. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000(Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

Compare 2018FORDFUSION HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID have?
The 2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID has 76 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID is POWER TRAIN with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2018 FORD FUSION HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.