2018 Ford Fusion engine and engine cooling problems
88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2018 Ford Fusion — 20% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming…”
filed Sep 2, 2026
“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…”
filed Nov 25, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has…
SSM 52335 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 6, 2024
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Fusion years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 Fusion | 54 | 17% |
| 2017 Fusion | 134 | 12% |
| 2016 Fusion | 108 | 7% |
| 2015 Fusion | 52 | 5% |
| 2014 Fusion | 33 | 2% |
| 2013 Fusion | 72 | 4% |
| 2012 Fusion | 5 | 0% |
| 2011 Fusion | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 Fusion | 93 | 2% |
| 2009 Fusion | 7 | 1% |
| 2008 Fusion | 1 | 0% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Fusion
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.