The vehicle dossier US · 2018

2018 Ford
FUSIONProblems & recalls

439 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 270 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 439 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine270 reports
Transmission & drivetrain106 reports
Other components78 reports
Fuel system30 reports
Electrical system26 reports
Steering19 reports
Brakes6 reports
Air bags5 reports
Body & structure3 reports
Suspension2 reports
Visibility1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE202
POWER TRAIN104
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING85
UNKNOWN OR OTHER47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
STEERING19
WHEELS10
AIR BAGS5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
SERVICE BRAKES4
SEAT BELTS4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
BACK OVER PREVENTION4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS3
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA2
SUSPENSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:FLYWHEEL,BEARINGS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:GEARS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:BEARINGS/BUSHINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:HIGH TENSION/SPARK PLUG WIRES1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 10 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 20, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

90,000 miles is the median among 188 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 68,000–114,817 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Mar 10, 2023 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 23V162000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Manufacturer campaign: 23S12

Read campaign 23V162000 at NHTSA
Mar 12, 2018 Safety recallSTEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BARCampaign 18V167000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 18S08

Read campaign 18V167000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

160 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Feb 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54601Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypa…NHTSA ID 11029052

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11029052 at NHTSA
Nov 26, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 25-2570This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation …NHTSA ID 11025837

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025837 at NHTSA
Nov 12, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54366Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powe…NHTSA ID 11025611

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025611 at NHTSA
Nov 27, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 53174Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during re…NHTSA ID 11010950

Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11010950 at NHTSA
Oct 10, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 53040While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford an…NHTSA ID 11008948

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11008948 at NHTSA
May 27, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 24-2165This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explo…NHTSA ID 11001174

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11001174 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52476All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles own…NHTSA ID 10254138

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10254138 at NHTSA
Mar 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52335For 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 evaluat…NHTSA ID 10251952

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 evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251952 at NHTSA
Mar 1, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52314During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulti…NHTSA ID 10251934

During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251934 at NHTSA
Aug 2, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51838In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or Linco…NHTSA ID 10241627

In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10241627 at NHTSA
Jun 8, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSAN-Vol1 I1The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, t…NHTSA ID 10240743

The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10240743 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51536For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identif…NHTSA ID 10235153

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235153 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Aug 8, 2022 ClosedFront Brake Jounce Hose FailuresRQ22004

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.

Recorded closure: Mar 24, 2023

Campaign reference in the source: 23V162000

Find investigation RQ22004

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