2018 Ford Fusion Energi recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
What could happen: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 FUSION ENERGI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V167000 (manufacturer code 18S08).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What could happen: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 FUSION ENERGI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V162000 (manufacturer code 23S12).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2018 Ford Fusion Energi owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (5), Transmission / drivetrain (3), Fuel system (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/08/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The car suddenly stopped accelerating while turning left into an intersection from a stoplight, heading towards to a freeway on-ramp; there was a grinding sound. I was able to move to the curb lane before anyone hit me or others behind me. The car would not go into any gears and kept rolling even when in Park. I had to put the Parking Brake on to keep it fr…
06/07/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
Ford Fusion energi battery failure. Dealership wouldn't inspect the battery and kept replacing the battery control module. The replacement part kept failing under warranty and then the dealership quoted me $20,000 for the hybrid battery. They have replaced the BCM twice and error code P0dc9 keeps appearing. The EV range drops to zero randomly or gains range…
04/17/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
I routinely have plugged in my PHEV, enjoying the quiet electric ride. I could complete a day's commute with the electric charge. However, the battery capacity was significantly reduced at about 50K miles. At about 73K miles, within a couple miles of starting to drive, the car would decelerate and go into 'limp mode', with a top speed of 35MPH. A warnin…
06/17/2025 · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated that the hold voltage battery had decreased to 13–15 miles on a full charge when previously averaging 22–23 miles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N19. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle wa…
10/02/2024 · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the battery was unable to be r…
06/08/2019 · Electrical system
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN SYSTEM AND THE DASH CONSOLE DIALS ALL WENT COMPLETELY DARK. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN WITH NO POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UP AGAIN. HOW CAN A VEHICLE BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD…
03/25/2019 · Electrical system
HAD CAR 1 YEAR WITH NO ISSUES, NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SYNC 3 NAVIGATION SYSTEM KEEPS BREAKING. STARTED WITH GETTING A NO GPS SYMBOL IN THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF THE NAVIGATION WINDOW. NOW SOMETIMES IT EFFECT THE RADIO, PHONE AND CLIMATE SYSTEMS BY REACTING REALLY SLOW TO ANY COMMANDS, IF IT DOES ANYTHING AT ALL. YOU CAN PUSH A BUTTON AND WAIT OVER A MINUTE…
03/26/2018 · Engine · crash
I PULLED UP TO THE GARAGE DOOR STOPPING TO PRESS THE REMOTE BUTTON TO OPEN THE DOOR (AS I DO EVERY DAY). SUDDENLY THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD IN THE BUILDING DAMAGING THE DOOR POST AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN I SAW THE BUILDING COMING CLOSER I HAD SLAMMED THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD.