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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Fusion powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Fusion have filed 97 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 81,700 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
97
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Fusion | 233 |
| 2015 Fusion | 140 |
| 2016 Fusion | 297 |
| 2017 Fusion | 296 |
| 2018 Fusion (this page) | 97 |
| 2019 Fusion | 72 |
| 2020 Fusion | 63 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 97 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2018 Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rattle noise from the transmission bellhousing area. This may be more noticeable at idle. This may be due to a flexplate crack around the mounting area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the flexplate, transmission fluid pump, and torque converter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with HF35/HF45 hybrid transmissions can now be disassembled to repair and clean any contamination that may have been the result of a differential or transfer shaft bearing failure and the transmission can be overhauled/rebuilt. Service tools and service parts are now available. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 Ford Fusions report three major powertrain failure modes that repeat across 97 complaints.
Transmission problems are the most frequent. Starting around 40,000 miles, owners describe hard jerking shifts, vehicles that slip into neutral while driving, and loss of acceleration. Some transmissions fail with no warning light; others display "Shift System Fault" messages. Worst case: one owner had the transmission replaced under warranty at 93,000 miles, and it failed again by 93,173 miles—53 miles later—requiring an $8,000 replacement. Another owner had a transmission replaced in 2020 and reports the car has sat in the driveway since late 2022 because the same symptoms returned. A Ford dealership employee working on this complaint noted seeing "how many damn Fusions came in with transmission problems" during five years at a Ford dealership.
Coolant intrusion into the engine block is the second major pattern. Owners report misfire codes (P0302, P0303) that spark plug and coil replacements don't fix. The real culprit: coolant from a defective or miscast engine block seeping into cylinders. This causes overheating, white smoke, loss of power, and sometimes engine shutdown on the highway. One owner's engine block was miscast so badly coolant entered cylinders 2 and 4 at just 30,000 miles. Another owner bought the car in February 2025, drove 50 miles, and overheated before getting home. Repair costs run $6,000–$8,700 for a short or long block replacement. Ford covers some 1.5L cases under CSP 21N12, but only within 84,000 miles and 7 years of purchase; owners exceeding these limits—or with 2.0L engines—get no help.
The shifter cable bushing fails and detaches, leaving drivers unable to shift gears. The vehicle may shift unexpectedly into park while driving at highway speeds. One owner reversed out of a parking lot and the shifter went back to park mid-maneuver. Another couldn't shift out of park and had to be towed; a mechanic manually repositioned the shifter, but the problem returned. The part is described as made of "inferior materials"—a $4 component with labor of $300–$400, yet Ford's own mechanics confirm it's a recurring defect on this model, though many VINs are excluded from recall 22V413000.
A flexplate failure (loud rattling, hard shifts, stalling) and purge valve failures (check engine light codes P1450, P2196) round out the complaints. Owners consistently report that Ford dealerships and the manufacturer acknowledge these are "known issues" but refuse recalls or assistance for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Same Ford Fusion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Failure - Harsh Shifts, Slipping, Loss of Power
Transmission exhibits hard shifts, slipping into neutral while driving, loss of power, or complete failure to shift into or out of gear. Multiple owners report recurring failure requiring replacement, sometimes within 60k miles of a prior replacement. Some transmissions fail silently with no warning lights; others display 'Shift System Fault' messages or wrench symbols.
When: 40,000–135,815 miles; often recurring in vehicles with prior transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking shifts or slipping into neutral unexpectedly; Vehicle fails to accelerate after shifting; acts as if in neutral; Hesitation and sluggish response when depressing accelerator; Vehicle unable to shift out of park, reverse, or drive despite repeated attempts; Transmission warning light (wrench symbol) and 'Shift System Fault' messages; Transmission fluid black/degraded
Codes mentioned: P0218, P177S, Torque converter clutch B failure, Direct drum causing harsh shift and shudder
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement costs $7,000–$10,000+. One owner reported transmission replacement at 93k miles, then failed again by 93,173 miles. Another had transmission replaced in 2020 and experienced recurring issues by 2022. Labor 13–22.4 hours reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified in most cases; Ford refers owners to NHTSA. One owner received $4,000 assistance from Ford on first replacement (covered under extended warranty or trade-in program), but no assistance on subsequent failures.
Coolant Intrusion into Engine Block (1.5L & 2.0L EcoBoost)
Coolant leaks into cylinders from a defective or miscast engine block, causing misfires, overheating, loss of power, and engine damage. This is a known defect in 1.5L EcoBoost engines covered under CSP 21N12 (short block replacement), but many 2.0L and out-of-warranty vehicles are denied coverage. Owners report the issue occurs even after PCM reprogramming under an earlier recall (CSP 19B37).
When: 50,000–135,815 miles; sometimes manifests weeks to months after purchase or PCM update
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and cylinder misfire codes (P0302, P0303); Engine overheating with no external coolant leaks visible; Rough idle, hesitation, and loss of acceleration; Excessive white smoke from exhaust; Coolant reservoir drops rapidly; coolant found in spark plug wells and cylinders; Engine shaking and stalling on highway with no warning lights; Oil consumption with coolant mixing into oil
Codes mentioned: P0302, P0303, P1450, P2196, Cylinder 2 and 4 misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Short block or long block replacement required, costing $6,000–$8,700+. Owners cite engine block vertical scoring, piston ring wear, miscast block, and cracked cylinder heads. One owner paid $5,000 out-of-pocket after warranty company and Ford denied coverage for 'gasket issue' despite Ford acknowledging manufacturing defect. Repair includes long block, gaskets, seals, coolant system pressurization, and air conditioning recharge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSP 21N12 covers short block replacement for 1.5L EcoBoost but excludes vehicles over 84,000 miles or 7 years. CSP 19B37 was a PCM reprogramming fix issued in 2020, but coolant intrusion still occurs in some vehicles afterward. Warranty company denials citing 'gasket issue' contradicting Ford's own diagnosis. Ford declined to assist in multiple cases; some owners received partial reimbursement ($5,000). Most out-of-warranty owners receive no assistance.
Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Detachment / Degradation
The shifter cable bushing, which connects the gear shifter to the transmission, degrades and detaches without warning. When detached, the vehicle cannot shift gears and may shift unexpectedly into park, creating a safety hazard. Many owners note this is a known issue on other model years with recalls (e.g., 22V413000) but their VINs are not included.
When: 40,000–122,000 miles; often no warning signs until failure
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter stuck in park and cannot be moved despite repeated attempts; Gear shifter moves but vehicle does not shift into intended gear; Vehicle shifts unexpectedly from drive or reverse back into park while driving; Orange wrench warning or 'Shift System Fault' message; Grinding or clunking noise from shifter area; Shifter becomes firm and difficult to move; Vehicle alarm sounds and anti-theft light flashes during shifting issues
Codes mentioned: Shift System Fault messages, Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) issues
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement costs $300–$400 in labor plus $4 in parts. Independent mechanics report the repair is temporary and the bushing fails again. One owner cited quotes of $3,000–$4,000 for full shifter assembly replacement. Tow truck drivers have manually repositioned the shifter in some cases as a temporary fix. Multiple owners state the bushing is made of inferior materials and should not degrade this quickly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V413000 covers transmission shifter cable bushing for some 2018 Fusions, but many VINs are excluded and owners report being denied recall coverage. Ford refers excluded VINs to NHTSA. Dealers confirm the part is degraded but state no recall applies to the owner's VIN. One owner was told 'go to a doctor for your head' when reporting the issue to a dealer manager.
Flexplate Failure
The flexplate (engine-to-transmission coupling) cracks or breaks, causing loud rattling/knocking noise and severe vibration. Can lead to transmission failure or inability to start. Some owners believe flexplate failure is related to transmission problems and cite CSP 22N12 as related.
When: 87,000–116,000 miles; sometimes discovered during unrelated transmission work
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or knocking noise from engine compartment near transmission; Severe vibration while accelerating or shifting; Hard jerking shifts; Dragging sensation while accelerating on turns; Engine stalling or difficulty starting; No warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Flexplate detected as broken during visual inspection or transmission work
Repairs/costs cited: Flexplate replacement costs $1,345–$1,500 in parts plus $2,600 in labor (13 hours). One owner cited total repair estimate of $4,281.70. Multiple dealers confirm this is a common issue but refuse to place a recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSP 22N12 references flexplate issues, but many owners report their VINs are not eligible. One owner was told after 2.5 hours of phone calls that Ford would not assist despite noting the flexplate should have been covered under the recall.
Engine Misfire and Ignition Coil / Spark Plug Issues
Engine experiences cylinder misfires (P0302) that persist after spark plug and ignition coil replacement. Investigation reveals coolant intrusion, piston ring wear, or oil contamination in cylinders rather than a simple coil or plug failure.
When: 50,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with misfire code (P0302, P0303); Rough idle and hesitation upon acceleration; Feeling as though engine will stall; Loss of power and difficulty driving; New spark plugs found covered in oil within days of replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Initial remedy of replacing spark plugs and ignition coils ($200–$400) does not resolve the issue. Root cause is engine block damage (coolant intrusion, piston scoring, or miscast block) requiring long block replacement ($6,000–$8,700). One owner replaced plugs and coils but found coolant in cylinders during follow-up inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially diagnose as plug/coil failure, delaying root-cause diagnosis. CSP 21N12 covers coolant intrusion in 1.5L EcoBoost but excludes out-of-warranty vehicles. Ford warranty company denied coverage claiming 'gasket issue' despite contradictory diagnostics.
Purge Valve / Evap System Failure
Purge flow valve or evap purge valve fails, triggering check engine light codes P1450 and P2196 (oxygen sensor stuck). The purge valve is cited by mechanics as a recall issue on other Ford Fusions but not this model year.
When: Low mileage after purchase (within weeks) and at higher mileage (93,000–100,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P1450: Unable to Bleed Gas Tank – Excessive Vacuum); Check engine light (P2196: O2 Sensor Stuck Trying to Correct); Hesitation while driving in traffic with loud farting noise; Vehicle breakdown requiring tow
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve replacement cost approximately $700. One owner paid $700 for diagnosis and replacement at independent shop. Part failure can occur shortly after prior transmission or engine work, suggesting potential root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known recall issue on other Ford Fusions but CSP does not cover some 2018 models or VINs. Manufacturers acknowledge issue but deny coverage if outside warranty or mileage limits.
Rear Main Seal Failure
Rear main seal fails prematurely, causing severe engine oil leaks that saturate the engine bay and contaminate brake system. Linked to transmission hard shifts and torque converter issues placing excessive stress on the seal.
When: 68,000 miles (discovered after transmission failure at same mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden oil leak from rear main seal during highway driving; Entire bottom of engine soaked with oil; Oil pooling in brake pads and rotors; Loss of braking power while on freeway; Must pull to shoulder to stop safely
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires seal replacement and brake system cleaning/service. One owner's repair combined with transmission work; estimated cost not separately specified but noted as safety-critical.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm the issue is common in these transmissions and acknowledge transmission failure causes collateral damage to seals and braking system. No specific recall or warranty program cited for rear main seal failure.
Engine Overheating and Head Gasket / Cylinder Head Failure
Engine overheats suddenly with no warning lights, or overheating develops gradually due to head gasket leaks or cracked cylinder head. Coolant intrusion into cylinders is the root cause; some cases involve miscast blocks or defective gaskets.
When: 50 miles after purchase to 141,164 miles; sometimes recurs after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating message or temperature gauge in red zone; No warning lights prior to overheating event; Engine shaking violently; vehicle limited to 10 MPH or less; Coolant reservoir empty despite no visible external leaks; Rough running, jerking, and loss of power; White smoke from exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement or short block replacement required, costing $6,000–$8,700+. One owner replaced thermostat and catalytic converter before head gasket was identified. Another owner's brother performed head pressure test confirming internal failure; dealership refused to inspect due to overheating risk during towing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers diagnose as head gasket failure but attribute to owner neglect or prior damage. CSP 21N12 covers coolant intrusion in 1.5L EcoBoost, but out-of-warranty vehicles receive no assistance. Manufacturer declines help citing mileage or time limits (84,000 miles or 7 years from purchase).
Parasitic Drain and Electrical Module Failure
After PCM reprogramming (recall), vehicle develops parasitic electrical drain that kills battery repeatedly. Dealer diagnostics indicate a module issue, not battery failure. Stalling and no-start conditions result.
When: 2 days after PCM reprogramming recall (2020)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite good battery; Battery drains overnight or quickly after jump start; Loud sound during jump start; Warning lights on dashboard; Vehicle disabled and unable to operate
Repairs/costs cited: Parasitic drain diagnosed to module fault, not battery. Cost and repair outcome not detailed; owner reports vehicle has been disabled since 3/27/2020. Owner experienced identical issue with Ford Focus and spent thousands out-of-pocket without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership reset gas mileage sensor and instructed owner to reset vehicle, but parasitic drain persisted. No specific recall or service program mentioned. Owner reports no resolution despite multiple dealer visits.
Throttle Body and Powertrain Control Issues
Throttle body becomes dirty or fails, triggering wrench symbol and airbag warnings. Vehicle loses acceleration and cannot shift properly, becoming a highway hazard.
When: Recurring issue (3–4 times reported in one complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench symbol and airbag warning light illuminate together; Vehicle decelerates and shakes uncontrollably; Loss of acceleration and inability to start easily; Vehicle cannot shift properly
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning resolved initial code, but the failure recurred 2–3 additional times. Owner suspects a root cause beyond dirty throttle body.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response cited in complaint. Mechanic performed cleaning as a temporary fix.
Synthesized from 97 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Upon entering off ramp to highway , upon acceleration car shudders and goes into limp mode, can't accelerate and forced to try and pull over to stop vehicle and re-start. Very dangerous as it is random, can't re-create and has happened at highway speeds, very unsafe. Took it to dealer, Ford could not recreate and said there were no codes present and subsequently found nothing wrong.
Shift actuator wouldn’t go into gear I was stranded a few times had to be towed twice. I’ve found a plastic bushing that showed a $4.00 part could be responsible. Deadly for us disabled Vietnam veterans . I can’t walk. Maine has 200 vehicles with the same issues nationwide who knows supposedly the actuator will not be made by ford motors until February 2026. I’m 76 years old this is a hazard I…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Ford Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 97 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 72,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 81,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 72,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.