2018 Ford Fusion · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

58owner reports
93,451median miles
$8,000median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

269 of the 437 complaints on this car are about the engine. 58 of those describe engine failure. Only misfire is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 58 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (57 reports) and the short block or long block (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Fusion

PE13-003opened Feb 21, 2013

Engine · model years 2010 to 2013

Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.

NHTSA summary

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle B

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

What owners paid

19 of the 58 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,600 to $12,000.

$5,600$8,000$12,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 76,000 and 100,568 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.

321

222

723

2124

1525

1026

What owners wrote

“my 2018 ford fusion has catastrophic engine failure. Engine stuttering and misfires with check engine light. Low coolant levels with no visible puddles under the car. Engine overheating, could possibly catch fire. Car recently had a tuneup was told no issues at the time. Failure mileage at 109,000.”
Filed Aug 25, 2026

“Coolant Intrusion issue with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost. Short block was replaced by Ford Dealer then engine failed again after only 7,000-miles. Required complete new engine installed at my expense, $12,185.28.”
Filed Jun 30, 2026

“My engine failed months ago, and my car has been sitting immobile ever since. My car stuttered while driving, and then turned off. As I started it back up and continued driving down the road, it was shaking very badly. I called my brother to come drive my car home and he pulled clear fluid out of my oil tank. The exact issue described has been put out in the new ford recall under code 26S43.”
Filed Jun 20, 2026

“Coolant intrusion, coolant and oil is mixing causing my car to run hot. Engine light keeps coming on, repairs to multiple pumps replaced, water pump replaced, spark plugs replaced, radiator replaced, thermostat replaced. Ford dealership tried replacing all the above vehicle is still running hot. Now claiming I need a new engine.”
Filed Jul 23, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 58 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.