DecodedCars2018 Ford Fusion
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sedan Energi PHEV, 4dr Sedan Hybrid
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 175–240 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 43 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,435–3,962 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints509 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Ford Fusion is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,435 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (43 city / 41 highway), 54% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 509 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Fusion — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Fusion →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hermosillo, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Fusion configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,435 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Energi PHEV | 191.7 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,962 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Hybrid | 191.7 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,660 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 41 / 42 | +54% | $1,600 | 211 |
| Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 41 / 42 | +54% | $1,600 | 112 |
| Fusion FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | -1% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Fusion FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | -8% | $2,700 | 360 |
| Fusion FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | -8% | $2,700 | 362 |
| Fusion AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -15% | $2,900 | 385 |
| Fusion AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -26% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2018 Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Fusion (this car) | 42 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 10, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 1,280,726 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Mar 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · 1,301,986 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Not every 2018 Ford Fusion is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Ford Fusion buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 210 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 118 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 88 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Fusion years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 42 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 236 |
| 2019 Fusion | 42 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 473 |
| 2017 Fusion | 42 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,204 |
| 2016 Fusion | 41 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 1,731 |
| 2015 Fusion | 41 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,065 |
| 2014 Fusion | 41 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 20 | 1,376 |
| 2013 Fusion | 41 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 20 | 1,803 |
| 2012 Fusion | 38 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 2,196 |
| 2011 Fusion | 38 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 2,065 |
| 2010 Fusion | 39 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 3,484 |
| 2009 Fusion | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 931 |
| 2008 Fusion | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 1,182 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →