2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems

AIR BAGS

The leather-covered dashboard panel, in the approximately 4-6 inch section between the base of the windshield and the first seam across the dash, has shrunk, rippled, and pulled away from the underlying substrate. This area also houses the driver-assist camera housing and the defrost vent. The vehicle was purchased new and has been Ford-maintained, professionally detailed, and garage-kept throughout ownership; the leather has been regularly cleaned and conditioned as part of routine dealership detailing, ruling out lack of care as a cause. The vehicle's build date is January 2018, which falls within the range covered by Ford Technical Service Bulletin 18-2283 ("Instrument Panel Sagging at the Windshield Glass"), issued for vehicles built between October 13, 2014 and February 2, 2018, describing the instrument panel sagging and separating near the windshield. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be a documented, recurring defect pattern affecting this vehicle's dash generation, rather than isolated cosmetic wear. Ford Customer Relations has twice declined goodwill assistance, citing the vehicle's age (just over 8 years) as the sole basis, without physical inspection or evaluation of the underlying condition. An independent repair estimate to replace the dash panel and remove/reinstall the windshield for access was quoted at approximately $3,100.

NHTSA complaint #11754944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The leather-covered dashboard panel, in the approximately 4-6 inch section between the base of the windshield and the first seam across the dash, has shrunk, rippled, and pulled away from the underlying substrate. This area also houses the driver-assist camera housing and the defrost vent. The vehicle was purchased new and has been Ford-maintained, professionally detailed, and garage-kept throughout ownership; the leather has been regularly cleaned and conditioned as part of routine dealership detailing, ruling out lack of care as a cause. The vehicle's build date is January 2018, which falls within the range covered by Ford Technical Service Bulletin 18-2283 ("Instrument Panel Sagging at the Windshield Glass"), issued for vehicles built between October 13, 2014 and February 2, 2018, describing the instrument panel sagging and separating near the windshield. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be a documented, recurring defect pattern affecting this vehicle's dash generation, rather than isolated cosmetic wear. Ford Customer Relations has twice declined goodwill assistance, citing the vehicle's age (just over 8 years) as the sole basis, without physical inspection or evaluation of the underlying condition. An independent repair estimate to replace the dash panel and remove/reinstall the windshield for access was quoted at approximately $3,100.

NHTSA complaint #11754944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The leather-covered dashboard panel, in the approximately 4-6 inch section between the base of the windshield and the first seam across the dash, has shrunk, rippled, and pulled away from the underlying substrate. This area also houses the driver-assist camera housing and the defrost vent. The vehicle was purchased new and has been Ford-maintained, professionally detailed, and garage-kept throughout ownership; the leather has been regularly cleaned and conditioned as part of routine dealership detailing, ruling out lack of care as a cause. The vehicle's build date is January 2018, which falls within the range covered by Ford Technical Service Bulletin 18-2283 ("Instrument Panel Sagging at the Windshield Glass"), issued for vehicles built between October 13, 2014 and February 2, 2018, describing the instrument panel sagging and separating near the windshield. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be a documented, recurring defect pattern affecting this vehicle's dash generation, rather than isolated cosmetic wear. Ford Customer Relations has twice declined goodwill assistance, citing the vehicle's age (just over 8 years) as the sole basis, without physical inspection or evaluation of the underlying condition. An independent repair estimate to replace the dash panel and remove/reinstall the windshield for access was quoted at approximately $3,100.

NHTSA complaint #11754944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Bad bearings in hybrid transmission

NHTSA complaint #11641439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Leaking fluid, etc similar to recall on other 2018 Ford Fusions

NHTSA complaint #11641441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The transmission has failed twice. The first time it was replaced by a licensed dealer. The second time is current. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -We were stranded on the highway in Missouri. The second time the car failed was during winter weather with two small children, putting us at significant risk due to exposure to extreme cold and the dangers of being stuck on the side of the highway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the problem was confirmed by a dealer/service center after the first failure, and it has occurred again. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? - Yes, it has been inspected by a dealer, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Yes, the first time it failed we got an engine overheating error. The second time it failed we got the "wrench" error code. These warning signs occurred as the problem occurred and did not give us any time to get the car to safety.

NHTSA complaint #11628870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered momentarily. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's mother owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while his mother was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly stopped independently. The driver noticed that the vehicle had shifted to park(P) independently, and the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). An unknown warning light was illuminated. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). An independent mechanic arrived on the scene but was unable to correct the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In Mid-August I was sitting at a stop light about to turn left. I was about the 3rd car in line. The light turned, and the first car turned left, and we inched up the car in front of me was able to turn, and the traffic was clear enough for me to also make the turn. However, in the middle of the turn my car didn’t stall out but lost all acceleration. I was pushing the gas, but while the car coasted forward it didn’t begin the drive. However, I never lost power. It was like the car jumped from “Drive” into “Neutral” and I coasted through the turn. I hesitated slightly and then pushed on the gas. The engine made sound but no movement other than coasting. Finally, I felt a small jolt and the car started moving forward. I was able to clear the intersection and was back in Drive mode. At that time the “Engine Warning” light came up on the dash. The car was able to move, nothing else seemed to have a problem, breaks still worked, I pulled into a parking lot. I pulled over, parked, but did not turn the car off immediately. I was able to drive forward and back-up while in the parking lot, as well as make turns. After about a minute I turned the car off to see if the car would automatically “fix itself”. I waited about three minutes and then started the car again, and it started without any problem, but the Warning light was still on. I left the parking lot and was able to drive with the Engine Warning light was still on, but no problem with anything else. I drove about five miles toward home when the Warning light turned OFF. I drove to Oxmoor Ford for service, but the service department was closed. I then drove to AutoZone where they did an initial plug into see if they could find what caused the problem. They were not able to determine anything. I returned home and made the appointment for the Oxmoor Ford service center. The car service cost me $7371.17.

NHTSA complaint #11617145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11615241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH and making a U-turn, the steering wheel was loose and wiggling. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned 360 degrees. The steering wheel was uncontrollable. The “Uphill Park Assist” warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,898.

NHTSA complaint #11598357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that coolant needed to be added to the coolant reservoir occasionally. While driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. Additionally, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was slow to start. The traction, engine, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the head gasket had blown. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA complaint #11589878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

NHTSA complaint #11586631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

NHTSA complaint #11586631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

NHTSA complaint #11586631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line on the output of the ABS pump had failed. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake hose had previously ruptured and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 160,300.

NHTSA complaint #11580097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS

In for a normal oil change and tire rotation. The lug nuts were swollen and had to be broke off and replaced. with the same one that were on my car. I did not no Ford had a lug nut problem until then. To find out that some people had to have cars towed because of the tire not being able to come off. It is a saftey hazard. Ford know this and keeps making these lug nuts. Saying to replace every 50,000 miles at 160 dollars. this is crazy. I am sure there are many people who do not even know till it is too late. They should come up with a different design and replace them all. I travel 80 miles a day, and i rotate every 5,000 miles. i will be replacing them way too may times at this rate. this is unecessary.

NHTSA complaint #11578486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

In for a normal oil change and tire rotation. The lug nuts were swollen and had to be broke off and replaced. with the same one that were on my car. I did not no Ford had a lug nut problem until then. To find out that some people had to have cars towed because of the tire not being able to come off. It is a saftey hazard. Ford know this and keeps making these lug nuts. Saying to replace every 50,000 miles at 160 dollars. this is crazy. I am sure there are many people who do not even know till it is too late. They should come up with a different design and replace them all. I travel 80 miles a day, and i rotate every 5,000 miles. i will be replacing them way too may times at this rate. this is unecessary.

NHTSA complaint #11578486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while her husband was driving 35-40 MPH after an oil change had been performed on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA complaint #11576932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was inoperable. The steering wheel detached from the steering column and the steering wheel was spinning at a 360-degree motion. The contact stated that there was no motion on the tires. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering bolt. The contact was advised that the extent of the failure had not been determined and could be provided only if the contact agreed to have repairs completed. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000(Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11575643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.