Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Son was driving 20 mph and Vehicle acted like it shut off, door chime started dinging, steering and brakes locked up and my son crashed into a group of trees, totaling the car. It had electrical issues prior and had shut off once before while he was in a parking lot. The auto shut off at stops worked correctly for a while and stopped working. Parking lights would come on while driving. Just a bunch of weird electronic things before final crash. The car had been repaired from a previous accident, but had been acting odd before that. I think previous owner had crashed it also and I'm wondering if that crash could have been caused by the same malfunctions. Also, air bags never deployed in either of his accidents which was very odd.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. While the mechanic attempted to replace the spark plugs, the contact was informed that the spark plugs fuse had detached and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 119,107.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and then stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. The doors were unable to open after the failure. AAA inspected the battery and informed the contact that the battery was not properly installed while the battery and bolts were the incorrect sizes. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,126.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that he became aware that the shifter cable bushing had detached after not being able to start the vehicle. The shifter cable bushing was attached, and the vehicle was able to be started. The brakes, engine, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,879.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the wrench symbol became displayed. The power train fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle started to shake with the check engine warning light illuminated. The power steering was inoperable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to restart due to the battery failing to retain a charge. The contact recharged the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30.
The driver reported they were driving at approximately 55 MPH and began to smell something burning. They pulled over to the left shoulder and saw the trunk on fire. The fire totally destroyed the vehicle.
While waiting at a red traffic light in drive and on a slight incline, engine shut off by itself and car started rolling backward with my foot on the brake pedal. The pedal felt harder than normal to push but didn't stop the car. A car stopped behind me was put at risk of impact with the rear of my vehicle. I could see I was getting closer and closer to hitting the other car. As this was happening, i pushed the start button and managed to restart the engine and put it in drive to pull away just before impact. Problem hasn't been reproduced by anyone. Vehicle or components haven't been inspected by anyone. No warning light lamps or other symptoms of the problem prior or during remaining drive home. I don't know if this is related but the car does have a random no start symptom due to a battery discharge condition while parked overnight. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) appears to have failed. The vehicle's infotainment/play screen is completely blank and unresponsive. This module controls key systems including climate control, navigation, hands-free calling, and the backup camera. The component is available for inspection if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This failure compromises several safety-critical functions. I am unable to adjust climate settings, use GPS navigation, make hands-free emergency calls, or see through the backup camera. These features are essential for safe driving, especially in adverse weather or while reversing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? …
The Accessory power interface module has failed. It receives inputs from a variety of sensors, some hardwired directly to it, while most are sent over the bus communications system from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). These inputs allow the module to communicate with the steering wheel controls, the radio, navigation system and the consumer's personal cell phone via Bluetooth. When I contacted Ford they said there was nothing they were able to do because there is no active recall for this model/year. I strongly feel as if this is a safety hazard due to not only my steering wheel controls being inoperable, but my cruise control, HVAC system, and navigation system, rear camera system, audio system, Bluetooth, to be faulty and not work. Additionally the on the driver seat the part that the seat belt clicks into broke
Electrical complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Ford Fusion, 6% of the model year's 442 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Fusion electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2018 Ford Fusion, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Fusion electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.