2016 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,705 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 61 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, manual transmissionJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraOct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Campaign 25V695000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchNov 17, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
Campaign 23V775000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 10, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Campaign 22V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMar 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
Campaign 20V177000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemAug 29, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Campaign 19V632000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftMay 13, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.
Campaign 19V362000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftJul 16, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Campaign 18V471000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, steering wheel/handle barMar 12, 2018
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.
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V167000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontDec 5, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.
Campaign 16V875000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageApr 27, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured from March 10, 2016, through March 16, 2016. The front driver seat track assembly's rear riser may have been improperly welded to the seat track rail, and as a result, the driver may not be adequately restrained in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford quarantined the affected vehicles at dealerships prior to their sale. Dealers will replace the front driver seat track rail, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2016. Ford's number for this recall is 16C05.
Campaign 16V250000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 1, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness. As a result, the fuel tanks may crack in the event of a crash and thus the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C11.
Campaign 15V618000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
551 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Never serviced
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
I got a recall notice and called the dealership. They do not have the part until Q4! I rent this car on Turo and have lost revenue because of this.
Engine, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and was sputtering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was losing compression. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that though it was a known failure, they could not assist as the vehicle did not have an extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,176.
Engine, Jun 15, 2022
My 2016 Ford Fusion with a 2.0 EcoBoost engine began experiencing a misfire in cylinder 4. I took the vehicle to a Ford Service Center for a diagnosis, and they said that the cause is coolant intrusion into the cylinder, and the only fix is replacing the engine. I still own the vehicle and it is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others are put at risk because, in the event of an unexpected total engine failure, I could lose power causing me to be stranded, power steering function, ABS function, etc. There is currently an ongoing class-action lawsuit titled Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, so others have also experienced this issue. The vehicle engine has been inspected and diagnosed by a Ford Service Center. They stated that a faulty design makes the engines susceptible to coolant intrusion. There were no warnings about the failure before the misfire started occurring.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2022
The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission has degraded causing the bushing to detach from the transmission.
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
Complete engine failure and extreme overheating from a known block issue at Ford. My car is essentially totaled needing a new engine due to known faulty engine blocks in the 1.5 and 2.0 liter motors from 2013-17. Overheating caused engine to stall on the interstate nearly causing several accidents. Once restarted we got home and was afraid the engine was going to catch fire until cool. Rolled vehicle outside. Ford should be ashamed that they only released a safety/service bulletin and not a recall. Now we are without a needed vehicle unless we can replace the engine at a cost of $5500 to $7500. Who has $7k laying around to fix a known issue to Ford?
Engine, Jun 4, 2022
Coolant leaked into the engine. Caused engine to overheat
Engine, Jun 2, 2022
Canister valve replaced to help the vac system, multiple codes appeared, all relating back to the engine! Coolant linking into engine! Issue has been on going.
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into a cylinder, which reduced the amount of coolant and left a possibility for the engine to overheat. The independent mechanic also diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 63,180.
Engine, Apr 17, 2022
Coolant intrusion into cylinders, car barely runs. Mechanic says there is an issue with these particular ecoboost motors.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2022
Car lost power and just cut off right on Railroad Tracks, managed to get it restarted, called dealership in my area, took it in. They stated their computer wasn't finding anything. After a heated discussion, I finally got the head mechanic to drive it and it did the same thing to him. He said new fuel pump, so it costs me $810.00, labor included, which I thought was rape. Just a ridiculous charge, but hey I'm at the mercy of them!!! Three (3) weeks later same thing happening, just cuts off, leaving me on highway at night. Took it back, they put another fuel pump on, no charge. Week and half later, Key Fob doesn't unlock doors, even after putting a new battery in. Tire Pressure FAULT came on and car continued to cut off, again leaving me in a very dangerous situation, but I GOT LUCKY. I took it back to the dealership and told them the Liability is on them. The Car is DANGEROUS and UNPREDICTABLE, "I do not feel safe in it" and they need to keep it until they can determine what is wrong and STOP playing a guessing game. I have read over 788 complaints about this vehicle and the same things are happening to other people. I will proceed with Attorney's, News Media and Insurance Companies if this is not rectified. THE CAR IS A DEATHTRAP!!!
Engine, Apr 8, 2022
Coolant Intrusion I bought the 2016 Ford Fusion 1/8/2022. Three days into ownership, check engine light came on. Ed Morse Ford of Lebanon, MO diagnosed the car and determined "Coolant Intrusion". Due to the flawed design of the engines small block, coolant was allowed to enter into the pistons and sparks plugs. Result of the coolant intruding into the engine components, the engine was getting excessively hot and at serious risk of catching on fire and major component malfunctioning. Ed Morse Ford at their cost, did replace the engine small block and updated some seals and belts. Dealership reported the newly updated small block design was installed. The new design removes the pin holes from the top of the small block moving below the surface. Original design is a fire bomb waiting to happen and has happened.
Engine, Apr 6, 2022
Engine is leaking coolant into the second cylinder and Ford did a full tube up and did not resolve the issue but is now saying the only course of resolution is a $10,000 engine replacement. The car randomly loses power and may cut off and is a hazard to drive on highways as the power will suddenly be cut. I’ve gone online to see numerous complaints and even the Ford dealer advised this is a common issue but refuse to offer any solution or work with me as I’ve only had the car less than 2 years as the owner but am now being told what they believed to be bad spark plugs is an engine cylinder filling with coolant and they are unwilling to do any repair knowing the engine quality is as bad to begin with and opting to replace the engine for quite and expensive cost that essentially is comparable to going and buying a used car for an issue that is apparently common for their ecoboost engines.
Engine, Mar 29, 2022
Bad coolant leak into cylinders from inadequate head gasket causing performance issues and needing major repairs. Engine was pressure tested and failed with loss of 5psi in 10 minutes.
Engine, Mar 28, 2022
My son was driving home from work and his engine overheated setting off steam and displaying red warning icon. He pulled over to side of interstate which happened three times from his work to independent car repair service. Blessed he was not hit sitting on side of interstate or that engine didn't lock up potentially causing loss of control. Both of these issues would have put my son at risk of death or bodily injuries. Both Independent Car Service and Ford Dealership confirmed failure caused by engine head gasket flange design flaw allowing coolant into cylinder head. This resulted in having to have the engine replaced which Ford declined to cover. Ford has recently changed this flawed head gasket flange design to prevent coolant from entering cylinders. It's difficult for me to understand why Ford or NHTSA hasn't taken action on this issue that can potentially put lives at risk. There are multiple years of Ford Vehicle platforms and engines that have this same faulty design. I have multiple children driving and I will make sure not to put them in a vehicle that puts them in potential harm. Regards
Engine, Mar 10, 2022
My vehicle is currently overheating. As I started checking and inspecting my car I noticed leaks into my cylinders. I went online and notices many forms of discussion as Ford owners requesting a class action to resolve this issue. This can be very expensive as I may have to repair my motor.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
I had a check engine light appear on the dash. I took the vehicle to AutoZone to have the warning read. The reading came back as a misfiring spark plug. I had an appointment to get the spark plugs changed during my next oil change. A few days after I had the engine light read, the check engine light turned off. It was off for 1-2 days and then came back on. A few days later, while I was driving, I had a warning light that the vehicle was overheating. I pulled over and checked the coolant and the reservoir was empty. There were no signs of leaking coolant (externally). I let the vehicle cool and added coolant. At this point, I tried to start the vehicle and the vehicle wouldn't start. I had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to have it looked at. They indicated that the coolant was leaking into the engine and recommended having the vehicle towed to Ford for a detailed diagnosis. Ford diagnosed the vehicle and indicated that the engine needed to be replaced. All within a span of 10 days.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
This engine needs to be recalled. Ford shame on you. You know there is a problem with the coolant and by not taking care of the people who were deceived in buying your vehicle is so horrible
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
On February 20, 2022 I was driving down a busy road when my car out of nowhere just started jerking and would not accelerate. I was stuck in the middle of the road while cars had to slam on breaks and go around me. My car would not move. I had to then turn my car off and restart it in order to get it to a parking lot for safety. I didn't have, and still don't have any warning lights on the dashboard that indicated anything was wrong or going on with my vehicle. I had to have it towed to my mechanic who confirmed my transmission was "shot". It was done. I have always kept up on maintenance and oil changes on my car.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
Check engine light came on but no symptoms at that point. Mechanic pulled codes and replaced plugs. Car started skipping and starting harder, so brought in again. Replaced coil on cyl 4. And also used fuel cleaner in case fuel injector was clogged. Still no change except that the heat was not working. After a week or so. Called mechanic who said it sounded like coolant may be low so filled it and made appt. To replace fuel injector. Replaced that and noticed that coolant was low again. Star still skipping and starting hard. Brought it back and he mentioned coolant may be leaking into cylinder and they’d check if gasket blown/cracked. I expressed frustration and asked if I should bring to Ford. He said yes and actually reimbursed me $638. I made appt at Ford but they were a month out. Then I brought to friends mechanic and told him story and he determined it was definitely leaking into cylinder and likely will need new engine. Told me about TSB and all the complaints. Said I should bring to Ford to do work in case recall is issued and I’d get reimbursed.
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
Coolant leak into cylinder 3 due to defective 2.0L Ecoboost engine. Requires complete engine replacement.
Engine, Dec 21, 2021
Common issue with 2.0 ecoboost engines, coolant is leaking into cylinders. Caused engine to over heat causing a possible fire issue. There were no signs other than engine started to run rough. Vehicle still runs but smokes out exhaust.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while she was stopped at a red light, the vehicle temporarily shuddered and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that she saw smoke coming out of the exhaust of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the short block needed to be replaced due to a coolant leak. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would assist with the repair of the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
Purchased a 2016 Ford Fusion SE in July of 2021. First week I had the car the engine didnt crank/start. Took it to the dealership that I bought it from they sent me to their mechanic and was told nothing was wrong with it. Happened the third week of purchase went back to the dealership and was told to use my warranty and to take it to Ford. Took it to Ford and was told it had high resistance in my negative terminal in the battery. (First attempt August 2021) I was charged $400 to get the corrosion clean and put a coat on the terminal for protection. A week later my engine didnt start again. Had this problem for several weeks,one day the engine would start the next it wouldnt. I called Ford and was told to bring it back. (Second attempt Oct 2021) Ford told me they diagnosed the car and didnt find any codes to lead to the problem. Kept telling me the engine was starting when they had it but when i went to pick it up it wouldnt for me. (Third attempt Nov 2021) Went picked my car up from Ford on a Monday morning because it was ready and that they still didnt find anything wrong with it and it was starting up just fine. Leaving from work Monday night engine didnt start had to get it towed again to Ford Tuesday morning. I have called Ford headquarters to file a complaint. Do not purchase a Fusion they are terrible cars and Ford theirselves cant even find out what the issue is with the vehicle.
Engine, Dec 2, 2021
As with all other ford 2.0l Ecoboost engine. There apparently is a design flaw causing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Which would require a new engine per Ford.