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, Oct 16, 2024
I was driving the vehicle couple of weeks ago and I began to notice that I did not have any power when pressing on the brake and that the engine was beginning to buckle I came to a stop and it continued to run very roughly I had trouble driving a half mile home when I got into driveway a great deal of white smoke was coming out of the back of it vehicle I was able to restart it the next day but the same thing happened I took it to my mechanic and he confirmed that the engine is having radiator fluid leaked into the cylinders which is a very common problem I find what the echo engines at Ford produced for this vehicle and others when my mechanic called a Ford expert he was told that it's just best to replace the engine since the repairing the present damage doesn't work.
Engine, Oct 16, 2024
I have a 2016 Fusion SE w/ 1.5 ecoboost. I have to check and add coolant every time it's driven. It shows cylinder 2 misfire. It loses power and runs very rough. The check engine light turns on and will turn off without being reset. It might stay off a day or two but then turns back on. While driving down the highway last Friday it started chugging and jerking and i lost power making it difficult to steer. The safety issue I see is the sudden loss of power while driving 55 with cars behind me and also coming at me. My check engine light turned on and was flashing as this happened. Ive never seen it flash before. I had it to a mechanic about a year ago because the check engine light. This is when i was informed about the tsb regarding the coolant issue. I called the Ford dealership and they said my vin wasnt one affected but clearly it is. Yes it's available for inspection upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 10, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 5 MPH. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact's mother pulled over and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2269 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke, And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, and the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Engine, Oct 7, 2024
The engine failed as coolant leaked into cylinder 3 causing a misfire/malfunction. The check engine light came on intermittently along with an alert that said the coolant was over temperature, a week prior to the failure. I then took the vehicle into Tires Plus on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines Iowa where they did a full fuel system check and replaced the spark plug. At the time of taking it in, the warning lights mentioned above were not on. 3 days later the check engine light came on and wouldn’t go off. The other warning light was still popping up intermittently. I then scheduled another appointment with tires plus to check out the car again. Unfortunately 4 days later I was driving the vehicle and all of the sudden the vehicle wouldn’t accelerate properly. The engine was failing. I had the vehicle towed to West Side Auto Pros in Clive, Iowa where they determined that coolant had leaked into the engine. There is already a recall out for the ford fusion eco boost engine of my year. I am just looking to get it extended to my engine type as I do not have the eco boost. I have not had the vehicle inspected by a ford dealership but am happy to have it towed over there if it means that I can get a new engine. My safety was at risk because I was in the interstate when the engine began to fail. I barely made it off the interstate, and into a parking lot. I was at a severe risk of getting hit thanks to the bad engine.
Engine, Oct 3, 2024
There is a very common problem with the fusions on coolant intruding into the engine. This problem needs to get fixed as it is a Ford problem.
Steering, Parking brake, Engine, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on two occasions while the vehicle was parked, the check engine, ABS, parking brake, traction on/off, and power train warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2024
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which I purchased in late June 2024. Despite the ongoing issues with my vehicle, it does not appear on the NHTSA recall list, even though many other Ford owners are experiencing similar problems. Recently, I encountered severe symptoms, including a persistent coolant leak and a puff of white smoke from the tailpipe. Initially, the dealership diagnosed the issue as a simple battery problem related to a cylinder 4 misfire. Following their advice, I spent nearly $500 on a new battery and diagnostic fees. Unfortunately, after driving the car, the engine light reappeared, indicating that the initial diagnosis was insufficient. Upon further inspection, the technician found a puddle of coolant on top of piston 4, which suggests a significant internal problem. This situation mirrors complaints from other Ford owners regarding their EcoBoost engines, even though my hybrid engine is not classified as EcoBoost. I am concerned about the lack of action regarding these issues, especially since they pose serious safety risks. Additionally, I have been informed by Ford that an engine tear-down is necessary to diagnose the full extent of the problem. If deemed not covered under my warranty, I will be responsible for $1,710 for the tear-down alone, with an estimated cost of around $11,000 for a new engine. As a college student with limited income from a part-time job, I cannot afford these expenses. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and consider the broader implications for all affected Ford vehicles. I look forward to your prompt response. These unresolved issues not only threaten my safety but also potentially endanger others on the road. My repeated attempts to seek support from Ford have been met with inadequate responses, leaving me frustrated and without a clear path forward. I urge the NHTSA to investigate my case and consider a broader review of similar Ford vehicles
Engine, Sep 26, 2024
Engine replaced under recall in 2021 due to coolant intrusion issue. Replaced with similar faulty engine. This is a possible fire hazard. Ford will do NOTHING. Its unacceptable that an 8 year- old car needs a third engine. Worst service EVER. Putting my daughters life at risk.
Engine, Sep 26, 2024
Engine replaced under recall in 2021 due to coolant intrusion issue. Replaced with similar faulty engine. This is a possible fire hazard. Ford will do NOTHING. It's unacceptable that an 8 year-old car needs a third engine. Worst service EVER. Putting my daughter's life at risk
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and the engine coolant over temperature warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,761.
Engine, Sep 24, 2024
Coolant intrusion..
Engine, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine, Sep 22, 2024
Engine started to misfire at 70k miles, took to a shop and had to get an engine replaced. As a college student, a $7,000 bill put me behind in school. This is a common issue on the 1.5 and 2.0 ecoboost engine and Ford knows it's a problem, hints the engine redesign in 2019.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. However, after traveling a short distance, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who determined that the turbo only required cleaning. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter resulting in damages to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2024
The car locked in Neutral but the gear shift is locked in Park. The bushel broke, which was a recall on my make and model but does not show when I search for recalls on my vehicle.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Ford has multiple bulletins for 2016 Fusion - EcoBoost Engine. Ford dealer did not address any of the issues upon numerous service visits. Despite engine light being on. Suffered catastrophic failure of engine resulting in loss of power while driving.
Engine, Sep 3, 2024
According to the Ford dealership, I am missing a piece of a gasket which is causing coolant issues. I was told that there was a flaw with the engine design on my vehicle wherein instead of repairing/replacing the gasket, an entire engine is needed- making my vehicle a total loss now. When questioned if this was the result of anything I did or could have prevented, I was informed that this was not anything I caused or could be avoided as Ford created a faulty engine design.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
I have a coolant intrusion on cylinder number three. It is a Ford defect. It should be Under recall
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2024, crash
The rear camera works when it want the transmission to sound and make sudden movements
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the same failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated, and the engine temperature became elevated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact stated that after repairing the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0150. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2024
Had a coolant leak which further damaged my whole engine. i need a new one now after only having my car for 2 years.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the shifted into LIMP Mode, with the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.