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: steering
184 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Nov 9, 2023
On affected vehicles, the steering-wheel bolt may not maintain enough pressure, allowing it to loosen over time. As a result, the steering wheel may detach.
Steering, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the steering wheel was not functioning properly and had become extremely loose. The contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, nearly causing a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the retaining bolt was loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Oct 20, 2023
Was driving and my wheel was hard to turn the wheel. Had to get a tow truck to pull it to my house. No lights didn’t show on the board indicating that there were any issues but, I can’t and haven’t been able to drive my car since the wheel locked.
Steering, Sep 27, 2023
The steering wheel has became severely loose to the point of almost detached. Ford claims there is no recall on this part for this model, however I've read that many people have had this problem. It is a high safety concern.
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel tightened as if the power steering assist had failed. The failure occurred and then self-corrected intermittently. The failure had become persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the coverage of the repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 1, 2023
This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads STEERING ASSIST FAULT. Service required. As well as Service Advance Trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or snow. In each situation all it took was me pulling off road and resetting the car by turning engine off and then turning it back on. I have take it to a Ford dealership near me and they ran a full diagnostics but couldnt find anything really wrong with it but it continues to happen at least once a month. Ive read similar incidents with Ford Fusion owners on Google and they werent sure as I that if it was the brake sensor or ABS Module that needs to be replaced. Any assistance or advice you could give me would be appreciated.
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loosened. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly, and the vehicle had become undriveable. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall. No further information was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Aug 19, 2023
I have an electric power, steering rack and assist and it failed on the way to Pennsylvania to visit my daughter and grandchildren. I had to drive an additional 42 miles with no power steering. There was a recall, supposedly completed for the bolts in the Assist, and I no longer have a warranty on this. it was fine until 5 hours into my trip.
Steering, Jul 29, 2023
Power steering fault
Steering, Jul 27, 2023
I was driving to a friends house when my car start to make a dinging sound, and on the dashboard it said that power steering was lost, and to pull over safely. When i tried to turn the car on and off again to see if it might have been a glitch, the wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it, without almost breaking it. If i want going to my friends house when it happened, my car would have been in an accident on a highway going towards my house, possibly causing multiple injuries and accidents since it happened late in the afternoon almost night time. I went to have it looked at by a mechanic and they said it could possibly be the rack and pinion when they ran the codes. The only warning i got was that my car was saying that the hill assist parking was turned off, even though i never turned it off.
Steering, Jul 7, 2023
The steering wheel is suddenly incredibly loose and while in park the steering wheel will rotate but the tires do not move with the steering wheel. While driving the steering wheel suddenly gets caught on something and will hold the steering wheel in place while turning the steering wheel. I have not the slightest idea on why this is happening but it is very concerning.
Steering, Jul 7, 2023
When driving straight the steering wheel was turned to the right, after I turned the steering wheel a couple of turns the steering wheel and the car was driving straight. the stirring wheel was wobbly. I took it to a dealer they tightened up the steering wheel. no warning signs
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2023
WHILE DRIVING TRYING TO MAKE A TURN...MY STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND I ALMOST RAN INTO A PARKED CAR BECAUSE MY POWER STEERING JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN FAILED!!! HOW DOES THAT..JUST HAPPEN? SO MY POWER STEERING ASSIST AND MY SERVICE ADVANCED TRAC LIGHT CAME ON.. AFTER THIS HAPPENED..! UNACCEPTABLE..I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLE..SO I SEE THERE WERE A WHOLE LOT OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING...AND WOULD LIKE FORD DEALER TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATLY...THIS IS UNSAFE. IM IN CHICAGO.
Steering, Jul 5, 2023
The power steering assist on my car completely shut off while I was on the highway. I almost got into multiple head-on collisions trying to get the car back home, and I have not been able to drive it since. The part that is faulty is very common in 2016 Ford Fusions, under the recall number #19S26. However, for some reason Ford is saying the recall is not available anymore to me, because it passed prior inspection two years ago when I bought the car. There were warnings as the steering shut off to stop the car, letting me know that I had power steering loss. I know from personal research that Ford should offer a recall for this, especially since they "inspected" it before letting me purchase the car, just 24 months ago. I spent $14000 on a relatively new car, and now they are charging $4500 to fix this part that was originally recalled. They either repaired it wrong, or there should be a recall administered for the repair. Thank you for your help
Steering, May 18, 2023
While at a stop trying to make left hand turn steering assist disabled appeared and steering wheel locked up.
Steering, May 1, 2023
The contact's fiancé owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, with the ABS, power steering assist, and traction control warning lights illuminated. On one occasion, the contact stated that the vehicle slid into a ditch as a result of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Steering, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became still and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact’s wife was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the EPS system failed and needed to be replaced. The unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,156.
Steering, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a right turn the steering wheel became dislodge and loosened. The contact stated that the steering wheel was not functioning correctly. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) and offered no additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the bolt in the steering column was worn. The steering column bolt was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel loosened and wiggled from side to side. 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 approximately 80,000.
Steering, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he became aware that the steering wheel was loose. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated there were several unknown warning lights illuminated with unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s daughter's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed and attempting to shift to the next lane, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to get to the side of the highway and turn off and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Start Assist Not Available message was displayed. The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment however, there was no available appointment for at least a week. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Steering, Power train, May 11, 2022
The power steering goes out randomly, mostly when it is hot outside or on the interior. It is not included in the current recall for this issue, however it needs to be. It happened in 2021 and now is still happening in 2022. No issues prior to the failure until power steering alert goes off. I have almost crashed multiple times due to this failure.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 27, 2022
While I am driving, the "Service AdvanceTrac" light comes on and flashes between these two error messages: "Hillside Start Assist Not Available" "Check Rear Park Aid" While these lights are flashing, the ABS light, airbag light, and the stability control light all come on and stay on, as well as the power steering goes out. This happens at random times, driving on expressways, in local stop and go traffic. In addition, the times the lights are not blinking and power steering is out, the brake pulses when you use it as if the ABS system was triggered- but for no reason. The road is fine, driving conditions are perfect--- no reason at all for it to happen. I bought the car from Dana Ford in August 2020 and brought it in over 6 times for this problem. Dana Ford had my car for well over 6 of the first 9 months I had it, and it was never fixed while under warranty. They claimed when they took it on a test drive, there was no problem, even though they told me they can see all the error messages the car gives on their computers and even though I have many many pictures and videos of the problem. I"m driving around with kids in the car, and my steering goes out, and if that isnt happening, my brakes are pulsing and skipping. Dana Ford jerked me around until my warranty was up---never fixing it.
Steering, Apr 8, 2022
AdvanceTrac System Malfunctioning 3 times while driving the AdvanceTrac system has malfunctioned while turning. Each incident, the Service AdvanceTrac light has come on mid turn, causing steering wheel to feel tight, not sure turn able in the moment, everything happens in a second or two. Two of the 3 incidents of AdvanceTrac abruptly disabling itself resulted in close calls with me almost not completing my turn safely and coming close to colliding with other vehicles on the roadway. Hill Assist and AdvanceTrac turn off causing multiple dash lights and warnings. I took the car today to Ed Morse Ford, Lebanon MO for diagnosis. I was told by the service department that because I had turned the car off, no error code could be scanned on the AdvanceTrac. In addition, a mechanic drove the vehicle and could not duplicate the issue. Service department indicated the "probable cause" was a steering assembly needed to be replaced at the cost of $2700. No explanation of how the mechanic made this determination without being able to duplicate the issue. I was told the AdvanceTrak system is not connected to the check engine system (the system that does store codes and errors) so there was nothing they could verify without duplication, yet again, wanted $2700 for a major component switch out. AdvanceTrak is Ford's proprietary property, yet is has no consumer safe guards to monitor any system defects- completely unacceptable and unsafe.