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: other or unspecified
223 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2026
My antifreeze AND oil keep going empty after driving the car after so many days..... there is no leak on the ground, and i do not smell anything inside the cab. No lights are on the dash I took it and has them plug it in just incase and the only thing that came back as a possible issue is the brake pad. Otherwise they said there was no issue However, there is an issue and no one can seem to figure out what it is!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 23, 2026
The backup camera is malfunctioning. I brought in the car to the McGovern ford dealership for repair, but they stated the remedy was not yet available. It’s been over a year with a distorted image displayed on the screen, and it causes a huge distraction/confusion while reversing. It occasionally goes black, causing a dangerous situation while reversing in public areas. It began displaying a “repair needed, contact ford dealership” notification only after the camera had been distorted. This puts pedestrians/other vehicles at risk because it inaccurately displays where they are/ how close in proximity they are to my reversing vehicle. I have to turn my head to check my surroundings, but the distorted image displayed on the screen distracts/confuses the driver. It has been confirmed by the ford dealership.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Sep 18, 2026, crash
The component that fail was the backup camera, and the dashboard screen was black. I was looking at the screen backing up, and I seen that the camera was black and had like colorful lines on it, and also my screen. One side was like a black spot inside of their screen on the deck of the radio. I proceeded to back up and turn my wheel and that’s when I a bump and grinding sound. Therefore, once I stopped backing up, I got out the car in my passenger rear bumper was hanging down, and I had a dent & white paint is coming up the side of the back passenger rear end. The paint that came on the rear passenger side was from me begging into the pole. I have called several times teo different Ford dealerships to see if they have the part for my car the camera & dash screen. Unfortunately, I was informed that the part have not came in and then I need to wait until another notice but I seem to have an accident since I called in April of this year 2026, and I also called in May and now I have had accident in June from this problem. Ford should have the parts or replace with updated parts. Due to this I am scared of backing into something else. I hope Ford can fix this recall on my Ford Fusion. Instead of getting legal advice for this issue. I just would like for this recall be resolved.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2026
I own a 2016 Ford Fusion that is included in NHTSA Recall Campaign 25V695 and Ford Recall Campaign 25SA9 concerning rearview/backup camera failure. The backup camera intermittently fails to display video when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. Instead of showing the view behind the vehicle, the display shows an error message. This problem has been occurring intermittently for the past few years. I received notification of the recall inXXX. In XXX I contacted Loveland Ford in [XXX], regarding the recall repair and was told that Ford expected parts to be available in XXX. On SXXX, I again contacted Loveland Ford and was told that they did not have any timeframe for when parts would be available. The most recent backup-camera failure occurred on XXX (pictures attached). When the camera fails, the driver loses the rearward video view while backing and must rely only on mirrors and direct visual checks. Because the failure is intermittent, the camera cannot be relied upon to operate when needed. My [XXX] son began driving this vehicle in XXX. Reliable operation of the backup camera is especially important for a newer driver, and the continuing lack of a repair or estimated parts availability leaves an unresolved safety concern. I am submitting this complaint to document the recurring backup-camera failure and the continued unavailability of a recall remedy for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2026
The reverse rear view camera is intermittantly not working. The electrical system will often say "camera not available". There has been a recall notice for almost a year, and we are still waiting for a fix from Ford.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2026
My 2016 Ford Fusion back up camera has failed which is a safety issue. I am unable to have it repaired or replaced because Ford Motor Company hasn't made parts available. It is Aug 2026 and this recall went into effect in Oct 2025. It has almost been a year. How long is it acceptable for a company to keep from fixing a known safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2026
I was notified of a safety recall regarding the back up camera going black or not working in October of 2025. The camera does not work and the cars design makes it hard to see out of the back window when in reverse. We have contacted the dealership several times trying to get it repaired but they always just say they don't have a solution. Not sure how to proceed and could use some help getting this repaired. We are coming up on a year of the notice.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2026
Submitting safety recall that has not been addressed in a timely manner. Company still has no parts to repair safety issue that was formally identified almost 12 months ago. Issue was identified by driver prior to recall. Dealer continues to have no anticipated timeframe of when parts or reasonable repair will be available for identified safety issue despite calling every few months for more than a year.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2026
The back up camera recall has been open since 10/2025 . I was backing up using the camera than it just went blank
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 15, 2026
The rearview is not working consistently and caused me to back into a pole.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jul 8, 2026, crash
My rear view camera hasn’t worked since October 2025 and I’ve had multiple incidents where I’m reversing and almost hit a pedestrian.. This is a big problem for me because im used to having my rear view camera.. I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to find a simple fix to this issue.. I’ve waited for almost a year and still nothing.. When will this issue be resolved?.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2026
Back up camera screen is going out intermittently causing a hazardous situation
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 18, 2026
We received the notice about this recall in October 2025, more than six months ago. In our estimation, this far exceeds the reasonable amount of time that should be allotted to a company before a fix needs to be available and completed. This is a serious safety issue, and we have almost been in accidents because of the lack of camera. Dealerships have brushed us off when we asked about the status of the recall, as though it was unimportant. Is there anything we can do light a fire under Ford, or to force them to provide a replacement vehicle for us? Thank you,
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2026
For over a year my reverse camera is malfunctioning. Initially it seemed like hot days but now its almost all the time it is not working. In October it was recalled and I had my car serviced shortly after and was told they were expecting a resolution to it in December. Still no resolution.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2026
I received a recall notice in October 2025 for the back up camera on my car. As of now, there is still no remedy. This puts me and others at risk of potential injury. I have waited patiently and still no solution. Can you help me?
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 17, 2026
Back-up camera shuts off during operation. Works intermittently and never for a full operation. This is a 2016 vehicle. Ford has be unable to remedy the situation. Camera has been replaced as well as software updates installed. No fix in sight.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2026
I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any indication anything was wrong so I went to work car seemed fine, got on the high way to go pick up my grand kid after work and when I signaled to change lanes attempted to accelerate to pass, the car just hummed and my speed started to diminish and I immediately coasted to nearest exit because I could not accelerate more than 15 mies, I coasted to a strip mall turned the car off waited til I thought the car settled for a moment and attempted to start the car and when I put the car in gear it jerked but as I tried to accelerate it just hummed and no speed overc15 . So I left the car got it towed the next day to another shop because any ford dealerships I called to see if I could tow for diagnostic test said they had extensive waiting period like one had weeks before they could look at the car. So I had it towed to another car lot who had a good business rating to be told that it seems to look like something had came loose from the transmission. That i may have to get it replaced, this car starts right up, didn't give me any indication of a problem and doesn't even have a hundred thousand miles on it. Where did ford drop the ball on this car? Im very disappointed , I attempted to drive the car around the corner one day trying to explain to my neighbor the weird behavior of the car and the transmission piece I was told that cane loose, and the car ran fine for about 20 minutes even picking up speed and everything then the moment I got back on my block its like it got warm and then we had to push it back on the driveway it went back to not being able to accelerate.again
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2026
Transmission valve body w/solenoid, diagnostic
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 2, 2026
There is an issue with the reverse view camera screen is distorted and blurry. View is difficult especially when reversing.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2026
BACKUP REARVIEW CAMERA A REAR VIEW CAMERA THAT DISPLAYS A BLANK OR DISTORTED IMAGE WHILE IN REVERSE CAN REDUCE OR DISTORT THE DRIVERS VIEW OF WHAT IS BEHIND THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2026
The backup camera screen is black or dhows a distorted image and sometimes shows an error message like Camera not available. This is very dangerous!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2026
I am requesting formal escalation and review of my case due to a repeat failure of a safety recall component that has rendered my vehicle unsafe and not safely operable. My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Fusion. In 2024, a door latch safety recall repair was completed at an authorized Ford dealership. The same door latch has now failed again, causing the door to not close or latch at all, creating the same safety condition the recall was intended to correct. Both the dealership and Ford customer service have declined assistance on the basis that the recall repair was previously completed. However, this is not a new or unrelated issue — this is a repeat failure of the same safety-critical component addressed under the recall. This condition presents an ongoing safety risk, and the vehicle cannot be used safely in its current state. I have already filed a formal complaint with NHTSA documenting this repeat failure and Ford’s refusal to repair the issue. At this time, I am requesting: Review by a supervisor or escalation specialist Consideration for goodwill or recall-related assistance Resolution of this repeat safety defect without cost to me Please provide: Confirmation that this case has been escalated A written response explaining Ford’s position Any options Ford is willing to offer to address this safety concern I am requesting this review in good faith and hope Ford will stand behind its safety recall repair when the same defect has clearly reoccurred. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
We had the door latch recall fixed just over a year ago and now our door won't close. The latch is broken again and it needs to be fixed FREE
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2025
Rear camera sometimes displays black image or error message when I shift into reverse , I was notified by my insurance company there was a active recall on this specific part on the car - it has been about 2 months now and I am still unable to get to problem fixed as the parts are not available
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2025
Transition light it pulls when put into gear and lost power when trying to accelerate when driving.