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, Nov 29, 2025
Rear view camera goes crazy when in reverse, sometimes shows a blank white screen, sometimes a message appears that the camera is not available and to contact a dealer, it will randomly activate while driving forward sometimes immediately after putting it in drive and other times after driving forward sometimes immediately a while after continuously driving for a while without having put it in reverse at at point. It also has no sound through any setting: radio, satellite, or Bluetooth
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2025
My 2016 ford fusion eco boost suddenly began overheating and the sensor would go off then on. I can’t even drive 10 feet. This problem has been consistently happening even after multiple repairs.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2025
I am writing to report a widespread issue with the hands-free phone function in vehicles equipped with the Ford Sync System. The phone button used to connect a mobile device for hands-free calling does not work properly. Because of this malfunction, I am unable to use my phone in a hands-free manner while operating my vehicle, which creates a potential safety hazard and increases the risk of distracted driving. This issue appears to be common among other owners with the same Sync System, suggesting a possible defect in design or software. Since this feature is intended as a safety measure to help drivers stay focused on the road, I believe it should be investigated and repaired under a recall. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2025
- Window motor passanger side not working unable to close window. 2023 - Sync system not working after battery and key changed by dealership. 2021 - Rearview Camera no display found - lighter port in console over heats
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2025
The backup camera was intermittently showing no image and now it says "Camera unavailable. Contact your dealer." This impacts the safety of myself and others while backing up the vehicle. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer yet but it can be reproduced if requested. The intermittent loss of image started last week and slowly led to the camera no longer working at all.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2025
My back up camera has the same issues that Ford listed in their recall. My screen is black at times when backing up. My camera doesn't always pop up when backing up, my normal screen will stay on as of I'm not backing up. I have had the black screen with a notice that says my camera isn't working and I need to contact my dealership.
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2025
Rear Backup camera in faulty. Cuts in and out. I've had numerous incidents where I've almost hit people and cars. This problem is going to cause me to have an accident or hit someone
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2025
The backup camera on our 2016 Ford Fusion has worked intermittently for quite some time now. (Couple of years at least.) Sometimes when we shift to reverse we get a black display screen, sometimes we get a distorted image, sometimes we get a message saying no camera is available, other times it works normally. The symptoms sound like the ones described the vehicles that are involved in the current rearview camera recall. I had seen rearview camera recalls for Ford products in the past and expected our car to be covered eventually since the symptoms sounded so similar. We have not taken it for repair at our dealer as we have been waiting for a recall. Reporting it now in the hopes that the recall will be expanded to other models that seem to have similar safety issues.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
backup camera does not work all the time works only sometimes and sometimes the backup alert does not work right
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2025
My complaint is, why does my 2016 Ford Fusion 1.5L 4-Cylinder EcoBoost Engine continue to be excluded from these major recalls? It's not fair as I deserve to have my engine, clock spring, & my rear view camera replaced just like the other Ford vehicles! I purchased my 2016 Fusion in 2018 & only a couple of years later I started having problems with the rear view camera but the dealership said that it wasn't covered under the warranty. I have always smelled engine coolant & oil but was always told that there is nothing leaking on the ground so there's nothing to worry about. Also I reached out to you guys in 2024 with the Gmail address of [XXX] ) about my steering wheel clock spring & never heard anything back, so I purchased a new one on [XXX] & replaced it myself when it arrived. Also earlier that day, I had my valve cover replaced at Brad Howell Ford in Kokomo, IN because I have been constantly losing oil & smelling oil burning. Even after that, I continued to smell oil & engine coolant but still get told that there's nothing leaking. Well my next oil change after that, I told them to check again because I had to add more oil, & that's when they determined that it was the turbo drain tube, which they replaced on Nov.5, 2024. That stopped the oil smell, but I continued to smell engine coolant which I continued to report to them, & at each oil change, they continued to top off the engine coolant. On Aug. 12, 2025 Brad Howell Ford decided to run a camera down into my cylinders & discovered that there's oil & coolant leaking down into my #2 cylinder. I contacted Tonia Frataccia, Customer Experience Specialist, Ford CX/Team, & I was told that my VIN# didn't make the recall list & that's why my engine wasn't replaced. It's not fair as my vehicle has the same defective engine & parts as the other recall vehicles & I deserve to have my car repaired also at Fords expense. Please help me, I need my car. Thank you for listening. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
A few years ago our camera on our 2016 Ford fusion started acting up. Going in and out, sometimes blank. I actually filled a complaint out before. I have noticed recalls on cameras but not our vehicle or even year. Now I saw one yesterday or this morning that listed my year but not model. I forgot to mention above that it also goes completely opposite. This is a major issue and concern. It has almost caused accidents especially in parking lots. No incidents YET. People love walking behind cars backing out and this is a deadly combination waiting to happen
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
I read this following article: [XXX] My 2016 Ford Fusion experiences this issue. I was curious why the Fusion is not included in the recall? Thank you. [XXX] c- [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
Backup camera has failed. Again. It was first replaced in 2020 under extended warranty. Now it has failed again.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
Backup camera inverts and blanks out. Other ford vehicles have this issue and have recall notices. 2016 Ford Fusions do not have this recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2025
I was driving on the expressway. My car Went into limp mode it didn’t stall completely out, but I was not able to accelerate any eventually the wheel became tight. every light came on.. I made it safely off the expressway. My car would not start the ODB port is not reading. I’ve taken it to several mechanics all of them say that it’s my PCM. They said my PCM needs to be reprogrammed. There’s currently an active recall from my exact car but when I search my vin It tells me I have no active recalls.
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2025
The trunk opens on its own intermittently. When I try to close the trunk, it will not stay closed and a clicking sound can be heard. This has been going on for almost three years. I took the vehicle to our family mechanic, and he drove my vehicle for 30 days to run shop errands hoping the trunk would open and he could determine the malfunction. Unfortunately, the trunk did not mysteriously open for him. I have even had the trunk open when I was not home and a neighbor called to alert me. The trunk would not stay closed, so I directed them to place a piece of heavy lumber on the trunk to keep the trunk at least in the down position. When I begin to drive the car, the trunk will open on its own. I'm deathly afraid the trunk will open while I am traveling on the highway and is a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2025
Backup camera intermittently goes out for a few seconds when backing up, resulting in a blank screen. Putting the driver at risk of property damage or injuring others. I have a small dog & am aftaid of i juring him when backing into driveway. The issue has been recreated by independent service tech but not inspected by any parties. The components/vehicle are available for inspection. There are no warnings or symptoms that I have observed prior to camera cutting out.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2025
When in reverse the backup camera glitches sometime, it doesn’t even come on. There’s a knocking under the hood. I’ve been told that is the fuel pump . After getting gas and trying to turn the ignition back on it stalls, it takes sometimes 3 to 4 tries before getting it started. After having repairs done to brakes, tires, and more, the ABS light is still on and sometimes the brakes act like they don’t wanna stop. I only have a picture where the camera is not working. It’s glitching. I’ve taken it to shops, but forgot to get the invoice to know in reference to everything else that’s going on. I haven’t made any repairs yet that’s in the works.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2025
purchased a used vehicle. At the time of purchase, there were no visible issues with the car. However, approximately 20 days later, a significant jerking and knocking problem related to the transmission appeared. Due to this issue, I stopped using the vehicle for a while. After consulting with a mechanic, I was informed that the transmission needs to be replaced. As of now, the car is struggling significantly to move. When I turn the ignition, the engine starts, but the vehicle does not move. If I turn the ignition off and restart it, it may move slightly after shaking the vehicle, but then it quickly stops and displays an error again. In this condition, the vehicle is not drivable. Unfortunately, the person I bought the car from refused to accept any responsibility or take the car back, despite my clear communication about the issue. Additionally, the following issues have also started to occur: The steering wheel becomes stiff suddenly. This resolves temporarily after turning the ignition off and on again. The brake pedal sometimes vibrates as if it’s losing pressure. I can clearly feel this under my foot while braking. Sensor malfunctions have also started to appear. The current condition of the vehicle poses serious safety and functionality concerns. Unfortunately, I am not financially able to cover any additional repair costs. Therefore, I would like to know if there is anything legally or technically that can be done regarding this matter. Otherwise, I will be forced to sell this vehicle as scrap. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance. Sincerely,
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jun 15, 2025
While backing up, the rear came will show a black screen on the display or a message to contact the dealership. This isn't a constant issue, but comes whenever. I took it to the dealership a few years ago, but because it wasn't happening then, they said there was nothing they could do.
Seat belts, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2025
Rear passenger seat belt will not release lock/tension/broken. Will not allow rear occupants to buckle in. Safety issue. Seems to happen on most 2013+ ford vehicles specifically trims like titanium with a 'inflatable belt" This issue should be recalled free of charge, It is a major safety issue not to be able to use a seatbelt. The best remedy would be inspect and replacement of broken components. Both occurred over 80k miles one being a truck (entirely different vehicle)
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
Backup camera seldom works. It will often display an error once gear is shifted into reverse that the camera is unavailable. Other times it will glitch into a blue screen and then display the error message, or it I’ll work with no issue. This issue began about three weeks ago.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2025
Back Up Camera cuts in and out, sometimes works correctly, other times doesn't come on at all, other times comes on and in the middle of backing up shuts off, this has been going on for years and now I am seeing recalls by Ford of other models being recalled for back-up camera failures and I believe the recall should include 2016 Ford Fusions
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2025
The back up camera does absolutely nothing to notify the driver if it's getting too close to something or someone. It does not show the green, yellow or red lines as you're reversing and it does not even beep when approaching something too closely. It's just there. No purpose. There luckily had been no incidents so I put today's date as I fill in this form.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2025
The rear camera change to black screen