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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 22, 2025
Our 1.5 EcoBoost engine overheated on 3/20/25, my daughter was driving and the vehicle started shaking and it slowed way down, for a moment she feared for her life, she said it had a message and the check engine symbol was illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate, when she got it was leaking coolant and white smoke, I took my OBDII scanner, one code was P1299 Cylinder Over temp Protection Active, it now emits white smoke and overheats and looses fluid. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 1.5L EcoBoost - Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL - Built On Or Before 10-Jun-2019 20- 2100 01 April 2020 This bulletin supersedes 19-2375. Reason for update: Replace Awareness/Interim Message Model: Ford 2014-2019 Fusion Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost 2017-2019 Escape Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost Summary This article supersedes TSB 19-2375 to update the Service Procedure and Parts List. Issue: Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the short block and head gasket. Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: • One of the following vehicles: - 2014-2019 Fusion built on or before 10-Jun-2019 - 2017-2019 Escape built on or before 08-Apr-2019 • 1.5L EcoBoost engine • At least one of the following conditions: - Low coolant level - White exhaust smoke - Runs rough condition with or without an illuminated MIL with only DTCs P0300, P0301- P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in PCM
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Mar 11, 2025
air bag light comes on sometimes not other car panic alarm goes off at random times backup camera sometimes work sometimes glitches
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2025
My trunk pops open randomly and will not stay shut
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
I was parked in a parking spot in a parking lot and put my car in reverse to back out. As I was backing out my gear shifter cable snapped and I could not put my car back into any other gear. This caused me to be stopped in the middle of the parking lot blocking traffic. If the cable would have snapped before I was in the vehicle it would have rolled back into other vehicles, and possibly a pedestrian. I had to call a tow truck driver who was able to temporarily pop it back into gear to get it in the rollback and tow it to the nearest Ford dealership. It was confirmed at the dealership that it was in fact the gear shifter cable and this was a common problem with ford fusions and many had recalls for this exact thing, however my car was not covered under the recall. There were no warning signs of prior issues to this problem and just happened.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2024
Trunk automatically opens while driving numerous times. Pulled over when able and noticed that the actuator clicks continuously until I turned the car off.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2024
Without warning, my car got stuck in reverse while backing out of a parking spot. I could not shift the vehicle into any gear. I was stuck in the middle of a parking lot blocking traffic. Upon inspection, the Transmission shifter cable bushing was broken off causing the shifter cable to be dislodged from the actual transmission shifter. Same year, make and model have been recalled but not my VIN.
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2024
The coolant leaks into the engine, causing misfiring, overheating, and sputtering.The following message is the displayed on the dashboard. "Engine Coolant Over Temperature". When this happens, the happens the vehicle barely moves with smoke from the hood. As a result I no longer use the car. I called Ford customer service for remedy and was told that existing recalls are VIN specific and applies to my vehicle. My VIN is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2024, crash
The rear camera works when it want the transmission to sound and make sudden movements
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2024
I was sold this car in 7/2023. I have replaced the transmission 2x now, the flex plate has broken, the brakes have needed replaced 2x. I was sold a lemon vehicle and now the car has a negative equity of $11,000 and I'm completely screwed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2024
This is second time my transmission was bad in a ford
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2024
The trunk randomly pops open at random times. From the vehicle to being parked or driving down the highway. Multiple mechanics as well as Ford have stated they are unable to locate any problems. Once it is popped it takes 30-45 seconds for the clipping to stop before the trunk will close again. Often it will immediately re open and I have to go through this cycle 3-4 times before it stays closed until the next incident
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
Trunk opening by itself.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2024
The car started to jerk as I was driving. Sometimes it's OK other times it starts when I accelerate like it goes out of gear came on. I did try to take it to AutoZone with the light had already gone off. I also took it diagnostic. they said that I could Transmission control module issue. I change my battery voltage. Immediately battery this resolved the problem for about 30 minutes and then the process started over again. Insecure driving this vehicle at this point I have read online. This is an issue 2016 Ford fusion I need help .
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2024
The ABS System light , The traction off and on at the same time, the advanced track light, and finally the tire pressure monitor fault I belive is what it says. The lights came on one day when I crossed over railroad tracks that were a little rough nothing that should damage anything on a vehicle. one after another the lights began coming on. The steering is very tight and makes it hard to drive. When I go over bumps or any uneveness in the roadway the car will shift making the steering wheel jerk and the car to swerve. When you push on the brakes at times it feels like they are skipping and making a weird skipping sound as well. I thought it was needing the brakes so I got all for sides new brakes and rotors. That did not help either. I had a diagnostic scan done the car but it did not pick up anything but an h20 sensor so I got that repaired. I don't know why this is happening and I'm a single mother/grandmother. I cannot afford to spend a lot of money trying to fix these issues.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2024
When audio system is turned on or volume is turned on, loud cracking booming and static noise comes through at random moments. More noise occurs while driving 55+ but still occurs when idiling. The audio occurrence has almost caused several accidents since its loud ear piercing noises that comes from speakers. I have taken it to the ford technician to no avail. Due to other forums this is a issue with most fusions. The noises started occurring after my back up camera was replaced.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 30, 2024
There is an Unrepaired Recall associated with my car. The Manufacturer Recall Number is 23S12. The NHTSA Recall Number is 23V162. The https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls website instructed me to file an online complaint if the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner.
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2024
Went somewhere in my car. Got out the door wouldn’t latch. Had to drive it home with a broken latch. That in itself is a safety issue! It very well could have broken while I was going down the road at 55mph. I was just lucky it didn’t. I stopped at one mechanic, he said there was a manufacturer recall, the dealership where I got the car won’t honor the recall. They are making me pay $150 diagnostic fee to look at and fix. I’m f course that doesn’t include parts and labor to fix. All that is extra. I may need to take out a loan at the bank to pay for it all.
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
The driver side door latch will not close. This is apparently a recall being enforced in only certain states. My car was bought, and registered in Pennsylvania, and is not covered by the 2 previous recalls for this issue. I do not know why Ford won't cover a door latch repair. The door literally won't close, so the car is not secure and also cannot be driven in this condition. We've tried all methods to get the door to close, none work. Contacted both Ford Customer Service and our local Dealership Fred Beans Ford in Mechanicsburg, PA, and both refused to remedy the complaint.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2024
The component that failed was the flex plate. It is available for inspection at this exact moment, but it’s scheduled to be fixed next week. The safety issue is that it’s intermittently providing adequate power to the engine and causing the vehicles steering to shake violently. The vehicle was inspected by certified Ford dealership and it was proven to reproduce the problem. There were no warning lights on the dashboard and the problem first presented itself 3/07/24.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2024
So multiple times in this past year I have been driving my car as normal and when I approach an intersection, decreased my speed, then proceed to accelerate in order to move forward or turn ... while pressing the accelerator its like i have no power.. it goes into a limp mode. There is nothing that triggers this is behavior. It has occurred multiple times. It has occurred as I have came off the interstate and sat at intersection and also while in city limits. It has happened a handful of times and its not producing any engine light indicators when this is happening. I typically turn off car and then have to turn it back on for it to work again. This is extremely scary for myself and dangerous. I'm concerned about the safety of myself , my family, and other drivers on the road. Failing to accelerate properly at intersection could cause a collision. I've almost been rearended / caused traffic concern & delays attempting to maneuver my car safely off the to the side of road. I've seen multiple comments online about the same issue I took it to Ford Garage and they didn't know what it was and say it may be throttle body but their not sure. They were just guessing. I was also told they would try to see if it was covered under warranty but they weren't sure but I never heard back. They told me I could call but I was waiting on them to call. I also spoke to advance auto who said it may be Throttle body and/or acceleration pedal sensor. I am financing this car and honestly it has less than 60,000 miles and shouldn't be having these issues.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2024
I was driving my car when i saw an emergency sign on the dashboard telling to safely park. then the car could only drive using the power generated by the electric battery and when the battery went out of power the car could not switch to gas to use the engine power I was on san mateo bridge when it happen I could feel the car rolling back on a park gear.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the throttle. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who replaced the coil valve, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,550.