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, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 3, 2023
Coolant leak into engine causing over heating 24/7, damaging and leaking into combustion chamber , spark plugs had to be replaced , engine needs another replacement after I had replaced it the first week I got it with the vehicle’s warranty, engine is at risk for engine fire and failure. Transmission shifter cable replacement, became detached and damaged, car was stuck in reverse twice and had to be towed to mechanic . Current Recall on breaks because of possible fluid leak for ford fusions , at risk for crash. Engine currently is shakey when you first start it up.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2023
My 2016 Fusion Hybrid SE. All SYNC related functions ceased to function . Cant use bluetooth. cant do voice commands. USB is not working and not charging. Radio works fine, but phone button does nothing; menu button does nothing; voice command button on steering wheel does nothing. This is a safety hazard and I know I'm not the only one having this issue.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2023
The backup camera has been cutting out recently. Just yesterday, the backup camera is displaying an image that is reversed (object on the sidewalk side (right side) of the vehicle, show up on the street side (left side) of the screen). I can no longer use the backup camera, as it is designed. The dealer has a one-month backlog on appointments, but I am taking it to a non-dealership mechanic on Monday. You will notice in the picture attached, the black car shows up on the left side of the screen, and it's actually on the right side of the car.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
The car door won’t latch & the door pops open while I’m driving. There is suppose to be a recall on the door that no one will honor !
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2023
My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Fusion SE VIN3FA6P0H79GR130351. There is currently a recall (20V177000) on 2016 Ford Fusions, however it appears that the recall does not cover my specific vehicle per Ford. In 2021 we had an incident where the driver side door latch broke/stopped functioning causing the door to swing open and the door not securing properly. Upon that incident occurring, I took the vehicle to the dealership (Duval Ford, Jacksonville Florida) for repair, at which time I was told my vehicle was not covered under the recall nor was the issue covered under warranty. Thus I paid approximately $400 to have the repair complete. Yesterday the door latch failed again, this time while driving in traffic as I was coming to a stop at an intersection. The door violently flew open as the vehicle was still moving. Had there been someone standing or walking in the median, the door would have hit them. Upon stopping I attempted to secure the door but it will not secure and just stays open. It will be required to again pay to repair this major safety issue. I believe this safety issue should be covered under the current recall for the same model vehicles in this year. I am concerned that after repair this issue will occur again and could cause a major accident or great bodily harm.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Vehicle won’t start so I called my roadside/towing assistant number got someone out to do battery jump service because I been through this before twice come to find out that wasn’t the issue might needed more gas still wasn’t the issue so I got the vehicle towed to a shop it came back I needed the dealership to reprogram the vehicle they couldn’t because it wasn’t drivable so I got it towed to another shop just for them to tell me I need a new engine they didn’t know what cause the problem but just off what they seen while doing a diagnostic was low compression on all cylinders oil full and normal color (not brunt) coolant is full and clean warranty doesn’t want to cover parts that’s needed for the vehicle like cylinder head gasket check engine light always came on after repairs was fixed
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2023
Driver door opened while driving. Door latch will not secure. Remains open. There is a recall for same type of vehicle year make and model. 20S15 is the recall number.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Jul 26, 2023
My back-up camera only half works. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. My car also doesn’t alert me to when I’m getting too close to another vehicle when I backing into a parking spot. Also, the Bluetooth in my car has not worked or even connect to my phone since I first bought that car, and for this car to not even be 10 years old yet, this is ridiculous. Everyone I know has been having very similar issues. Y’all need to get it together. Is there anyway this issue can be looked into as well please? It’s be really nice to get to use all of my features I pay for. Love the car, hate this electrical bs.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2023
A year ago (2022), the passenger door latch failed for unknown reasons out of the blue. The door simply would not close. At the shop, the technician mentioned that it had mechanically and electrically failed and the door would not latch. A year later (2023), The issue is reoccuring; same (passenger) door and driver door both suddenly will not latch making the car inoperable due to safety risks. Upon research, it seems this issue is common to specific Ford models. Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid/Energi Recall Campaign # 20S15/20V177, there is an outstanding recall for certain VIN numbers but Ford refuses to cover my issue despite clear safety concern.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2023
The doors come open and will not latch back. They come open while driving. This has happened a few times, the doors currently will not shut properly.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jun 16, 2023
Our camera cuts in and out. We took it to Ford initially to run a diagnostic but they killed our battery doing the test and never finished. Now the camera is showing things opposite..our mailbox is on our right backing out but camea shows left. Same when a car pulled to our right but camera showed left and caused us a scare. Completely unreliable. It cuts off/on constantly when using it to back out and sometimes doesn't beep.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
The passenger side door latch won't latch or move into the locked position. We can't have anyone sitting the front seat because the door won't close completely. No warning lights or anything came on to indicate this would fail.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2023
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Screen for back up camera will black up within seconds of turning on. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I live in an apartment complex and the kids play outside. When back into or pulling out of a space it is a huge help to have the camera for kids who don't pay the closest attention to what is going on around them while playing. It is also disorienting when it is on & working and then suddenly turns off in the middle of reversing. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have video of it happening and it is also notated on multiple ford chat forums. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? not yet. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings prior to the glitching - on occasion during a black out a message will come up reading "backup camera unavailable, contact dealership" 6. How often - almost every time it is used over the last week.
Other or unspecified, Latches/locks/linkages, May 31, 2023
THE TRUNK ON THE FUSION RANDOMLY OPENS ON IT'S OWN, THE KEY FOB CAN BE HANGING INSIDE THE HOUSE, IT OPENS WHEN IT'S SUNNY, CLOUDY, DARK, WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED OR WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR, WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN BLOCK MY VISION BEHIND THE CAR. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. NO WARNING LIGHTS ALERT OF THE SOON TO POP OPEN TRUNK. LOOKED FOR SOLUTIONS AND NONE ARE AVAILABLE, MANY EXPERIENCE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE GONE TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY AREN'T ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2023
Camera. Sometimes the camera is on while I am driving forward and it's dangerous. Yes No No
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
Broken flex plate on transmission
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2023
Service Advanve Trac light comes on, ABS light, Air bag light, brake malfunction, the turn signals stop working and steering because a little tight, was on the high and this happen and delayed decrease in speed, turn signal available, almost caused major accident get of on an exit with no turn signal functions, this has to stop.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2022
I've noticed that coolant is leaking from somewhere in the vehicle. There's no obvious drips. I went online to see if anyone else had this issue with the specific model car and it seems as if quite a few people have had this issue. And from what I saw most people said the coolant is leaking into their cylinders. It was actually suggested that I come to this site and make this issue known because a recall is in order if that is the case. Also the recall that was listed for this vehicle before this page was never addressed or fixed on my vehicle. I would like to know how to go about getting it done.
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2022
This past July my front passenger door would not latch, I was unable to close and secure the door. I called San Tan Ford, and they initially said this was a known problem with my make and model and that there was a recall on the door latches. When I went down to have the repair I was told that my particular car was not included in this recall, even though they agreed I had the exact door latch failure. I went ahead and had the door latches repaired at my own cost since I had no way to keep my door closed and locked. Would like to be reimbursed for this cost $828.63 and need to be sure that anyone else who has my make and model of car be aware of this being a problem for them as well. If you are not able to help, would appreciate being directed to someone who could. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2022
Trunk will just randomly open. Parked with no keys in it. Also when driving down the road.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2022
While driving on the road the trunk opens up by itself. The Ford dealership continues to be unable to fix the issue and it has happened several times.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2022
2016 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2022
While picking up my daughter from the ER last night, the door latch on the drivers side would not latch and close. This happened without notice. This is definitely a safety hazard to me and others on the road. We had to tie an old scarf on the door handle while the person on the passenger side pulled as tight as they could to keep the door closed. Although I saw that some 2016 Ford Fusions had Recalls for door latch/lock but unfortunately the Ford dealership and Ford motor company said that my car didn’t have a recall. Fortunately for us we were still in ER parking lot when this happened. Ford knows that the Fusions has had problems with the latch and lock mechanism on the doors and they should honor that! This is my only reliable transportation and both my husband and daughter are disabled and we rely on our(car)Ford Fusion for doctors appointments and I have to take my 11 year old granddaughter to and from school. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2022
My trunk keeps popping open when it is not signaled to. This is a safety hazard for me because I do not want people to have access into my car. This is a safety hazard for others because my trunk can open while I am driving, resulting in my belongings flying out, becoming an obstacle for those driving behind me. According to the Car Gurus website, I am not the only one while this make and model who is having the same issue.