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
1,705 reports, newest first.
Power train, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was shifted in drive(D); however, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with shifter linkage bushing failure. The contact was informed that the shifter linkage bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that an unknown recall repair was completed in 2019 for the replacement of the shifter linkage bushing. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2024
The left rear caliper has been replaced 3 times in the last 6 months and is currently in the shop for a 4th. This locks up for no reason and ruins the brake pad and the rotor and I have now replaced all of that 3 times as well and the brake hose line.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
I have a coolant intrusion on cylinder number three. It is a Ford defect. It should be Under recall
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the same failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 21, 2024
This failure narrowly resulted in a serious accident when my vehicle applied the brakes without warning and dropped the speed to below 40 mph on the Highway! I was extremely fortunate not to have been closely followed by a large semi at the time. I researched on my own and found this was a known defect: Ford Recall reference #22S02 (21C24) March 2022. includes vehicles built in Hemosillo plant from Oct 2013 thru 6 April 2015. my fusion was built there on 2 April 2015 but was not included in the March 2022 recall so I was never notified. Apparently this was a known defect and on going problem since Ford issued SSM 50328 to cover various vehicles built from 2013 to 2021 (Includes 2013-2017 Fusion/MKZ). I was able to drive the vehicle safely on back roads to a local Ford dealer where the problem was addressed. I submitted a request for refund to Ford and advise them of this continuing safety issue that should have been addressed with a properly expanded recall. Ford denied my request and tried to avoid the ongoing safety issue claiming it was an "out of warranty" matter.
Engine, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated, and the engine temperature became elevated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact stated that after repairing the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0150. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2024
Had a coolant leak which further damaged my whole engine. i need a new one now after only having my car for 2 years.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the shifted into LIMP Mode, with the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2024
This is second time my transmission was bad in a ford
Engine, Aug 10, 2024
Engine failure, water intrusion, they issued a recall for 2013 - 2018 1.5l and 2.0l, but not my vehicle. It's doing what they recalled. I have a appointment to get checked out and have recalls completed. There is a lot of people with this issue and no recall for their vehicle.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
Internal coolant leak in cylinders.
Engine, Aug 5, 2024
I was driving on the interstate when smoke started from the rear of my car and the engine started sputtering. the vehicle started to slow down in heavy traffic. I was caught in the traffic and could not get off the road, the temperature gauge suddenly moved to the red on the gauge and I could not see the back of my vehicle making it dangerous to pull off the interstate. II had my grandsons with me making this worse. I had the car towed to my fathers garage where he then did a compression test on all four cylinders and found #4 cylinder to be very low reading compared to the other 3 cylinders as well as a pressure test of the radiator which showed a large leak off. I had no warning or messages when this happened
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
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was reversing, the front wheels seized, and the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 3 MPH and attempting to pull into the driveway of residence, the driver’s side door latch detached, causing the door to open unintendedly. The driver was unable to close the door. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was confirmed that the latch had detached, and the door latch was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine, Jul 31, 2024
2016 Fusion Titanium has the 2.0L Ecoboost engine with the coolant intrusion issue. This is a known issue with both Ford and the NHTSA, but after being diagnosed by a ford dealership, Ford Motor Co. will not provide any assist because it is not listed on any TSB or does not have an active recall. The models that are listed are the Edge, Focus, MKZ, and the Fusion, but Fusion models start at 2017 on the TSB. This is not accurate information because the exact same engine that is used in the Focus/Edge models and year range is used in the 2016 Fusion.
Power train, Jul 31, 2024
Ford states the Power Bushing previously recalled was replaced in 2021 in my vehicle. Their replacement failed today and left me unable to safely put my car in park. While I was looking under the hood to see why it wasn't going, the car began to roll forward because I didn't realize it was not safely in park. The replacement for the recall failed and had disintegrated. Previous recall 18S20. The dealership would not replace it because it was not an open recall and after calling customer support they let us know their records showed it had been replaced. There was not protective service cap added during this "fix".
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
Trunk opening by itself.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, the contact’s husband exited and closed the front passenger's side door; however, the front passenger's side door latch fractured and failed to properly close the door. The contact stated that there was no impact to the front passenger's side door that could have caused the door latch to fracture. The contact had to firmly push the front passenger's side door to keep the door closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the front passenger's side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V775000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2024
Misfire #3 cylinder, coolant loss with no external signs of coolant leak. White smoke out exhaust when driving. Overheating
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 .