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.
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.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
TSB 19-2172 Check Engine light lit due to a rough startup condition. ODB codes indicated the vehicle had a misfire of cylinder three. Replaced 4 spark plugs and the 3rd cylinder coil pack. 2 days later the car began to overheat to low coolant levels. "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" Added 3/4 gal of coolant and took to dealership. Dealership confirmed engine was compromised due to coolant intrusion after performing the pressure test.
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel tightened as if the power steering assist had failed. The failure occurred and then self-corrected intermittently. The failure had become persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the coverage of the repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Engine, Sep 6, 2023
From 2014-2019 Ford Fusion eco boost engines are faulty. Coolant leaks into the engine. Causing the car to consistently overheat and seize up.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
Passenger front door opened while braking at intersection while passenger in seat. Fortunately it did not hit a car next to us. Door had to be held shut by passenger for remainder of trip. Was inspected by Ford dealer and although there is a recall on nearly 250,000 of these door latches to include this specific car for a manufacturing period of 542 days, this car falls outside of it by eighteen days and the dealer wants $832.00 to fix it.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Sep 4, 2023
Rear camera works intermittently. The Ford Dealer service said it failed and it'll be 800.00 to fix... I passed on that... but now that I'm seeing other Fords with camera recalls, I wonder if this problem is related.
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 !
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 1, 2023
This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads STEERING ASSIST FAULT. Service required. As well as Service Advance Trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or snow. In each situation all it took was me pulling off road and resetting the car by turning engine off and then turning it back on. I have take it to a Ford dealership near me and they ran a full diagnostics but couldnt find anything really wrong with it but it continues to happen at least once a month. Ive read similar incidents with Ford Fusion owners on Google and they werent sure as I that if it was the brake sensor or ABS Module that needs to be replaced. Any assistance or advice you could give me would be appreciated.
Engine, Aug 31, 2023
I have a 2016 Ford Fusion SE Ecoboost wth 1.5 engine. In December 2021, while driving a block from my home, the engine overheated and I pulled over to find no coolant. There has been no coolant leaking under my car. Coolant was added that day, but has continually needed to be refilled. My check engine light had been coming on stating the sensor 2 ignition cable was bad, but we had replaced it along with spark plugs, but it kept coming up as a bad sensor and we confirmed it wasn't a defect part, it always showed sensor 2 as the problem. I took the car to my mechanic in June 2023 and he found that the fuel injector under that sensor wasn't being fed fuel continually, but skipping. He replaced the fuel injector and discovered the coolant leak was in the engine. I paid for a new gasket, then he discovered the coolant freeze plug was cracked, so ordered a new one from Ford. After being told the part is still on back order for over 8 weeks, I called my local Ford dealership and was informed they aren't making the coolant freeze plug for the 2016 Ford Fusion Ecoboost 1.5 at this time due to quality issues. I then called Ford manufacturing and was told they had those plugs, so they sent one to my mechanic. He currently is attempting to install it but says it appears it will just create the same problem. I am reading online countless individuals with Ford vehicles from 2013 to 2019 with Ecoboost engines having a problem with coolant leaking into the engine, causing car fires and numerous dangerous issues. I have not had use of my car for 10 weeks and if this plug goes in place, I will be afraid to drive it as I'm reading about cars catching fire. All these vehicles need recalled and Ford Motor Company needs to fix these engines or provide us with safe vehicles. I am disabled and cannot afford another car and am still paying for this 2016 Fusion. I've spent a lot on rental cars and ride shares to my appointments and am basically home bound because of this.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and the power train warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loosened. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly, and the vehicle had become undriveable. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall. No further information was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-28 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a misfire in cylinder #2 and #3. 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 confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection, he observed an abnormally low coolant level. Upon refilling the coolant reservoir, he observed a coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2023
The coolant warning system came on, I added coolant. Several weeks later the car began white smoking from exhaust. I towed it to a mechanic. He informed me the head gasket had blown. He began to repair, and found the block was cracked. I did not repair the vehicle and it was towed to my home.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 24, 2023
There is an issue with the (evap) solenoid/associated sensor that causes the vehicle not to restart at unexpectable intervals and the fuel delivery system is also affected during fueling and seemingly during acceleration, at least. The key was recently replaced and association between the problem and the key reading mechanism is unspecified. A power train affect/association is also likely component- that based upon information provided to consumer. I've heard similar problems with other Fords and in other conversations it has not been indicated to me that the models' component's failure is not problematic. It has not been stated how that is contributory to the increased collision risk associated with the brake component that is a current recall. It began prior to the key replacement which is in the dealer repair record and 4 weeks prior to this submission is listed as the incident onset date.
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting into park, the transmission failed to shift out of reverse. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, there was coolant leaking into the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and confirmed the coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2023
In the last 4 years the battery has had to be replaced 3 times. Each time the car runs great then is shut off and the next day won't start, no lights and can't even get into the car without the key. The vehicle can't be jumped or battery charged, everything is dead. Upon replacing the battery everything works fine for about 2 years.
Engine, Aug 19, 2023
Coolant intrusion between #2 and #3 cylinders from poor design of engine block.
Steering, Aug 19, 2023
I have an electric power, steering rack and assist and it failed on the way to Pennsylvania to visit my daughter and grandchildren. I had to drive an additional 42 miles with no power steering. There was a recall, supposedly completed for the bolts in the Assist, and I no longer have a warranty on this. it was fine until 5 hours into my trip.
Engine, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak into the cylinders and 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; a case was filed and then closed because the manufacturer stated that the vehicle out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 56,720.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, he attempted to slow down for traffic and felt as if the brake was not responding as needed. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger’s side front brake line had split along the length and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
I was told by the dealer that my car has an engine block defect. It leaks coolant into the cylinder head and can cause the engine to overheat and can cause a fire or the engine to blow up.
Structure, Aug 14, 2023
THE TRUNK WILL OPEN BY ITSELF. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIME TO INCLUDE WHILE DRIVING. I AM SEEING LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ONLINE BUT NOW ONE HAS FOUND A FIX AT THIS TIME.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that his wife was about to drive the vehicle however, when she closed the front driver's side door, the door failed to latch securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where, it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,669.