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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after locking the doors, the locking mechanism malfunctioned, and the doors could be opened from outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was present on all four doors. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact also stated that an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the front end of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and there was an abnormal clicking sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Parking brake, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake engaged unintendedly. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle rocked back and forth. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) and 18V167000, however, the parts to complete the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to recall the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
Broken flex plate on transmission
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds in a drive-thru, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact was able to drive to his residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V413000 (Power Train) and 23V162000 (Service Brake, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle slowed down after several seconds. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determine that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,939.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
I noticed that my coolant in the reservoir kept getting low. I will add coolant every other day. Then I noticed my tailpipe left a trail of white smoke. Then a check engine light came on. I scanned the code and showed P0302. A misfire in cylinder two. I began reading that thai is a common issue. My car only has 87,000 Miles.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while parked, the contact noticed an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 19, 2023
After a rear-end collision, my check engine light came on. I have been told it is due to a problem with the purge valve; however, the purge value is located in the front of the vehicle. I am concerned that a rear-end collision can cause this vehicle damage to the emission system that is coded incorrectly, or a rear-end collision can cause damage to the car's computer system causing it to throw faulty codes.
Air bags, Apr 19, 2023, crash
After a rear-end collision, my passenger front air bag light comes on intermittently. Because of this, I don't know if the air bag was compromised or if the collision caused a faulty sensor. I can't get an answer from Ford.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Purchased car 2 months ago. Vehicle started overheating and was towed to the local ford dealership. Was called and quoted $14,400 to replace the engine due to an issue that Ford apparently knows about and has a class action suit against them for. Car is only 7 years old and should not need an entire engine.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that the engine started to misfire and vibrate after each misfire. The contact stated that when the engine misfired, the vehicle nearly stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated during the misfire. The contact stated that when he manually downshifted, the check engine warning light would flash on and off. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that that a piston had melted. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated and started flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Traction control system, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 108,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH on a mountainous roadway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that she continued driving and the vehicle lost motive power nearby an independent mechanic shop. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Wheels, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the tires were being replaced, the dealer informed the contact that the lug bolts were swollen. Additionally, the dealer stated that if the lug bolts were removed, the bolts would be stripped and would need to be replaced. The lug bolts were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered significantly and made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact stated that after the vehicle remained stationary for a while, the vehicle responded as needed; however, there was dark smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine and the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin Numbers: 20- 2100 and TSB 22-2229. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Service brakes, Apr 17, 2023
I began receiving a brake line warning that my system was leaking, and needed to be filled. I replaced the brake fluid in my vehicle, and less than two hours later the car said the same warning. I couldn’t brake without pushing the brake all the way too the floor
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that she pumped the brake pedal and applied pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The service brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake hose failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that parts were anticipated to be available in the third quarter of 2023. The failure mileage was 89,617.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as the vehicle was totaled. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Service brakes, Apr 14, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), a few months approximately four months after the vehicle was destroyed. The contact stated that while making a right turn at approximately 10 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle continued to move forward striking a crosswalk pole. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a lot and then taken to an independent mechanic where it was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.