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, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the driver’s front door failed to unlatch as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the latch was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2022
While in motion, the trunk of this vehicle pops open randomly roughly once a week. It completely unlatches while the vehicle is locked and gives an alert that the trunk is open.
Power train, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter inadvertently shifted to neutral(N) due to a detached gear shifter cable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 111,966.
Wheels, May 29, 2022
Lug nuts swollen and were unable to be removed.
Power train, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, she attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. A warning message indicating that the vehicle was not in park(P) illuminated. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle successfully, she attempted to shift into gear, but the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The vehicle then started reversing. A bystander assisted the contact with stopping the vehicle by engaging the parking brake. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the shift link cable had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 98,800.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 20, 2022
While driving the drivers door came open. This happened to the passenger door about 10 months ago. I check and there is a recall for the safety latch on other 2016 Ford Fusions but not for my vin #. There was no warning it just flew open while making a right turn.
Wheels, May 19, 2022
Went in for a oil change and tire rotation service writer came to tell me lug nuts were distorted and needed to be replaced.He also informed me that Ford was aware of this and they change a lot of lug nuts during the week. There should be a recall if it is a safety hazard. There are no warning lights to tell you you lug nuts are distorted and could cause a safety hazard. When you go in for routine maintenance it is a problem when they can't get the tires off your car because of defective lug nuts.
Power train, May 19, 2022
Car is in park but the dash is showing the car is still in drive. Unable to move shifter at all.
Power train, May 13, 2022
Gear bushing issue not included in 2016 Ford Fusion Recall in 2019. Car was in a hand wash car was when the bushing broke and rolled into reverse. The car was turned off and then would not start because the gear shifter would not allow the car to go into park even though the shifter appeared to be in Park.
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into a cylinder, which reduced the amount of coolant and left a possibility for the engine to overheat. The independent mechanic also diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 63,180.
Steering, Power train, May 11, 2022
The power steering goes out randomly, mostly when it is hot outside or on the interior. It is not included in the current recall for this issue, however it needs to be. It happened in 2021 and now is still happening in 2022. No issues prior to the failure until power steering alert goes off. I have almost crashed multiple times due to this failure.
Power train, May 2, 2022
This recall should apply to my VIN but the dealer say it does not. NHTSA ID: 19V362 My car did exactly this issue thought I had put the vehicle in Park by the shifter but when I went to get out of the vehicle it started to roll away. I have found this part in the recall notice is what the problem but they won't replace it. So now I have a unsafe vehicle.
Power train, Apr 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH independently and emitted abnormal sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred while driving that same day. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts and turned the hazards lights on as she was in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to a used car dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were recalls associated to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 27, 2022
While I am driving, the "Service AdvanceTrac" light comes on and flashes between these two error messages: "Hillside Start Assist Not Available" "Check Rear Park Aid" While these lights are flashing, the ABS light, airbag light, and the stability control light all come on and stay on, as well as the power steering goes out. This happens at random times, driving on expressways, in local stop and go traffic. In addition, the times the lights are not blinking and power steering is out, the brake pulses when you use it as if the ABS system was triggered- but for no reason. The road is fine, driving conditions are perfect--- no reason at all for it to happen. I bought the car from Dana Ford in August 2020 and brought it in over 6 times for this problem. Dana Ford had my car for well over 6 of the first 9 months I had it, and it was never fixed while under warranty. They claimed when they took it on a test drive, there was no problem, even though they told me they can see all the error messages the car gives on their computers and even though I have many many pictures and videos of the problem. I"m driving around with kids in the car, and my steering goes out, and if that isnt happening, my brakes are pulsing and skipping. Dana Ford jerked me around until my warranty was up---never fixing it.
Power train, Apr 22, 2022
Placed car in park and turned if off. When I took my foot off the brake it started rolling away. The vehicle would not start saying it was not in park.
Engine, Apr 17, 2022
Coolant intrusion into cylinders, car barely runs. Mechanic says there is an issue with these particular ecoboost motors.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2022
Car lost power and just cut off right on Railroad Tracks, managed to get it restarted, called dealership in my area, took it in. They stated their computer wasn't finding anything. After a heated discussion, I finally got the head mechanic to drive it and it did the same thing to him. He said new fuel pump, so it costs me $810.00, labor included, which I thought was rape. Just a ridiculous charge, but hey I'm at the mercy of them!!! Three (3) weeks later same thing happening, just cuts off, leaving me on highway at night. Took it back, they put another fuel pump on, no charge. Week and half later, Key Fob doesn't unlock doors, even after putting a new battery in. Tire Pressure FAULT came on and car continued to cut off, again leaving me in a very dangerous situation, but I GOT LUCKY. I took it back to the dealership and told them the Liability is on them. The Car is DANGEROUS and UNPREDICTABLE, "I do not feel safe in it" and they need to keep it until they can determine what is wrong and STOP playing a guessing game. I have read over 788 complaints about this vehicle and the same things are happening to other people. I will proceed with Attorney's, News Media and Insurance Companies if this is not rectified. THE CAR IS A DEATHTRAP!!!
Engine, Apr 8, 2022
Coolant Intrusion I bought the 2016 Ford Fusion 1/8/2022. Three days into ownership, check engine light came on. Ed Morse Ford of Lebanon, MO diagnosed the car and determined "Coolant Intrusion". Due to the flawed design of the engines small block, coolant was allowed to enter into the pistons and sparks plugs. Result of the coolant intruding into the engine components, the engine was getting excessively hot and at serious risk of catching on fire and major component malfunctioning. Ed Morse Ford at their cost, did replace the engine small block and updated some seals and belts. Dealership reported the newly updated small block design was installed. The new design removes the pin holes from the top of the small block moving below the surface. Original design is a fire bomb waiting to happen and has happened.
Steering, Apr 8, 2022
AdvanceTrac System Malfunctioning 3 times while driving the AdvanceTrac system has malfunctioned while turning. Each incident, the Service AdvanceTrac light has come on mid turn, causing steering wheel to feel tight, not sure turn able in the moment, everything happens in a second or two. Two of the 3 incidents of AdvanceTrac abruptly disabling itself resulted in close calls with me almost not completing my turn safely and coming close to colliding with other vehicles on the roadway. Hill Assist and AdvanceTrac turn off causing multiple dash lights and warnings. I took the car today to Ed Morse Ford, Lebanon MO for diagnosis. I was told by the service department that because I had turned the car off, no error code could be scanned on the AdvanceTrac. In addition, a mechanic drove the vehicle and could not duplicate the issue. Service department indicated the "probable cause" was a steering assembly needed to be replaced at the cost of $2700. No explanation of how the mechanic made this determination without being able to duplicate the issue. I was told the AdvanceTrak system is not connected to the check engine system (the system that does store codes and errors) so there was nothing they could verify without duplication, yet again, wanted $2700 for a major component switch out. AdvanceTrak is Ford's proprietary property, yet is has no consumer safe guards to monitor any system defects- completely unacceptable and unsafe.
Structure, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked while raining, the trunk would become wet. The contact stated that the spare tire wheel well would fill up with six inches of water. The contact stated that there was a computer located in the trunk by the passenger’s side fender under the padding. The contact stated that there was possibility of a short circuit due to water entering into the circuitry. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Engine, Apr 6, 2022
Engine is leaking coolant into the second cylinder and Ford did a full tube up and did not resolve the issue but is now saying the only course of resolution is a $10,000 engine replacement. The car randomly loses power and may cut off and is a hazard to drive on highways as the power will suddenly be cut. I’ve gone online to see numerous complaints and even the Ford dealer advised this is a common issue but refuse to offer any solution or work with me as I’ve only had the car less than 2 years as the owner but am now being told what they believed to be bad spark plugs is an engine cylinder filling with coolant and they are unwilling to do any repair knowing the engine quality is as bad to begin with and opting to replace the engine for quite and expensive cost that essentially is comparable to going and buying a used car for an issue that is apparently common for their ecoboost engines.
Steering, Apr 6, 2022
Power steering suddenly failed during left turn at low speed. "Steering Assist Fault", "Service AdvanceTrac" warnings as well as hill decent Dash has the two Stability Control Lights illuminated. There is no check engine light
Power train, Apr 5, 2022
On February 15th 2022 I experienced to failure in my powertrain system regarding the transmission center cable. I had my vehicle in park in a public lot and it began to roll away towards oncoming traffic. Thankfully I noticed and was able to get back into my vehicle and apply the emergency break before anyone was hit or injured when I looked closer I realized my gear shifter was in park but the dashboard read that my car was still in drive. When I tried to move the shifter It was completely stick in place and I had to get my vehicle towed to a Ford dealership. I spent $256.59 to have the transmission shifter cable replaced. In doing research on the issue I have learned there have already multiple recalls for this exact issue on 2016 Ford Fusion but when speaking to the dealership and looking on this website I was informed that my specific vehicle was not included in this recall therefore the repairs would not be covered. Also in my research I learned many other Ford Fusions who were not included in the recall have experienced the same exact system failure and safety concern. The Ford dealership that did the repair said it was the same part failure that resulted in the recall of the other vehicles. No warning lights messages or other signs appeared prior to the failure or notified me that a failure had occurred.
Engine, Mar 29, 2022
Bad coolant leak into cylinders from inadequate head gasket causing performance issues and needing major repairs. Engine was pressure tested and failed with loss of 5psi in 10 minutes.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2022
seatbelt and airbag lights won’t go off, constantly dinging. code reader says there’s an issue with my restraint system