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.
Steering, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to make a loud screeching sound. The steering wheel then seized. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
The shifter cable has degraded and detached from the transmission, allowing the transmission to be in a shift state other than what the shifter lever shows. Although there is an existing recall for this exact issue, my vehicle falls outside of the specified manufacture dates and Ford is unwilling to remedy the issue. As a result I need to fix the issue out of pocket in order to prevent severe injury or loss of life.
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2022
While driving the vehicle made An alert sound and the “park hill assist” unavailable sign came on. No other warning lights on dashboard.Once I got to the destination I realized all of the parking brake were still on even though the vehicle was turned off. Also noticed a little plastic piece was in pieces under the brake pedal on the floor. The vehicle now does not engage out of park or the brake lights turn on. Dealer said there’s no recall at the moment for the vehicle of any kind in regards to brakes. They are asking to take the vehicle in to pay for a diagnostic. Seems silly that something that involves safety such as brake light switch pad stopper would be defective and the dealer not want to make it right
Power train, Feb 7, 2022
The shift cable clip broke and vehicle is stuck in neutral. There is a recall for this problem for ford fusion's 2013 - 2016. We have a 2016 but the vin # is not included in the recall, unsure why it is not included.
Power train, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while in the reverse, the vehicle would move forward. The contact placed the gear shifter into drive and the vehicle stalled with the "transmission not in park" warning message on the instrument panel. The contact then placed the vehicle into the park and the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact immediately applied the parking brake and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Once at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective transmission cable bushing. The contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2022
When I put my car in reverse, the image displayed for the backup camera is inverted. Ex. If a car is on my right side, it will display that it is on the left side on the screen. It has been doing this for over a year and only seems to work maybe 1/50 trips, in particular when it is extremely cold. Newer fords have been recalled for this error as it is a major safety hazard when reversing.
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2022
During a tire repair at COSTCO (12/15/21) and a tire rotation at Big O Tires (1/24/22), all the lug nuts were difficult to remove and showed damage/warping. I had to purchase replacements for safety and future removal ability. I have the receipts and both dealers can be contacted for corroboration.
Power train, Jan 24, 2022
My Fusion would shift into park using the shifter, but was actually in neutral allowing the car to roll forward and backward even though the shifter was in park. It is at the dealer now and they said they shifter bushing failed. There is a recall for Fusions (reference # 19s16), but the dealer says it does not apply to my vehicle. The recall is for Fusions with the 2.5 motor and I have the 2.0 motor. However, I asked the dealer and both vehicles use the same bushing, so I think my car should be covered. Luckily no one was injured in this incident but it could have been avoided if my car was included in the recall. This occurred in Provo, UT where my son is using the car for School.
Steering, Jan 6, 2022
It’s the power steering it’s hard too turn my steering wheel at times
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
Coolant leak into cylinder 3 due to defective 2.0L Ecoboost engine. Requires complete engine replacement.
Engine, Dec 21, 2021
Common issue with 2.0 ecoboost engines, coolant is leaking into cylinders. Caused engine to over heat causing a possible fire issue. There were no signs other than engine started to run rough. Vehicle still runs but smokes out exhaust.
Electrical system, Visibility, Dec 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the defroster, HVAC system, and front and rear passenger's side windows and doors were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the main control; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.
Steering, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist and traction control warning lights illuminated. The power steering assists then failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 38,898.
Power train, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving through a fast-food drive-thru, she shifted into PARK however, the gear shifted independently into neutral. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an employee from the fast-food restaurant assisted with pushing the vehicle into the parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer while speaking on the phone. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Wheels, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the lug nuts were swollen and were unable to be removed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that there was a defect with the lug nuts. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer for tire rotation and the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The contact declined the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA but, provided no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 44,010.
Power train, Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon placing the gear shifter into DRIVE, the vehicle began to reverse as the instrument panel showed that the gear was in REVERSE. The contact made multiple attempts to switch the gear shifter until DRIVE appeared on the instrument panel and was able to resume normal driving. The contact then called the dealer and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (Power Train). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Dec 10, 2021
I replaced the starter battery after the original battery reached the end of its life. Upon installing the new battery, I had dashboard messages showing “Electric Power Steering Assist failed” And other cascaded systems offline because of no steering. Without the steering assistance, the safety of driving the car is questionable. It is more difficult to steer than a vehicle without power steering. It takes all the strength to turn the wheel, even when the vehicle is moving. This vehicle had been serviced for a previous related recall in which the steering bolts would fail. Perhaps the replacement bolts have also failed. Whatever the root cause, the resultant failure mode has a high severity (lack of steering capability by a normal strength person). This could cause an accident.
Wheels, Dec 8, 2021
When I took my car in for service, I was told that my lug nuts were swollen and had to be replaced.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while she was stopped at a red light, the vehicle temporarily shuddered and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that she saw smoke coming out of the exhaust of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the short block needed to be replaced due to a coolant leak. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would assist with the repair of the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
Purchased a 2016 Ford Fusion SE in July of 2021. First week I had the car the engine didnt crank/start. Took it to the dealership that I bought it from they sent me to their mechanic and was told nothing was wrong with it. Happened the third week of purchase went back to the dealership and was told to use my warranty and to take it to Ford. Took it to Ford and was told it had high resistance in my negative terminal in the battery. (First attempt August 2021) I was charged $400 to get the corrosion clean and put a coat on the terminal for protection. A week later my engine didnt start again. Had this problem for several weeks,one day the engine would start the next it wouldnt. I called Ford and was told to bring it back. (Second attempt Oct 2021) Ford told me they diagnosed the car and didnt find any codes to lead to the problem. Kept telling me the engine was starting when they had it but when i went to pick it up it wouldnt for me. (Third attempt Nov 2021) Went picked my car up from Ford on a Monday morning because it was ready and that they still didnt find anything wrong with it and it was starting up just fine. Leaving from work Monday night engine didnt start had to get it towed again to Ford Tuesday morning. I have called Ford headquarters to file a complaint. Do not purchase a Fusion they are terrible cars and Ford theirselves cant even find out what the issue is with the vehicle.
Engine, Dec 2, 2021
As with all other ford 2.0l Ecoboost engine. There apparently is a design flaw causing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Which would require a new engine per Ford.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021
I have a 2016 Ford Fusion SE 2.0L. Got a P0303 code for a cylinder 3 misfire. The spark plugs and coils were replaced to no resolve. Still getting a P0303 code. Short term fuel trims are good so I dont think its an injector issue. The car began to over heat with out warning about a week after the P0303 code started presenting itself. This is dangerous as the vehicle could catch fire.
Power train, Nov 29, 2021
When you put it in Reverse you have to pause. If your foot is on the gas is slams into reverse and makes a terrible sound and gives you a jolt! My girlfriend has the same exact car and hers did this as well. But there was a recall on her car and she had it fixed. I looked up recalls on my car 6 months ago and there were about 8 and now there are none. Can't seem to see why!
Engine, Nov 25, 2021
Defect in engine design allowed coolant to leak into cylinder. There have been recalls on the 1.6L and 2.0L ecoboost engines but not the 1.5L for the same issue. I was advised that his could cause the engine to misfire and overheat possibly causing a fire. A quick search revealed several incremental TSB, 21-2269 is the latest, regarding this issue. This happened with approx 57,000 miles and 5 years 6 months on the car. The only fix was a complete engine swap.
Engine, Nov 22, 2021
Engine light came on after car overheated. Took car into local auto service center and was told I had a blown head gasket. I'm filling this complaint due to the numerous other complaints regarding this same issue on the same year make and model of my car. Had I not taken my car to the service center immediately, potential for safety issue could have been high and impacted myself, family, and other individuals driving near me.