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.
Back over prevention, Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part required for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a distorted image alongside an erroneous representation of object proximity, causing surrounding objects and vehicles to appear further away than they actually were. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the remedy was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Back over prevention, Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the screen display started blinking, went blank, and the screen became inverted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Back over prevention, May 28, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 28, 2026
The entire engine/motor
Visibility/wiper, May 21, 2026
Recall letter was sent October 2025. It is now mid-May 2026 and Ford does not have parts available for this recall. That is not reasonable. The safety recall is nhtsa 25v695 for the rearview camera.
Back over prevention, May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however 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/was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 18, 2026
We received the notice about this recall in October 2025, more than six months ago. In our estimation, this far exceeds the reasonable amount of time that should be allotted to a company before a fix needs to be available and completed. This is a serious safety issue, and we have almost been in accidents because of the lack of camera. Dealerships have brushed us off when we asked about the status of the recall, as though it was unimportant. Is there anything we can do light a fire under Ford, or to force them to provide a replacement vehicle for us? Thank you,
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2026
There is a problem with the purge valve causing my vehicle to rough idle and even cut off on me in the middle of traffic and even on the interstate. This issue is going on with a plethora of people with the same year make and model as me yet no recall has been issued. When I put gas in the car it won’t start for some time. If I’m not constantly pressing the accelerator the car will turn off by itself
Electrical system, May 16, 2026
The recall for the backup camera has been open since october with no remedy. This seems like an excessive amount of time and is giving me trouble selling my vehicle. How long is the manufacturer given to remedy the issue?
Electrical system, Back over prevention, May 14, 2026
Backup camera does not work dealership has done absolutely nothing regarding this matter it’s been almost 8 months
Steering, May 14, 2026
I took my car to have recalls fixed. The next time I drove it after that my power steering shut off while driving. The warning lights for "Hill Start Assist Not Available" and "Service AdvanceTrac" came on. After some research it looks like I have the exact problem for recall 19S26. However when I called the dealership they couldn’t find the documentation if they fixed this or not on my vehicle. They said since it is not an open recall they do not have to fix it. Can you please open/reopen this recall for my vehicle so I can address this specific issue.
Electrical system, May 12, 2026
When backing up the rear camera went to black screen and wouldnt display the rear view. Almost hit a pedestrian because they were directly behind the car. This problem happens sometimes and I am not sure how to replicate it except for putting the car in reverse and seeing if it is going to display the rear view or not. I need this recall to be completed ASAP, it has been released since October and I’m still having issues with it 6 months later and there is no fix for this?? Its just frustrating
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, May 10, 2026
The rear view camera on my 2016 Ford Fusion activates randomly while driving and displays blank or distorted images when the vehicle is in reverse. This is a known defect covered under Ford Recall 25SA9 / NHTSA 25v695, issued October 2025. I have contacted Koons Ford in Falls Church, VA multiple times requesting repair. The dealer stated the replacement part is only available for Mustangs. As of May 2026, Ford's own recall page confirms parts are still not available — over seven months after the recall was issued. I am driving daily with a malfunctioning safety system and no repair timeline. The camera issue creates a crash risk every time I reverse the vehicle.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V632000 (STEERING), but the failure persisted. A month after the recall repairs were completed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light was illuminated and blinked, and the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact used force to veer the vehicle to the side of the road. Once the contact was able to pull to the side of the vehicle, the engine was turned off. The contact called her boyfriend, who drove to the site of the incident and assisted the contact and pushed the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and at first refused to inspect the vehicle. The contact called the dealer again, and the dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test would be performed on the vehicle. However, the contact would be responsible for the bill. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Back over prevention, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was/was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was/was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds engine had overheated causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable the determine the exact cause of the failure. The contact was informed of the manufacturer extend coverage regarding the engine coolant inside the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Back over prevention, May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would sometimes appear blank and other times the image would flicker. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Back over prevention, May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank screen or the message “Camera not Available” intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several dealers were contacted. The dealers confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 287,509.
Back over prevention, Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera would intermittently function at times. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,014.
Steering, Apr 27, 2026, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the steering wheel lost steering capabilities, and the vehicle did not steer as intended. The vehicle then ran into a divider on the four-lane highway and then came to a full stop. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries, but his wife sustained emotional injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's wife did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then returned to the residence. The contact was notified, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
Back over prevention, Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the rear sensor for the camera was inoperable. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received a notification letter of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Back over prevention, Apr 23, 2026
See attached document for complaint. In Oct I received letter (see enclosure) that there is a recall on my rear view camera. I’ve been waiting for Sam Galloway Ford in Ft Myers to call me to say they have parts to fix. I called them yesterday 3/9/26 and they didn’t have any idea about when this would happen. The manager suggested I write you. So can you help me? That letter came 5 months ago and it would seem like it would be time to fix the back up camera. I’ll appreciate an answer. Thank you.
Engine, Apr 22, 2026
CAR IS OVER HEATING AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. SAME ISSUES AS THE 2017 FORD FUSIONS RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD THE FIRE RISK FROM ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATER FAILING DOES NOT COVER MY YEAR EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUES ARE COMPLETLY THE SAME.
Back over prevention, Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that intermittently while reversing, the screen was blank. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2026
For over a year my reverse camera is malfunctioning. Initially it seemed like hot days but now its almost all the time it is not working. In October it was recalled and I had my car serviced shortly after and was told they were expecting a resolution to it in December. Still no resolution.