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.
Wheels, Nov 22, 2021
Distorted lug nuts
Other or unspecified, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 17, 2021
Trunk is randomly opening on it's own.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a message stating that the engine was experiencing high temperatures illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact continued to drive the vehicle since he was approaching his residence. As the contact arrived at his residence, he opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed that there was no engine coolant; however, there was no evident coolant leak. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was shifting gears, the shifter cable fractured. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer and diagnosed with a deterioration of the shifter cable. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that zip ties were used to hold the shifter cable in place. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V471000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Engine, Nov 8, 2021
TSB 19-2346 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf) needs to include 2016 models of the Ford Fusion. My wife was starting our 2016 Ford Fusion 2.0l EcoBoost when it started shaking violently in idle. The check engine light began flashing. We had it towed into Ford where they are now quoting us a $10,000 full engine replacement for “coolant in the cylinders.” This is the exact same problem the 2017-19 fusions are experiencing, so I am not sure why the 2016 isn’t on this list.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 5, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door and rear passenger’s side door failed to close and lock securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the door actuators had failed, and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer also advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified the failure but referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,600.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
There was a recall for the bushing on the shifter cable for 2013 - 2016 Fusions with a 2.5L engine under recall number 19S15. My vehicle is a 1.5L engine and this bushing failed Thursday 10/28/2021. I never found the part to see how it failed. My wife tried to put the vehicle into park and heard a noise and the shifter went into park but the transmission did not (due to the cable not being attached). I was able to diagnose the issue after a while. I called the Ford dealer I use and they advised that the recall had been addressed. I later found out that this was not the case as the part was not recalled on my car. I was able to replace the bushing but feel this is a huge issue with all of these bushings. The part number is DG9Z 7K340A and is $1.17.
Power train, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2016FORD Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 5mph when attempting to put the vehicle into drive the vehicle would not shift gears. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing shifter cable bushing bearing replaced and was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (POWER TRAIN) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Oct 23, 2021
Coolant leaking into Engine
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her son was reversing into a parking spot to park the vehicle, the gear shifter would not move and remained stuck in reverse. The contact did not know whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her son was able to move the gear shifter to park, then to drive with assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not cover the repair since the VIN was not included in a recall. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,200.
Engine, Oct 21, 2021
The car is missing on cylinder #1 and showing signs of a blown head gasket. Car will stall at random times as well. This is car has a the 1.5 ecoboost with a flway in the block design. Ford told me because of the flaw that I would have to purchase a new engine. There is currently a TSB out for this exact reason, yet ford wants me to pay for their mistake.
Engine, Oct 19, 2021
I have a 2016 Fusion with a 1.5 L EcoBoost, 54,000 miles on it. I am out of warranty by less than a year. My car told me that the engine was overheating while I was driving down the highway. I pulled off the road, and found there was no coolant in the reservoir. I filled the coolant up and kept an eye on it while scheduling a repair appointment. Every time I would drive the car, it would stutter when accelerating, only when it was cold. Once it warmed up it was not an issue. Every time I would also have to refill the coolant. I took the vehicle in, and found out it was misfiring on cylinder 4, and the coolant was leaking into the engine. Since it is out of warranty, it is $3,000 out of pocket. My car could have started on fire, or started smoking from the engine and caused a major accident had this gone on for too long. The misfire of the cylinder did not cause any warning lights to go on in my car. It would throw a code for a little bit, then disappear, it was a soft code not a hard code.
Engine, Oct 16, 2021
In September 2021 my 2016 Ford Fusion that has a 1.5L Eco boost engine had white smoke emitting from the exhaust. A check engine light came on and a test revealed that the #3 spark plug or ignition coil as bad. I had all spark plugs and ignition coils replaced. The light went off and three days later the check engine light came back on. We took it to Bob Tomes Ford 950 S Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75072. A Service inspection revealed that engine coolant was leaking into the cylinders and could potentially cause engine over heating and possibly a fire. This has been a known problem and numerous Service Bulletins (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 1.5L EcoBoost - Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL - Built On Or Before 06-Apr-2019 19-2139) have been released on this issue, A compete engine replacement is the only repair option due to the original engine design since 2010 was a defective design which Ford actually recalled in the 1.6L engine but not the 1.5L. Ford Motor Company requires the consumer to bare the cost of repairs. My vehicle warranty was out by 2 months when this problem started at 82,000 miles. There is currently a law suit filed for this issue in U.S District Court for the Eastern District of California, Case # 2-2021cv00468. filed March 15, 2021.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 14, 2021
I’m not certain how or when but the hood sensor must be wrong because it always says the hood is open no matter how I close it
Wheels, Oct 12, 2021
Lug nuts expand in hot climate and cannot be removed by owner. Discount Tire had to remove. I replaced them all, for $55, so there is no future problem.
Service brakes, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30mph when the vehicle failed to brake while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was able to pull over and drive to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing a brake hose replaced. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 195,610.
Steering, Oct 8, 2021
At times when i put the car in gear & other times when i am actually driving, all of the warning lights & alarms (Rear Park Aid, ABS, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Service Advance Trac, & Stability Control Off), come on all at the same time. When these lights & alarms pop on, the steering gets a little harder, not losing all power steering, but again, the steering is a little harder & i don't think that's a good thing to have happen. Also while driving, the Anti-Lock Break System starts clicking. And sometimes when i start to mash on the break peddle, the peddle kind of drops down a little. Not to the point where it has caused the breaks to lock up, but i'm still not comfortable with that. If you were to do an online search of this problem you will see that several people are complaining about this same problem. I have reported this problem to my Ford Service Center, Southworth Ford in Marion, IN, as early as March of this year & the latest report 10/4/21, but they say they can't find anything wrong right now, but for me to document every time it happens, even after i have tried to show them the videos of this problem stored on my phone. I also contacted the Auto Safety Center, & they were the ones who directed me to you. I wish that i knew how to share the videos that i have with you, but i have not learned how to do that as of yet. Thank you for your time & all that you all do to keep us safe on the road. God Bless you all! Have a Blessed weekend!
Power train, Oct 5, 2021
Shifter cable link bushing broke. I noticed the problem when I got back into my car, after fueling. The car turned on. But the shifter was really loose and would not shift into drive, or any gear. I searched for the "symptom" online and found there was a recall for the bushing on the shifter link cable issue. I checked the part in my engine compartment and they separated, confirming a break In the link. I happened to be close to an auto parts store so I went and purchased the bushing. After replacing/fixing the issue next to the gas pump, I proceeded to the ford dealership so they could do a proper fix as per the recall. When I arrived at the dealership, they stated my cars VIN# was not part of the recall, which I did not understand why, since the same exact problem for the recall had just happened to my car as the other cars with the same year, model and issue as on the recall. I had the ford dealership fix the problem because I did not want to get into an accident on the road. Since as per the recall the car not being able to shift could cause a real dangerous situation.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2021
Trunk/deck lid pops open at random times. Weather conditions and time of day do not appear to be a factor as to why or when the trunk pops open. When it does happen the release mechanism clicks continuously for ~10 seconds or until you click the lock button on the fob. It will pop open when you begin to drive, up to the point that the car auto locks. This started happening approximately one year ago, September 2020, and lasted for a few weeks and then stopped. It started popping open again in the spring of 2021 and lasted for a few weeks. It has started popping open again in the beginning of September 2021.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2021
Driving on internet highway at approximate 65 mph, the car shut off. I coasted to the roadside in heavy traffic. after many tries, the car restarted and got off the thruway and drove home. This car has 21907 miles on it. I made an appointment at Gary Crossley Ford in Kansas City, Mo. They told me it was a fuel faulty purge valve, and because the car with 21907 miles on it was out of warranty and would cost $870.00. I have since researched the purge valve and find that it is a pretty common event to shut the car off on crowded highways. This is a serious and dangerous problem. When I called Ford Dearborn to check if there was a recall, I was told it wasn't a problem.
Seat belts, Sep 15, 2021
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP, AND CONSTANTLY HAS TROUBLE RETRACTING.
Wheels, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while having an oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. 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 50,000.
Structure, Sep 14, 2021
The trunk lid randomly pops open on it's own requiring you to stop, get out and close it. It has happened repeatedly both when driving and when the car is parked. It does not seem to happen if all of the doors are locked. When it does happen it obscured the rear view and can create an unsafe situation when you have to stop on the road. It has happened many times over the past year.
Engine, Sep 14, 2021
Water seeping into cylinders causing engine warning light, missing, stalling and lost horsepower. Problem was found upon Dealership doing a pressure test and removing spark plugs to see the issue and confirmed. Water loss was being noticed during oil changes couple years before this incident. Last oil change 1200 miles ago noticed a big loss of water in the reservoir. First warning light appear 2 months ago but cleared a couple days later until this last warning light a week ago with noticeable performance issue.
Steering, Power train, Sep 14, 2021
I'm just wondering how it is even remotely legal to sell a vehicle, whether used or new, with current open recalls. When I purchased my vehicle through Triple J Auto in Guam, they never informed me of any open recalls when I purchased the vehicle. Technically the car was in a used status, but, coming from the Department of Highway SAFETY, it seems preposterous that you would allow any vehicle to be sold with open recalls against the vehicle. I am just looking for any information as to how this could have gone unresolved for over three years, without me just looking up the VIN on a random day. Thank you