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.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
Internal coolant leak inside cylinder causing misfire told engine could catch fire
Engine, Sep 9, 2021
The engine block failed, cracking, causing coolant to leak into the number 3 cylinder. Causing a misfire code. I could hear what sounded like water flowing behind the dash for awhile. Eventually noticed I was a little low on coolant, then ended up using a whole gallon of coolant in about a week. The dipstick also had coolant on it when I checked the oil level. The car has been at the shop since January 23rd, 2021, they tested the head and it was fine. When I noticed it was a serious issue, coolant was blowing out the tail pipes in white clouds. I have a short video of this happening.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 7, 2021
I drove the vehicle 2 miles to a nearby shopping center. I came out 15 minutes later and tried to start the car. Immediately flashing on the console was a large yellow wrench, message telling me to stop the vehicle immediately, pull over, errors with steering system, errors with side impact system and various other errors flashed. I tried to put the car in drive and it automatically went back into Accessory mode and flashed the same error messages telling me to stop driving. The steering was locked and unable to steer. Had it towed to the Ford dealer. They let it sit for 4 hours and then called to say they could see no issue as it started just fine. The next day they called and said they saw the issue 3 different times and saw communication errors in the car computer. They cleared the errors and let it sit over the weekend. They called several days later and said they had driven it 25 miles with no errors seen. I do not trust this car as safe on the road. If I had been on the highway, I would have locked up the steering and lost all power. It's not safe to drive until Ford finds the cause. I filed a complaint with Ford headquarters and was given a case number with high priority. The regional service manager is being enlisted to figure this out. I've alerted the sales director that I won't be buying another Ford until we find the problem. I've alerted other dealer executives to get involved.
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
Stopped at store and placed the vehicle in park. After taking foot off break vehicle rolled forward. Shifter handle was in the park position but the dash indicator showed the vehicle was in neutral. Applied the emergency break to prevent vehicle from rolling further. Attempted to shift through gear selector and back to park but the shifter handle would not move out the park position. The following recall (18S20) has been issued but according to Ford it does not apply to my vehicle. 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. Based on the number of complaints on this sight the recall affects most if not all Ford Fusions. Paid for repairs, but Ford will not reimburse cost. By the way parts totaled $7.64 small price for Ford to pay to protect its customers and the public.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2021
I was driving in the freeway, and then suddenly a red alert message popped in my speedometer saying to stop, and I couldn’t accelerate no more. At the time I was going 70mph and then the message appeared and I could accelerate no more, the car didn’t recognize the pedal. It happened yesterday. I never had that happened to me. I have 74k miles in the car
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2021
While driving, my car stalled the for the first time without warning when I was turning into a parking lot (luckily). This was scary because I frequently drive to work using the nearby interstate. Is there a recall for my car??
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 31, 2021
throttle body-wpc part ds7z9e926d The throttle control element failed. Traveling on highway going about 45mph and engine jolted lost power and immediately reduced speed to about 10mph (,if car behind me was close would have ran into the rear of my car ) Car was running very rough -Coasted to side of highway - shut car down and restarted , Car was ok for about a mile - same thing again but was able to make it home very slowly, engine running very rough. Garage replaced throttle control element. Running ok now. Incident was very scary and could have easily caused an accident.
Wheels, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that all four lug nuts were swollen. The contact stated while having a tire replacement by a towing company, the driver was made aware that there was an issue with removing the lug nuts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was informed to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Power train, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, the contact shifted from reverse to drive and the vehicle did not respond, and the vehicle started to roll backward. The contact depressed the brake pedal and shifted the vehicle into the park. The vehicle continued to roll backward and eventually stopped and would not move. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle failed to move. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the shift cable bushing fractured and caused the shift cable to detach. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Steering, Aug 31, 2021
I can be driving and/or stopped and ABS, stability control and steering wheel indicator lights come on. Once I stop car and turn off for a few seconds and then turn back on, errors go away. Nothing may happen for a week but then the next week it may happen every time I drive. For me, this is a safety issue because once steering wheel has no power it is very, very hard to turn. I am attaching a “vehicle diagnostic report” that shows 2 of 18 systems had errors.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power to the radio, windows, and power steering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who checked the wiring harness and was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2021
Vehicle is a Plug In Hybrid, it was left in the garage (first floor of the house) overnight charging the EV battery. Sometime in the night, plugged in, no key in the ignition, the engine started and ran until it ran out of gas (in the garage with the door closed and my son sleeping on the 2nd floor over the garage). We were lucky no one died of carbon monoxide poising. In the morning the 12v engine battery was dead, smelled like it may burned up, my guess is the battery dying confused the computer. The vehicle is out of warranty, taking it to the dealer will cost me $1,000. I'm guessing that replacing the 12V battery will fix it (which is a lot cheaper). I don't plan on ever putting it back in the garage but someone needs to warn everyone else that has one of these!
Power train, Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V471000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact’s wife experienced a failure while driving into work when she turned into the parking lot, placed the vehicle in park, released her foot off the brake pedal and the vehicle started to rollaway. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling away. The vehicle was not repaired nor diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was not related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,590.
Engine, Aug 18, 2021
Vehicle is not cooling off
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door would not securely latch when closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, Aug 15, 2021
Coolant leaked into engine causing cylinder 2 misfire and is now requiring an 8 thousand dollar repair for the whole engine.
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
My vehicle has suffered the same Transmission Linkage bushing problem as other Ford Fusions that have been recalled to replace the bushing. When I went to the Ford Dealership in Quincy, MA, they informed me that my 2016 Ford Fusion is not on a recall for the defective bushing since it wasn't manufactured in one of the 2 plants listed for the defective bushing recall. This needs to be addressed so that all Ford Fusions no matter where they are assembled are included in the recall. I had a private mechanic charge me to re-attached the linkage to the transmission, only to have the bushing pop off again a day later. Since then, I have re-attached the linkage a dozen times. I finally went to the Ford dealer and bought the new improved bushing and new cover cap.
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
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. Recall 18S20 did not apply to my vehicle but my vehicle has the same problem.
Back over prevention, Aug 10, 2021
Backup camera works intermittently. 75% of the time I get a blank screen with a message to contact a dealer for service. 25% of the time it works. I've been to a dealership to get it fixed and they were unable to fix it.
Back over prevention, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle into reverse, the back over prevention camera display showed a blank screen. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2021
Backup Camera hasn’t worked since the day I bought it and it had only 35,000 miles when I bought it.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2021
Rear door will close completely but the latch will not hold the door closed. It reopens when you step away.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2021
Coolant is leaking into one of the cylinders which requires a full engine rebuild.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2021
My climate control does not work Radio volume does not work and windows are locked unfortunately I roll down my windows when this happened and now they’re stuck open this has been occurring off and on I know this is happening to others as well something needs to be done.For all I know my airbags and we’re not working is this malfunction
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
My fusion has had a rough idle when starting for the past year. I took it in to the mechanic and they said the problem was due to a backfire. They replaced the spark plugs and coils for around $500-$600. About 5 months later, I get e check engine light and a warning that the engine is overheating. Take it to the mechanic, where they figured out that this consistent issue is due to a head gasket leak, where coolant is going into the engine. From doing research, I have noticed that Ford Fusions with an eco boost engine have a poor engine manufacture and that this issue is prevalent in most eco boost engines. The new fix seems to be ranging from $1,200, and I have tried to diagnose this issue multiple times. This isn't easily distinguished by the engine warning, and can run the risk of drivers driving with lower amounts of engine coolant. If the engine overheats it can make the engine catch on fire. Although this did not happen to me yet, it has been months to diagnose this issue, only to find out that it is due to the engine model, and that leaving it untreated can cause serious damage to me and the engine.