2016 Ford Fusion problems

The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. From the 2006 through 2020 model years, two generations of the Fusion have been produced in gasoline, gas/electric hybrid, and gas/plug-in electric hybrid variants. The Fusion was manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Sonora, Mexico, alongside the Lincoln MKZ, and formerly the Mercury Milan, both of which share its CD3 platform.
Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion replaced the Mondeo for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus and the compact Contour). The Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and the full-size Ford Taurus. In the Middle East, this model is sold alongside the Mondeo. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-liter engine. Unlike in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, no V6 engine is available in that region. The same is true in South Korea, where only the 2.5-liter engines (including those for the hybrid model) are available as of the 2012 model year.
The second generation line-up includes a gasoline engine option, an EcoBoost engine option, a next-generation hybrid model, and a plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi, making the Ford Fusion the first production sedan to offer these four options. Sales of the gasoline-powered and hybrid versions began in the U.S. in October 2012 under the 2013 model. Sales in Europe and Asia as Ford Mondeo began in 2015, along with South Africa, where the Fusion name was used. Deliveries of the Fusion Energi began in the U.S. in February 2013. The entire 2013 Fusion line-up was awarded with the 2013 Green Car of the Year at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. In 2019, the Fusion was the seventh-best selling car in the United States.
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Common 2016 Ford Fusion problems
The 2016 Ford Fusion has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to engine issues and interior accessory problems.
Engine problems are the most frequently reported issue with the Fusion. The engine may die while driving, which is reportedly sometimes caused by a failed throttle body or loose connections to the electronic control unit. A scan tool must be used to identify the issue's root cause if the check engine light is on. Failure of the variable camshaft timing solenoid may also cause the check engine light to illuminate, and an updated powertrain control module is available that should resolve this problem if no EGR system faults are found. Transmission problems are also common, with some drivers describing mechanical stuttering when changing gears. This issue might be the result of a malfunctioning transmission control module or it might be a symptom of actual gear damage inside the transmission. On vehicles with lower mileage, updating the software in the transmission control modules and powertrain control modules may fix the issue. However, internal transmission damage can happen as the mileage rises, and the valve body may need to be replaced or the transmission may need to be completely rebuilt to help stop these problems from happening again.
Interior accessory problems are also a common technical issue, especially broken power seat buttons. The solution is typically to replace the button with a new one, which costs less than $100. Swollen lug nuts are another problem, where the lug nuts increase past their original size, making it difficult to remove them with the lug nut wrench. This issue can be avoided by using a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts and ensuring they are tightened to the correct specification.
Other issues include the trunk not latching closed when the solenoid for the electric trunk latch becomes stuck in the open position, and several recalls, including fuel tank cracks, failed driver seat welds, defective front seat belts, steering wheel detachment issues, busted shift cables, broken steering gear motors, and doors that might open while driving.
In conclusion, while the 2016 Ford Fusion has some positive qualities, such as a lovely interior and good handling, its weak base engine in comparison to competitors and below-average reliability ratings are where it falls short. There are better options in the same price range if you're looking for a midsize sedan.
Is there any problems with the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Update to 3/2/23 review: the 2016 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine has a major problem: a design flaw with the coolant/antifreeze channels in the EcoBoost engines (including the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, through 2019) eventually results in engine coolant leaking into the cylinders.
How many miles will 2016 Ford Fusion last?
200,000 miles
A lot depends on the climate and the maintenance you give the car. Ford Fusion are generally well built cars, I'd suggest you might get in excess of 200,000 miles, but expect to do some parts replacements, brake, suspension,possibly exhaust.
Does Ford Fusion have engine problems?
In recent months, multiple reports of persistent engine problems have arisen from those who drive a 2019-2020 Ford Fusion. Customers are expressing concern over engines that shudder, shake, lose coolant rapidly, or otherwise fail to operate as intended.
What is the recall on the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Summary: 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.
Is there any problems with the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Update to 3/2/23 review: the 2016 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine has a major problem: a design flaw with the coolant/antifreeze channels in the EcoBoost engines (including the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, through 2019) eventually results in engine coolant leaking into the cylinders.
How long can a 2016 Ford Fusion last?
200,000 miles
A lot depends on the climate and the maintenance you give the car. Ford Fusion are generally well built cars, I'd suggest you might get in excess of 200,000 miles, but expect to do some parts replacements, brake, suspension,possibly exhaust.
Does Ford Fusion have engine problems?
In recent months, multiple reports of persistent engine problems have arisen from those who drive a 2019-2020 Ford Fusion. Customers are expressing concern over engines that shudder, shake, lose coolant rapidly, or otherwise fail to operate as intended.
Is Ford Fusion high maintenance?
The annual repair cost of the Ford Fusion is $581, compared to an average of $526 for other midsize cars. If there is a need for an unexpected repair, there is a 12% chance it will be severe, which is right on par when examining other similar cars. It's an excellent vehicle.
2016 Ford Fusion car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fusion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Ford Fusion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Ford Fusion
The NHTSA has received 1362 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Ford Fusion. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 3FA6P0H75GR
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the exterior brake lights remained on after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 22S02. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 3FA6P0H95GR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while parked with the engine running the vehicle's "overheating" warning chimed and he observed that the heat gauge was in the "red zone." The contact turned the vehicle off, checked under the hood, and observed that the coolant reservoir was low. The contact filled the reservoir, however the failure reoccurred. The contact refilled the reservoir and checked for any coolant leaks under the vehicle and did not observe any puddles. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinders. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer. The contact called a dealer and was told that he needed to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised the contact that there was a TSB Number: 19-2346 but that he would have to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 3FA6P0H92GR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the driver noticed a strong coolant odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the oil reservoir. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,646.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 3FA6P0G7XGR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Without warning, my car got stuck in reverse while backing out of a parking spot. I could not shift the vehicle into any gear. I was stuck in the middle of a parking lot blocking traffic. Upon inspection, the Transmission shifter cable bushing was broken off causing the shifter cable to be dislodged from the actual transmission shifter. Same year, make and model have been recalled but not my VIN.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 3FA6P0T9XGR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I was driving the vehicle couple of weeks ago and I began to notice that I did not have any power when pressing on the brake and that the engine was beginning to buckle I came to a stop and it continued to run very roughly I had trouble driving a half mile home when I got into driveway a great deal of white smoke was coming out of the back of it vehicle I was able to restart it the next day but the same thing happened I took it to my mechanic and he confirmed that the engine is having radiator fluid leaked into the cylinders which is a very common problem I find what the echo engines at Ford produced for this vehicle and others when my mechanic called a Ford expert he was told that it's just best to replace the engine since the repairing the present damage doesn't work.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD2GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I have a 2016 Fusion SE w/ 1.5 ecoboost. I have to check and add coolant every time it's driven. It shows cylinder 2 misfire. It loses power and runs very rough. The check engine light turns on and will turn off without being reset. It might stay off a day or two but then turns back on. While driving down the highway last Friday it started chugging and jerking and i lost power making it difficult to steer. The safety issue I see is the sudden loss of power while driving 55 with cars behind me and also coming at me. My check engine light turned on and was flashing as this happened. Ive never seen it flash before. I had it to a mechanic about a year ago because the check engine light. This is when i was informed about the tsb regarding the coolant issue. I called the Ford dealership and they said my vin wasnt one affected but clearly it is. Yes it's available for inspection upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD7GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 1.5 turbo engine is having a coolant intrusion. had miss fire code and all systems of the recall/service bulletin 22-2134 and was not included in a recall. available to be looked at risk of engine failure diagnosis was done at a independent shop has not been looked at by manufacture started about 4 months ago had a few codes including engine miss fire but replace several components plugs, coils and fuel injectors. had to top off coolant. engine light would come on interment. and engine would run rough but will turn off
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3FA6P0HDXGR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 5 MPH. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact's mother pulled over and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2269 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke, And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 3FA6P0K97GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Coolant leaking into engine
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD2GR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, and the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD2GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The engine failed as coolant leaked into cylinder 3 causing a misfire/malfunction. The check engine light came on intermittently along with an alert that said the coolant was over temperature, a week prior to the failure. I then took the vehicle into Tires Plus on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines Iowa where they did a full fuel system check and replaced the spark plug. At the time of taking it in, the warning lights mentioned above were not on. 3 days later the check engine light came on and wouldn’t go off. The other warning light was still popping up intermittently. I then scheduled another appointment with tires plus to check out the car again. Unfortunately 4 days later I was driving the vehicle and all of the sudden the vehicle wouldn’t accelerate properly. The engine was failing. I had the vehicle towed to West Side Auto Pros in Clive, Iowa where they determined that coolant had leaked into the engine. There is already a recall out for the ford fusion eco boost engine of my year. I am just looking to get it extended to my engine type as I do not have the eco boost. I have not had the vehicle inspected by a ford dealership but am happy to have it towed over there if it means that I can get a new engine. My safety was at risk because I was in the interstate when the engine began to fail. I barely made it off the interstate, and into a parking lot. I was at a severe risk of getting hit thanks to the bad engine.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- VIN: 3FA6P0G78GR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: On Saturday 10/5/24 I was attempting to park in my home parking spot and I placed the gear into park and the car shut off but the dash was giving a message that the car was still in drive. The car would not start and when I took my foot off of the brake the car nearly roll backwards into my neighbors car. We had to manually push the car back into the parking spot and turn on the parking brake so that it wouldn’t roll again. After doing some online searching I found that the part that failed had been recalled 3 times. The car was towed to a Ford dealership and was told that the recall was not showing up under the VIN and I would have to pay for a diagnostic fee over $300 plus parts and labor. The 3 recalls that I was able to locate is Campaign/ NHTSA: 18S20/18V471, 19S16/19V362, and22S43/22V413. They are all for the shift cable brushing which is the exact part that broke on my car that caused it to stop.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 3FA6P0H95GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: There is a very common problem with the fusions on coolant intruding into the engine. This problem needs to get fixed as it is a Ford problem.
STEERING,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-08
- VIN: 3FA6P0H77GR
- Components: STEERING,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on two occasions while the vehicle was parked, the check engine, ABS, parking brake, traction on/off, and power train warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD9GR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which I purchased in late June 2024. Despite the ongoing issues with my vehicle, it does not appear on the NHTSA recall list, even though many other Ford owners are experiencing similar problems. Recently, I encountered severe symptoms, including a persistent coolant leak and a puff of white smoke from the tailpipe. Initially, the dealership diagnosed the issue as a simple battery problem related to a cylinder 4 misfire. Following their advice, I spent nearly $500 on a new battery and diagnostic fees. Unfortunately, after driving the car, the engine light reappeared, indicating that the initial diagnosis was insufficient. Upon further inspection, the technician found a puddle of coolant on top of piston 4, which suggests a significant internal problem. This situation mirrors complaints from other Ford owners regarding their EcoBoost engines, even though my hybrid engine is not classified as EcoBoost. I am concerned about the lack of action regarding these issues, especially since they pose serious safety risks. Additionally, I have been informed by Ford that an engine tear-down is necessary to diagnose the full extent of the problem. If deemed not covered under my warranty, I will be responsible for $1,710 for the tear-down alone, with an estimated cost of around $11,000 for a new engine. As a college student with limited income from a part-time job, I cannot afford these expenses. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and consider the broader implications for all affected Ford vehicles. I look forward to your prompt response. These unresolved issues not only threaten my safety but also potentially endanger others on the road. My repeated attempts to seek support from Ford have been met with inadequate responses, leaving me frustrated and without a clear path forward. I urge the NHTSA to investigate my case and consider a broader review of similar Ford vehicles
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD5GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine replaced under recall in 2021 due to coolant intrusion issue. Replaced with similar faulty engine. This is a possible fire hazard. Ford will do NOTHING. It's unacceptable that an 8 year-old car needs a third engine. Worst service EVER. Putting my daughter's life at risk
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD5GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine replaced under recall in 2021 due to coolant intrusion issue. Replaced with similar faulty engine. This is a possible fire hazard. Ford will do NOTHING. Its unacceptable that an 8 year- old car needs a third engine. Worst service EVER. Putting my daughters life at risk.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD5GR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and the engine coolant over temperature warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,761.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD3GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Coolant intrusion..
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 1FA6P0H70G5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-11
- VIN: 3FA6P0G77GR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Sync does not work nor has it ever worked contacted dealer they do not know what’s wrong with it nor have they fixed it or offered to
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- VIN: 3FA6P0D91GR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine started to misfire at 70k miles, took to a shop and had to get an engine replaced. As a college student, a $7,000 bill put me behind in school. This is a common issue on the 1.5 and 2.0 ecoboost engine and Ford knows it's a problem, hints the engine redesign in 2019.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-11
- VIN: 3FA6P0G77GR
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield wiper motor works and there’s windshield wiper fluid and wind water tank but when you pull the windshield wiper flu lever to disperse clean your windshield nothing comes out taking it to mechanic. He can’t find anything wrong with it fluid go somewhere when you pull the lever except for on the windshield. Don’t know where it goes because you can empty the fluid tank out and not see anything on the ground or on the car
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 3FA6P0K9XGR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The coolant leaks into the engine, causing misfiring, overheating, and sputtering.The following message is the displayed on the dashboard. "Engine Coolant Over Temperature". When this happens, the happens the vehicle barely moves with smoke from the hood. As a result I no longer use the car. I called Ford customer service for remedy and was told that existing recalls are VIN specific and applies to my vehicle. My VIN is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 3FA6P0HD9GR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. However, after traveling a short distance, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who determined that the turbo only required cleaning. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter resulting in damages to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
2016 Ford Fusion recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the 2016 Ford Fusion.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2016 Ford Fusion car reviews
Positive 2016 Ford Fusion car reviews
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I leased this vehicle for 3 years and if my residual was not so high, I would have purchased it outright. The interior is spacious and comfortable, especially on long trips, and it averages 37 mph on the interstate. The trunk room is absolutely fantastic. Although I would like the instrumentation to be a bit more user-friendly, I have no other complaints. It's disappointing that Ford is phasing out the Fusion Titanium. The Fusion is as small as I want to go, and I'm not that keen on having an SUV again.
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I absolutely adore the comfort of the Fusion! I have the 2.0 turbo and I couldn't ask for better handling and acceleration so far. I'm getting 26 miles to the gallon, even with my lead foot! The huge trunk is a major plus, and the fact that there's no lip makes it easier to load heavy items. Connecting your phone is a breeze. The audio controls are easy to use, although it took me a while to figure them out since I'm not that tech-savvy. I also love the keyless entry. The only downside I've noticed so far is that the auto climate control doesn't seem to adjust automatically like it should. Overall, I'm really happy with my Fusion!
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I really love this car! I got it loaded up with the Luxury Package w/18-inch alloy wheels, Technology/Nav Package, and 2.0 liter Ecoboost turbo, for under $27K including tax, tag, and title after rebates. I couldn't find comparable equipment and performance at this price point for any other midsize sedan. I bet you can get it even cheaper now with the new 2017s hitting the lots. The gas mileage is great if you drive sensibly, but mashing on the pedal to go into boost is too fun sometimes. It's a very quick car, and comfortable on potholed DC metro area streets. It handles all bumps well. Highway driving really opens up the gas mileage, you can easily get over 30 mpg at 75 mph. I drove and liked the Mazda6 and Honda Accord, but the Ford just ended up being the best blend of performance, luxury, and technology. I think the Ford interior is of better quality than the Honda Accord EX-L, and the Fusion is just simply better to look at. The Mazda6 is underpowered, though the chassis is tuned well. We already own one Kia, so I opted not to go the Kia Optima SX Turbo/Hyundai Sonata Sport route. Neither one of those got good performance reviews for the turbo models. I absolutely love this Ford, and get compliments all the time. Folks tell me it looks like a 4-door Mustang. My kids think it's cool. I did upgrade the headlights, as the stock halogens were pretty weak. The owner's manual shows you how to replace the bulbs, it's easier than it looks. Overall, it's an awesome car at a reasonable price.
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This is my second Fusion. I had a 2007 model that I drove for 205,000 miles without any trouble. I only needed to perform routine maintenance such as oil changes, brakes twice, tires, and a few bulbs. I traded it in only because it had 200,000 miles on it and I wanted a hybrid. I have been driving the 2016 Hybrid Titanium for 7 months now and have already put 12,500 miles on it. I am very happy with this purchase so far. The ride is very quiet and the seats are extremely comfortable. Voice commands work well for phone, radio, climate control, navigation, etc. The gas mileage is averaging 45.5 MPG, which gives me a close to 600 mile range per fill. I highly recommend it!
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I picked up this car at the end of May and I have to say, it has lived up to past reviews. It is a terrific car in all categories. The ride, build quality, comfort, and tech features are all on point! The interior is very quiet and the sound system is like having the Boston Symphony Orchestra riding along with you. I have owned many cars through the years and I have to say that by far, this is the best sounding system I have ever heard. Figures, with 12 speakers! The features are all customizable and you can turn on/off the things you don't need/use. The owner's manual is quite extensive, I use it as a reference rather than read it in its entirety. Don't walk, run to your dealer and get one!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Ford Fusion problems:

Ford Fusion 2016-2020 Issues? : r/fordfusion
Nov 28, 2020 ... The main issue I've encountered is that the 1.5L engine has big problems that some would even say is recall-worthy: such as coolant leak ...
2016 Ford Fusion Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 2016 Ford Fusion Problems · Harsh or Delayed Shifting of Automatic Transmission · Squeaks and Creaks Over Bumps and Turning · Swollen Lug Nuts · Key Will ...

2016 Ford Fusion : r/fordfusion
Jun 13, 2023 ... ... transmission issues. Is this common with this year of Ford? ... Ford or is there any other insight on 2016 fusion problems someone could provide?
2016 Ford Fusion Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Ford Fusion? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2016 Ford Fusion Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Based on our research of 1,141 owner reviews, and 14 automotive and government websites, no, the 2016 Fusion is not a good car. It has some positive features, ...
Franz Wolf 2025-05-11
I have the 1.5 EcoBoost. Although the only selections in the drop-down menu were 2.5 or 2.0, I have the Sport Appearance Package with the spoiler, rims, etc. For a mid-sized sedan, this car looks really good! However, I have a couple of concerns: poor acceleration and bad gas mileage. I commute 100 miles a day, all freeway, and I'm getting 29 MPG. In comparison, my 2016 Dodge Challenger with a 300 hp V6 that weighs more gets 27 MPG. If the Fusion got 33-35 MPG on the highway, the power would be fine. This tells me that the engine is working too hard. My other concern is about the Infotainment system. The screen is small, especially in a vehicle equipped with a back-up camera. Ford has made it nearly impossible to replace the stereo unit, and the stereo does not sound very good either. At least I can change the speakers. There is an annoying squeak in the back seat that started at 40K miles. Despite these issues, I still love the looks and ride of the car.
Jaiden D'Amore 2025-04-07
I owned a 2016 Titanium AWD 2.0, which was advertised to have a fuel efficiency of 22/31 mpg. However, my personal experience with the car showed that it only achieved 16 city and 19 combined mpg, which was disappointing. Due to this significant discrepancy, I decided to sell the car after only 6 months of ownership. It is important for car manufacturers to accurately advertise the fuel efficiency of their vehicles to avoid misleading customers.
Dimitri Bins 2024-11-26
As a car enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of driving many different cars. However, this particular rental has been quite frustrating for me. Unfortunately, I found it uncomfortable to get in and out of, and the legroom was quite limited. Additionally, the brake pedal was positioned too high up from the accelerator, which made it difficult to operate. Despite these issues, the car is well-equipped for its price point and has a generous trunk space. My wife and I are eagerly awaiting the return of our RAV4 hybrid, but we appreciate the backup camera and the bright LED brake lights of this Ford Fusion. The finishes are nice, and the dash area has plenty of information. Although the ride can be a bit rough, the car handles well. Overall, if you're looking for a smooth ride, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you're looking for a car with great features and finishes, this could be a good choice. The SE has good equipment compared to others in its class. However, when I priced out the higher-end models or added additional features, I was surprised by the cost. Before making a purchase, I highly encourage you to look around and even consider renting one. Personally, I am glad I never entertained the idea of buying one of these. Although my previous car, the CMAX, had its fair share of problems and sounded like a hupmobile, it still provided more comfort than the SE.
Johnpaul Beahan 2024-09-23
Although I initially adored this car when it was new, it has unfortunately been in and out of the dealership for repairs since accumulating 31,500 miles. It appears that Ford is experiencing some difficulties with the 2.0 liter Ecoboost engines, as my dealer has already replaced five engines, including mine. In October 2017, the entire top end of the engine required replacement, and in April 2018, the entire engine had to be replaced. Despite receiving a brand new engine, the check engine light continues to illuminate, displaying an overboost code that has persisted since the car was only a few months old. As a result, I have decided to part ways with this car.
Koby Ruecker 2024-09-14
It's a nice car, but unfortunately, replacing just one headlamp requires removing the entire front fascia. It's a lengthy and tedious job that can cost up to $125 at the shop. I can't imagine who thought that was okay.