Second generation
2016 Ford Fusion
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ford Fusion is overheating, with 364 complaints, usually around 100,000 miles.
- 1,629owner complaints
- 13recalls
- 59involved a crash
- 79,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Fusion doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Fusion reliable?
The 2016 Ford Fusion has 1,629 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 7.0 times the median of 232 for 2016 sedans on this site. Of the 7 Fusion model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 148 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (111). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Overheating has 364 complaints and misfire has 335, out of 1,629 in all. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 226 owners who gave a mileage for overheating were past about 100,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 67 of the 1,629 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 59 reports mention a crash, 6 mention a fire and 31 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as overheating, misfire and infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 248 and have dropped every year since, to 161 in 2025. So far in 2026, 150 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 364 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
1,629 complaints is 6.4 times the median 2016 model on this site and 7.0 times the median 2016 sedan. Among the 7 Fusion model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Fusion
Ford filed 153 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ford Fusion. 37 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 6 bulletins · 364 complaints
Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an ...
Some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 21-Feb-2019 and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles built on or before 06-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an ...
4 more on this problem
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape with 1.5L engine may exhibit coolant usage and white smoke from exhaust. Follow Cooling System Pressure Test process in WSM, Section 303-03. Pressurize system to 138kPa(20 psi) and hold 5 hours.
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape equipped with 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern.
Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine may exhibit coolant consumption and white smoke concern.
2015-2018 Edge, Fusion, Focus, MKZ, MKC, Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit coolant consumption, white smoke and/or a runs rough condition.
Check engine light or misfire 7 bulletins · 335 complaints
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
5 more on this problem
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
2013 2018 C-Max, Fusion, and MKZ Hybrid vehicles using SOBDM-C module connectors do not require electrical/dielectric grease. If used it may induce module communication concerns. Codes present may be U0293 and a P0AA6.
Some 2013-2017 Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P0C27 and/or P0C28. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Some 2016 Model Year Fusion, MKZ and C-MAX Hybrid Electric Vehicles(HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.0L DOHC Gas/Electric engines may exhibit MIL On with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0137(O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) in Powertrain Control ...
Energi - Malfunction Indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0C27 AND/OR P0C28
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 12 bulletins · 186 complaints
Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with 8 inch or larger center display ...
Some 2014-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2014-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX, 2016-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV) and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC screens 8 inch or larger may be ...
10 more on this problem
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version.
Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version.
THE EV RANGE AFTER FULLY CHARGING A 2012-2016 FOCUS ELECTRIC, 2013-2016 C-MAX/FUSION ENERGI MAY VARY AFTER EACH CHARGING EVENT. THE WINDOW STICKER INDICATES 0-19 MILE RANGE FOR 2013-2016 CMAX/FUSION ENERGI.
SOME 2013-2016 FUSION/ESCAPE/MKT/FLEX/MKS/TAURUS, 2015-2016 MKZ/MKC/EDGE AND 2016 MKX VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS RADIO CONCERNS INCLUDING: SPEAKER STATIC WITH KEY-OFF, NO AUDIO AFTER VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) U0184, NO ...
SOME 2016-2017 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MAY EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS; THE GPS NOT TRACKING THE VEHICLE POSITION CORRECTLY, THE VEHICLE LOCATION ARROW ICON SPINNING IN CIRCLES ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OR A SPINNING COMPASS ON NON-NAVIGATION ...
In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 161 complaints
SOME 2015-2016 F-150, C-MAX, EDGE, MKS, TAURUS, AND FLEX AND 2016 EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, ESCAPE, FUSION, MUSTANG, MKZ, MKX, NAVIGATOR, TRANSIT AND TRANSIT CONNECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.5L OR 3.7L GASOLINE ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 133 complaints
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
1 more on this problem
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
Engine misfire 3 bulletins · 117 complaints
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2015-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Some 2015-2018 Fusion/MKZ/MKC/Escape/Edge vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a runs rough condition with DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316. This may be due to coolant intrusion due to corrosion on the engine block.
1 more on this problem
SOME 2014-2017 FUSION AND 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.5L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT LOW COOLANT, WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE AND AN ILLUMINATED MIL IF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0217, P300, P0301, P0302, P0303, ...
Doors, latches or locks fail 1 bulletin · 46 complaints
Under Safety Recall 20S15, in some of the affected vehicles, the door latches have a pawl spring tab that may break. This condition will typically prevent the door from latching.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 4 bulletins · 40 complaints
MULTIPLE 2014-2016 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6F35 TRANSMISSION AND BUILT ON 1-JAN-2014 AND THROUGH 31-DEC-2015 MAY EXHIBIT HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT AND HARSH/DELAYED 3RD AND 5TH GEAR UP/DOWN SHIFTS WITH NO DTCS PRESENT.
Some 2016 Fusion and Escape vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine may experience a delayed engagement/shudder during a drive to reverse shift. This condition occurs when the throttle is applied during reverse engagement.
2 more on this problem
Some 2015-2016 Escape and 2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with a 2.0L GTDI engine may exhibit a rolling reverse to drive engagement shudder on acceleration.
Some 2014-2016 Fusion and 2015-2016 Edge vehicles equipped with a 6F35 transmission and active start/stop feature may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with a harsh transmission engagement after an active stop/start event.
Complaints filed by year
248 complaints came in 2023. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Front brake jounce hose failures. Closed mar 24, 2023, led to recall 23V-162.
NHTSA summary
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Door latch failures. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-177.
NHTSA summary
Steering wheel fastening bolt loosens. Closed apr 23, 2018, led to recall 18V-167.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ford Fusion
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
All 13 recalls on the 2016 Ford Fusion, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Overheating, with 364 of the 1,629 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 100,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Fusion problems start?
Of the 963 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 54,000 miles and half by about 79,000.
Is the 2016 Ford Fusion better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 148 a year against 111.
How many 2016 Ford Fusion complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
67 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2016 Ford Fusion?
No recall on file for the 2016 Ford Fusion is on the same system as overheating. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.