2016 Ford Fusion

High concern

Owners filed 1,620 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 13 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

905 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 78,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine389
511
Power Train240
803
Unknown or Other134
100
Steering130
204
Electrical System102
020
Engine and Engine Cooling93
101
Back Over Prevention93
500
Service Brakes70
613
Air Bags46
14012
Fuel/Propulsion System43
100

13 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Manual Transmission26V376000
Filed Jun 9, 20265,252 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera25V695000
Filed Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch23V775000
Filed Nov 17, 202345,173 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings23V162000
Filed Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod22V413000
Filed Jun 10, 20222,925,968 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch20V177000
Filed Mar 23, 2020288,110 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System19V632000
Filed Aug 29, 2019116,160 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift19V362000
Filed May 13, 2019259,182 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift18V471000
Filed Jul 16, 2018504,182 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar18V167000
Filed Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 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.

Showing 10 of 13 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 17, 2026CO

I own a 2016 Ford Fusion that is included in NHTSA Recall Campaign 25V695 and Ford Recall Campaign 25SA9 concerning rearview/backup camera failure. The backup camera intermittently fails to display video when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. Instead of showing the view behind the vehicle, the display shows an error message. This problem has been occurring intermittently for the past few years. I received notification of the recall inXXX. In XXX I contacted Loveland Ford in [XXX], regarding the recall repair and was told that Ford expected parts to be available in XXX. On SXXX, I again contacted Loveland Ford and was told that they did not have any timeframe for when parts would be available. The most recent backup-camera failure occurred on XXX (pictures attached). When the camera fails, the driver loses the rearward video view while backing and must rely only on mirrors and direct visual checks. Because the failure is intermittent, the camera cannot be relied upon to operate when needed. My [XXX] son began driving this vehicle in XXX. Reliable operation of the backup camera is especially important for a newer driver, and the continuing lack of a repair or estimated parts availability leaves an unresolved safety concern. I am submitting this complaint to document the recurring backup-camera failure and the continued unavailability of a recall remedy for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2026OK

Exhibited signs of a coolant leak followed by throwing a code about cylinder 4 misfiring. Took my car to the dealer who confirmed that there is coolant leaking into cylinder 4, and it is similar to other defects found in many 1.5 liter ecoboost engines from this model line. Was told that my VIN did not qualify for the recall that is only for the ecoboost 2.0 liter engines even though they have the same defect.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2026NY

1. System / Component Failed: The rearview camera system displays a blank, distorted, or black screen while the vehicle is in reverse, completely eliminating rearward visibility. 2. Safety Risk: The loss of backup camera functionality directly impairs critical rearward visibility while reversing, significantly increasing the risk of a backover crash, striking pedestrians, or colliding with obstacles. 3. Manufacturer & Dealer Confirmation: This vehicle is affected by Ford Safety Recall Campaign 25SA9 (NHTSA Campaign 25V695). Local Ford dealership service departments and Ford Corporate have been contacted, and both confirm that no remedy or repair parts are available to perform the recall service. 4. Failure Details & Unreasonable Recall Delay: The safety defect is active and reproducible every time the vehicle is placed in reverse. Although this recall was issued nearly one full year ago (October 2025), the manufacturer has failed to supply replacement parts or provide a timely remedy under federal recall standards. The safety feature remains entirely inoperative without a resolution date or estimate provided by the manufacturer.

Power Train
Filed Sep 13, 2026TX

The flexplate has failed twice since a dealer-performed transmission replacement in June 2024, once in August 2025 and again in August 2026. A flexplate failure causes sudden loss of the ability to move the vehicle under power, which is a safety hazard, particularly while merging, accelerating onto a highway, or in traffic. A Ford service bulletin covering the closely related Escape with the same engine and transaxle architecture documents that flexplate cracking is linked to engine-to-transaxle alignment issues that arise whenever the engine and transmission are separated, which is exactly the service performed during a transmission replacement. This report is filed because the recurrence of an identical failure mode, on a known-affected platform, without resolution by the servicing dealer, appears to reflect an unresolved and potentially widespread mechanical defect rather than an isolated incident."

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 10, 202690,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back up camera displayed a black screen. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) however the parts were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 8, 202670,000 milesUT

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a clear image on the screen. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2026PA

Coolant intrusion in the my 2016 Ford Fusion with 1.5L EcoBoost before even hitting 80000 miles.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 2, 202692,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back-over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 1, 2026IA

I am fully aware that my vehicle has a recall for the backup camera. Manufacturer recall number 25SA9, NHTSA recall number 25v695. That was back on XXX. Almost a year ago. It would be super if I could use my backup camera. I really appreciate that feature in the store parking lot, backing out of my driveway on a busy road, and picking up and dropping off my child from school as there are kids and vehicles everywhere are a few examples. Yes, I look over my shoulder regardless, but that camera does help a lot especially around the little kids. I have had a few close calls because someone was directly behind me and I didn't see them. Had my backup camera been working like it should have that wouldn't happen. How has it been almost a year and they still don't have parts? I have already had a few other recalls on my car to deal with as it is, but this one is particularly frustrating. How much time is a manufacturer typically given to fix a problem like this? How long do I need to wait for a feature that I paid for to work? I am a little frustrated, I know it is not your fault at all. I am just looking for some kind of an answer here. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 25, 2026126,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a black or blue screen and failed to show an image of the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 25, 2026CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Back Over PreventionCrash
Filed Aug 24, 202659,200 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). While reversing, the back over prevention screen went blank. The contact crashed into a parked Ford Escape approximately 20 feet away, due to the failure. There were no reported injuries. No air bag deployed. A Police report was not filed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 59,200.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 19, 2026140,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 19, 2026MN

My 2016 Ford Fusion back up camera has failed which is a safety issue. I am unable to have it repaired or replaced because Ford Motor Company hasn't made parts available. It is Aug 2026 and this recall went into effect in Oct 2025. It has almost been a year. How long is it acceptable for a company to keep from fixing a known safety issue.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 18, 2026FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable. The dealer was contacted several times; however, the contact was either informed that the VIN was not included in the recall, that the recall repair was not approved, or that the part was unavailable. After the last attempt, the dealer confirmed that the part was in stock and an appointment was scheduled; however, the VIN lookup tool displayed that the remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 18, 202660,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was most often inoperable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for Ford Fusion vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 18, 2026MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failed to properly display an image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2026FL

I would like to make a complaint for malpractice during a recall repair. I was notified on aug 4, 2026 that after the dealership did the recall 23S12 brake hose that during the test drive that my master seal and brake booster started to leak and needs to be replaced. They asked me if i have had any brake problems and we have not. They wanted to charge me over $1000. I declined because i had no issues prior to my vehicle going to them. They then stated they would complete the job for a little over $600. i declined. They said they reached out to Ford to see if they could cover the master seal and brake booster but they said FORD declined. However, they never asked ford. I have the OASIAS report verifying that information. They did not inform me that this is a saftey issue, they never said do not drive the vehicle, the documentation they gave me does not warn this is a issue. However, on the way home I realized I had no brakes. I assumed my vehicle would be in the same shape as i had it taken in and I would have brakes. I do not. I brought my vehicle to my home called the dealership who basically said unless i want to pay for the job in full i am on my own. I need help. I have the information on July 30 when they did the original inspection and they did a brake inpection and there is no mention of any brake issues. However, after the recall the inspection was done, they took a camera went into the brake booster and master seal. All of this was done with out informing us until it

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 14, 2026AZ

I was notified of a safety recall regarding the back up camera going black or not working in October of 2025. The camera does not work and the cars design makes it hard to see out of the back window when in reverse. We have contacted the dealership several times trying to get it repaired but they always just say they don't have a solution. Not sure how to proceed and could use some help getting this repaired. We are coming up on a year of the notice.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 5, 202695,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure was a persistent failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

20 of 1,620 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2020180330Routine
2019314300Above average
2018438210Above average
20171,109480Above average
2016 — this page1,6201360High concern
20159931350Above average
20141,3301990High concern
20131,79019901Fatalities reported
20122,514693Do not drive
20112,7859101Do not drive
20105,1271391Do not drive
20091,022750Do not drive
20081,353660Do not drive
20071,064551Do not drive
2006730540Do not drive

Compare every Fusion year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 9, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.