2016 Ford Fusion complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak in cylinder #4 and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the traction control warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. 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 approximately 82,000.

The Airbags lights showing it is off and not functioning.

Car initially showed a warning alert for failed traction control. Attempted to reset using steering wheel reset, failed. Tried backing car up and steering became extremely hard to do, requiring maximum effort to turn wheel. Steering power assist light lit up on dashboard. Parked car. Made appointment with Heritage Ford, South Burlington, VT. Upon subsequent investigation discovered that 2016 Fusion had been recalled #19V632000 but only when sold in Northern States where salt was being used or currently registered in (Vermont was included). I moved to Vermont to be with family in 2020. Failure occurred about [XXX]. 1). Had this failure occurred, while driving we could have had a fatal accident. 2). Shouldn’t there be provisions for folks who move into northern states originally identified or is Ford dictating these non recalled cars remain in non salt applying states for their life? Shouldn’t all cars have been recalled to prevent catastrophic failures? 3). Failing the recall shouldn’t the cars be supplied with warning placards saying that exposure to excessive road salt could result in catastrophic steering failure? 4). I recently asked the service rep (Amanda) at Heritage if there were any other recalls for this car and she said no. Does that mean this vehicle is exempt from the recall because it got to the state after some arbitrary deadline? Does allowing cars to travel the roads of any Northern state with this defect make sense? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDO

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact noticed that the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced coil pack however, a month later the failure reoccurred. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty but there were no signs of a leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 70 MPH, the temperature started indicating that the engine was overheating, with a message “Engine temperature high” displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine was low on oil, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where several speed sensors were replaced. The contact then stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle stalled with white smoke coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a parking lot where it was later towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

I was driving my car when i saw an emergency sign on the dashboard telling to safely park. then the car could only drive using the power generated by the electric battery and when the battery went out of power the car could not switch to gas to use the engine power I was on san mateo bridge when it happen I could feel the car rolling back on a park gear.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal and was shaking abnormally while idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was hot with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective spark plug. The spark plug was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, and it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into an engine cylinder. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

When I was backing out of my apartment complex and tried to turn left the car just stopped and when you turn the wheel it says service advance trac and hill Start car hasn’t been drove since last Friday

The car stalls out and stops moving out of no where while driving and smells like fuel as well

After doing research I have found that I am not the only one experiencing this issue,but I have a 2016 ford fusion 1.5 ecoboost engine and I am having problems with my cylinder leaking. I have to constantly refill coolant and the only option to fix this issue is to replace the motor

Stamford Ford in Stamford CT said I need to replace frozen lug nuts due to corrosion. they said it is not covered and I have to absorb the cost of $ 300. All service on this vehicle have been performed by ford service department. a recall should have been issued to correct this issue. this is a safety issue and FORD must fix this at their cost, not the customer's.

Steering fault indicator on dashboard and then steering loss displayed and now can not steer car

The canister purge valve in this vehicle repeatedly goes bad. Since buying the vehicle in 2018, the purge valve went bad in 2019, twice in 2020 and last (although I’m sure it will happen again) 2024. It throws the check engine light on and will just about die everytime putting gas into the car or when stopped for random periods of time. The vehicle uses more gas and you can literally smell the fumes escaping from the flapping gas tank lid. The smell is awful. I’ve reported this problem to Ford themselves since the first issue due to their being multiple people online with the same issue with this vehicle. I thought the purpose of “eco friendly” meant to not release harmful gases from the vehicle. Ford has zero cares of this issue. The odor is so strong which leaks inside the vehicle. It’s made my grand kids sick on 2 occasions. Why this isn’t a recall yet is beyond me. The repair cost each time has been a little over $500. I have ALL receipts of repairs. Does products have been placed on this vehicle. Although now I’m second guessing my choice of the ford part and maybe should have went with an after market part. Because clearly Ford isn’t concerned about the problem and fail to fix the canister purge valve so it isn’t releasing harmful gases into our atmosphere.

COOLANT LEVEL DROPPING WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE EXTERNAL LEAKS.-CREATING OVERHEATING WITH NO VISIBLE LEAK SEEING. WHICH HAS CREATED TO CHANGE WATER PUMP / CHANGE COILS DUE TO MISFIRES AND LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.OVERHEATING AND CONSTANT ADDING OF WATER/COOOLANT.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had failed several times and was replaced approximately 5 times. The contact also stated there was exhaust coming out of the tailpipe during the initial start-up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator was producing 20 volts while accelerating, causing the battery to overheat and burn out. Additionally, cylinder #3 was misfiring due to anti-freeze leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and it was confirmed that there were no recalls related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 142,728.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with a message indicating that the engine was overheating. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine, causing the spark plugs to be corroded, and that cylinder #4 was misfiring. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall due to the plant where the vehicle was manufactured. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Driving on highway and car had serious misfire stalling the engine. No lights or warnings prior. Upon inspection number 1 cylinder has near zero compression.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine was damaged due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that due to the age and the mileage of the vehicle there would not be a reimbursement for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

Check engine light on. Engine coolant over temp Took vehicle to dealer, the verdict was; Removed all spark plugs & using bore scope detected coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. Needs long block assy.

Head gasket blew, coolant in cylinder 4, needs a new engine. Well know problem that can cause extreme hazards.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact heard a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the flex wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

ON 23OCT2023 I opened the Driver's side rear door in my garage. When I went to close the door it would not latch. After several failed attempts I taped the door closed and drove the car to the local FORD dealership for service. The latch mechanism was replaced on 27OCT2023. On 01DEC2023 I received an email notice from NHTSA regarding a possible recall for the door latches in my vehicle (2016 Ford Fusion), 23V775.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.

A couple days before scheduled tune-up, noticed that 2016 Ford Fusion(Ecoboost), began to drive differently. Exactly one day prior to service appt. the check engine icon appeared. Long and short, dealership reached out after me leaving car to explain that my 7 yr. old vehicle with regular maintenance, just over 100,000 miles, and no prior issues could not receive a regular maintenance tune-up due to spark plug(s) being wet from leaking coolant and an engine replacement being the only option of repair. Although, I was told at the time and read that this habitual issue was common in my make and model, there were no recalls in place to rectify the issue. Safety at risk based on other Googled reviews and articles with the same known issue with consequences ranging from low coolant to possible total engine shut down or fire. It was those reviews with similar diagnosis and recommendations that led me to this site.

First of all steering wheel came loose from steering column luckily I was pulling into a parking spot due to steering wheel feeling very loose and the electric steering went out also this could have resulted in terrible accident as I was driving back from working offshore approximately 45 miles away. The dealership replaced the steering wheel due to a bolt which was a recall item after 3 weeks of sitting at the dealership but they told me the electric steering issue was not a recall item on my vehicle. They also said they fixed something with break system and something with transmission shift linkage which they did say were recall items. While the vehicle was getting steering wheel changed out they did something to the steering system which allowed the vehicle steering system to operate normal but two weeks later the steering went out again. I had seen online somewhere that 2016 Fusion also had some wires in steering column short out due to loose steering wheel but dealer said they were not aware of that issue. Bohn Ford Lapalco Blvd. Marrero, La. performed the repair on the vehicle. I’m offshore Gulf of Mexico working so I don’t have repair paperwork.

Ford Dealership is refusing to preform the brake line recall 23S12, if I do not purchase new lug nuts saying that they are swollen, deformed. I called the corporates number and they told me they are aware of the issues with the lug nuts, but also said I would have to pay out of pocket for them to preform the brake line recall. I'm now worried about the condition of the lug nuts since the hold they wheel on as well as the brake line in the above mentioned recall which they are refusing to service without taking payment over a recall !!!

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, he was made aware that the driver’s and passenger’s side front wheel lug nuts were severely deformed. As a result, the dealer declined to complete the service due to safety concerns. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

I brought my ford fusion 2016 SE with around 84,000miles on it, into a local dealership for recalls I needed done, my car was running completely fine before that. Ford did a multi point inspection and I passed for everything besides tires and brakes which was expected! Not even 12 hours after getting my car back, my check engine light turned on.. I was so confused on how that was happening. I contacted ford again and they told me my coolant pressure was low but that wasn’t even stated in my multi point inspection. Anyways I had to go to work the next day and my car completely stops in the middle of a main road & my car wouldn’t accelerate. The person behind me almost slammed into my back end. I have never had a complaint about my car, I love my fusion. But after further research this is a very common problem with my specific model and year, so much so that there’s an on going lawsuit for the coolant leaking because of the design of the engine, which can cause over heating, fires, and needing an engine replacement. I was completely shocked, because they didn’t say anything about my coolant until I told them my car stopped driving in the middle of the road.. This is a serious safety hazard, and I don’t have 9k laying around for a brand new engine that was fine before I brought it in, this is a recurring problem that’s happening to so many ford owners. This seems very sneaky and dangerous coming from such a well known company I’m so disappointed.

In July took vehicle to Ford service center for car throwing “engine coolant about temperature” warning. They told me there was a crack in engine caused by RECALL 23E03. They gave me invoice stating so but it’s a LIE because that recall has nothing to do with the engine. I have paperwork to prove they stated so and they were asking for +$10k for repair and labor. I declined the work. They also confirmed coolant intrusion. They told me I had to tow my car out of there as it was not operational but when I arrived I was able to drive it off. In august vehicle began to throw warning for “engine coolant above temperature” again.” When this would happen temp gauge would go to MAX, but as soon as warning went away, temp immediately dropped to medium temp.I took it to another mechanic. Warning light turned onwhen going on on-ramp and then car went into “reduce power to engine”. Took to mechanic and replaced thermostat, spark plugs, and coolant. $1,240.78 in repairs and labor. Engine coolant tempt and power reduce happened again in October. They mentioned all my coolant was almost gone and and oil was not registering on dip stick. They replaced all ignition coils, fluids, oil filter. $1175.98 repair and labor. November 9th both warnings come on and off intermittently. Took to mechanic but warning not present. Serpentine belt replaced + fuel throttle service. $683.79 in repairs and labor. On 11/27/23 took car to mechanic and they confirmed transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Cylinder 2 misfire, coolant leak - engine

While driving on Interstate 75 from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, the check engine light began to flash and the car began to shake violently. I had to bring it into a Ford dealer in Naples FL. It turns out that there is a known coolant intrusion issue into the engine and a class action lawsuit has been filed against Ford. There are a number of technical service bulletins as well however they are not issuing a recall.

Date of first incident was Nov 19, 2023. I was driving home from taking my elderly mother to the doctor and my engine just shut off. I had plenty of gas, my oil and transmission had been changed, no warning lights came on my dash prior to the engine stopping. The only message I had on my car said the car is not in park. No one can seem to find out why. It has done this at a moderate rate of speed (45mph). My steering wheel locked and I can't steer the car giving me the option to get to a safe place on the road. I have to hit another vehicle or hit a pole. I have good insurance but I don't want to use it to fix body damage. I can't afford that with a 300 dollar car payment. My break sensor error light will come on as well and I went to have the breaks changed and fluid replaced but it doesn't work. I am afraid that I might get hurt or someone else will, but I can't afford another care to help care for my parents or get to the doctor. The Ford dealership will not let me trade it in unless I give them 7000 dollars. The transmission will Jerk when changing gears. I still owe 9000 dollars. I looked online to see if I could find a solution and multiple people are complaining about the same problem.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard with a message displayed that the brake fluid level was low. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side brake hose was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received a second notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) advising that the part was available for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side brake hose was replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the brake lines were severely damaged. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and made an abnormal loud sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,704.

My trunk pops open by itself, without being activated. So far, if I keep my car locked, it will stay shut, but it has popped open while the vehicle was in motion. This is a safety hazard! It has been happening every day for the last several months.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's daughter was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced rough driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had previously replaced the spark plugs and coils due to a cylinder #3 misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

On affected vehicles, the steering-wheel bolt may not maintain enough pressure, allowing it to loosen over time. As a result, the steering wheel may detach.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was dark smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leaking into the engine block. The contact stated believed that the vehicle was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was idling rough with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of coolant intrusion into the engine. 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 advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Brake Booster Failed. No warning lights prior. I was driving when all of the sudden my brakes stopped working and brake pedal became very stiff and extremely hard to press down. I almost hit the car in front of me but fortunately was able to swerve on to the shoulder and had to take a right through a red light and was able to roll the car to a stop almost 40 yards further. I could have caused a severe accident. I see now there is recall for the same issue on F-150 trucks. I definitely think this needs to be a recall as I could have been severely inured or possibly fatally injured. My brakes do not work properly and the brake pedal is extremely hard to press down. The Ford dealership ran a diagnostic and stated, Replace engine camshaft, vacuum pump and related gaskets and hardware. Do not recommend driving vehicle until all repairs are performed. The vacuum pump is the brake booster pump recalled on other ford vehicles. This is a safety issue 100 percent as brakes suddenly stopped working at a high rate of speed not allowing driver proper stopping distance. My car is still not drivable because I can not properly brake at a safe stopping distance. It takes all my leg force just to start slowing down a tiny bit. This needs to be resolved right away.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service appointment; however, the service could not be completed because the bolts were swollen. The contact was informed that the bolts for all four wheels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 22,545.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an unknown recall repair, the contact was informed that the rear brake hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 42,792.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the steering wheel was not functioning properly and had become extremely loose. The contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, nearly causing a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the retaining bolt was loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop while the engine revved to 1500-2000 RPMs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into engine cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate and would also vibrate at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough at start-up. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced and the fuel injectors needed to be cleaned. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and was advised that coolant had leaked into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB: 19-2139 - Coolant Intrusion into the Engine Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 5 MPH through a school parking lot, the brake pedal as depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that a school student was almost struck. The contact's wife swerved to avoid striking the student. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of a failure with the rear brake lines. The rear brake lines were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,200.

Was driving and my wheel was hard to turn the wheel. Had to get a tow truck to pull it to my house. No lights didn’t show on the board indicating that there were any issues but, I can’t and haven’t been able to drive my car since the wheel locked.

I currently have a 2016 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.5L engine. Upon starting the car, the check engine light came on and idled roughly. After scanning the codes for the check engine light, it was determined that it was experiencing a cylinder 3 misfire. I took the car to the dealership and upon repair, they uncovered there was a coolant intrusion coming from the engine and either a "band-aid fix" was needed for $3,500 dollars or a full engine replacement for $8000+ dollars was needed. The dealership confirmed that they have seen this being a known issue for this type of vehicle/engine but there was no relief for the repair. After moving forward with the $3,500 repair to replace the head gasket, it was determined that even then the car was inoperable, and I was left without a vehicle and a bill to pay.