Worse than most Fusion years
Owners filed about 1.4 times as many complaints as a typical Fusion year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 90,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Fusion years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,660 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (536, 32% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the steering. That ranks 3rd of 9 Fusion years from 2012 to 2020 for complaints. It has 13 recalls.
14 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Ford Fusion before you buy.
Engine and cooling
536 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 90,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Engine failure due to a faulty design from Ford Motor company. Coolant intrusion is the root cause due faulty engine design on the 2016 Ford Fusion 2.0 ecoboost engine.Owner complaint, filed 2026
2016 Ford Fusion 1.5L Ecoboost engine w/approx. 88,000 miles was just purchased from private owner on 10/7/26. On 10/17/26 the check engine light came on and showed problem with cylinder 1 and 4. Car was running ruff, misfiring, losing power. Safety issue for losing power on highway. New spark plugs installed and cylinder 1 and 4…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
311 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 83,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
severe coolant intrusion issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders, causing rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Very unsafe especially due to the fact the their were recalls on the 2017-2019 but not for 2016 models and ford refuses to replace the engine.ford reproduced a better block however my 2016 isn't…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
176 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 74,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering functionality and nearly crashed. The contact swerved and slammed on the brake pedal abruptly, causing the contact to strike the left side of the head against the upper side of the driver's side window. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 178,000 miles
I took my car to have recalls fixed. The next time I drove it after that my power steering shut off while driving. The warning lights for "Hill Start Assist Not Available" and "Service AdvanceTrac" came on. After some research it looks like I have the exact problem for recall 19S26. However when I called the dealership they couldn’t find…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
163 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding an incomplete and dangerous repair under Ford Safety Recall 23S12 (NHTSA Campaign 23V162000) for my 2016 Ford Fusion SE AWD. Prior to the service, the vehicle suffered a massive brake fluid leak caused directly by the ruptured front brake hoses covered in this recall. This defect completely…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
152 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 90,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 failed to display an image. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
150 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The recall for the backup camera has been open since october with no remedy. This seems like an excessive amount of time and is giving me trouble selling my vehicle. How long is the manufacturer given to remedy the issue?Owner complaint, filed 2026
When backing up the rear camera went to black screen and wouldnt display the rear view. Almost hit a pedestrian because they were directly behind the car. This problem happens sometimes and I am not sure how to replicate it except for putting the car in reverse and seeing if it is going to display the rear view or not. I need this recall…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
92 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 62,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The dealer is saying that the car needs a purge solenoid repair or replacement as well as rear shocks. When I looked this up on a 2016 Ford fusion it states this is the most are one of the most common issues the purge solenoid the dealers trying to charge me almost $500 for this repair and I guess I’m reaching out to the Ford company…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the engine started to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove into a gas station and the vehicle shut off while parking the vehicle. The contact's brother arrived at the scene and restarted the vehicle; however, the revving…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 158,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
84 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 70,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (43), Doors: latch (10).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side door opened independently. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the door had failed to latch securely. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door failed to latch closed securely. Additionally, the messages “Hood Ajar" and "Door Ajar" were displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V775000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 80,000 miles
Air bags
50 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
When I got into my car today, the “airbag” symbol near the speedometer as well as the dash kept flickering off and on. My trip was 20 minutes and the illumination flickered off/ on the entire time. My car is steadily becoming increasingly unsafe to driveOwner complaint, filed 2023
After a rear-end collision, my passenger front air bag light comes on intermittently. Because of this, I don't know if the air bag was compromised or if the collision caused a faulty sensor. I can't get an answer from Ford.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Cruise control and acceleration
47 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 41,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the dad was driving with the cruise control set at 65 MHP. While approaching a slower vehicle ahead the driver pressed both the brake pedal and the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel but the cruise control did not deactivate. As the driver switched to the left…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 67 MPH, the vehicle started to sputter. The vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate over 15 MPH. The contact veered the vehicle off the road and turned the vehicle off. No…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 17,000 miles
Wheels and tires
46 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles. Parts named most: Lugs / nuts / bolts / studs (19).
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Lug nuts are swollen and need replacement. Ford service department informed me that lug nuts are aluminum clad steel and over time swell and are unusable. Further informed that this is a common problem with ford products, but ford will not replace the lug nuts. Safety risk: Consumer would be unable to remove & reuse factory original lug…Owner complaint, filed 2025
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Lights, wipers and visibility
42 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
I own a 2016 Ford Fusion affected by Safety Recall 25SA9 (NHTSA Recall 25V695) regarding the rearview camera. I took my vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership on June 25, 2026, to have the recall repaired. The dealership confirmed that the repair procedure is currently available only for Mustang vehicles and that no repair is available…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Recall letter was sent October 2025. It is now mid-May 2026 and Ford does not have parts available for this recall. That is not reasonable. The safety recall is nhtsa 25v695 for the rearview camera.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Seats and seat belts
23 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
On 11/6/2025 we were rear ended at a dead stop. The posted speed limit was 35mph. The Other driver that hit us did not see us or attempt to stop, this vehicle was a hummer. The car was totaled. The front passenger seat collapsed, tilted backwards in a laying down position during impact. Injuries did occur and are being treated. After the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver side seat belt suddenly stopped working. Initially it was stuck and would not deploy. Eventually it released and was able to be drawn and buckled, but does not restrain passenger when tested manually; driver was not restrained when the car was braked quickly. rom 35 mph to a full stop. There is a December 5, 2016 NHSTA recall on…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Suspension
8 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 62,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the tire went flat on the front passenger's side, and the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a parking lot where a spare tire was installed on the vehicle, and it was taken back to the contact's residence.…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 125,000 miles
Considering your experience of losing total control of the vehicle even while driving slowly while following a snowplow vehicle dispensing road deicer while plowing; I have a strong suspicion that his has happened in 2024 as well when the vehicle had registered a drive issue and the dealership found now existing reason for it. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Ford Fusion complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Fusion | Worse than most years | 13 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | One of the better years | 2 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | About average | 4 |
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata | About average | 6 |
2016 Ford Fusion recalls
Transmission and drivetrain
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Backup camera
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Doors, hood and latches
- Risk
- Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Brakes
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Transmission and drivetrain Gear position indicator
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Doors, hood and latches
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Steering Electric power assist system
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer.
Full recall 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.
Transmission and drivetrain Floor shift
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Transmission and drivetrain Floor shift
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Steering Steering wheel / handle bar
- Risk
- A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Seat belts Front
- Risk
- If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Seat belts Anchorage
- Risk
- An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford quarantined the affected vehicles at dealerships prior to their sale.
Full recall 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."
Fuel system Storage
- Risk
- A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
2016 Ford Fusion questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Fusion?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Ford Fusion are the engine and cooling (536 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (311 complaints) and the steering (176 complaints).
Is the 2016 Ford Fusion a good year to buy?
Worse than most Fusion years. Owners filed about 1.4 times as many complaints as a typical Fusion year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 90,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2019 and 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Fusion years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fusion have?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2016 Ford Fusion. The most recent, from Jun 2026, covers the transmission and drivetrain. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Fusion problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 90,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 83,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Fusion years should I avoid?
The Fusion years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2016 Ford Fusion?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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