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2016 Ford Fusion: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Fusion: four for the powertrain (filed 2018–2026), two for latches (filed 2020 and 2023), two for steering (filed 2018 and 2019) and five more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,632 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and the power train. For comparison, owners filed 994 for the 2015 and 1,111 for the 2017 Fusion. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 10.9% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 13campaigns 4 power train · 2 latch · 2 steering Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,632filed Owner reports, 2011–2020 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 4★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 38mpg combined $1,719/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· CVT 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (13)

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Fusion. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V376000 Filed Jun 9, 2026

Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid

Power train · manual transmission
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported5,252 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V376000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V695000 Filed Oct 13, 2025

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
1.1% repairedof 1,448,655 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V695000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V775000 Filed Nov 17, 2023

Doors May Open While Driving

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
Consequence
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
32% repairedof 45,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V775000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V162000 Filed Mar 10, 2023

Front Brake Hoses May Rupture

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
44.7% repairedof 1,280,726 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V162000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V413000 Filed Jun 10, 2022

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
70.3% repairedof 2,925,968 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V413000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V177000 Filed Mar 23, 2020

Doors May Open While Driving

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
64.1% repairedof 288,110 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V177000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V632000 Filed Aug 29, 2019

Steering Gear Motor May Detach

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Consequence
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
63.7% repairedof 116,160 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V632000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V362000 Filed May 13, 2019

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · floor shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Consequence
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.
56% repairedof 259,182 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V362000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V471000 Filed Jul 16, 2018

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · floor shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Consequence
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
67.3% repairedof 504,182 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V471000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V167000 Filed Mar 12, 2018

Steering Wheel may Detach

Steering · steering wheel/handle bar
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Consequence
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
76.8% repairedof 1,301,986 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V167000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V875000 Filed Dec 5, 2016

Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants

Seat belts · front
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
Consequence
If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.
61.5% repairedof 603,392 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V875000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V250000 Filed Apr 27, 2016

Driver Seat Riser Weld may Fail/FMVSS 207,210

Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured from March 10, 2016, through March 16, 2016. The front driver seat track assembly's rear riser may have been improperly welded to the seat track rail, and as a result, the driver may not be adequately restrained in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford quarantined the affected vehicles at dealerships prior to their sale. Dealers will replace the front driver seat track rail, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2016. Ford's number for this recall is 16C05.
92.3% repairedof 39 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V250000
Listed for 2016 Ford Fusion. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V618000 Filed Oct 1, 2015

Fuel Tank may Crack in a Crash/FMVSS 301

Fuel system, gasoline · storage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness. As a result, the fuel tanks may crack in the event of a crash and thus the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence
A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C11.
88.2% repairedof 658 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V618000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Fusion years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford FusionAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,632)

1,632 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

59involved a crash
6involved a fire
31injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Fusion, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,632.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Fusion years

Best and worst Fusion years →
2,787 2,516 1,791 1,330 994 1,632 1,111 441 315 183
2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 3★ · Passenger 5★★★★★☆
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.9%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Ford Fusion 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 38 mpg combined

38
mpg combined
40
city
36
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$1,750
CO₂ tailpipe
129 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$1,719per year
$143per month
395gallons a year

Miles ÷ 38 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Ford Fusion configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · CVTFront-Wheel Drive40 / 36 / 38$1,750129
1.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29$2,300307
1.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 36 / 28$2,400321
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600341
2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600340
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25$2,700357

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Fusion for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Fusion years

Where to next

Which Fusion years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Ford Fusion report1,111 complaints · 4 campaigns →2015 Ford Fusion report994 complaints · 13 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Ford Fusion FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fusion have?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns: 26V376000 (power train), 25V695000 (rear camera), 23V775000 (latch), 23V162000 (brake), 22V413000 (power train), 20V177000 (latch), 19V632000 (steering), 19V362000 (power train), 18V471000 (power train), 18V167000 (steering), 16V875000 (seat belt), 16V250000 (seat belt), 15V618000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Ford Fusion problems?

Owners filed 1,632 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (442), Power train (311), Unknown or other (211) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Ford Fusion get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 40 city, 36 highway and 38 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2016 Ford Fusion get?

NHTSA rated the 2016 Ford Fusion 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 4 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.9% rollover risk).

How does the 2016 Fusion compare with other years?

Among the 2011–2020 Ford Fusion model years at least five years old, the 2020 drew the fewest complaints (183) and the 2011 the most (2,787). The 2016 drew 1,632. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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