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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-FORD-FUSION NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Ford

Ford Fusion problems

1,634 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 8 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
4.8 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
8
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Fusion?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
441 reports · fails ~92,484 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
297 reports · fails ~84,670 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
183 reports · fails ~75,296 mi · avg $700
severe
electrical
129 reports · fails ~55,351 mi · avg $850
critical
brakes
97 reports · fails ~100,107 mi · avg $450
severe
wheels
42 reports · fails ~49,133 mi · avg $400
moderate
body
38 reports · fails ~64,057 mi · avg $1,500
severe
airbags
37 reports · fails ~60,333 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Fusion's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Fusion?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Fusion · engine
Two days ago on 12/29/22 I noticed white smoke coming from tailpipe. Later that day noticed the coolant level very low. Later on that day started the vehicle and it violently shuttered for about 5 or 6 seconds after starting. This same thing had happened to my daughter the day…
2016 Fusion · engine
Coolant is entering cylinders - known issue in the 1.5 ecoboost motors as there are recalls in the 2017 and 2018 vehicles. Ford will not rebuild motor must be replaced at a cost of $5k. Vehicle is 4 years old and just ver 100k miles. No excuse for needing a motor and also Ford…
12/31/2020 · at 101,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385740.0 · see engine pattern →
2016 Fusion · steering
Got in my car this morning and started it and got codes like crazy. Also power steering isn't working Ford fusion steering assist fault service required
12/31/2019 · at 115,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292380.0 · see steering pattern →
2016 Fusion · engine
The car reads as a 4th cylinder misfire but it's not. The coil has been replaced twice and the spark plugs have been replaced twice also. Went back to Ford after spending all this money to tell me there is a leak going into my engine form my coolant. Now I have to get a new…
12/30/2020 · at 95,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385646.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 1,634 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Ford Fusion? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 8

severe NHTSA 19V632000 August 29, 2019

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

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. 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.
severe NHTSA 16V250000 April 27, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured from March 10, 2016, through March 16, 2016

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. 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.
severe NHTSA 20V177000 March 23, 2020

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

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. 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.
View all 8 recalls →

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Fusion reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 10 based on 1,634 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Fusion has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2016 Ford Fusion?

On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Fusion is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 3 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 183 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–103,000 mi; Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average; 8 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 441 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,484 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 55,351 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Fusion has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Ford Fusion?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,634 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Fusion. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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