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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Fusion› 2016
Ford · Midsize Sedan

2016 Ford Fusion

Plug-in hybrid Hybrid Gas
Midsize Cars
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
46 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 13
Complaints62 crash · 6 fire · 32 injured · 1 died reported 1,728
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 41 mpg
20202019201820172016

The 2016 Ford Fusion is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Fusion Hybrid FWD, is EPA-rated at 41 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1728 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

2016 Ford Fusion

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Fusion Energi Plug-in HybridPlug-in hybridFWD2.0L 4-cyl + 68 kW DCPM403638 (51 MPGe blended)20 mi electric372.5 h$1,750
Fusion Hybrid FWDHybridFWD2.0L 4-cyl + 280V Li-Ion433941———$1,650
Fusion FWDGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo253629———$2,300
Fusion FWDGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo243628———$2,400
Fusion FWDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223326———$2,600
Fusion FWDGasFWD2.5L 4-cyl223326———$2,600
Fusion AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223125———$2,700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36248, 36160, 36155, 36156, 36158, 36159, 36157.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid7–9 / 10Bin 3 / PZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay Elite
Fusion Hybrid FWD7–9 / 10Bin 3 / PZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Fusion FWD5–9 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II LEV / Bin 3All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Fusion AWD, Fusion FWD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement2.5 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Engine Output

Horsepower175 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

DrivetrainFWD/Front-Wheel Drive

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: S, SE, SE Hybrid). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length191.7 in
Width (body, without mirrors)72.8–73.2 in
Height57.5–58.3 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Track, front62.2–62.6 in
Track, rear62.2–62.6 in
Curb weight3,435–3,962 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear59/41

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 3 configurations: 4-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan Energi PHEV, 4-door Sedan Hybrid. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Fusion
Other years The 2018 Fusion Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Ford Fusion is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (13)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

26S43
5,252 vehicles
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak. Risk A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V376000 reported Jun 9, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25SA9
1,448,655 vehicles 1% reported repaired built Dec 13, 2014 – Apr 4, 2016
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. Risk A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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'
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V695000 reported Oct 13, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

20S15
45,173 vehicles 33% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving. Risk Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V775000 reported Nov 17, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

23S12
1,280,726 vehicles 45% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. Risk A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V162000 reported Mar 10, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

22S43
2,925,968 vehicles 73% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. Risk A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 reported Jun 10, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

20S15
288,110 vehicles 64% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not. Risk A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V177000 reported Mar 23, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

19S26
116,160 vehicles 64% reported repaired built Aug 14, 2012 – Jun 28, 2015
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts. Risk If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V632000 reported Aug 29, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

19S16
259,182 vehicles 56% reported repaired built Feb 9, 2012 – Apr 4, 2016
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime. Risk If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V362000 reported May 13, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

18S20
504,182 vehicles 67% reported repaired built May 15, 2013 – Aug 31, 2015
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime. Risk If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V471000 reported Jul 16, 2018 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

18S08
1,301,986 vehicles 77% reported repaired built Jul 25, 2013 – Mar 2, 2018
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving. Risk A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V167000 reported Mar 12, 2018 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

16S42
603,392 vehicles 62% reported repaired built Nov 2, 2012 – Jul 31, 2014
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V875000 reported Dec 5, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

16C05
39 vehicles 92% reported repaired built Mar 10, 2016 – Mar 16, 2016
Problem 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." 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V250000 reported Apr 27, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

15C11
658 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Sep 3, 2015 – Sep 13, 2015
Problem 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." 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 15V618000 reported Oct 1, 2015 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings — Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures closed

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fl

Opened Aug 8, 2022 · closed Mar 24, 2023 · action RQ22004 · the investigation’s page →

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf. Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a subst

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002 · the investigation’s page →

Structure:Body — Door Latch Failures closed

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circu

Opened Dec 19, 2019 · closed Feb 7, 2022 · action RQ19005 · the investigation’s page →

Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — Steering Wheel Fastening Bolt Loosens closed

On March 12th, 2018, Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the steering wheel fastening system of approximately 1,301,986 model year (MY) Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. On March 1, 2018, Ford discovered a design change that affected the MY 2014-2018 subject vehicles. The affected population are MY 2014-2016 Fusion and MKZ with manual and power adjust steering columns and MY 2017-2018 Fusion and MKZ equipped with manual adjust steering columns only. The affected populations have steering shafts with a reduced amount of threads for the steering wheel bolt to engage. The thread length was decreased by 5mm in the affected models. Ford stated that

Opened Oct 23, 2017 · closed Apr 23, 2018 · action PE17007 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Fusion

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Ford Fusion, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Ford Fusion

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Fusion →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1728complaints filed

62 involved a crash · 6 a fire · 32 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2015: 3 · 2016: 57 · 2017: 58 · 2018: 134 · 2019: 158 · 2020: 194 · 2021: 142 · 2022: 198 · 2023: 253 · 2024: 183 · 2025: 165 · 2026: 183

Most-cited components

Engine → 574
Power Train → 311
Unspecified 226
Steering → 186
Electrical System → 166
Service Brakes → 139

In depth: engine problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · steering problems → · electrical problems → · backup camera and parking sensor problems → · brake problems → · fuel system problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

On 9/5/2024, the driver (27/M) and lone occupant was found unresponsive in the vehicle which was observed rolling to a stop. The vehicle impacted a chain link fence at low speed and there was minimal damage to the vehicle. First responders commented: "extremely noxious odor, smelling like burnt eggs was detected.
Electrical System Jan 16, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11636247
As I was driving my car locked up and I had to hard break. I took it into the shop and they said it was a wiring issue and not covered under warranty. They couldn't explain why it would happen and suggested I placed something heavy on my passenger dash. It sounds similar to another recall I saw but my car is not listed as needing that
Service Brakes Jun 27, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11331211
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated there were metal shavings inside the transmission, and the transmission had previously been repaired twice under Warranty. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine.
Power Train at 196,000 miles Apr 30, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11586173
On may 28th, 2020 I took my 2016 Ford Fusion hybrid in for serving at 42,670 miles, because of my vehicles loss of power steering, steering wheel stutter and a winning sound while in motion on city street.
Steering at 42,673 miles Jul 23, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11341052
My airbag in my steering wheel is popped up and the sync system for my radio keeps disconnecting and just will not connect at all. Did a factory reset witch solved the problem for only a couple days and went back to not working again
Air Bags at 36,000 miles Mar 26, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11319300
I was driving on the highway, suddenly the check engine light was on along with sudden lose of engine power. The car enter some kind of safe mode that can only drive under 25 MPH. Steering wheel was very heavy. It returned to normal after several restart. Check engine light still on. Went to the dealer the next day.
Engine at 25,487 miles Aug 17, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11244572

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 64 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 4 killed, 72 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Fusion model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 77k

miles, typically

Half the 954 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 50,000 and 105,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 47
10k–20k 53
20k–30k 37
30k–40k 39
40k–50k 52
50k–60k 73
60k–70k 101
70k–80k 95
80k–90k 82
90k–100k 86
100k–150k 224
150k + 65

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine32385,0001.37×
Power Train20883,0001.6×
Steering11673,0001.52×
Back Over Prevention8990,0001.12×
Electrical System7458,1001.29×
Unspecified7363,000—
Service Brakes6280,0002.0×
Fuel/Propulsion System6062,0001.32×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: power train (1.6×), steering (1.52×), service brakes (2.0×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆11%
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆11%
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆11%
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆11%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 243
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-05-02
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 240 service bulletins, 2 emissionss, 1 other

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train, Structure.

  • 25E01 Emissions
    2026-05-02 · Power Train
  • Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Fusion Vehicles Equipped With 1.5L Engine - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
  • SSM 54601 Service bulletin
    2026-02-24 · Electrical System
  • Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). Th
  • 25B61 Other
    2026-02-17 · Power Train
  • Certain 2013-2014 Model Year Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 6F35 Transmission Shift Cable Bushing Inspection and Protective Service Cap Installation
  • SSM 54366 Service bulletin
    2025-11-12 · Power Train
  • Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
  • 25E01 Emissions
    2025-10-16 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that may not control tailpipe emissions effectively over time.
  • SSM 53040 Service bulletin
    2024-10-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
  • 20R01 S1 Service bulletin
    2024-08-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • Certain 2014-2015 Model Year Fiesta, 2014-2016 Model Year Fusion, MKZ and 2014-2016 Model Year Transit Connect Vehicles Not Covered in Safety Recall: 20S15 or 23S36 Door Latch Replacement and Inspection
  • SSM 52476 Service bulletin
    2024-04-24 · Equipment
  • All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0316
P0316 on Ford →		Misfire in the first seconds after start-up.Engine17 bulletins · 6 owner reports
P0300
P0300 on Ford →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →15 bulletins · 5 owner reports
P1299
P1299 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine16 bulletins · 4 owner reports
P0217
P0217 on Ford →		The engine has run hotter than its permitted limit.Engine16 bulletins · 2 owner reports
P1285
P1285 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine13 bulletins · 2 owner reports
P0302
P0302 on Ford →		Cylinder 2 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →4 bulletins · 10 owner reports
P0301
P0301 on Ford →		Cylinder 1 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →4 bulletins · 6 owner reports
P0011
P0011 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Engine8 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0303
P0303 on Ford →		Cylinder 3 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →4 bulletins · 5 owner reports
P0304
P0304 on Ford →		Cylinder 4 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →4 bulletins · 5 owner reports
P0012
P0012 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine8 bulletins
P0014
P0014 on Ford →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Engine8 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Fusion failed the emissions check on 3.6% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.9% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 3.6%

failed emissions

4,841 initial inspections of 4,724 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 FusionEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check3.6%4.2%4,832
Failed the safety inspection2.9%2.2%4,841
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.25%0.27%4,841
Miles driven a year10,77510,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer110,869103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Fusion by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2020 D 3 235 42 mpg2019 D 4 473 42 mpg2018 C 2 508 42 mpg2017 D 4 1,204 42 mpg2016 this page F 13 1,728 41 mpg

Common questions about the 2016 Fusion

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Ford Fusion have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Fusion, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 18V167000, covering Steering. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Fusion?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Ford Fusion 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 4-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (46/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Ford Fusion, the best EPA combined figure is 41 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Transport Canada measured it at 191.7 in long, 72.8–73.2 in wide (body, without mirrors), 57.5–58.3 in tall, on a 112.2 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,435–3,962 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Owners have filed 1728 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion, most often about engine, power train, unspecified. Of those, 62 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 32 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Ford Fusion?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Ford Fusion runs 5 to 9 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 3, Bin 5, LEV-II LEV, LEV-II ULEV, PZEV — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Fusion?

The manufacturer has filed 243 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Fusion, most often covering engine, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-05-02. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Ford Fusion do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Fusion failed the emissions check on 3.6% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.9% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls13NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints1728NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins243NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations5NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA9 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2018 Fusion The Fusion model year with the cleanest record on file — grade C, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Fusion by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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