Ford Fusion engine problems, 2016–2020
1,699 of the 4,117 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Fusion 2016–2020 name the engine (NHTSA’s “Engine” heading — the engine and its cooling system). The loudest years: 2016 (572), 2017 (538), 2018 (300). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 manufacturer bulletins. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ford Fusion engine problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the engine | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 in depth | 64 | 27% | 79k | 26 TSBs | the record → |
| 2019 in depth | 225 | 48% | 82k | 79 TSBs | the record → |
| 2018 in depth | 300 | 59% | 96k | 84 TSBs | the record → |
| 2017 in depth | 538 | 45% | 78k | 133 TSBs | the record → |
| 2016 in depth | 572 | 33% | 85k | 76 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the engine. Nothing here is a rate.
When the engine complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 26 · 2017: 27 · 2018: 24 · 2019: 56 · 2020: 119 · 2021: 87 · 2022: 124 · 2023: 317 · 2024: 482 · 2025: 308 · 2026: 129
Across the model years, half of the 871 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the engine problem between 61,000 and 111,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the engine, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
My vehicle is currently overheating. As I started checking and inspecting my car I noticed leaks into my cylinders. I went online and notices many forms of discussion as Ford owners requesting a class action to resolve this issue. This can be very expensive as I may have to repair my motor
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.
I lost power while on the Freeway any indicators flashed: "see manual", "pre-collision assist not available", "service advance track", "downhill assist not available", the check engine light was on. It seems that when to limp mode. I took it to the Ford fusion dealer so they could check the car.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The RED Triangle Symbol (Master Warning Light) was illuminated.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered momentarily. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion.
What is on file about the engine, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications2 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- May 9, 2026
- Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
- Mar 6, 2024
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to b
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Ford Fusion
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
- brake problems
- steering problems
- backup camera and parking sensor problems
- fuel system problems
Every system, every model year: Ford Fusion problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ford Fusion years have the most engine complaints?
2016, 572; 2017, 538; 2018, 300. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2018 (59%).
Is there a recall for the engine on the Ford Fusion?
No recall campaign is filed under this heading on any of these model years. A bulletin is not a recall: it carries no federal duty to repair for free.
When do engine problems show up on the Ford Fusion?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 84,009 miles across the model years; half of them between 61,000 and 111,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Engine" heading cover?
The engine and its cooling system. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.