Ford Fusion transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2020
920 of the 4,117 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Fusion 2016–2020 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2017 (336), 2016 (315), 2018 (122). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins, 5 recall campaigns. 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 transmission and drivetrain 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 transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 in depth | 67 | 29% | 79k | 26 TSBs | the record → |
| 2019 in depth | 80 | 17% | 80k | 39 TSBs | the record → |
| 2018 in depth | 122 | 24% | 81k | 42 TSBs | the record → |
| 2017 in depth | 336 | 28% | 80k | 52 TSBs · 1 recall | the record → |
| 2016 in depth | 315 | 18% | 83k | 64 TSBs · 4 recalls | 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 transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2015: 1 · 2016: 15 · 2017: 13 · 2018: 65 · 2019: 82 · 2020: 81 · 2021: 68 · 2022: 128 · 2023: 141 · 2024: 158 · 2025: 115 · 2026: 53
Across the model years, half of the 521 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 60,000 and 105,000 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 transmission and drivetrain, 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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated while attempting to drive out of the drive-thru, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact had experienced several failures. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into drive.
Torque convertor weld studs fail the torque convertor will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vechile will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk for a crash
I drive a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid with approximately 105,000 miles. The transmission (HF35 hybrid) recently started making a whining noise. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford service center as needing a transmission replacement due to failure of the transfer shaft gear assembly bearings.
i spoke to the Ford dealership service department tech about the recall (22S43/22V413) & was told that Ford stopped making repairs as of the end of July for the problem until the customer has an actual problem and has to have the car towed in - then & only then will parts be sent to the dealership for the repair - Ford repaired some cars…
Ford Fusion energi battery failure. Dealership wouldn't inspect the battery and kept replacing the battery control module. The replacement part kept failing under warranty and then the dealership quoted me $20,000 for the hybrid battery. They have replaced the BCM twice and error code P0dc9 keeps appearing.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 26V376000 HighJun 9, 2026 · 5,252 vehicles
- 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.
- 22V413000 HighJun 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- 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.
- 19V362000 HighMay 13, 2019 · 259,182 vehicles
- 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.
- 18V471000 HighJul 16, 2018 · 504,182 vehicles
- 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.
- 17V427000 HighJul 6, 2017 · 6,026 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- May 2, 2026
- Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Fusion Vehicles Equipped With 1.5L Engine - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
- Feb 17, 2026
- 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
- Nov 12, 2025
- 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.
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
- engine 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 transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2017, 336; 2016, 315; 2018, 122. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2020 (29%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Ford Fusion?
Yes — 5 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 26V376000 (2016), 22V413000 (2016), 19V362000 (2016), 18V471000 (2016). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Ford Fusion?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 80,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 60,000 and 105,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.