2016 Ford Fusion Safety Report

2016 Ford Fusion Safety Report

1593Complaints
12Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
82/100Reliability Score
55Crash Reports
6Fire Reports
28Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Engine (309)Power Train (231)Steering (113)Unknown Or Other (112)Engine And Engine Cooling (80)Electrical System (50)Back Over Prevention (48)Service Brakes (46)Wheels (40)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (38)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Ford Fusion

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Ford Fusion. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2016 Ford Fusion Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (12)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (1593)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports61Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubEngineCompare engine issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2020Compare against the 2020 Ford Fusion with 164 complaints and 3 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2017Check the 2017 Ford Fusion before buying across this generation.

Ford Fusion Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Fusion years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Ford Fusion Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2017 Ford Fusion 1069 4 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2015 Ford Fusion 1035 12 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2018 Ford Fusion 405 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Ford Fusion 345 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Ford Fusion 164 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2016 Ford Fusion Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Ford Fusion, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Engine

309 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Ford only

Power Train

231 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train issues Ford only

Steering

113 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering issues Ford only

Unknown Or Other

112 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Ford only

Engine And Engine Cooling

80 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Ford only

Electrical System

50 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Ford only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Fusion

The 2016 FORD FUSION has accumulated 1,593 complaints and 12 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 55 involved crashes and 6 involved fires. There have been 28 reported injuries and 1 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are engine (309 complaints), power train (231 complaints), steering (113 complaints). Engine and engine cooling issues can lead to rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Back over prevention systems may malfunction, posing a risk of injury. Service brakes can have hydraulic foundation component issues, affecting braking performance. Electric power assist steering can also have problems, leading to steering issues. Engine and engine cooling: Severe coolant intrusion can cause rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Back over prevention: Malfunctioning systems can lead to accidents. Service brakes: Issues with hydraulic foundation components can affect braking. Electric power assist steering: Problems can lead to steering issues. Key known issues to be aware of include Engine and Engine Cooling, Back Over Prevention, Service Brakes. Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, back over prevention malfunctions, service brake problems, and steering system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Ford Fusion receives a reliability score of 82 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Ford Fusion

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Side Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Fusion

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Fusion:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine And Engine Cooling
Severe coolant intrusion can cause rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. This issue is frequent and can occur at various mileage ranges.
High Rare 30k-60k miles
Back Over Prevention
Malfunctioning back over prevention systems can lead to accidents. This issue is common and can occur at lower mileage ranges.
Medium Common 20k-40k miles
Service Brakes
Issues with hydraulic foundation components can affect braking performance. This issue is common and can occur at lower mileage ranges.
Medium Common 20k-40k miles
Electric Power Assist Steering
Problems can lead to steering issues. This issue is less severe but common and can occur at lower mileage ranges.
Low Common 20k-40k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Fusion:

Back Over Prevention 48% of complaints

Sensing system issues are a common problem.

Service Brakes 46% of complaints

Hydraulic foundation component issues are a common problem.

Engine And Engine Cooling 80% of complaints

Severe coolant intrusion is a frequent issue.

Electric Power Assist Steering 100% of complaints

Problems with the electric power assist system are a common issue.

Recall Details for the 2016 Ford Fusion

The following 12 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Ford Fusion by NHTSA:

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Campaign #25V695000 13/10/2025

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. 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Campaign #23V775000 17/11/2023

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 ...

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Campaign #23V162000 10/03/2023

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
Campaign #22V413000 10/06/2022

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 1-866-436-73...

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Campaign #20V177000 23/03/2020

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 lea...

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Campaign #19V632000 29/08/2019

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...

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 thi...

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift
Campaign #19V362000 13/05/2019

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift
Campaign #18V471000 16/07/2018

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Campaign #18V167000 12/03/2018

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Seat Belts:Front
Campaign #16V875000 05/12/2016

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
Campaign #16V250000 27/04/2016

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 Anchora...

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage
Campaign #15V618000 01/10/2015

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 Syste...

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Ford Fusion

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Ford Fusion with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.

Crash Reports: 1
Back Over Prevention
03/25/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact s...

ODI #11726961
Power Train
03/25/2026

severe coolant intrusion issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders, causing rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Very unsafe especially due to the fact the their were recalls on the 2017-2019 but not for 2016 models and ford refuses to replace the engine.ford reproduced a better block however my 2016 isn't covered. There signs of rough idling and a engine code for a failed ...

ODI #11726901
Unknown Or Other
03/24/2026

I received a recall notice in October 2025 for the back up camera on my car. As of now, there is still no remedy. This puts me and others at risk of potential injury. I have waited patiently and still no solution. Can you help me?

ODI #11726872
Back Over Prevention
03/24/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image failed to function properly, and the image was blurry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Th...

ODI #11726688
Tether, Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle),Other/I Am Not Sure
03/23/2026

I have concerns about the safety and proper installation of my child’s car seat. The seat is installed in the rear of the vehicle, however I am unsure if the lower anchors and tether system are functioning properly or securing the seat as intended. I want to ensure my child is fully protected in the event of a sudden stop or crash. Additionally, I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my vehic...

ODI #11726249
Electrical System,Service Brakes,Visibility/Wiper
03/23/2026

My vehicle has multiple active safety recalls that remain unrepaired. I have already contacted the dealership and attempted to have these issues addressed, but I have experienced delays and a lack of response. The front brake hose recall presents a serious safety risk, as it could rupture and cause a brake fluid leak, leading to reduced braking ability and increased stopping distance. Additionally...

ODI #11726247
Engine
03/19/2026

I took my car in to diagnose low coolant and white exhaust smoke on cold start. The technician said he "observed the presence of coolant inside the cylinder walls which can lead to "serious damage...corrosion...failure and wear and could seize up and told me to get a new engine or car. The vehicle component was inspected by an independent service center. No warning lights prior to failure. Other s...

ODI #11725614
Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper
03/17/2026

Back-up camera shuts off during operation. Works intermittently and never for a full operation. This is a 2016 vehicle. Ford has be unable to remedy the situation. Camera has been replaced as well as software updates installed. No fix in sight.

ODI #11724979
Back Over Prevention
03/16/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera malfunctioned and displayed a solid black image or a distorted image. The contact stated that the failure created a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informe...

ODI #11724718
Back Over Prevention
03/16/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera system displayed an unavailable error message. In addition, the contact stated that occasionally the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (...

ODI #11724607
Steering
03/12/2026

My 2016 Ford Fusion SE had a prior safety recall repair in 2020 involving replacement of the steering wheel retaining/attachment bolt with a longer bolt. The bolt now appears to be loosening again. This seems like a recurrence or failure of the prior recall remedy. The dealer told me I had to pay out of pocket and ford corporate said the repair only had a 12-month warranty, but this is a steering ...

ODI #11723912
Back Over Prevention
03/11/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact h...

ODI #11723688
Back Over Prevention
03/11/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was no...

ODI #11723668
Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other
03/11/2026

I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any in...

ODI #11723469
Back Over Prevention
03/10/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver...

ODI #11723330
Unknown Or Other
03/06/2026

Transmission valve body w/solenoid, diagnostic

ODI #11722598
Electrical System
03/05/2026

Rear view camera

ODI #11722340
Back Over Prevention
03/04/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention screen failed to display the view in t...

ODI #11721931
Back Over Prevention
03/03/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to operate as needed, with a black screen displayed. The failure prevented the driver from seeing obstacles behind the vehicle, creating a safety hazard. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall ...

ODI #11721749
Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper
03/02/2026

There is an issue with the reverse view camera screen is distorted and blurry. View is difficult especially when reversing.

ODI #11721506

Showing 20 of 1593 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Ford Fusion

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
NHTSA RQ22004 Closed Recall 23V162000

Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Opened 2022-08-08 · Closed 2023-03-24

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 identifi...

Door Latch Failures
NHTSA RQ19005 Closed Recall 20V177000

Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Opened 2019-12-19 · Closed 2022-02-07

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 VOQ...

Steering Wheel Fastening Bolt Loosens
NHTSA PE17007 Closed Recall 18V167000

Component: Steering

Opened 2017-10-23 · Closed 2018-04-23

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...

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA EA21002 Open

Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Opened 2021-09-17

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 20...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Fusion

Has the 2016 FORD FUSION been recalled?

Yes, the 2016 FORD FUSION has 12 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2016 FORD FUSION have?

The 2016 FORD FUSION has 1,593 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 55 involved crashes. 28 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2016 FORD FUSION?

The 2016 FORD FUSION received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 FORD FUSION?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 FORD FUSION involve engine (309 complaints), power train (231 complaints), steering (113 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, engine and engine cooling, electrical system.

How many crash reports does the 2016 FORD FUSION have?

There are 55 crash reports associated with the 2016 FORD FUSION out of 1,593 total complaints (3.5% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2016 FORD FUSION have?

There are 6 fire reports for the 2016 FORD FUSION out of 1,593 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 FORD FUSION?

Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 FORD FUSION. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.

How many injuries are reported for the 2016 FORD FUSION?

28 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 FORD FUSION. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2016 FORD FUSION?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 FORD FUSION is proceed with caution. It has 1,593 complaints, 12 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2016 FORD FUSION?

The components with the most failures on the 2016 FORD FUSION are: 1. ENGINE (309 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (231 complaints), 3. STEERING (113 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (112 complaints), 5. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (80 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 309 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2016 FORD FUSION?

Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, back over prevention malfunctions, service brake problems, and steering system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety. The 2016 FORD FUSION has 1,593 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2016 FORD FUSION?

The 2016 FORD FUSION receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,593 owner complaints, 12 recalls, and 61 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Back Over Prevention.

What are the known issues with the 2016 FORD FUSION?

Known issues with the 2016 FORD FUSION include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Back Over Prevention, Service Brakes, Electric Power Assist Steering. These are based on patterns found across 1,593 NHTSA complaints. 12 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Common issues include back over prevention malfunctions, engine and engine cooling problems, service brake issues, and steering system failures.

How can I check if my 2016 Ford Fusion has any active recalls?

Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for active recalls related to your vehicle.

What should I do if I experience steering issues in my 2016 Ford Fusion?

Contact your dealership for a diagnostic check and repair to address any steering system problems.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, back over prevention malfunctions, service brake problems, and steering system failures. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Fusion

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Fusion. The data includes 1593 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 12 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 55 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 28 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Ford Fusion an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15