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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Ford Fusion Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2016 Ford Fusion has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,655 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Ford Fusion, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Ford Fusion owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,655 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion, describing incidents dated July 27, 2015 to October 29, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 536 complaints
  • Power Train 311 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 214 complaints
  • Steering 176 complaints
  • Electrical System 150 complaints
  • Back Over Prevention 138 complaints

Of the 1,655 complaints on file, 60 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 1,655 complaints, owners report 31 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11774534 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that they had received notification of notification of NHTSA Campaign Number : 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) the local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not remedied as the contact was advised that the parts to perform the recall…

  • ODI #11773984 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a blank or distorted screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not…

  • ODI #11773969 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear-view camera operated intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available…

Read all 1,655 complaints

Owner-reported

2016 Ford Fusion mileage at failure

914 of the 1,655 complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Fusion give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
EngineMedian 100,000 milesMiddle half 70,000–125,000 milesBased on 293 complaints
Power TrainMedian 90,000 milesMiddle half 65,000–115,000 milesBased on 204 complaints
SteeringMedian 80,000 milesMiddle half 45,000–115,000 milesBased on 110 complaints
Back Over PreventionMedian 90,000 milesMiddle half 70,000–115,000 milesBased on 81 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Ford Fusion in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid

NHTSA #26V376000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported June 9, 2026 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 5,252 vehicles

Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 26S43 · Owners notified October 15, 2026 · Vehicles built through November 3, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

NHTSA #25V695000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,448,655 vehicles

Repair completion: 1.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25SA9 · Owners notified January 2, 2026 · Vehicles built December 13, 2014 – April 4, 2016 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

Doors May Open While Driving

NHTSA #23V775000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 45,173 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S15 · Owners notified December 20, 2023 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Front Brake Hoses May Rupture

NHTSA #23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 10, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,280,726 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 23S12 · Owners notified June 27, 2023 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #22V413000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,925,968 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S43 · Owners notified October 27, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Doors May Open While Driving

NHTSA #20V177000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 288,110 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.09% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S15 · Owners notified September 21, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Gear Motor May Detach

NHTSA #19V632000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported August 29, 2019 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 116,160 vehicles

Repair completion: 63.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 19S26 · Owners notified October 18, 2019 · Vehicles built August 14, 2012 – June 28, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 this recall is 19S26.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #19V362000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Floor Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported May 13, 2019 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 259,182 vehicles

Repair completion: 55.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 19S16 · Owners notified September 10, 2019 · Vehicles built February 9, 2012 – April 4, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #18V471000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Floor Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported July 16, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 504,182 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S20 · Owners notified September 20, 2018 · Vehicles built May 15, 2013 – August 31, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Wheel may Detach

NHTSA #18V167000 · Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,301,986 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.77% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S08 · Owners notified April 30, 2018 · Vehicles built July 25, 2013 – March 2, 2018 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants

NHTSA #16V875000 · Seat Belts — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported December 5, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 603,392 vehicles

Repair completion: 61.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16S42 · Owners notified May 16, 2017 · Vehicles built November 2, 2012 – July 31, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver Seat Riser Weld may Fail/FMVSS 207,210

NHTSA #16V250000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported April 27, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 39 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 16C05 · Owners notified May 19, 2016 · Vehicles built March 10, 2016 – March 16, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Tank may Crack in a Crash/FMVSS 301

NHTSA #15V618000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice

Reported October 1, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 658 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15C11 · Owners notified October 19, 2015 · Vehicles built September 3, 2015 – September 13, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Ford Fusion model years

Check your 2016 Ford Fusion VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Fusion at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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