2016 Ford Fusion: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Ford Fusion has 4551 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag *6f35 automatic transmission problems — rough shifting (especially 1-2, 2-3), laggy throttle response, premature failure requiring replacement. sensitivity to incorrect or degraded fluid. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

4,551
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
147
Crash reports
18
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
1322
power train
924
steering
524
electrical system
421
service brakes
383

Recalls affecting the 2016 Fusion

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 19V632000

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 …

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 18V471000

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 t…

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 19V362000

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 b…

seat belts:front

Campaign 16V875000

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, 201…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and generation. The Fusion is widely praised for its value proposition, offering a comfortable, quiet, and refined ride with a well-equipped interior at a price point often significantly lower

  • *6F35 automatic transmission problems — Rough shifting (especially 1-2, 2-3), laggy throttle response, premature failure requiring replacement. Sensitivity to incorrect or degraded fluid. Frequency: very frequent.
  • *Ecoboost engine reliability concerns — Higher incidence of issues compared to the 2.5L and hybrid powertrains. Carbon buildup on direct-injection engines (2014+ non-turbo?)*. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Owner data is unclear if this applies to the 2.5L; one mention specifies "2014 Fusion" with direct injection.
  • *Internal water pump failure (V6 engines) — The water pump is located inside the engine timing cover. Failure can lead to coolant mixing with oil and catastrophic engine damage. A noted maintenance item around 100,000+ miles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • *PTU (Power Transfer Unit) fluid degradation (AWD models) — Can overheat and fail if not serviced; fluid changes are recommended. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Fusion.

Typical used price

Used Fusion listings typically run $9,789–$13,349 across 2011 to 2020 model years.

Other Fusion model years

2018 Fusion2013 Fusion
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