2016 Ford Fusion
Common Problems
Ranked from 671 federal NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
30 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Rearview Camera Failure
552complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe rearview camera intermittently fails to display a clear image or goes blank while reversing, posing a safety hazard.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Coolant Intrusion into Engine
33complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine causing misfires, overheating, and engine failure.
- 3
Engine Overheating
16complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant intrusion or failure, leading to engine damage and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Recall Repair Delay
15complaintsMedium severityOtherThe manufacturer has not provided the necessary parts for the recall repair within a reasonable timeframe, causing ongoing issues.
- 5
Recall Repair Delays
15complaintsMedium severityOtherMultiple recalls for various components have not been addressed in a timely manner, leaving the vehicle inoperable or with reduced functionality.
- 6
Transmission Issues
11complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission has experienced issues such as whining sounds, loss of power, and failure to shift gears properly, requiring expensive repairs.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V471000, 19V362000, 22V413000, 26V376000
- 7
Rearview Camera Malfunction
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rearview camera intermittently fails to display images or shows black screens, impacting visibility and safety during reversing.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Misfire
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and stalls at idle, causing the vehicle to hesitate and lose power.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Recall Non-Compliance
7complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues with recalls, including non-availability of parts and delays in repair, have led to ongoing problems and customer dissatisfaction.
- 10
Engine Issues
5complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine malfunctions include coolant intrusion, piston misfires, and internal fractures, leading to engine failure and potential safety risks.
- 11
Engine Misfire and Loss of Power
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and loses power, indicated by the check engine light and codes.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Engine Overheating and Misfiring
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe engine overheats and misfires, leading to erratic performance and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Steering Failure at Low Speed
5complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering fails at low speeds, making it difficult to steer and control the vehicle.
Related recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
- 14
Steering Gear Failure
5complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
- 15
Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifter cable bushing detaches, causing the shifter to move freely and the digital display to fail.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V471000, 19V362000, 22V413000, 26V376000
- 16
Brake System Failure
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system has failed, leading to brake pedal going to the floor or complete brake failure, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 23V162000
- 17
Brake System Malfunction
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesBrake system malfunctions, including brake failure and brake pedal going to the floor, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 23V162000
- 18
Check Engine Light and Warning Lights Illumination
4complaintsLow severityElectricalCheck engine light and other warning lights illuminate due to various issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Engine Failure Due to Coolant Leak
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine fails due to coolant leakage into cylinders, causing misfires and engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Engine Overheating and White Smoke Emanation
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats and emits white smoke, indicating coolant intrusion and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Engine Seizure
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine seizes unexpectedly, leading to complete engine failure and loss of vehicle function.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 22
Steering Failure During Driving
4complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe power steering system fails during driving, causing the steering wheel to become unresponsive or the vehicle to lose control.
Related recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
- 23
Transmission Failure During Operation
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails suddenly during operation, causing the vehicle to lose power and potentially stall.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V471000, 19V362000, 22V413000, 26V376000
- 24
Electrical System Glitches
3complaintsLow severityElectricalRandom glitches in the electrical system, including issues with the in-dash backup camera and Sync system, affect the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- 25
Severe Shaking and Deceleration
3complaintsHigh severityEngineVehicle experiences severe shaking and unintended deceleration, potentially leading to accidents.
- 26
Steering System Issues
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system has failed, resulting in loss of power steering assistance and difficulty in turning the steering wheel.
Related recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
- 27
Transmission Issues Including Shaking and Grinding
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission issues cause shaking, grinding sounds, and transmission failure.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V471000, 19V362000, 22V413000, 26V376000
- 28
Power Steering Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringPower steering system fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
- 29
Random Trunk Opening
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe trunk opens randomly and does not stay closed, posing a minor inconvenience.
- 30
Steering Wheel Becomes Loose and Detaches
2complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering wheel becomes loose and may detach from the steering column, posing a risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Related recalls: 19V632000, 18V167000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.