CarBrief

Owners filed 1,724 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Fusion, and the biggest group names the engine[1][2]. The car also has 13 recalls on file, so check every one by VIN before you buy or keep it[3].

1,724owner complaints[1]
13recalls[3]
25–41MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 1,724 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of these, 62 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 32 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The largest groups by component:

Component group Complaints
Engine[2] 553
Power train[6] 317
Unknown or other[7] 225
Steering[8] 184
Electrical system[9] 166
Back over prevention[10] 145
Brakes[11] 143
Fuel/propulsion system[12] 86

We read a small sample of 12 complaint texts in each of four groups. This is not a count of all owners, but it shows what owners describe.

In the engine and power train groups, the median mileage at failure is 85,000 and 81,000 miles[2][6]. Electrical complaints have a lower median of 57,500 miles[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2016 Fusion[3], newest first. Many cover several models. Each applies to this car only if your VIN is included, so check it at NHTSA.gov.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Combined ratings run from 25 MPG[26] to 41 MPG[4]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
1.5L turbo, FWD (rating 1)[27] 25 / 36 / 29 $2,300
1.5L turbo, FWD (rating 2)[28] 24 / 36 / 28 $2,400
2.0L turbo, AWD[26] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
2.0L turbo, FWD[29] 22 / 33 / 26 $2,600
2.5L, FWD[30] 22 / 33 / 26 $2,600
Hybrid, FWD[4] 43 / 39 / 41 $1,650

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is rated 38 MPGe combined with 550 miles of range[31].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the listed 4-door versions 5 stars overall and 5 stars in the frontal test[5][32][33]. Side is 4 stars for the AWD and one FWD version[5][32], and 5 stars for a second FWD version[33]. Rollover is 4 stars on all three, with a rollover risk of 10.9%[5][32][33].

Engine and size

EPA lists these engines, all 4-cylinder[34][35][36]. The 1.5L is rated 169 hp[34]. The 2.0L is rated 141 to 237 hp depending on version[35]. The 2.5L is rated 175 hp[36].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Sedan[37] 192 in 73 in 58 in 112 in 3,435 lb
Hybrid[38] 192 in 73 in 57 in 112 in 3,660 lb
Energi plug-in[39] 192 in 73 in 57 in 112 in 3,962 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2006: 730 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 1,064 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 1,353 complaints, 5 recalls20082009: 1,023 complaints, 6 recalls20092010: 5,639 complaints, 11 recalls20102011: 2,926 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 1,957 complaints, 20 recalls20132014: 1,432 complaints, 20 recalls20142015: 1,066 complaints, 14 recalls20152016: 1,724 complaints, 13 recalls1,72420162017: 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls20172018: 508 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 473 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 235 complaints, 3 recalls2020
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fusion model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20067304
20071,0644
20081,3535
20091,0236
20105,63911
20112,9267
20122,6175
20131,95720
20141,43220
20151,06614
20161,72413
20171,2024
20185082
20194734
20202353

NHTSA shows 1,724 complaints and 13 recalls for 2016[3]. Among the 15 Fusion model years listed, four have more complaints: 2010 (5,639), 2011 (2,926), 2012 (2,617) and 2013 (1,957)[3]. Among 2013 to 2020, only 2013 is higher.

For recalls, 2013 and 2014 have 20 each and 2015 has 14, so 2016 is fourth highest[3]. Later years are lower, with 1,202 complaints for 2017 and 508 for 2018[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2016 Fusion?

The record is mixed. The listed 4-door versions earn 5 stars overall from NHTSA[5][32][33], but the model year also has 1,724 complaints and 13 recalls on file[1][3]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe sudden power loss and stalling in the engine, power train and electrical groups[2][6][9]. Before you buy, run the VIN at NHTSA.gov and confirm each recall was done, especially the shifter bushing, steering wheel bolt and brake hoses[16][21][22], and ask about the phased rearview camera remedy[14]. Our data cannot tell you how reliable an individual car is.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on a 2016 Ford Fusion?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 553, followed by power train at 317[2][6]. In samples we read, owners describe stalling and sudden power loss[2][6].
Does the 2016 Ford Fusion have recalls?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls, including brake hoses, steering wheel bolt, shifter bushings and the rearview camera[16][22][21][14]. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov.
How many MPG does a 2016 Ford Fusion get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the 2.0L AWD to 41 MPG for the Hybrid[26][4]. The Energi is rated 38 MPGe[31].
How safe is the 2016 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA gives the listed 4-door versions 5 stars overall[5][32][33].
Is 2016 a bad year for the Ford Fusion?
It has the fifth most complaints of 15 listed years, at 1,724[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,724 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Fusion (62 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 32 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 553 complaints name the engine component group (6 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fusion model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 39 highway / 41 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 317 complaints name the power train component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 225 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 184 complaints name the steering component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 166 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 145 complaints name the back over prevention component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 143 complaints name the brakes component group (14 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 86 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 26V376, filed June 9, 2026: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 25V695, filed October 13, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 23V775, filed November 17, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 23V162, filed March 10, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 20V177, filed March 23, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 19V632, filed August 29, 2019: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 19V362, filed May 13, 2019: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 18V471, filed July 16, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 18V167, filed March 12, 2018: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 16V875, filed December 5, 2016: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 16V250, filed April 27, 2016: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 15V618, filed October 1, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage. NHTSA recall database
  26. EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 36 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 38 MPGe combined, 550 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Fusion with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 169 hp. www.epa.gov
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Fusion with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 141 to 237 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  36. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,435 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN HYBRID: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,660 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN ENERGI PHEV: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,962 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.