2016 Ford Fusion: Noteworthy Recalls

John A
Mar 7, 2021

Gray 2016 Ford Fusion With White Background

Whether you are considering purchasing a 2016 Ford Fusion or you are already the owner of one, it is always a good idea to check and see if there might be any recalls on the vehicle in question that have not been addressed. At Vehicle History, our mission is to help automotive shoppers all over the country make informed decisions about the used vehicles that they purchase by providing comprehensive reports that detail every aspect of the vehicle’s history.

While downloading a report of the specific vehicle that you are considering by entering its VIN number in our VIN report search box and accessing a comprehensive report that details the vehicle’s entire history is the best way to determine if there might be any unseen issues with the vehicles, taking a look at any recalls that have been issued on the model is a great place to start. With that in mind, we’ll explore the recalls that have been issued for the 2016 Ford Fusion as well as other important information to consider before you purchase this model.

What Does it Mean for a Vehicle to be Recalled?

Manufacturers will issue recalls on a vehicle when they discover a potential safety hazard that needs to be addressed. Issues that do not affect a vehicle’s safety, for example, a faulty AC system or a malfunctioning radio, will not warrant a safety recall, even if these problems are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, any issue that could potentially be a safety hazard is cause for a recall, which means that any problem with a vehicle’s mechanical or driver safety features is likely to lead to a recall on the model.

In the event of a recall on a vehicle, the manufacturer will contact all owners and dealers in order to inform them about the nature of the recall and provide information about the steps that they should follow in order to resolve the issue. Given that recalls are only issued for serious problems that could make the vehicle unsafe to drive, it is essential to have any recall addressed as soon as possible. Fortunately, manufacturers will always offer to repair any issues that lead to a recall free of charge. While taking your vehicle in for repairs is certainly a hassle even if the repairs are free, it is absolutely necessary in the case of safety recalls.

2016 Ford Fusion Recalls

So far, there have been a total of eight recalls issued for the 2016 Ford Fusion. These recalls are as follows:

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V875000

Recall Date: 10/01/2015 – Affected Component: Fuel Tank

In 2015, Ford issued the first recall for the newly released 2016 Ford Fusion, citing a faulty fuel tank as the reason. Per the recall, certain 2016 Fusion models may have been outfitted with a fuel tank whose walls were insufficiently thick. In the event of a crash, these faulty fuel tanks are prone to breaking, dramatically increasing the risk of an explosion or fire due to fuel leaking into other components of the vehicle. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the fuel tanks free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V250000

Recall Date: 04/27/2016 – Affected Component: Front Seat Belt

In 2016, a recall was issued for certain 2016 Ford Fusion models that had been manufactured from March 10, 2016 to March 26, 2016 after Ford discovered that these models may have been equipped with a front driver seat track assembly’s rear riser that had not been properly welded to the seat track rail. In the event of a crash, the welds on affected models could break, causing the seatbelt to fail to restrain the vehicle’s driver. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the front seat track rail free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V875000

Recall Date: 12/05/2016 – Affected Component: Front Seat Belt

Less than a year after issuing the first recall regarding the 2016 Ford Fusion’s front seat belt, Ford was forced to issue another recall for the 2016 Fusion due to the same component. Ford discovered that heat from the deployment of the seat belt’s pretensioner may cause the 2016 Fusion’s front seat belt anchor cable to fail in the event of a crash. If this component fails, the driver would not be properly restrained by their seatbelt in the event of a crash. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 18V167000

Recall Date: 03/12/2018 – Affected Component: Steering Wheel

In 2018, Ford issued a recall on certain 2014-2018 Ford Fusion models, citing a faulty steering wheel as the cause. On affected models, the steering wheel’s restraining bolt may loosen over time, resulting in the possibility of the steering wheel coming detached while the vehicle is in operation and causing a dangerous loss of control. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the steering wheel restraining bolt with a longer bolt free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 18V167000

Recall Date: 07/16/2018 – Affected Component: Transmission

In 2018, Ford issued a recall on certain 2013-2016 Ford fusion models that had been equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. On affected models, Ford discovered that the bushing attaching the transmission shifter cable to the transmission is prone to degrading over time, resulting in the possibility that the shifter cable comes detached from the transmission. In the event that this happens, the vehicle may show that it has been placed in park without actually ever shifting into park, potentially leading to a rollaway. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the shifter cable bushing free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 19V362000

Recall Date: 05/13/2019 – Affected Component: Transmission

In 2019, Ford was forced to issue another recall on certain 2013-2016 Fusion models that is almost identical to the previous recall issued in July 2018, this time for certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion models that had been equipped with a 2.5L engine. As with the previous recall, Ford discovered that the bushing attaching the transmission shifter cable to the transmission is prone to degrading over time, resulting in the possibility that the shifter cable comes detached from the transmission.

In the event that this happens, the vehicle may show that it has been placed in park without actually ever shifting into park, potentially leading to a rollaway. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the shifter cable bushing free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 19V632000

Recall Date: 08/29/2019 – Affected Component: Power Steering

In 2019, Ford issued a recall for certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion models that were 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. On affected models, road salt and/or other factors may corrode the vehicle’s electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts, leading to a loss of power steering. If this loss of power steering occurs while the vehicle is in operation it will make it much more difficult to control and increase the risk of a crash. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer free of charge on all affected models.

NHTSA Recall ID: 20V177000

Recall Date: 08/29/2019 – Affected Component: Door Latches

In 2020, Ford issued a recall on certain 2014-2016 Ford Fusion models, citing faulty door latches that may fail while the vehicle is in operation. This recall specifically affects 2014-2016 Fusion models that were originally 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. On affected models, a component within the door latch may break, potentially causing the door to come open while the vehicle is in operation. In order to resolve this issue, Ford has offered to replace the door latches free of charge on all affected models.

What to Do if There is a Recall on Your 2016 Ford Fusion

If you are the owner of a 2016 Ford Fusion that has been recalled in the past, it is essential to ensure that the issue in question has been addressed before you continue to drive the vehicle. As already discussed, recalls are only issued for vehicles when a serious safety concern is discovered, and all recalls should be taken seriously.

Thankfully, Ford offers free repairs on all models affected by a recall. To confirm that your recalled vehicle has been repaired and to learn more about how to set up a repair appointment in the event that it has not, you can contact Ford directly and inquire about your vehicle’s VIN number.

If you are considering purchasing a used 2016 Ford Fusion that may have been previously recalled, you will want to verify with the seller that any and all recalls on the vehicle have been addressed. If you are purchasing the vehicle from a reputable dealer then it is likely that all necessary repairs will have already been conducted. At any rate, though, whether buying from a dealer or an individual seller, it is important to confirm that all recalls have been addressed and all required repairs have been made before you purchase the vehicle.

Having looked at all of the recalls for the 2016 Ford Fusion, it is worth noting that the 2016 Ford Fusion has received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and is praised as a high-quality, reliable vehicle. Past recalls are not inherently an indicator of a vehicle’s quality or its safety, and most models regardless of the manufacturer will undergo recalls at some point in time. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to research a model’s recalls and ensure that they have been addressed before you purchase any used vehicle.

At Vehicle History, we make it incredibly easy to research specific models and determine if there are issues regarding the vehicle’s safety or functionality that you need to be made aware of before you make a purchase. When you download our exhaustive vehicle history report by typing in your vehicle’s VIN number, you’ll be able to access a wide range of information about the vehicle, including its past recalls as well as any accidents that the vehicle might have been involved in or repairs that it might have undergone.

To learn more about this valuable tool and how Vehicle History can help you make an informed purchase on your next used car, feel free to contact us today.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Phil on May 18, 2023
Major engine repair at 70K miles
I recently received two comments about my 2016 Fusion 2.5 liter Duratec I4 engine making a loud clattering noise when idling. There was no engine warning light. I took the car into the dealership to investigate the cause. After 6 hours of diagnostic work, the master technician said the problem must be in the long block and $7,200 to replace. I have always maintained this vehicle with quarterly oil changes and full inspections of tires, brakes and fluids. I am very disappointed.
accountCircle Briana on April 30, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion problem after problem
I bought a 2016 Ford Fusion in April of 2017. Right after the two year warrant mark all my problems started (of course). First my shift linkage bushing broke. I watched few YouTube videos on how to fix it. YouTube we very helpful I bought the parts needed, attempted to fix it but the shift linkage bushing required for my vehicle did not fit. Then I found out upon more research that my car was on recall for steering wheel issues as well as the shift linkage bushing!
accountCircle Kaylee C on August 8, 2021
2016 ford fusion se review.
My 2016 ford fusion runs great. Although I have already had a recall on it due to transmission and an electrical problem. The transmission makes the car shake if parked on a hill and you put in into reverse. The car is noisy while driving. While driving the fusion sometimes refuses to shift up from 2nd to 3rd gear for me. Leaving it to jerk a bit.
accountCircle Tricia on April 5, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE: Errors that were fixed due to them being recalled.
I love my car but there have been a few issues. Such as the fuel pump busting within in 6 months of purchase in turn made my car breakdown. And there was a transmission issue on a recall list that actually happened my power steering went out and all electrical went out as well.
accountCircle Kayla H on May 12, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion is heavily outweighed by it is mechanical downfalls.
Following the purchase of my vehicle, I was very pleased; however only a short year went by before multiple recalls had been issued. Atop that, the ac compressor completely gave out—an inexplicable $2000 fault that has occurred only two years after production.
accountCircle Cece R on July 31, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE not worth the trouble.
There have been many recalls on crucial parts of the vehicle. I have had recalls on parts concerning the steering system as well a recall on a transmission part for the gear shift. In total, I have undergone 4 recalls.
accountCircle Kimberly H on August 11, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE plenty of legroom both up front and in the back seat! Roomy trunk.
I absolutely love my car! The only problem I have had was a problem that was a factory recall. It was something to do with the gear shifter but it was a quick and easy fix and I haven't had any other issues.
accountCircle Carmen A on August 22, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE comfortable seating for fast breaking,
My only mechanical problems were recalls for the steering and the parking might not engage. No other problems have arisen. Love my ford fusion looking to buy a hybrid next time
accountCircle Octavene G on July 28, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE parking brake issue.
There was a recall on my vehicle for the break but so far I have not experienced any major issues. Long as you keep maintenance up it gets 20 mpg city and about 25 mpg highway.
accountCircle Tiffany B on August 28, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE not for a mom of 2
My car has had quite a few recalls. I love how roomy it was compared to my focus. However the size and trunk are too small if you have more than one in a car seat or stroller.
accountCircle Brianna P on March 31, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion S is great, whatever issues I have had are fixable and upgradable.
There has been a few recalls which are annoying to get looked at but nothing has ever been an issue. The GPS on it is not great though. Other than that no complaints.
accountCircle Raquel H on May 31, 2021
I have had an overall great experience with my 2016 ford fusion.
I have had it for almost 3 years and have never had any performance issues. I have followed ford guidance for maintenance and had one recall that was fixed promptly.
accountCircle Richard M on May 19, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion: good value but has a few concerns early on.
I had to have the steering gear replaced and the sync quit within the first 40, 000 miles. It seats 4 people comfortable. It has had a couple of recalls already.
accountCircle andrea on April 24, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion is horrible
Coolant leak into engine SAME AS RECALLED 2013, 2014, 2015. SAME ECOBOOST COOLANT LEAK. First they told me they pressure tested it 4 times and nothing is wrong.
accountCircle Roger R on March 9, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE is very expensive
I love my fusion, but in the past I have had many recalls on it and I have almost had my steering wheel fall off. This car is very expensive with the up keep.
accountCircle Hunter T on June 3, 2021
Never get Ford Fusion 2016
The car has no speed & drives awful, there has been 2 recalls on this model that I had to bring the car in to get fixed. I recommend do not purchase.
accountCircle Jasmine S on June 15, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion have the password to unlock the doors on the drivers door.
My car is really pretty and I runs great but i only had it for about 3 months and they are already recalling something on it.
accountCircle Latishe J on June 25, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion a good first car.
Smooth drive everything is great except for a possible recall because of the brakes. Other than it's great no problems.
accountCircle Dallas B on April 21, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE is a very pretty metallic grey that sparked in the sun.
It is a good car just not what I want. I have had a few recalls on the car which makes it hard to love the car.
accountCircle Annelise T on March 20, 2021
2016 ford fusion se review.
I love my car. I do not seem to have many problems with it, besides the fact that it had a couple recalls.
accountCircle Jenn C on April 24, 2021
Two thumbs up for 2016 Ford Fusion
Great on gas. Comfortable. Does have a recall that we need to take care of. Would recommend to a friend.
accountCircle Korynthian J on April 2, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE - I love the back up camera and trunk space it provides.
I did have a recall problem with my transmission which they fixed with no problem and quickly!
accountCircle Leah M on May 31, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE up to date and fun to drive.
The only downside are the four recalls until now.
accountCircle Lo F on June 15, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion SE generally an okay vehicle, but could be better.
There have been several recalls over the years.
accountCircle Margarita V on August 31, 2021
2016 Ford Fusion is an economical vehicle really good on fuel.
It did have a recall for the steering wheel.
avatar John A
John A. is a freelance writer and automotive enthusiast currently living in Myrtle Beach, SC. When he's not working, John enjoys writing fiction, practicing mixed martial arts, and joyriding in his 2018 Ford Mustang GT.
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