general problems of the 2016 Ford Fusion - part 1

131 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2016 Ford Fusion. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Ford Fusion based on all problems reported for the 2016 Fusion.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2026

My vehicle has multiple active safety recalls that remain unrepaired. I have already contacted the dealership and attempted to have these issues addressed, but I have experienced delays and a lack of response. The front brake hose recall presents a serious safety risk, as it could rupture and cause a brake fluid leak, leading to reduced braking ability and increased stopping distance. Additionally, the rear view camera recall affects visibility when reversing, as the camera may display a blank or distorted image. I have already filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding these unresolved recalls. One of the recalls currently does not have a remedy available, and the other has not been completed despite my efforts to schedule repairs. These unresolved safety issues put me and others at risk, and I am concerned about the lack of timely action to correct them.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2026

Rear view camera.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2026

I get in my 2016 Fusion to go to dinner and I can barely turn my steering wheel. I put it in park and check the power steering fluid. Full. I tried resetting the power steering assist by starting the car and turning all the way left then right then center. Still can barely turn. Tried disconnecting the battery hoping it would be an electrical glitch. Come to find out it’s could be a steering assist motor on the steering column that’s going bad and can cause this problem while driving! that’s insane!.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2026

Complete loss of power steering. Service advancetrac light on hill assist not available 2016 Fusion but is not included in the recall. Car was sold to me and is registered in pennsylvania, the salt belt. Ran scanner got codes u0240 and c102d. Clear codes, immediately get power steering back. Slowly lose power steering again, until complete failure. Super unsafe, first time this happened I was on the turnpike with my son. Speed limit is 70 m. P. H. I had to go 40 with my 4 ways on. Barely had control of my car. Very scary.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2025

The rear backup camera system on my 2016 Ford Fusion s has failed and no longer displays an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The screen remains completely black and does not activate. The backup camera previously worked normally before this failure. The issue appears to be related to the backup camera or associated electrical/display system, and the component should be available for inspection upon request. This malfunction creates a safety risk because the backup camera is necessary to see obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles behind the car. Without a functioning backup camera, rear visibility is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of a collision, especially in parking lots and residential areas. The problem occurs every time the vehicle is placed in reverse. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The screen began failing and now remains completely black when in reverse. The exact date the issue began is unknown.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/14/2025

I have a coolant intrusion for my car it is supposed to be recalled and serviced under warranty or the csp.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2025

Seemingly randomly all center console functions and door functions shut off (no a/c / heat, can't roll down/up windows, outside ambient temp and can't unlock/lock doors from inside buttons (key still works as well as door handle unlock / speed lock) can be hazardous in even mild temp as interior heats up quickly without air flow. Other non-important functions that stop working include radio/stereo and back-up camera. Research points possibly to bcm apim miscommunication or improper grounding.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2025

My complaint is, why does my 2016 Ford Fusion 1. 5l 4-cylinder ecoboost engine continue to be excluded from these major recalls? it's not fair as I deserve to have my engine, clock spring, & my rear view camera replaced just like the other Ford vehicles! I purchased my 2016 Fusion in 2018 & only a couple of years later I started having problems with the rear view camera but the dealership said that it wasn't covered under the warranty. I have always smelled engine coolant & oil but was always told that there is nothing leaking on the ground so there's nothing to worry about. Also I reached out to you guys in 2024 with the gmail address of [xxx] ) about my steering wheel clock spring & never heard anything back, so I purchased a new one on [xxx] & replaced it myself when it arrived. Also earlier that day, I had my valve cover replaced at brad howell Ford in kokomo, in because I have been constantly losing oil & smelling oil burning. Even after that, I continued to smell oil & engine coolant but still get told that there's nothing leaking. Well my next oil change after that, I told them to check again because I had to add more oil, & that's when they determined that it was the turbo drain tube, which they replaced on Nov. 5, 2024. That stopped the oil smell, but I continued to smell engine coolant which I continued to report to them, & at each oil change, they continued to top off the engine coolant. On Aug. 12, 2025 brad howell Ford decided to run a camera down into my cylinders & discovered that there's oil & coolant leaking down into my #2 cylinder. I contacted tonia frataccia, customer experience specialist, Ford cx/team, & I was told that my VIN# didn't make the recall list & that's why my engine wasn't replaced. It's not fair as my vehicle has the same defective engine & parts as the other recall vehicles & I deserve to have my car repaired also at Fords expense. Please help me, I need my car. Thank you for listening. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

2016 Ford Fusion titanium back up camera works intermittently. The viewing screen goes blank when in reverse.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

2016 Ford Fusion titanium rear camera works intermittently. Sometime when in reverse, the screen goes blank.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2025

I was driving on the expressway. My car went into limp mode it didn’t stall completely out, but I was not able to accelerate any eventually the wheel became tight. Every light came on. . I made it safely off the expressway. My car would not start the odb port is not reading. I’ve taken it to several mechanics all of them say that it’s my pcm. They said my pcm needs to be reprogrammed. There’s currently an active recall from my exact car but when I search my VIN it tells me I have no active recalls.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2025

Engine light turned and, scanned it and code is p0301 cylinder 1 misfire detected. Coolant is leaking into the engine. I have looked online and multiple people have had this issue, majority of them taking their vehicles to Ford dealers and being told they need an engine replacement. I have taken my vehicle to a mechanic shop and was told the same thing. My safety was at risk because this issue caused my engine to overheat and the engine would not turn on for a while after. With coolant being mixed in with the oil, it damages the engine and can cause the car to stop being functional while you are still operating it. I am also including a link to a website that has proof that Ford delearships have seen this issue before, are aware of it but do nothing to fix it [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2025

When key is in ignition and either in on position with engine off or in accessory state the dash starts to click and the hood then releases and opens does not happen when key is not in the ignition and driver door is open or when car is running or when car is locked but does happen if key was just removed from ignition and door has not been opened yet there are not service lights on and all trunk buttons still work when pressed.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2025

Back up camera is saying unavailable or shows a blue screen.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2025

Our 1. 5 ecoboost engine overheated on 3/20/25, my daughter was driving and the vehicle started shaking and it slowed way down, for a moment she feared for her life, she said it had a message and the check engine symbol was illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate, when she got it was leaking coolant and white smoke, I took my obdii scanner, one code was p1299 cylinder over temp protection active, it now emits white smoke and overheats and looses fluid. Technical service bulletin 1. 5l ecoboost - low coolant, white exhaust smoke and/or illuminated mil - built on or before 10-Jun-2019 20- 2100 01 April 2020 this bulletin supersedes 19-2375. Reason for update: replace awareness/interim message model: Ford 2014-2019 Fusion engine: 1. 5l ecoboost 2017-2019 escape engine: 1. 5l ecoboost summary this article supersedes TSB 19-2375 to update the service procedure and parts list. Issue: some 2014-2019 Fusion vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2019 and 2017-2019 escape vehicles built on or before 08-Apr-2019 equipped with a 1. 5l ecoboost engine may exhibit low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (mil) with only diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0300, p0301-p0304, p0316, p0217, p1285 and/or p1299 stored in powertrain control module (pcm). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To resolve the condition, follow the service procedure to replace the short block and head gasket. Action: follow the service procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: • one of the following vehicles: - 2014-2019 Fusion built on or before 10-Jun-2019 - 2017-2019 escape built on or before 08-Apr-2019 • 1. 5l ecoboost engine • at least one of the following conditions: - low coolant level - white exhaust smoke - runs rough condition with or without an illuminated mil with only dtcs p0300, p0301- p0304, p0316, p0217, p1285 and/or p1299 stored in pcm.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2025

Rear view camera works ( sometimes ), the rear view camera worked fine for years, but I brought the car in for basic service at the Ford dealer > oil change, tire rotation, fluids topped off > and after this repair, my rear view camera wasn't working. . I brought it back to the dealer, and they claimed what they did had nothing to do with the rear-view camera. . The service manager said a new camera would cost $ 800, but they would do the repair for $ 500 ( which seemed odd, but that's a story for another day ). Regardless. . . With all the news I'm reading about Ford recalls, including rear view cameras. . . I feel this rear view camera issue started years before they think, or will admit to, and should be investigated. I can bring my car into any nearby location for inspection if requested.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2025

I have had road salt contamination with the electrical wiring to the power steering causing the wires to become brittle and break causing a power steering failure in a right curve which caused the steering wheel to jerk the car to the left nearly causing a collision. The power steering failed again due to high friction inside steering gear and has a broken bolt on the epas motor to the steering gear.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2025

Electric power steering motor attaching bolts corrode (NHTSA 19v-632, oem 19s26): corrosion of bolts in the electric power steering system can lead to loss of power steering assist in 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln mkz vehicles in certain states. Dealers will replace bolts and apply a sealant, or install a new steering gear.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2024

The trunk pops open randomly. Noticed that the actuator clicks continuously until I press the door lock button on the fob.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2024

On 9/5/2024, the driver (27/m) and lone occupant was found unresponsive in the vehicle which was observed rolling to a stop. The vehicle impacted a chain link fence at low speed and there was minimal damage to the vehicle. First responders commented: "extremely noxious odor, smelling like burnt eggs was detected. Odor was most prevalent in backseat area and then when the trunk was opened. In the trunk is where the vehicle's hybrid battery system was located". The driver was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced dead on 9/5/2024. An autopsy was performed with toxicological analysis. Hydrogen sulfide was detected.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2024

This is second time my transmission was bad in a Ford.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2024

On Saturday 6/15/2024 I noticed when I opened my driver side door, the dash light & the light on my touch screen began flickering. I didn't think much about it at the time, but the next day, 6/16/2024 as myself & my wife were traveling on the highway, I tried to turn on my cruise control but it would not come on. I then tried to adjust my stereo volume on the steering wheel & it wasn't working either. Well, the next day I checked the fuses & they were fine, so that's when I went online & found out that the clock spring in the steering wheel could most likely be the problem. Well I decided to dig a little deeper into the matter & I found out that some 2016 Ford trucks had been recalled because of faulty clock springs which also could cause the airbag not to deploy when needed. I was just told by an employee from a local Ford dealership that the 2016 Ford Fusion was not a part of that recall, which I believe should have been a part of that recall, because I'm pretty sure that the same clock springs that were used in those 2016 trucks, were used in the 2016 Ford Fusions. I would like to ask that you would please look into this mater, because this is a serious mater, & I think Ford needs to fix this problem. They should be responsible for all of their vehicles with these bad clock springs & not just those trucks only. Thank you for your time & all you do to keep us safe on the road. God bless you all!.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2024

When audio system is turned on or volume is turned on, loud cracking booming and static noise comes through at random moments. More noise occurs while driving 55+ but still occurs when idiling. The audio occurrence has almost caused several accidents since its loud ear piercing noises that comes from speakers. I have taken it to the Ford technician to no avail. Due to other forums this is a issue with most Fusions. The noises started occurring after my back up camera was replaced.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2023

Date of first incident was Nov 19, 2023. I was driving home from taking my elderly mother to the doctor and my engine just shut off. I had plenty of gas, my oil and transmission had been changed, no warning lights came on my dash prior to the engine stopping. The only message I had on my car said the car is not in park. No one can seem to find out why. It has done this at a moderate rate of speed (45mph). My steering wheel locked and I can't steer the car giving me the option to get to a safe place on the road. I have to hit another vehicle or hit a pole. I have good insurance but I don't want to use it to fix body damage. I can't afford that with a 300 dollar car payment. My break sensor error light will come on as well and I went to have the breaks changed and fluid replaced but it doesn't work. I am afraid that I might get hurt or someone else will, but I can't afford another care to help care for my parents or get to the doctor. The Ford dealership will not let me trade it in unless I give them 7000 dollars. The transmission will jerk when changing gears. I still owe 9000 dollars. I looked online to see if I could find a solution and multiple people are complaining about the same problem.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2023

My trunk pops open by itself, without being activated. So far, if I keep my car locked, it will stay shut, but it has popped open while the vehicle was in motion. This is a safety hazard! it has been happening every day for the last several months.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/02/2023

The car stalls out and stops moving out of no where while driving and smells like fuel as well.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2023

My 2016 Fusion hybrid se. All sync related functions ceased to function . Cant use bluetooth. Cant do voice commands. Usb is not working and not charging. Radio works fine, but phone button does nothing; menu button does nothing; voice command button on steering wheel does nothing. This is a safety hazard and I know I'm not the only one having this issue.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2023

The in-dash backup camera stopped functioning about 2 years ago. The errors are random and range from glitching video, delay in activating, not switching off(driving forward with rearview camera activated), and a error code pop-up to contact the dealer. 100 percent of the time, the image is displayed in reverse making backing up impossible.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2023

This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads steering assist fault. Service required. As well as service advance trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or snow. In each situation all it took was me pulling off road and resetting the car by turning engine off and then turning it back on. I have take it to a Ford dealership near me and they ran a full diagnostics but couldnt find anything really wrong with it but it continues to happen at least once a month. Ive read similar incidents with Ford Fusion owners on google and they werent sure as I that if it was the brake sensor or abs module that needs to be replaced. Any assistance or advice you could give me would be appreciated.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2023

In the last 4 years the battery has had to be replaced 3 times. Each time the car runs great then is shut off and the next day won't start, no lights and can't even get into the car without the key. The vehicle can't be jumped or battery charged, everything is dead. Upon replacing the battery everything works fine for about 2 years.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2023

There is an issue with the (evap) solenoid/associated sensor that causes the vehicle not to restart at unexpectable intervals and the fuel delivery system is also affected during fueling and seemingly during acceleration, at least. The key was recently replaced and association between the problem and the key reading mechanism is unspecified. A power train affect/association is also likely component- that based upon information provided to consumer. I've heard similar problems with other Fords and in other conversations it has not been indicated to me that the models' component's failure is not problematic. It has not been stated how that is contributory to the increased collision risk associated with the brake component that is a current recall. It began prior to the key replacement which is in the dealer repair record and 4 weeks prior to this submission is listed as the incident onset date.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2023

Vehicle won’t start so I called my roadside/towing assistant number got someone out to do battery jump service because I been through this before twice come to find out that wasn’t the issue might needed more gas still wasn’t the issue so I got the vehicle towed to a shop it came back I needed the dealership to reprogram the vehicle they couldn’t because it wasn’t drivable so I got it towed to another shop just for them to tell me I need a new engine they didn’t know what cause the problem but just off what they seen while doing a diagnostic was low compression on all cylinders oil full and normal color (not brunt) coolant is full and clean warranty doesn’t want to cover parts that’s needed for the vehicle like cylinder head gasket check engine light always came on after repairs was fixed.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2023

Sync does not work nor has it ever worked contacted dealer they do not know what’s wrong with it nor have they fixed it or offered to.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2023

While driving trying to make a turn. . . My steering wheel jerked and I almost ran into a parked car because my power steering just all of a sudden failed!!! how does that. . Just happen? so my power steering assist and my service advanced trac light came on. . After this happened. . ! unacceptable. . I take good care of my vehicle. . So I see there were a whole lot of complaints of this happening. . . And would like Ford dealer to rectify this problem immediatly. . . This is unsafe. Im in chicago.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2023

Our camera cuts in and out. We took it to Ford initially to run a diagnostic but they killed our battery doing the test and never finished. Now the camera is showing things opposite. . Our mailbox is on our right backing out but camea shows left. Same when a car pulled to our right but camera showed left and caused us a scare. Completely unreliable. It cuts off/on constantly when using it to back out and sometimes doesn't beep.



Fusion Service Bulletins
Fusion Safety Recalls
Fusion Defect Investigations