Does 2016 Ford Fusion have any problems?

The 2016 Ford Fusion has some known issues reported by owners and subject to recall campaigns. The short answer is that there are common problems to watch for, especially around the transmission, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, and certain engine/electrical components. Recalls may affect specific vehicles, so VIN-specific checks are important.

In more detail, the Fusion’s 2016 model year sits in Ford’s mid-2010s lineup where reliability patterns vary by trim and maintenance. Owners have reported a range of concerns across drivetrain, electronics, and infotainment systems. While many cars run smoothly with proper maintenance, understanding the most frequently cited problems can help buyers and owners spot potential issues early and plan for timely repairs.

Common problems reported by owners

Below are issues that show up most often in owner reports and consumer reviews for the 2016 Fusion. Note that not every car will experience these problems, and severity can depend on mileage, maintenance, and use.

• Transmission: Rough shifting, shuddering, or hesitations in the six-speed automatic (often the 6F35) that can feel like a slip or hard shift during acceleration or at steady speeds.


• MyFord Touch / SYNC infotainment: Frequent lag, screen freezes, unresponsive touch controls, Bluetooth disconnects, and navigation glitches on the MyFord Touch/SYNC 2 system.


• Turbo EcoBoost engine concerns: On 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost variants, reports of oil consumption, minor turbo lag, or cooling system quirks can appear, especially with higher mileage.


• Electric power steering (EPS) issues: Intermittent loss of power assist or EPS warning messages in some vehicles, which can affect steering feel.


• Electrical and sensor problems: Occasional battery drains, sensor faults (ABS/Yaw, etc.), and other electrical gremlins that can trigger warning lights.

Overall, these issues are more commonly reported than others, but experiences vary widely from one car to another. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning lights can help mitigate long-term problems.

Recalls and service campaigns

Ford and federal safety agencies have issued recalls affecting some 2016 Fusion models over the years. Recalls have covered items such as power steering assist and software updates for the infotainment system, among others. Because recalls are VIN-specific, the exact campaigns that apply depend on the individual car.

How to verify recalls for your vehicle

To determine whether a particular Fusion is affected by any open recalls, use official sources with your VIN. Visit the NHTSA recall search page or Ford’s recall portal and enter your 17-digit VIN. If a recall exists, contact a Ford dealer to schedule the free repair. Typical recall work is performed at no cost to the vehicle owner and can address safety and reliability concerns.

For convenience, you can start here:
NHTSA Recalls and Ford Owner Recalls.

What to check if you’re buying a used 2016 Fusion

If you’re shopping for a used 2016 Fusion, use this checklist to assess condition and reduce risk. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended, especially for high-mileage examples.

• Test drive for transmission feel: Listen for clunks, shudders, or delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive and during acceleration.


• Test the MyFord Touch system: Check all touchscreen functions, climate controls, voice commands, Bluetooth pairing, and navigation for responsiveness and reliability.


• Inspect the engine and oil usage: Monitor oil level and look for signs of excessive oil consumption or turbo-related complaints if it has an EcoBoost engine.


• Check for open recalls: Run a VIN check to see if any recalls are outstanding and confirm that repairs have been completed.


• Review maintenance history: Look for regular scheduled maintenance, transmission service, and any prior electrical or infotainment repairs.

Carrying out these checks can help you gauge condition, avoid costly surprises, and decide whether a particular 2016 Fusion meets your needs and budget.

Summary

The 2016 Ford Fusion can be a solid mid-size sedan when well maintained, but buyers and owners should be aware of common problem areas such as transmission performance, infotainment reliability, and certain engine/electrical issues. Checking for open recalls via VIN and performing a thorough pre-purchase inspection are essential steps for prospective buyers. With attentive maintenance and timely repairs, a 2016 Fusion can still serve as a dependable daily driver.

What years did Ford Fusion have transmission problems?

Quick Answer: 2012-2014 Ford Fusions Are Very Prone To Transmission Problems, But Other Years Are Reliable. If you're considering buying a used 2012, 2013, or 2014 Ford Fusion, don't.

Are there any problems with the 2016 Ford Fusion?

Fusion 2.5L models may face transmission hesitation and occasional engine misfires under load. The 2016 Ford Fusion 2.5L engine can experience reliability issues related to the transmission control module and ignition coils. Symptoms include hesitation during acceleration and rough idling.

What is the best year of Ford Fusion to avoid?

The Ford Fusion years to avoid are 2010–2012, which had a high number of complaints for power steering, transmission, and electrical issues. Additionally, avoid certain engine models in later years, specifically the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines and the 2.0L EcoBoost engines from late 2017 to early 2019 due to potential coolant intrusion problems. 
Years to avoid

• 2010–2012: These model years are considered the worst due to significant issues with power steering, which was a very common problem. The 2012 model also had more transmission complaints. 
• 2017–2019: Avoid the 2.0L EcoBoost engines from this period because of a risk of coolant intrusion, which can cause severe engine damage. The 1.5L and 1.6L engines from 2013-2019 are also prone to this issue. 

Why these years are problematic

• Power Steering: The 2010 model year had a particularly high number of steering-related complaints, with issues continuing into 2011 and 2012. 
• Transmission: The 2012 model year saw a spike in transmission complaints. The 6F35 transmission, used in various years, is also a known point of concern for some owners. 
• Engine Coolant Intrusion: The 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines, as well as the 2.0L EcoBoost engines built between late 2017 and early 2019, are known to have a coolant intrusion problem that can lead to expensive engine failure. 

This video explains the common issues with Ford Fusion engines from 2013 to 2020: 52sThe Long Last ExpertYouTube · Aug 26, 2024
What to look for in a good year

• Generally reliable years: 2008, 2018, 2020 are often cited as more reliable model years. 
• Reliable engines: The 2.5L engine and the 2.0L hybrid engine are generally considered more reliable than the EcoBoost engines, though the 2.5L is less powerful. 
• Later 2.0L EcoBoost engines: After early 2019, Ford updated the engine block to address the coolant intrusion problem, making later 2.0L EcoBoost models a safer bet. 

This video discusses the best and worst Ford Fusion models: 50sThe Driver ModYouTube · Feb 21, 2025

How long will a 2016 Ford Fusion last?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
The short answer is that a well-maintained Ford Fusion can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles.