Owners have filed 68 complaints
about the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the Ford Fusion Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Ford Fusion Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
39.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
39.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
927.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1133.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
412.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2016peak 6Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
RQ22004Opened 8 Aug 2022Closed 24 Mar 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturin...
RQ19005Opened 19 Dec 2019Closed 7 Feb 2022LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl sprin...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ocala, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My 2016 Ford Fusion is affected by Ford Safety Recall 25SA9 (NHTSA Recall 25V695), involving the rear-view camera. According to the recall, the rear-view camera may display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remains open for my VIN and NHTSA currently shows the status as “Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available.” The official NHTSA recall documentation stated that the final remedy was anticipated to become available in June 2026. It is now August 19, 2026, and the remedy is still not available for my vehicle. I have contacted Ford regarding this issue. Ford has acknowledged the recall and informed me that the required parts/remedy are not currently available and that I must wait until they become available. Because this is an unresolved safety recall involving rear visibility, I am requesting that NHTSA document the continued unavailability of the remedy and review the delay in providing a repair for affected vehicles. Ford Recall: 25SA9 NHTSA Recall: 25V695 Previous NHTSA Complaint Number: 11748915 Ford Case Number: CXH-08512739-B1Q8G3
NHTSA complaint #11757854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Ana, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this complaint regarding an unrepaired safety recall on my 2016 Ford Fusion, Ford Recall 25SA9 / NHTSA Recall 25V695, involving the rear-view camera. The recall concerns a condition where the rear-view camera may display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This can reduce the driver's ability to see what is behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in October 2025. I have been waiting for the recall remedy to become available, but Ford and the dealership have been unable to complete the repair because the necessary parts are not available. As of August 11, 2026, my vehicle's NHTSA recall status still states: "Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available." This means that approximately 10 months after the recall was issued, I still do not have access to the recall repair for a known safety defect. I understand that parts shortages can occur; however, I am concerned that such a significant amount of time has passed without Ford providing a remedy. The recall information indicates that the remedy was expected to become available, yet my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's handling of this recall and determine: Why the recall remedy remains unavailable approximately 10 months after the recall was issued. When Ford expects the required repair parts to actually become available. Whether Ford is taking adequate steps to provide affected vehicle owners with a timely and effective remedy. Whether Ford has provided an adequate interim solution for owners while they wait for the repair. I have contacted the dealership regarding the recall and have been advised that they cannot complete the repair because the necessary parts are unavailable. I am requesting NHTSA's assistance and review because this is a safety recall that remains unresolved many months after being issued. Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fusion Manufacturer Recall: 25SA9 NHTSA Recall: 25V695 Defect: Re
NHTSA complaint #11756279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EVAP blocking valve failed and car immediately went into limp mode on the highway. By doing this it could cause a crash. EVAP blocking valve also should last the life of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11696645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesErie, PA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned; however, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk latch was independently unlocked. The contact stated that the trunk failure had started in 2023. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11646723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesErie, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned; however, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk latch was independently unlocked. The contact stated that the trunk failure had started in 2023. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11646723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesAmelia, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, the contact’s husband exited and closed the front passenger's side door; however, the front passenger's side door latch fractured and failed to properly close the door. The contact stated that there was no impact to the front passenger's side door that could have caused the door latch to fracture. The contact had to firmly push the front passenger's side door to keep the door closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the front passenger's side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V775000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galena, OH
AIR BAGS
Car has intermittent electrical issue that causes ECUs to reboot often times disabling safety systems such as ABS, Airbags, Collision Avoidance, Adaptive Cruise Control, power steering and power brakes. Ford dealer believes that it's a short in a wiring harness. They claim this issue has been seen in several vehicles like mine. Ford was able to reproduce the problem and recommends replacement of a wiring harness ($4k). To date, I have not had an accident, but do not feel safe driving the vehicle if the airbags and other safety systems become inoperable. Yes, all of the dashboard lights come on when this issue occurs - technician states that the whole computer system gets taken down. That's very uncomfortable when you are traveling at highway speed and no longer have safety system. Steering and braking do get impacted but are not inoperable. I can provide videos of the dashboard when these events occur.
NHTSA complaint #11574928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galena, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car has intermittent electrical issue that causes ECUs to reboot often times disabling safety systems such as ABS, Airbags, Collision Avoidance, Adaptive Cruise Control, power steering and power brakes. Ford dealer believes that it's a short in a wiring harness. They claim this issue has been seen in several vehicles like mine. Ford was able to reproduce the problem and recommends replacement of a wiring harness ($4k). To date, I have not had an accident, but do not feel safe driving the vehicle if the airbags and other safety systems become inoperable. Yes, all of the dashboard lights come on when this issue occurs - technician states that the whole computer system gets taken down. That's very uncomfortable when you are traveling at highway speed and no longer have safety system. Steering and braking do get impacted but are not inoperable. I can provide videos of the dashboard when these events occur.
NHTSA complaint #11574928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galena, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car has intermittent electrical issue that causes ECUs to reboot often times disabling safety systems such as ABS, Airbags, Collision Avoidance, Adaptive Cruise Control, power steering and power brakes. Ford dealer believes that it's a short in a wiring harness. They claim this issue has been seen in several vehicles like mine. Ford was able to reproduce the problem and recommends replacement of a wiring harness ($4k). To date, I have not had an accident, but do not feel safe driving the vehicle if the airbags and other safety systems become inoperable. Yes, all of the dashboard lights come on when this issue occurs - technician states that the whole computer system gets taken down. That's very uncomfortable when you are traveling at highway speed and no longer have safety system. Steering and braking do get impacted but are not inoperable. I can provide videos of the dashboard when these events occur.
NHTSA complaint #11574928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Surprise, AZ
ENGINE
Transmission in vehicle causes erratic engine behavior and has a grinding sounds
NHTSA complaint #11551231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11545899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11545899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLenexa, KS
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back prevention camera display screen went blank and the warning message saying, "back camera unavailable contact the dealership." The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Gatos, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Screen for back up camera will black up within seconds of turning on. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I live in an apartment complex and the kids play outside. When back into or pulling out of a space it is a huge help to have the camera for kids who don't pay the closest attention to what is going on around them while playing. It is also disorienting when it is on & working and then suddenly turns off in the middle of reversing. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have video of it happening and it is also notated on multiple ford chat forums. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? not yet. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings prior to the glitching - on occasion during a black out a message will come up reading "backup camera unavailable, contact dealership" 6. How often - almost every time it is used over the last week.
NHTSA complaint #11526019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN
I drive a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid with approximately 105,000 miles. The transmission (HF35 hybrid) recently started making a whining noise. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford service center as needing a transmission replacement due to failure of the transfer shaft gear assembly bearings. Issues with premature failure of the transfer shaft bearings for this transmission are well documented online and in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 14-0214, 16-0105, 17-0039) spanning several years. Previously, a Customer Service Satisfaction Program 14B07 was established to replace transmissions with this issue, for 2013-2014 model years. The program expired; however, many vehicles were produced with the same transmission issues after this Customer Service Satisfaction Program expired (including 2015 & 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrids built before Aug 2015). It is clear Ford was aware of the transmission issue when these later year vehicles were sold. I have reached out to Ford for assistance in repairing this defect but they have not provided any support. These defective bearings will certainly fail in thousands of cars currently on our roads and highways. Transmission failures are unpredictable and could result in dangerous vehicle behavior and vehicle accidents. Repair of this transmission defect is cost prohibitive for many vehicle owners and will force them to continue to drive the cars with failing transmissions. Ford, or the NHTSA, should issue a recall or Customer Service Satisfaction Program, to repair/replace these defective bearings both for public safety and to value their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11511114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramsey, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The drivers side sun visor will fall down in front of my face when I try to adjust it. It will dangle from its wires on the left side (main pivot point). This is very dangerous when it happens while driving. It cannot be put back in its place without stopping the car and repositioning it back in the whole that it fell out of. And it Will fall out again when moved. It has happened several times to me and my wife.
NHTSA complaint #11496034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroeville, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My trunk keeps popping open when it is not signaled to. This is a safety hazard for me because I do not want people to have access into my car. This is a safety hazard for others because my trunk can open while I am driving, resulting in my belongings flying out, becoming an obstacle for those driving behind me. According to the Car Gurus website, I am not the only one while this make and model who is having the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11491284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
POWER TRAIN
i spoke to the Ford dealership service department tech about the recall (22S43/22V413) & was told that Ford stopped making repairs as of the end of July for the problem until the customer has an actual problem and has to have the car towed in - then & only then will parts be sent to the dealership for the repair - Ford repaired some cars in July but notified service departments that Ford will not ship out parts until a customer's car is towed in for repairs to be fixed....Ford will pay for the tow and all parts but cars are not to be repaired until they are broken! I spoke to a rep from Ford and their story was totally different - parts are not available until at least October, so my question is - what happens to cars that exhibit this problem? DOES THE OWNER HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER TO GET A FIX - that seems ridiculous - I asked to speak to a Supervisor and have been waiting for over 30 minutes so will hang up now since no one wants to speak to a customer......
NHTSA complaint #11477752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
When placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera image intermittently turns to a black screen with a message saying to contact the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11475192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schereville, IN
WHEELS
I always have my tires rotated at every oil change. This particular time (6/18/2022) the Service Manager (Steve) stated that I needed to replace my wheel nuts because of them swollen and he was afraid that if he takes off the wheels, they might not go back on or if I needed to remove the wheels on a roadside emergency that the wrench that comes with the car would not fit. He stipulated that this is happening more and more and it should be on a recall. We had to pay $9/nut (x20) to replace something that is "obviously" a Ford suppler issue and not the end user. Get this the program, get these recalled and get a better substitution.
NHTSA complaint #11470104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Went in for a oil change and tire rotation service writer came to tell me lug nuts were distorted and needed to be replaced.He also informed me that Ford was aware of this and they change a lot of lug nuts during the week. There should be a recall if it is a safety hazard. There are no warning lights to tell you you lug nuts are distorted and could cause a safety hazard. When you go in for routine maintenance it is a problem when they can't get the tires off your car because of defective lug nuts.
NHTSA complaint #11465316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
SEAT BELTS
Driver front seat belt locks into position making it difficult to pull out. It also gets locked once the seatbelt is in place. This is an ongoing problem and happens whether the vehicle is on or off.
NHTSA complaint #11456008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastvale, CA
ENGINE
My vehicle is currently overheating. As I started checking and inspecting my car I noticed leaks into my cylinders. I went online and notices many forms of discussion as Ford owners requesting a class action to resolve this issue. This can be very expensive as I may have to repair my motor.
NHTSA complaint #11455988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasanton, CA
WHEELS
Took car in for service. The technician said my lug nuts are swollen. Wanted $180.00 to replace. Ford service technician said it was due to Ford using a 2 peice lug nut.
NHTSA complaint #11453521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I put my car in reverse, the image displayed for the backup camera is inverted. Ex. If a car is on my right side, it will display that it is on the left side on the screen. It has been doing this for over a year and only seems to work maybe 1/50 trips, in particular when it is extremely cold. Newer fords have been recalled for this error as it is a major safety hazard when reversing.
NHTSA complaint #11449263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.