Makes›Ford›Fusion›2016

2016 Ford Fusion

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Ford Fusion
Pictured: 2019 Ford Fusion Titanium Energi, front 2.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan, 4dr Sedan Energi PHEV, 4dr Sedan Hybrid
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
41 combined · 43 city / 39 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,435–3,962 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
13 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,731 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 164 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 13 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Ford Fusion is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,435 lb (4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (43 city / 39 highway), 56% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 13 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1731 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Fusion — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Fusion →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan191.7 in72.8 in58.3 in112.2 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,435 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Energi PHEV191.7 in73.2 in57.5 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,962 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Hybrid191.7 in73.2 in57.5 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,660 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Fusion Hybrid FWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive43 / 39 / 41+56%$1,650214
Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive40 / 36 / 38+45%$1,750129
Fusion FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+11%$2,300307
Fusion FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 36 / 28+7%$2,400321
Fusion FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26-1%$2,600341
Fusion FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26-1%$2,600340
Fusion AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-5%$2,700357
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Ford Fusion.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Ford Fusion (this car)41 MPGNot rated13
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPGNot rated5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Chevrolet Impala25 MPGNot rated0
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (13)

Power Train › Manual Transmission · Jun 9, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · 5,252 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Nov 17, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V775000 · 45,173 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles 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. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
Risk
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 10, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 1,280,726 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Mar 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V177000 · 288,110 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles 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. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Aug 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V632000 · 116,160 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles 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. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · May 13, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V362000 · 259,182 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Jul 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V471000 · 504,182 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Mar 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · 1,301,986 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Seat Belts › Front · Dec 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V875000 · 603,392 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
Risk
If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Apr 27, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V250000 · 39 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured from March 10, 2016, through March 16, 2016. The front driver seat track assembly's rear riser may have been improperly welded to the seat track rail, and as a result, the driver may not be adequately restrained in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk
An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford quarantined the affected vehicles at dealerships prior to their sale. Dealers will replace the front driver seat track rail, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2016. Ford's number for this recall is 16C05.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · Oct 1, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V618000 · 658 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness. As a result, the fuel tanks may crack in the event of a crash and thus the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C11.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Ford Fusion is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,731Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
62Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
32Injuries reported
56,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine467
Power Train302
Unknown Or Other227
Steering183
Electrical System161
Back Over Prevention121
Engine And Engine Cooling106
Service Brakes91
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1424/12: 525/01: 1125/02: 725/03: 1825/04: 1525/05: 1025/06: 1825/07: 2025/08: 1025/09: 2325/10: 825/11: 1525/12: 1026/01: 1726/02: 926/03: 2426/04: 1726/05: 1626/06: 1126/07: 2926/08: 1726/09: 2426/10: 2224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 29

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Ford Fusion buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 467 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 302 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Steering — 183 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Fusion years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★3235
2019 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★4473
2018 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★2509
2017 Fusion42191.7 inNot rated41,204
2015 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated141,065
2014 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated201,376
2013 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated201,803
2012 Fusion38190.2 inNot rated52,196
2011 Fusion38190.2 inNot rated72,065
2010 Fusion39190.2 inNot rated113,483
2009 Fusion23190.2 inNot rated6931
2008 Fusion23190.2 inNot rated51,182

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →