Research
2016 Ford Fusion EnergiRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1,468 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. Most complaints involve engine (432) and power train (305). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1,468
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1,468 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2015 – Oct 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
432 reports3 crashes2 fires
“My coolants been leaking starting at around 110k miles and it seems like the 2016 ford fusions with 1.6L are know to have coolant intrusions due to a defect in engineering by Ford. This problem eventually leads to corroded head gaskets and can cause the engine to basically explode in the middle of nowhere which is a safety concern. The costs of repair is over 4k+ for a new engine or just to replace the head gasket for something Ford engineers should be liable for. Please look into this and you may even look at my car if you like.”
Power train
305 reports9 crashes
“purchased a used vehicle. At the time of purchase, there were no visible issues with the car. However, approximately 20 days later, a significant jerking and knocking problem related to the transmission appeared. Due to this issue, I stopped using the vehicle for a while. After consulting with a mechanic, I was informed that the transmission needs to be replaced. As of now, the car is struggling significantly to move. When I turn the ignition, the engine starts, but the vehicle does not move. If I turn the ignition off and restart it, it may move slightly after shaking the vehicle, but then it quickly stops and displays an error again. In this condition, the vehicle is not drivable. Unfortunately, the person I bought the car from refused to accept any responsibility or take the car back, despite my clear communication about the issue. Additionally, the following issues have also started to occur: The steering wheel becomes stiff suddenly. This resolves temporarily after turning the ignition off and on again. The brake pedal sometimes vibrates as if it’s losing pressure. I can clearly feel this under my foot while braking. Sensor malfunctions have also started…”
Steering
170 reports10 crashes
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son started the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 10031
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 Fusion Energi questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Fusion Energi problems?
Owners filed 1,468 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (432), power train (305), steering (170). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
How safe is the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026