Research · Midsize Cars

2016 Ford Fusion HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1,468 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (432) and power train (305). The EPA rates it 41 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
41mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1,468
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,468 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2015 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine432
  2. Power train305
  3. Steering170
  4. Electrical system133
  5. Engine and engine cooling100
  6. Fuel/propulsion system80
  7. Service brakes77
  8. Air bags53
  9. Vehicle speed control52

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Fusion Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2010797
20112,869
20122,558
20131,861
20141,348
2015996
20161,468
20171,084
201859
2019335
20208
Crashes reported
45
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
26
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2025EngineODI 11677695

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2025Steering, Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11669237

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025SteeringODI 11675265
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Fusion Hybrid FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
433941$1,550214
  • Fusion Hybrid FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    43 city · 39 hwy · $1,550/yr
    41
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 10032
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2016 Fusion Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid 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.

What MPG does the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026