Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems

Owners filed 1,468 complaints about the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid with NHTSA between Aug 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (432).

Complaints
1,468
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
45
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
26
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Service brakes, hydraulic46
  11. Structure44
  12. Wheels43
  13. Latches/locks/linkages37
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)28

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 Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20153
201657
201758
2018134
2019158
2020194
2021142
2022195
2023246
2024181
202585
202615

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Electrical system

133 reports4 crashes3 fires
“I am filing this complaint concerning my 2020 Ford Fusion Energi and Ford Safety Recall 23S33 / NHTSA Recall 23V440 involving the high-voltage battery. Ford's recall notice states that the Battery Energy Control Module may become damaged due to excess voltage and current flow caused by a Current Interrupt Device activation in one or more high-voltage battery cells. Ford states that this can result in loss of motive power or a vehicle fire. My vehicle has been subjected to the recall remedy/interim work and I cannot use its plug-in charging capability. I purchased this vehicle specifically as a plug-in hybrid. Ford's May 2026 recall notice states that Ford authorized dealers to replace the high-voltage battery free of charge and that the repair will restore plug-in charging functionality. However, I have subsequently been informed that a replacement battery may not actually be available for my vehicle until approximately XXX, and I have been told that even that estimated timeframe is not guaranteed. I purchased this vehicle used at approximately 37,000 miles and it currently has only approximately 43,705 miles. I have therefore driven it only approximately 6,705…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11768038

Engine and engine cooling

100 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic or at a red traffic light on several occasions, on the way to an independent mechanic, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart on each occasion after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the independent mechanic and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle failed to restart. The mechanic diagnosed that the unknown sensor parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a few months later. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic on three occasions, where a tune-up was completed, and unknown parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder due to a crack in the engine block. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11678494

Fuel/propulsion system

80 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11696645
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

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