Problems · by component

2016 Ford Fusion engine and engine cooling problems

109 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion cite engine and engine cooling, 6% of all 1,737 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
109
6% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the steering wheel locked up. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot, and the vehicle needed to be restarted several times. The contact stated that during the failure the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11767789
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt as though it were going to shut off unexpectedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the spark plugs were replaced, one of the cylinders was misfiring. The spark plugs were replaced a second time, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion into the engine had resulted in engine failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11748561
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds engine had overheated causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable the determine the exact cause of the failure. The contact was informed of the manufacturer extend coverage regarding the engine coolant inside the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 175,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11735837
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The message "See Owner's Manual" was displayed. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11710747
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0302 (Misfire in Cylinder #2). The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who retrieved the same code and informed the contact that cylinder #2 ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving, there was white smoke coming from the tailpipe, but the vehicle was still running rough. The engine overheated, and the contact pulled over and added additional fluids to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact obtained an extended warranty, but the claim was denied due to not meeting the mileage requirements. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Back over preventionODI 11709586
“The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11701451

Showing 6 of 109 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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