Problems · by component

2016 Ford Fusion service brakes problems

91 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion cite service brakes, 5% of all 1,737 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
91
5% of all complaints
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding an incomplete and dangerous repair under Ford Safety Recall 23S12 (NHTSA Campaign 23V162000) for my 2016 Ford Fusion SE AWD. Prior to the service, the vehicle suffered a massive brake fluid leak caused directly by the ruptured front brake hoses covered in this recall. This defect completely drained my master cylinder dry. While operating under these failed hydraulic conditions, the severe fluid loss and abnormal pedal pressure internally compromised the master cylinder seals and destroyed the internal vacuum diaphragm of the brake booster. I took the vehicle to Campbell Ford in Niles, MI to have the recall performed. The dealership replaced the brake hoses, but they flat-out refused to address or troubleshoot the dead power braking vacuum system and the rock-hard brake pedal. The service manager explicitly admitted to me that they did not run a single diagnostic test to rule out how the recall defect caused this booster failure. Instead, the dealership counter staff used the threat of an out-of-pocket diagnostic fee—which they knew I could not afford—to force me to sign a liability waiver and drive an actively…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Service brakesODI 11769160
“I would like to make a complaint for malpractice during a recall repair. I was notified on aug 4, 2026 that after the dealership did the recall 23S12 brake hose that during the test drive that my master seal and brake booster started to leak and needs to be replaced. They asked me if i have had any brake problems and we have not. They wanted to charge me over $1000. I declined because i had no issues prior to my vehicle going to them. They then stated they would complete the job for a little over $600. i declined. They said they reached out to Ford to see if they could cover the master seal and brake booster but they said FORD declined. However, they never asked ford. I have the OASIAS report verifying that information. They did not inform me that this is a saftey issue, they never said do not drive the vehicle, the documentation they gave me does not warn this is a issue. However, on the way home I realized I had no brakes. I assumed my vehicle would be in the same shape as i had it taken in and I would have brakes. I do not. I brought my vehicle to my home called the dealership who basically said unless i want to pay for the job in full i am on my own. I need…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2026Service brakesODI 11756989
“The brake booster vacuum pump coupler broke off of the vacuum pump and a piece of the coupler was left stuck in the camshaft. This caused the brakes to become very stiff and hard to push down to stop the vehicle. It wasn't inspected by anyone. No warning messages or icons appeared on the dash. Car had to be towed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2026Service brakesODI 11753536
“The engine experienced a sudden failure that caused the vehicle to become completely inoperable. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent hesitation, rough idling, and loss of power during acceleration. These symptoms began several weeks before the complete failure. No warning lamps were illuminated at first, but shortly before the breakdown, the vehicle displayed a check engine light and a “Service Engine Soon” message. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power and became unsafe to operate. I was forced to pull over immediately, which created a safety risk to myself and other drivers due to the sudden deceleration and inability to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle would not restart afterward. A repair facility has confirmed that the engine has suffered a major internal failure and requires replacement. The estimated cost of repair starts upwards of $5,000. The vehicle is currently non‑drivable and remains available for inspection. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I have found multiple…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2026Power train, Service brakes, EngineODI 11752956
“I called way scarff ford to have the safety recalls taken care. Got my appointment, stopped the car off in the morning. They kept the car for 3 days and after the 3rd day they said everything is good to go. Go there in Auburn WA couldn't find my car. Took 4 people or including myself. Then it took another half hour to 45 min to find my car. Go get in the vehicle and something doesn't seem right. Everything still felt the same. I look under the hood and find that the the recalls for the cable bushing wasn't corrected so let led me to think that the other recalls were not completed. Befote calling ford corporate to have this issue taken care of we called [XXX] in enumclaw to have this taken care of. Since the car was at way scarff my car started to act funny. Lean idle, really rough idle vibration with now a code P0299 which is the underboost. I do not think they hooked the hoses up correctly. So now my car is acting really funny.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2026Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11729819
“My vehicle has multiple active safety recalls that remain unrepaired. I have already contacted the dealership and attempted to have these issues addressed, but I have experienced delays and a lack of response. The front brake hose recall presents a serious safety risk, as it could rupture and cause a brake fluid leak, leading to reduced braking ability and increased stopping distance. Additionally, the rear view camera recall affects visibility when reversing, as the camera may display a blank or distorted image.I have already filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding these unresolved recalls. One of the recalls currently does not have a remedy available, and the other has not been completed despite my efforts to schedule repairs.These unresolved safety issues put me and others at risk, and I am concerned about the lack of timely action to correct them.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 23, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Visibility/wiperODI 11726247

Showing 6 of 91 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.