2016 Ford Fusion Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 311 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 Ford Fusion, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 83,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “shifter cable” (18% of reports).
- 311power train complaints
- 83,000median miles at failure
- 10mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $710typical repair cost reported by owners
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Shifter cable: mentioned in 55 of 311 complaints (18%)
- Put park: mentioned in 25 of 311 complaints (8%)
- Included power train: mentioned in 19 of 311 complaints (6%)
- Transmission shift: mentioned in 16 of 311 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the 2016 Ford Fusion at $710, and half of them between $580 and $1,350.
Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 207 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 311 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 4 an injury.
Ford Fusion power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 67 | 37% | 77,065 |
| 2019 Fusion | 69 | 22% | 80,000 |
| 2018 Fusion | 106 | 24% | 81,700 |
| 2017 Fusion | 313 | 28% | 80,000 |
| 2016 Fusion | 311 | 19% | 83,000 |
| 2015 Fusion | 143 | 14% | 80,033 |
| 2014 Fusion | 235 | 18% | 90,000 |
| 2013 Fusion | 281 | 16% | 97,535 |
| 2012 Fusion | 158 | 6% | 51,700 |
| 2011 Fusion | 268 | 10% | 45,500 |
| 2010 Fusion | 894 | 17% | 51,000 |
| 2009 Fusion | 20 | 2% | 57,488 |
| 2008 Fusion | 47 | 3% | 80,600 |
| 2007 Fusion | 74 | 7% | 86,000 |
| 2006 Fusion | 150 | 21% | 73,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Power train:manual transmission
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod; power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 code p0302
The flexplate has failed twice since a dealer-performed transmission replacement in June 2024, once in August 2025 and again in August 2026. A flexplate failure causes sudden loss of the ability to move the vehicle under power, which is a safety hazard, particularly while merging, accelerating onto…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 Ford Fusions have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 311 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 Ford Fusion (19% of the 1,641 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ford Fusion power train?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 83,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Owners report a typical cost of $710 (half paid between $580 and $1,350), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 Ford Fusion?
The most frequent phrase is “shifter cable”, in 55 of 311 complaints, followed by “put park” (25).
Other 2016 Ford Fusion problems
See all 2016 Ford Fusion problems or power train problems across all Fusion years.