OBD diagnostics · purchase protection

2016 Ford Fusion
Common Problems & Inspection Guide

Verify baseline vehicle system stability data. Learn what to check on the physical vehicle computer before signing a bill of sale.

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Platform Heritage

The Ford Fusion is an automobile nameplate by Ford. Ford Fusion (Americas), mid-size car produced between the 2006 and 2020 model years Ford Fusion Hybrid, gasoline-electric hybrid powered version Ford Fusion Energi, plug-in hybrid version Ford Fusion (Europe), mini MPV produced from 2002 to 2012 and sold in Europe

Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Jun 19, 2026

Key facts for this model year

1,635NHTSA owner complaints
13Safety recalls on file
115Top issue reports · Engine
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you

~1.9k average monthly buyer searches in the US (google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026). Run a MotoMetrics scan for your VIN to see live repair exposure.

Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Jun 19, 2026

System Defect Summaries & Field Data

Active safety recalls on file: 13 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Jun 19, 2026)

Top NHTSA complaint categories

Recent recall summaries

Campaign 19V632000 · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · API record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Campaign 18V471000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · API record

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.

Campaign 19V362000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · API record

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.

Campaign 16V875000 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT · API record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.

Campaign 18V167000 · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · API record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.

Search demand cross-check: ~1,945 avg monthly intent searches (source: google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026)

On-Site Ford Fusion Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
  2. Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
  3. Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
  4. Inspect systems related to ENGINE (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  5. Inspect systems related to BACK OVER PREVENTION (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  6. Inspect systems related to ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  7. Inspect systems related to STEERING (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  8. Inspect systems related to UNKNOWN OR OTHER (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  9. Confirm recall remedy completed for STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM (campaign 19V632000).
  10. Confirm recall remedy completed for POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT (campaign 18V471000).
  11. Confirm recall remedy completed for POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT (campaign 19V362000).
  12. Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Ford Fusion before signing the bill of sale.

Alternative Inferences & Cross-Shopping Matrix

Adjacent model years for this nameplate and equivalent footprints shoppers compare across brands.

Generational cohorts

2021 Ford Fusion

Class competitors

2016 About Us 2016 Acura Rdx 2016 Buick Encore 2016 Car Finder 2016 Car Recalls 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Spark

Vehicle health varies wildly by individual history. Aggregate recall and complaint data cannot tell you whether the specific car on the lot had its monitors cleared or its odometer rolled back. Verify the physical or digital scan before you sign a bill of sale.

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