2016 Ford Fusion transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V376000Jun 9, 20265,252 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V413000Jun 10, 20222,925,968 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 19V362000May 13, 2019259,182 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V471000Jul 16, 2018504,182 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

  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.

  Remedy: 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 say

1. Filed Sep 13, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 a highway, or in traffic. A Ford service bulletin covering the closely related Escape with the same engine and transaxle architecture documents that flexplate cracking is linked…

   NHTSA complaint #11763926 · source
2. Filed Jul 26, 2026ILBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11752956 · source
3. Filed Mar 25, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   severe coolant intrusion issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders, causing rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Very unsafe especially due to the fact the their were recalls on the 2017-2019 but not for 2016 models and ford refuses to replace the engine.ford reproduced a better block however my 2016 isn't covered. There signs of rough idling and a engine code for a failed coil . Replaced all coils and spark plugs just for the car to still ride rough…

   NHTSA complaint #11726901 · source
4. Filed Mar 11, 2026TXOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any indication anything was wrong so I went to work car seemed fine, got on the high…

   NHTSA complaint #11723469 · source
5. Filed Feb 27, 2026OHElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   I get in my 2016 Fusion to go to dinner and I can barely turn my steering wheel. I put it in park and check the power steering fluid. FULL. I tried resetting the power steering assist by starting the car and turning all the way left then right then center. Still can barely turn. Tried disconnecting the battery hoping it would be an electrical glitch. Come to find out it’s could be a steering assist motor on the steering column that’s going bad and CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM…

   NHTSA complaint #11721074 · source
6. Filed Jan 8, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission started whining from the pump and then immediately lost power/acceleration. Electronic diagnosis found code P0733 for incorrect gear ratio for 3rd gear. Dealership recommends torque converter replacement and transmission overhaul. Fine metal debris found in transmission fluid sample. Estimate $5,500 and occurred at 110,000 miles on odometer.

   NHTSA complaint #11709703 · source
7. Filed Nov 23, 2025ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving at approximately 65 mph a maintenance light came on. While pulling over smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. A large jolt occurred and the vehicle no longer had power to the wheels. Upon exiting the vehicle transmission fluid had coated the side of the car. It is available for inspection. Breathing in transmission smoke seems dangerous I have found other references to this problem on forums online It has not been inspected The maintenance light appeared just before…

   NHTSA complaint #11701085 · source
8. Filed Sep 19, 2025225,678 miNCTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park(P), with the gear shift indicator on the instrument panel indicating that the vehicle was in neutral(N). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11688334 · source
9. Filed Aug 12, 2025125,000 miMITransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact's father owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission shifter cable bushing had detached. The local dealer was contacted and arrived at the residence and replaced the transmission shifter cable bushing and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign…

   NHTSA complaint #11680026 · source
10. Filed Jul 26, 2025WITransmission & Drivetrain

    The shifter cable bushing failed after being replaced under recall 7 years ago. When leaving a parking spot and trying to shift into drive my shift lever started to move freely and my digital PRNDL display was all white letters (usually the selected gear is lit up orange). No warnings displayed on my dash. I sensed something was wrong so I applied the parking brake and shut off the engine. I’m thankful this happened when I was leaving a parking spot and not when I was…

    NHTSA complaint #11676359 · source
11. Filed Jun 30, 2025TXCrashFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Shift Lever Does Not Select Accurate Gear Due To Worn Bushing (NHTSA 22V-413, OEM 22S43): A degrading bushing attaching the shifter cable to the transmission in certain 2013-2019 Ford vehicles, including the 2016 Fusion, may detach, preventing proper gear selection and potentially causing unexpected movement. Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap.

    NHTSA complaint #11670411 · source
12. Filed Jun 25, 2025NYOther / UnknownSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11669237 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology