Home · 2016 Ford Fusion Hev · Complaints

What 1,455 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,455)Crash / fire / injury (53)Engine (432)Transmission & drivetrain (305)Steering (170)Electrical system (131)Brakes (122)Engine & cooling (100)Fuel system (88)Airbags (53)Speed control (52)Body & structure (44)

100 of 1,455 complaints match · Engine & cooling · clear filters · page 2 of 4

Aug 1, 2024Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605810

Jul 19, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the engine overheated message displayed. The contact pulled over to allow the engine to cool down. The vehicle was drivable. The contact was constantly adding coolant to the coolant reservoir and the engine overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with an internal coolant leak in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603419

Jul 12, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started overheating, and the coolant level dropped significantly. The contact stated that there was a sloshing sound inside the cabin of the vehicle, coming from under the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11601614

Jul 9, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine over heated and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600535

Jun 27, 2024Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant over temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and checked the coolant level. The contact stated that the coolant level was sufficient. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact stated that when the speed increased above 20 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently. The engine overheated and then seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,500.

NHTSA ODI 11597245

Jun 25, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that engine coolant was present inside cylinder #2. The engine short block was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was again present inside cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure and needed the same repair on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 68,146.

NHTSA ODI 11596366

Jun 25, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to slow the vehicle, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating, after which the contact observed excessive smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596495

Jun 13, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11594207

May 28, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was coming to a stop, the contact became aware of white smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11591059

May 10, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was idling rough with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was returned to same independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "engine coolant temperature high" message was displayed. The contact slowed the vehicle and drove the vehicle to another independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that he had observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe as she was driving onto the parking lot. The independent mechanic informed the contact the failure was related to TSB: 19-2346 Coolant Intrusion in Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,995.

NHTSA ODI 11587998

May 10, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The engine coolant temperature was high, and a message was displayed. The engine temperature gauge increased to a high level and then decreased to a normal level. While driving 45–50 MPH in the rain, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were cracks inside the engine block and coolant was intruding into the cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,500.

NHTSA ODI 11588054

May 1, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, he noticed white smoke coming from the rear side of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fluid intrusion into the cylinder. The independent mechanic stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced however, the head gasket replacement was not a permanent solution. The independent mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.

NHTSA ODI 11586450

Apr 15, 2024EngineEngine & cooling

The engine cooling failed inside the block on cylinder #2. The cooling system is not operable and resulted in blue smoke under acceleration. The car is no longer under warranty and only has 65K miles on it and is otherwise in good working order. I am told the whole engine needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11583099

Apr 9, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was diagnosed and determined that cylinder #3 had misfired and the vehicle was low on coolant. The contact refilled the coolant however, when the vehicle was started the following day, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 131,980.

NHTSA ODI 11581872

Apr 3, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the RPMs were fluctuating, and the engine was running rough. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while driving and while starting the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, diagnostic trouble codes: P0300 and P0303 were retrieved. The contact related the failure to Ford TSB Number: 22-2229. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580964

Mar 28, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate the engine was overheating, after which the contact observed an excessive amount of smoke emanating from the exhaust. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low, prompting him to refill it, but the failure reoccurred a short time later. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580000

Mar 27, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer days later where it was diagnosed that the engine was cracked and displayed visual signs of coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11579735

Mar 19, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated when starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle idled roughly and was emitting white smoke from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the vehicle ran normally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2346 Coolant in the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578285

Mar 18, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the short block and coolant entering the engine block. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577931

Mar 14, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the engine almost stalled and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was blinking on and off. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant level was low and that the engine was overheating. The contact waited for the warning light to disappear before attempting to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restart and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and later had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577304

Mar 11, 2024Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11576583

Mar 6, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, after which a message displayed reading "High Engine Temperature". The check engine and temperature warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11575873

Feb 28, 2024EngineEngine & cooling

My vehicle has been maintained by the dealer and myself for the 87800 miles that have been put on it. I purchased the vehicle in August of 2016 brand new with 34 miles on it. The motor has a manufacturing defect, the block was built in the same plant (Hermosillo, HERMOSILLO, MEXICO)that other Ecoboost motors were built in that were recalled for the coolant leaking into cylinders via a "fix" which was cutting a channel between the cylinders on the deck of the long block between the cylinder walls, this compromised the integrity of the seal between the cylinder head and head gasket. This allowed coolant to leak into cylinder 4 of my vehicle. Ford has known about the issue for the last several years and continues to make these motors. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from wants $14,000 to replace the motor with a new long block but I would not feel comfortable having that done and would want a crate engine as the other components would now be compromised. I have spent $1200 on replacement coil packs and spark plugs, coolant and oil, all to treat the symptoms. In addition to Fords $260 diagnostic fee at the dealer for a known defect. Ford should not get away with bilking customers for $10,000 plus engine rebuilds - this would likely not last the same miles it has gone currently in my case.

NHTSA ODI 11574387

Feb 15, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle in the mornings he noticed that it would idle roughly and large amounts of white exhaust was issued from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that the vehicle was consuming unusual amounts of coolant that required him to fill the coolant reservoir every week with approximately one quart of coolant. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2139 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11572151

Jan 29, 2024EngineEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact noticed that the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact replaced coil pack however, a month later the failure reoccurred. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty but there were no signs of a leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568449

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Fusion Hev verdict →