The 2016 Ford Fusion offered modern features, comfortable driving, and good fuel economy. Yet, as with any car, owners report some common problems. In this guide, you’ll learn about the top issues—including engine, transmission, steering, infotainment, brakes, and more—discover symptoms, causes, costs, and how to handle or prevent them.
Is the 2016 Fusion Reliable?
The 2016 Fusion generally has moderate reliability—Consumer Reports labels it “average,” while Kelley Blue Book rates it Medium Risk for major repairs around 100K miles :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The most common trouble areas include engine cooling, transmission performance, power steering electrical faults, brake and suspension wear, and infotainment glitches.
Key Problems in the 2016 Ford Fusion
1. Coolant Leaks & Engine Damage (1.5L EcoBoost)
Direct answer: The 1.5 L EcoBoost engine frequently develops coolant leaks that can lead to engine overheating and extensive damage if not treated early.
Reddit posts warn that coolant leaks in the 1.5L can escalate to cracked heads or broken engines. Many buyers skip this engine for the 2016 model year :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Symptoms: Low coolant, overheating, dashboard warning lights.
- Cause: Faulty coolant passages, hoses, or gaskets.
- Fix: Seal or replace leaking parts ($500–$1,200); in severe cases, full engine rebuild needed.
- Prevention: Check coolant level regularly; fix any leaks immediately.
2. Power Steering Faults (EPAS System)
Direct answer: Some 2016 Fusions lose electric power steering assist, typically from corroded bolts or failing wiring in the EPAS motor.
Many owners report sudden steering stiff issues, with fault messages appearing. A recall (19S26) covers this defect for 2013–2016 Fusions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Symptoms: Hard steering, warning lights, assist loss.
- Cause: Corroded steering motor bolts or wiring faults.
- Fix: Dealers replace bolts/motor under recall; check VIN for recall eligibility.
3. Transmission Fluid Leaks & Pump Failures
Direct answer: 2016 Fusions can have leaking seals on the transmission axle and occasional failure of the transmission pump gear assembly—leading to pump noise or malfunctions.
Facebook group posts detail failing transmission pumps at ~100k miles :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Transmission leaks also worsen shifting.
- Symptoms: Fluid puddle, whining noises, jerky shifts.
- Cause: Worn seals, failing pump components.
- Fix: Replace seals and pump (~$600–$1,200); fluid service can help prevent pump wear.
4. Brake System Concerns: Pads, Calipers & ABS
Direct answer: Brake wear is a common 2016 Fusion complaint—premature pad and rotor wear, soft pedal, clicking calipers, and ABS faults.
Consumer Reports confirms frequent complaints of vibrations and brake failures :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Symptoms: Pulsating pedal, squealing, spongy feel.
- Cause: Worn pad/rotor, sticking caliper, ABS sensor fault.
- Fix: Brake service: pad/rotor replace ($250–$400), fix calipers/ABS sensors (~$500 total).
5. Suspension Wear & Noises
Direct answer: Suspension components wear out over time—bushings, struts, mounts—leading to creaks, clunks, and poor ride quality.
Guides and owner reports include suspension squeaks over bumps and during turns :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Symptoms: Noise, bouncing, uneven tire wear.
- Cause: Aged bushings, struts, mounts.
- Fix: Component replacement and alignment ($400–$800).
6. MyFord Touch Infotainment Glitches
Direct answer: SYNC2 (MyFord Touch) may freeze, reboot, lose Bluetooth, or emit “no key” errors due to outdated APIM firmware or hardware faults.
This infotainment software is dated and glitchy—still used in some 2016 models despite known faults :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Symptoms: Frozen screen, disconnected Bluetooth, key errors.
- Cause: Software end‑of‑life, failing APIM modules, aged key fobs.
- Fix: Install firmware update, replace APIM if needed (~$300–$600); replace fob battery.
7. EcoBoost Water Pump Risks (V6 Engines)
Direct answer: Internal water pumps in 3.5L or EcoBoost V6 engines may fail, causing coolant to mix with oil and damaging the engine.
This is a known issue in Duratec and EcoBoost V6 motors :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Symptoms: Overheating, milky oil, white exhaust smoke.
- Cause: Faulty internal water pump seals.
- Fix: Replace water pump (engine removal often needed; $1,500+). If caught late, engine rebuild needed.
8. NHTSA Power Steering Investigation Closed
Direct answer: The government closed its investigation into sudden power steering failures (2010–2016 models) without new recalls, finding no widespread safety defect :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
A 2019 recall already fixed many EPAS issues; monitor for symptoms and check VIN.
Recalls & Technical Service Bulletins for 2016 Fusion
| Issue | Model Years & Engines | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Power Steering Motor Bolts | 2013–2016 all Fusions | Recall 19S26 — free repair by dealers :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Brake Hose Leak Risk | 2013–2018 Fusions (including 2016) | Recall for brake hose leak — check with VIN |
| Transmission Roll-Away Risk | 2013–2016 with 2.5 L | Recall — fix shifter cable bushing :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Takata Airbag Inflators | Up to 2016 | Urgent inflator replacement :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
Maintenance & Prevention Tips
- Check coolant: For 1.5 L engines, watch coolant level; fix leaks before overheating.
- Monitor steering: Watch for stiff wheel or fault messages; address recalls early.
- Inspect transmission: Fluid leaks or pump noises? Get seals and pump checked around 80‑100K miles.
- Refresh brakes: Brake pads and rotors last ~30‑50K miles; replace before vibration or loss of stopping power.
- Service suspension: Noises over bumps? Replace bushings and struts early.
- Update infotainment: Check dealer for SYNC2 firmware; replace APIM if freezing.
- Watch for recalls: Use VIN to verify open recalls via NHTSA or FordPass.
- Check engine oil: Milky appearance? Could signal coolant intrusion from pump leak.
DIY vs Mechanic: What You Can Handle
- DIY: Check & top off coolant; update SYNC firmware; monitor brake wear and infotainment response.
- Mechanic: Fix coolant leaks, EPAS motor, transmission pump, brake hoses, water pumps, APIM replacement.
Owner Voices & Feedback
“Coolant leak in the 1.5L ruined my head gasket—I wish I had tackled it at 70k instead of 120k.”
“Fixed my steering under the recall; felt safe again.”
“Transmission pump started whining then failed at 96k miles.”
Final Thoughts
The 2016 Ford Fusion is a stylish, comfortable, and fuel-efficient choice, but it’s not without faults. Key issues include EcoBoost coolant leaks, EPAS steering faults, transmission leaks, brake wear, suspension noises, and infotainment hiccups. Many of these can be prevented or caught early through regular maintenance and recall checks. Dealership repairs are essential for major components.
Have you experienced any of these issues in your Fusion? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your insight helps others keep driving with peace of mind.