RoadVitals

2016 Ford Fusion Energi Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
23
Latest Aug 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical721.9%
  • Engine618.8%
  • Steering39.4%
  • Visibility26.3%
  • Brakes26.3%
  • Powertrain (other)26.3%
  • Fuel system13.1%
  • Airbags13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear-view camera was inoperative. The message "Camera not Available - Contact your Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11754583 · filed Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear-view camera was inoperative. The message "Be Careful Backing Up – Rear-view Camera Unavailable - Contact your Local Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 98,500.

NHTSA ID 11754521 · filed Aug 3, 2026
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated while reversing at 5 MPH, the rearview camera failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, there was a message displayed that the rearview camera would stop working while in reverse, and to please contact the dealer if the camera failed to operate as needed. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the radio intermittently failed to operate as needed. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ID 11654840 · filed Apr 15, 2025

On 9/5/2024, the driver (27/M) and lone occupant was found unresponsive in the vehicle which was observed rolling to a stop. The vehicle impacted a chain link fence at low speed and there was minimal damage to the vehicle. First responders commented: "extremely noxious odor, smelling like burnt eggs was detected. Odor was most prevalent in backseat area and then when the trunk was opened. In the trunk is where the vehicle's hybrid battery system was located". The driver was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced dead on 9/5/2024. An autopsy was performed with toxicological analysis. Hydrogen sulfide was detected.

NHTSA ID 11636247 · filed Jan 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated there were metal shavings inside the transmission, and the transmission had previously been repaired twice under Warranty. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the Warranty being expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

NHTSA ID 11586173 · filed Apr 30, 2024

FORD FUSION ENERGI, DID ITS LOW POWERED STATE AGAIN, THIS TIME ON THE FREE WAY, DROPPING RAPIDLY FROM 75MPH TO 22MPH AND BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN THAT SPEED. THE DISPLAY SHOWED THE SAFETY FEATURES BECOMING DEACTIVATED. SOMETHING NEW THOUGH, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE CONSOLE DIMMED AND WAS BARELY READABLE, I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS AND I HOPE THEY WHERE WORKING, EITHER WAY I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION AND GOT THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THIS ABOUT 7TH TIME FORD WILL WORK ON THE VEHICLE, AND ANOTHER WEEK OR MORE WITHOUT A VEHICLE, WAITING FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT. THESE FUSIONS ARE BECOMING THE NEW FORD PINTO. I REALLY HOPE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO DIE, BEFORE FORD IS FORCED TO RECALL THESE DEATH TRAPS.

NHTSA ID 11151336 · filed Nov 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FUSION ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING. RICK BALL FORD LINCOLN SEDALIA (2505 W BROADWAY BLVD, SEDALIA, MO 65301, 660-826-5200) WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A NEWLY ISSUED RECALL AND THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER THAT SHE WOULD BE MOVING WITH HER HUSBAND TO HAWAII AND, IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE IMPORTED, THERE COULD BE NO ACTIVE RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11252964 · filed Sep 3, 2019

ON JULY 4TH 2018. I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 74 MILES PER HOUR, MY VEHICLE DECELERATED ABRUPTLY DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR THEN DOWN TO 20 MILES PER HOUR. STEERING WHEEL BECOME TIGHT AND PRACTICALLY LOCKED INTO PLACE. THIS PORTION OF THE EVENT OCCURED WITHEN TWO SECONDS AT MOST. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CONSOLE SCREEN ON. THE LEFT SIDE OF ACCELEROMETER DISPLAYED MULTIPLE MESSAGES STATING MY SAFETY SYSTEMS WHERE NOT AVAILABLE, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS UNAVAILABLE, FORWARD COLLUSION WARNING WAS UNAVAILABLE, REAR PARKING CAM UNAVAILABLE, PARKING SENSORS, UNAVAILABLE, HILL ASSISTANCE UNAVAILABLE, THESE WHERE THE ONES I READ WHILE TRYING TO MAKE AVOID A COLLISION BUT OTHER MESSAGES CONTINUED TO DISPLAY ON THE SCREEN. ALTOGETHER THE EVENT IN WHICH THE DECELERATION AND MESSAGES DISPLAYED ONE AFTER THE OTHER, IN RAPID SUCCESSION, TOOK PLACE INABOUT 5 TO 10 SECONDS. THE SUDDEN DECELERATION OF MY VEHICLE, FROM 74MPH TO 20MPH FORCED A LARGE WHITE SUV. TO QUICKLY ADJUST LANES AND FORCE TWO OTHER VEHICLES TO MOVE AS WELL IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. ONE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST FORCED INTO A CONCRETE WALL BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP, THE CARS BEHIND HAD STARTED TO MANUVER AROUND AS WELL. I THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THEMSELVES QUICKLY AND CONTINUE ON. MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 20MPH. THE EXIT WAS CLOSE, MY HAZARD LIGHTS APPEARED TO BE BE WORKING, AND VEHICLES WHERE PAYING ATTENTION TO MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE FREE WAY AND PARK IT AT A GAS STATION. WITH THE HOLIDAY, I COULDN'T FIND ANY OPEN REPAIR SHOPS. WHILE I WAITED FOR A RIDE I FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS DISCUSSING THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2016 FORD FUSION ENERGI. AFTER ABOUT 12000 MILES THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SENSE THEN I TOOK MINE TO GET FIXED, THE ISSUE AND FIX, WAS REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY. FORD WON'T RECALL!

NHTSA ID 11114319 · filed Jul 28, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FUSION ENERGI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER AND WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE AND PROVIDED LOW VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, SIDE IMPACT, AND ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVERAL TIMES TO ROBERTS MOTORS, INC. (4350 N ALBY ST, ALTON, IL 62002, (855) 999-5497) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER MODULE AND WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID 11290143 · filed Dec 19, 2019

THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A LOUD NOISE THE WINDSHIELD LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE ENGINE SMELLS LIKE IT'S OVER HEATING.

NHTSA ID 11085182 · filed Apr 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR BRAKING SYSTEM FAIL WITHOUT WARNING, THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE CAR IS USING THE "PARK" GEAR, THE FORD DEALER CLAIM THE ELECTRIC WIRE ARE EATEN BY THE RODENT AND CHARGE ME $420 FOR REPAIR, THE QUESTION I HAVE: 1. I HAVE 6 RODENT REPELLENT ULTRA SOUND DEVICE IN THE HOUSE AND 2 IN GARAGE, AND FOR THE LAST 20 YEAR I HAVE EVER SEEN A RODENT 2. IF RODENT CAN DO SUCH A CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE WHY THERE ISN'T ANY WARNING, IT SHOULD AT LEAST NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN THEN NO WAY TO STOP AFTERWARD. 3. IT ONLY COST A DOLLAR TO PROTECT THE EXPOSE WIRE WITH STEEL SLEEVE, WHY ARE FORD NOT DOING THAT TO PREVENT SUCH TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. I HAVE RETURN THIS CAR TO DEALER WHILE THERE ARE STILL 4 MONTH LEASE LEFT, BUT AT LEAST 6 OF MY FRIEND ARE DRIVING THE SAME FUSION ENERGI AND I WORRY SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED FOR THIS TYPE OF CATASTROPHIC AND TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. I DID FILE A COMPLAINT TO FORD HEAD OFFICE A MONTH AGO, THEY PROMISE TO GET BACK TO ME BUT SO FAR I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM YET.

NHTSA ID 11153501 · filed Nov 24, 2018

THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A LOUD NOISE THE WINDSHIELD LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE ENGINE SMELLS LIKE IT'S OVER HEATING.

NHTSA ID 11085182 · filed Apr 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated there were metal shavings inside the transmission, and the transmission had previously been repaired twice under Warranty. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the Warranty being expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

NHTSA ID 11586173 · filed Apr 30, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FUSION ENERGI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED DOWN A HILL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND WAS ABLE TO STABILIZE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TUTTLE-CLICK FORD LINCOLN AT 949-763-4182 (LOCATED AT 43 AUTO CENTER DR, IRVINE, CA 92618) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000.

NHTSA ID 11156536 · filed Dec 6, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1) FIRST ISSUE HAPPENED 2/20/2017 ODOMETER 7,036. DASHBOARD LIT UP, TRAC CONTROL, ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE, MESSAGE TO PULL OVER, LOSS OF POWER AND AT FREEWAY SPEED, GOT OVER SHOULDER SAFELY. THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM DETECTED ENGINE MISFIRE, TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS. BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND COULDN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE. NOTHING FIXED OR REPAIRED 2) SECOND TIME SAME ISSUE HAPPENED 7/21/2017 ODOMETER 15,736 GOING UP A HILL WEST BOUND ON MCCALL, LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A COUPLE OF VEHICLES. VEHICLE IS IN SERVICE AS I FILL THIS OUT.

NHTSA ID 11010265 · filed Jul 24, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND CAME TO A 2 WAY STOP GOING WEST BOUND. I SAW A VEHICLE APPROACHING GOING WEST BOUND. I MADE A LEFT TURN. THE OTHER VEHICLE RAN THROUGH THE STOP SIGN MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND HIT MY VEHICLE; THEN SPED AWAY. THE OTHER CAR WAS A DARK OLDER MEDIUM SIZE SUV. THE SUV FRONT DRIVER SIDE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE CENTER BEAM BETWEEN THE FRONT AND BACK SEAT, DAMAGED BOTH DOORS, BROKE THE BACK SEAT WINDOW, AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE TO GO FLAT. THE IMPACT PUSHED MY CAR ABOUT 30 FEET UP AND OVER A 4 INCH HIGH SIDEWALK CURB AND ANOTHER 10 FEET INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CAR TOOK THE SIDE IMPACT REMARKABLY WELL BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ID 10859821 · filed Apr 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .