Most common 2016 Ford Fusion Energi problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Fusion Energi complaints by model year
Best Fusion Energi years: 2018, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi:
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2016 Ford Fusion Energi owners say
Electrical system
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.
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.
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
Driver assistance
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.
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.
2016 Ford Fusion Energi engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 40 / 36 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Fusion Energi rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Fusion Energi at the same age. It is one of the best Fusion Energi years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi?
The electrical system — 8 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and driver assistance (5).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Fusion Energi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2013 and 2014. See the full Ford Fusion Energi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Fusion Energi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 72% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.