2016 Ford Fusion used buying checklist

Test for the problems owners report most

The most reported problems of this model year, with what to look for on the test drive.

• Check engine light270 owner complaints, usually around 89,000 miles, owners paid about $8,000

  Start the engine cold and listen for knocking or ticking. Check for warning lights, oil leaks and a low oil level, and ask how often oil had to be topped up.

• Engine overheating191 owner complaints, usually around 100,000 miles, owners paid about $8,000

  Start the engine cold and listen for knocking or ticking. Check for warning lights, oil leaks and a low oil level, and ask how often oil had to be topped up.

• Engine failure136 owner complaints, usually around 93,000 miles, owners paid about $8,500

  Start the engine cold and listen for knocking or ticking. Check for warning lights, oil leaks and a low oil level, and ask how often oil had to be topped up.

Make sure these recalls were done

Recall repairs are free at any dealer of the brand. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN.

• Power trainRecall number 26V376000, Jun 9, 2026
• Back over preventionRecall number 25V695000, Oct 13, 2025
• Latches/locks/linkagesRecall number 23V775000, Nov 17, 2023
• Service brakes, hydraulicRecall number 23V162000, Mar 10, 2023
• Power trainRecall number 22V413000, Jun 10, 2022
• Latches/locks/linkagesRecall number 20V177000, Mar 23, 2020
• SteeringRecall number 19V632000, Aug 29, 2019
• Power trainRecall number 19V362000, May 13, 2019
• Power trainRecall number 18V471000, Jul 16, 2018
• SteeringRecall number 18V167000, Mar 12, 2018
• Seat beltsRecall number 16V875000, Dec 5, 2016
• Seat beltsRecall number 16V250000, Apr 27, 2016
• Fuel system, gasolineRecall number 15V618000, Oct 1, 2015

Service bulletins worth asking about

Repair instructions the maker sent to dealers for known problems. Ask whether any of these repairs were done.

• Special Field Action 26L03 Certain 2013-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles...Oct 27, 2026
• Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Fusion Vehicles Equipped With 1.5L EngineMay 2, 2026
• Certain 2013-2014 Model Year Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 6F35 Transmission Shift...Feb 17, 2026
• For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an...Mar 6, 2024
• Some 2014-2020 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may be equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine that uses...Mar 2, 2023
• Thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmissionOct 25, 2022

Before you pay

• Decode the VIN and make sure it matches the title, the registration and the car itself.
• Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents, salvage or flood titles and odometer problems.
• Ask for service records, especially oil changes and any transmission fluid service.
• Start the car from cold, and drive it at city and highway speeds for at least 20 minutes.
• Have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you sign anything.