2016 Ford Fusion: check engine light

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · IA

2016 Ford Fusion 1.5L Ecoboost engine w/approx. 88,000 miles was just purchased from private owner on 10/7/26. On 10/17/26 the check engine light came on and showed problem with cylinder 1 and 4. Car was running ruff, misfiring, losing power. Safety issue for losing power on highway. New spark plugs installed and cylinder 1 and 4 replaced. Replaced cylinder 4 twice but this did not work. Local auto shop scoped car as well as did pressure tests. Coolant Intrusion into cylinders. Defective head gasket and design of engine. Car needs engine replaced. Coolant intrusion with defect of the engine should be a recall from Ford.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine · MD

Ford Ecoboost coolant intrusion. Loss of coolant without noticeable leaks. Loss of power while experiencing cylinder misfire. After cool-down, engine runs rough with white tailpipe smoke and generates check engine light for cylinder misfire.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · 126,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the steering wheel locked up. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot, and the vehicle needed to be restarted several times. The contact stated that during the failure the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IL

The engine experienced a sudden failure that caused the vehicle to become completely inoperable. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent hesitation, rough idling, and loss of power during acceleration. These symptoms began several weeks before the complete failure. No warning lamps were illuminated at first, but shortly before the breakdown, the vehicle displayed a check engine light and a “Service Engine Soon” message. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power and became unsafe to operate. I was forced to pull over immediately, which created a safety risk to myself and other drivers due to the sudden deceleration and inability to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle would not restart afterward. A repair facility has confirmed that the engine has suffered a major internal failure and requires replacement. The estimated cost of repair starts upwards of $5,000. The vehicle is currently non‑drivable and remains available for inspection. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I have found multiple similar complaints from other owners reporting the same type of powertrain failure, suggesting a potential pattern or defect affecting safety.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt as though it were going to shut off unexpectedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the spark plugs were replaced, one of the cylinders was misfiring. The spark plugs were replaced a second time, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion into the engine had resulted in engine failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jul 4, 2026 · Engine · PA

On April 25, 2024, my car broke down as I was driving. There were no warning lights leading up to it, and then all of a sudden, the check engine light started flashing, my temperature gauge spiked, and I was forced to pull over as the car barely responded to the gas pedal. When I got out, there was smoke coming out from under the hood, and just moving the car to get it towed better made the engine shudder and screech. At that time, the mechanic replaced the water pump, which appeared to solve that issue. But after that, between April and November 2024, my check engine light came on no less than 5 times. Each time, I took my car to the mechanic and they identified and fixed the code to the best of their abilities, but a few weeks later, the light would be back on again. They said the car might have an internal coolant leak and needed a new spark plug and ignition coil. Even after they replaced the spark plug and the ignition coil, I would also occasionally hear screeching sounds as I drove, or-- the longer this went on-- the car would shudder any time the engine was running. Finally, my mechanic told me that the internal coolant leak was something only the dealership could fix, so I took it to Ford, who evaluated the car and found an internal leak in cylinder 2. The only way to fix it would be to replace the entire engine, which I could not afford. The car has been sitting undriven ever since. If I'd been on the highway or driving at a faster speed when the engine suddenly cut out, I could've been in an accident. The only warning for the cylinder issue was the continuous check engine light and the shuddering of the engine, and the same issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic (AutoExpress in Doylestown and the Ford Dealership). There are numerous results on a Google search regarding Ford EcoBoost engine coolant intrusion which is the exact issue I'm having but Ford has not recalled the 2016 Fusion nor offered any solution to this dangerous manufacturing defect

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

For the past year, I have been dealing with a recurring check engine light on my Ford Fusion related to Diagnostic Trouble Code P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire. Despite multiple repair attempts by qualified mechanics, the issue continues to return, leaving me with mounting repair bills, lost confidence in my vehicle, and serious concerns about its reliability and safety. Every time the check engine light has appeared, I have taken my vehicle in for diagnosis and repair. Each time, I was assured the problem had been fixed. However, the repair would only last anywhere from a week to a month before the exact same code would return. I have now experienced this issue on August 8 2025, January 9 2026, April 20 2026, May 19 2026, and June 1 2026. I have paid to address the same problem, along with related repairs, five separate times. Even more concerning, my vehicle has broken down and left me stranded on the side of the road three out of those five occurrences. No vehicle owner should have to repeatedly face the same unresolved issue after spending significant money on repairs and maintenance. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that I am far from alone. I have found numerous reports from other Ford Fusion owners experiencing the exact same Cylinder 1 misfire issue, many of whom have also been unable to find a permanent solution despite repeated repairs. This appears to be a widespread problem affecting many customers, not an isolated incident. As a Ford customer, I expected a dependable vehicle that I could trust to safely get me where I need to go. Instead, I have spent the last year dealing with recurring failures, unexpected expenses, and the constant fear of being stranded again. When so many owners are reporting the same defect with no lasting repair available, it raises a serious question: Why has this issue not been investigated for a recall or other manufacturer supported corrective action? I urge Ford to thoroughly investigate this recurring issue.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · OH

Car is over heating and engine light on. Same issues as the 2017 ford fusions recall but I was told the fire risk from engine coolant leaks and engine block heater failing does not cover my year even though the issues are completly the same.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Engine · RI

My car is having a problem with the a coolant intrusion into the intake so coolant is leaking into the engine, this being said there was a recall for my car a while ago when I did not own the car and I believe it was never replaced or taken care of. When I went to the ford dealership they are saying that there is no recall for my car. The car misfired once which is one of the symptoms, I got my spark plugs replaced, my check engine light came on again for a different problem, I got my intake replaced it ran fine for 4 days and now I am back with the same problem 4 days later. Doing some research I believe that there is a cracked cylinder head or failing gasket. Ford did have a recall on my engine coolant intrusion but like I said prior they are saying there is no recall for my engine which is why I am confused about it. All of my engine problems are leading to this recall that was never fixed on my car or was looked over in my engine. Any help on this would be great thanks

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The message "See Owner's Manual" was displayed. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 138,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0302 (Misfire in Cylinder #2). The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who retrieved the same code and informed the contact that cylinder #2 ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving, there was white smoke coming from the tailpipe, but the vehicle was still running rough. The engine overheated, and the contact pulled over and added additional fluids to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact obtained an extended warranty, but the claim was denied due to not meeting the mileage requirements. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine · IN

The engine light intermittently went off and on for a few weeks. During that time, the car would surge and slow/loose power while driving it, which was distracting when in traffic. The dealership found that coolant had leaked into the engine block and we were informed the engine had to be replaced. I talked to 2 dealerships and they both said this was something they had seen a lot - and while the engine for the Ford Escape was recalled, the same engine was not recalled for the Ford Fusion.