2016 Ford Fusion transmission problems

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 code p0302

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The flexplate has failed twice since a dealer-performed transmission replacement in June 2024, once in August 2025 and again in August 2026. A flexplate failure causes sudden loss of the ability to move the vehicle under power, which is a safety hazard, particularly while merging, accelerating onto a highway, or in traffic. A Ford service bulletin covering the closely related Escape with the same engine and transaxle architecture documents that flexplate cracking is linked to engine-to-transaxle alignment issues that arise whenever the engine and transmission are separated, which is exactly the service performed during a transmission replacement. This report is filed because the recurrence of an identical failure mode, on a known-affected platform, without resolution by the servicing dealer, appears to reflect an unresolved and potentially widespread mechanical defect rather than an isolated incident."

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 Mar 25, 2026 · Transmission · IN

severe coolant intrusion issue where coolant leaks into the cylinders, causing rough running, overheating, and potential engine failure. Very unsafe especially due to the fact the their were recalls on the 2017-2019 but not for 2016 models and ford refuses to replace the engine.ford reproduced a better block however my 2016 isn't covered. There signs of rough idling and a engine code for a failed coil . Replaced all coils and spark plugs just for the car to still ride rough with no warning signs. Ford knows themselves that there was a flaw in the making the recall for the 2017-2019(21N12) . This is a major issue considering several reviews or reddit consumers have encountered the exact issue at 100k miles and less. Even when I took my car to bill estes they only found a missfire due to coil. Nothing specified a coolant intrusion.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · TX

I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any indication anything was wrong so I went to work car seemed fine, got on the high way to go pick up my grand kid after work and when I signaled to change lanes attempted to accelerate to pass, the car just hummed and my speed started to diminish and I immediately coasted to nearest exit because I could not accelerate more than 15 mies, I coasted to a strip mall turned the car off waited til I thought the car settled for a moment and attempted to start the car and when I put the car in gear it jerked but as I tried to accelerate it just hummed and no speed overc15 . So I left the car got it towed the next day to another shop because any ford dealerships I called to see if I could tow for diagnostic test said they had extensive waiting period like one had weeks before they could look at the car. So I had it towed to another car lot who had a good business rating to be told that it seems to look like something had came loose from the transmission. That i may have to get it replaced, this car starts right up, didn't give me any indication of a problem and doesn't even have a hundred thousand miles on it. Where did ford drop the ball on this car? Im very disappointed , I attempted to drive the car around the corner one day trying to explain to my neighbor the weird behavior of the car and the transmission piece I was told that cane loose, and the car ran fine for about 20 minutes even picking up speed and everything then the moment I got back on my block its like it got warm and then we had to push it back on the driveway it went back to not being able to accelerate.again

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH

I get in my 2016 Fusion to go to dinner and I can barely turn my steering wheel. I put it in park and check the power steering fluid. FULL. I tried resetting the power steering assist by starting the car and turning all the way left then right then center. Still can barely turn. Tried disconnecting the battery hoping it would be an electrical glitch. Come to find out it’s could be a steering assist motor on the steering column that’s going bad and CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING! That’s insane!

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Transmission started whining from the pump and then immediately lost power/acceleration. Electronic diagnosis found code P0733 for incorrect gear ratio for 3rd gear. Dealership recommends torque converter replacement and transmission overhaul. Fine metal debris found in transmission fluid sample. Estimate $5,500 and occurred at 110,000 miles on odometer.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Transmission · IL

Driving at approximately 65 mph a maintenance light came on. While pulling over smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. A large jolt occurred and the vehicle no longer had power to the wheels. Upon exiting the vehicle transmission fluid had coated the side of the car. It is available for inspection. Breathing in transmission smoke seems dangerous I have found other references to this problem on forums online It has not been inspected The maintenance light appeared just before failure. And the rest of the failure lights came on after.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Transmission · 225,678 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact initially received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park(P), with the gear shift indicator on the instrument panel indicating that the vehicle was in neutral(N). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the failure was caused by a defective shifter cable bushing, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 225,678.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · MI

The contact's father owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission shifter cable bushing had detached. The local dealer was contacted and arrived at the residence and replaced the transmission shifter cable bushing and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.