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2016 Ford Fusion: harsh or hard shifting

9 of the 1,662 complaints about the 2016 Ford Fusion describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints
9
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
40,000
recalls
4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 22 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Steering · MN

My 2016 Ford Fusion's power steering went out while driving, making it extremely difficult to turn effectively, especially at lower speeds. After the loss of power steering, the dashboard started showing warnings about "Hill Assist", "Powertrac" being unavailable and "Power steering loss - stop safely". The steering also feels "clunky" where the steering wheel jumps when turning. There are also clicks heard from near the engine compartment when turning. Now, the warnings on the dashboard display when first starting the car. I brought it to a Ford dealership who diagnosed the issue and determined that the steering gear needed to be replaced. They quoted $6000 to replace the entire power steering assembly. This issue seems to be part of Ford recall 19V632, however my VIN is not covered. I live in Minnesota and my car is in contact with road salt and other contaminants (especially in the winter) very often. There were no problems with steering prior to this issue.

Filed Feb 14, 2024 · Transmission · CA

The transmission jerks sometimes between 1 and 3 gear. It was slipping a little in second gear. That issue only happened one time but for the most part it’s a hard shift on a regular basis between 1 and 3 gear.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 contact also stated that an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the front end of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Nov 29, 2021 · Transmission · NY

When you put it in Reverse you have to pause. If your foot is on the gas is slams into reverse and makes a terrible sound and gives you a jolt! My girlfriend has the same exact car and hers did this as well. But there was a recall on her car and she had it fixed. I looked up recalls on my car 6 months ago and there were about 8 and now there are none. Can't seem to see why!

Filed Feb 7, 2020 · Transmission · 42,312 miles · FL

Vehicle slamming into gear while attempting to reverse. Harsh and delayed shifting by the transmission between park/reverse/drive. Occurs when the vehicle is at a complete stop with the brake pressed. Vehicle also failing to downshift to a lower gear after slowing down.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Transmission · 54,791 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford fusion. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle made a hard shift and jerked. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to franklin ford (175 east central street, franklin, ma 02038, (508) 570-4022) where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,791.

Filed Nov 19, 2018 · Transmission · 30 miles · TX

Extremely hard shifts with hesitation just prior. Ihave taken the vehicle in and have been told they cannot repeat the problem and the shifting is normal. (the mileage and date are approximate as the problem is ongoing)

Filed May 15, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · MO

Engine loses engine power when driving. Pressing the accelerator pedal does nothing. Must coast or brake until the car stops. Power steering, braking, and climate control systems remain functional; radio remains on; turn signals did not work. 'trans not in park' message appears on the display. Event has occurred three times when driving at highway speeds. Cruise control was on and set during at least two times out of the three events. Car may be restarted after coming to a stop, shifting into park and turning key to off. Appears to 'reset' to work correctly until the next unexpected event occurs. Check engine light does not come on. Chime occurs after the loss of engine power. The car does not shake during or before event. Have not experienced any harsh or delayed shifting when starting from stop or after slowing and trying to accelerate. Three identical instances have occurred since driving this car. In one of the three instances, the key was bumped with a knee. Present milage is about 48000. Car was obtained in 12/2016. Local ford dealer states that there are no recalls or services outstanding for this vehicle; did not know of any reported problems like this. On may 15, 2018 wes myers at bob sight ford in lee's summit, missouri checked two other fusions and noted that this same problem will occur if the key is barely rotated back - not so much as to think it should turn off the engine. As such, he did not find anything 'wrong' since other vehicles exhibit the same problem; replacing the ignition switch with another that has the same problem would not provide a fix. Also stated that unless the car was still under the bumper to bumper warranty, that ford would not take any action. The vehicle leasing company (enterprise) has not issued any notices stating this is a known issue with the vehicle. The federal safety agency 9/19/2016, blacklick, oh, is similar issue.

Filed Nov 11, 2017 · Transmission · 250 miles · MO

Harsh or delayed shifting when starting from a stopped position or after slowing in traffic and trying to accelerate. Happens in drive and reverse. I bought the car new and has been happening since. Only 1150 miles on car at this time. Have taken to dealership several times with no resolution.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 9, 2026 · 5,252 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6,2026.

Recall number 26V376000 · Recall details

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rodReported June 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported May 13, 2019 · 259,182 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.

Recall number 19V362000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported July 16, 2018 · 504,182 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Recall number 18V471000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2016 Ford Fusion harsh shifting

Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2016 Ford Fusion?

9 of 1,662 owner complaints about the 2016 Ford Fusion (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2010.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Ford Fusion?

There are 4 recalls and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2016 Ford Fusion

Check engine light 270Overheating 191Engine failure 136Misfire 131Backup camera 124Stalling 93Loss of power 70Fire or smoke 60Power steering loss 54Door locks 53Jerking 44Won't shift 41Screen failure 35Won't start 33ABS 27Hesitation 27Airbag light 25Brake failure 22Transmission failure 21Steering lock-up 15Shudder 13No deployment 10Adaptive cruise 9Grinding brakes 9Fuel pump 9Rollaway 9Seat belt 9Wipers 8Headlights 7Slipping 7Battery drain 5Knocking 5Fuel smell 5Sudden acceleration 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Ford Fusion

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