2016 Ford Fusion: complete transmission failure

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 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.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Steering, Transmission · NY

purchased a used vehicle. At the time of purchase, there were no visible issues with the car. However, approximately 20 days later, a significant jerking and knocking problem related to the transmission appeared. Due to this issue, I stopped using the vehicle for a while. After consulting with a mechanic, I was informed that the transmission needs to be replaced. As of now, the car is struggling significantly to move. When I turn the ignition, the engine starts, but the vehicle does not move. If I turn the ignition off and restart it, it may move slightly after shaking the vehicle, but then it quickly stops and displays an error again. In this condition, the vehicle is not drivable. Unfortunately, the person I bought the car from refused to accept any responsibility or take the car back, despite my clear communication about the issue. Additionally, the following issues have also started to occur: The steering wheel becomes stiff suddenly. This resolves temporarily after turning the ignition off and on again. The brake pedal sometimes vibrates as if it’s losing pressure. I can clearly feel this under my foot while braking. Sensor malfunctions have also started to appear. The current condition of the vehicle poses serious safety and functionality concerns. Unfortunately, I am not financially able to cover any additional repair costs. Therefore, I would like to know if there is anything legally or technically that can be done regarding this matter. Otherwise, I will be forced to sell this vehicle as scrap. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance. Sincerely,

Filed Mar 25, 2025 · Transmission · FL

I was sitting at a red light and thought I felt my car very lightly shift out of gear. The light changed, I took my foot off of the break and pressed on gas car revved slightly but didn’t move. I placed it in park went back through the gears to drive pressed on the gas and the vehicle went into limp mode was able to pull over to the side of the road. Vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who advised I need a new transmission. There were no warning indicators no messages NOTHING!

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Engine · SC

The transmission failed suddenly. To my understanding there have been reported issues with the transmissions for this vehicle having sudden failures without warning. My car slipped out of gear while driving 60mph. I have had the car towed and checked by a certified mechanic who confirmed that the transmission has failed, and its poorly built. My mechanic used to be a mechanic for FORD and is familiar with the poor build quality of the engine, transmission and turbo. I have not had the component inspected by anyone else. There were no symptoms or warning lights before this failure. The car was driving fine and then, the transmission slipped and failed.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Transmission · WA

I was sold this car in 7/2023. I have replaced the transmission 2x now, the flex plate has broken, the brakes have needed replaced 2x. I was sold a lemon vehicle and now the car has a negative equity of $11,000 and I'm completely screwed.

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on level ground, the contact attempted to shift the gear shifter into reverse and drive however, the transmission failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Transmission · 100,100 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100.

Filed Oct 11, 2023 · Transmission · NY

In August 2023, brought my 2016 Ford Fusion SE ecoboost with 77,000 miles on it to Ford Dealership due to vehicle stalling on 3 different occasions within a 3 week period. Occurred at low speed while starting out. No warning lights came on. They performed 2 recall notices (one dealing with powertrain control module) and said a fuel sensor code came up and they replaced that. Also replaced auto transmission fluid though wasn't required requested by me. See attached paperwork #1 A little over month later, car stalled on highway at 60mph. Wrench warning light came on. My son was able to pullover over safely and restarted and seem to run fine again. Called for another appt. and Ford dealership took in on Oct 3rd. During that time, car skipped (maybe between gears) a couple times around 40mph. I was told that torque converter and a couple other things were bad and it needed a new transmission. Also said that transmission fluid was bad (had metal filings in it) though when replaced a month earlier, no mention fluid had metal shavings in it. After researching online it appears the transmissions in these cars are notoriously faulty, but Ford has done nothing to address it. Believe there are current cases going on in Michigan and California. Ford has apparently known these transmissions were bad but continued producing them effecting 2009 - 2017 Ford Fusions. Ford has offered no compensation to fix my transmission. I expected to have this car a long time, but this transmission issue has gone on for years with no recalls being issued. This is a safety issue and regardless of warranty, Ford should issue recall for transmission. They offer a band aid recommendation but not worth it. Dealer wants over $9000 to replace it. This car should easily see 200,000 miles if well kepted (and it has been) but not worth putting in a new transmission for over $9000 especially if it is prone to failure. Serious crash probability when car loses power on interstate. See Item #2.

Filed Aug 22, 2023 · Transmission · 210,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting into park, the transmission failed to shift out of reverse. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.

Filed May 16, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

I purchased my car on 9/22/21 with 103,000 miles as well as opting into the extended warranty offer. Since then, I have had a LOT of issues. It was taken to the dealership on 8/1/22 due to an issue with acceleration; the car would stop operating while driving to a point where I’d have to pull over, turn it off, then turn it back on. The check engine light would come on with code P0299. I had to pay for the repair since it was deemed it was a vacuum leak...which wasn’t covered in my warranty. The issue returned shortly after, so my car returned to the dealership on October 3,2022. The diagnostics indicated I needed a new transmission, so I didn’t receive my car back until November 19, 2022. Shortly after receiving my car back, I noticed coolant leaking to the bottom of the engine. There is also white residue on my spark plug in the first cylinder. I have just returned from the dealership to have my vehicle diagnosed (5/16/23), but I was told I have exceeded the mileage for the warranty coverage; to have my car diagnosed for the 3 issues, it would cost $199.99 each....and it may result in requiring a new engine....which would cost around $8,000. So essentially, I am now stuck paying a car note on a vehicle that has had several MAJOR issues not even 2 years into ownership.

Filed Feb 28, 2022 · Transmission · SC

We have a 2016 Ford Fusion. We’ve already had major engine work done on it by the dealership about 2 years ago. Then about a year later, the transmission wouldn’t go into gear. We took it in to have looked at and they said that the bushings failed and the shifter cable detached from the transmission. They charged us 184.00 and sent us on our way. They failed to tell us that this can damage the transmission cause now a year later they are telling me I need a new transmission on a 2016 Ford Fusion. This is the 2nd Ford Fusion I’ve had that had a transmission go early. I’ve also had a F-150 with Transmission problems. I was assured that they fixed the problems from the older years when I purchased this new from The dealer. The Ford Fusion has had a recall on the shifter cable and knew that it was going to cause problems down the road and didn’t say anything. I shouldn’t have to pay 6,000 dollars for a new transmission when they knew this was going to happen after the shifter cable disengaged from the transmission