YearToAvoid

2016 Ford Fusion Brakes Problems

NHTSA has logged 162 brake complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion, 10% of all complaints filed for the year, at a median 80,000 miles. A recall (23V162000) covers front brake hose ruptures that leak fluid, tied to 16 crashes and 6 injuries in this component.

Brakes complaints
162
10% of 1,627
Crashes reported
16
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
80,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal is depressed but the vehicle fails to stop or slows late, sometimes leading to a collision with a wall, post, or parked vehicle.
  • Front brake hose ruptures and leaks brake fluid, causing sudden loss of braking ability, matching the issue addressed by recall 23V162000.
  • ABS appears to stop functioning on damp roads, letting the vehicle slide into the car ahead without deploying airbags.
  • Turning the steering wheel fully triggers multiple simultaneous warnings, including loss of power steering, hill assist, and stability control alongside brake concerns.
  • Rear tires lock and screech during braking at a stop, pulling the car off its intended path and into a median.
  • Some owners report the recall remedy was delayed for months, with brake failure occurring before or shortly after notification.

When 2016 Ford Fusion brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 7, 2016, latest Aug 14, 2026.

2016 Ford Fusion brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter382016 Q12018 Q12019 Q32020 Q42022 Q32023 Q42025 Q22026 Q3
162 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (38).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 Ford Fusion

  1. NHTSA 23V162000Mar 10, 2023Brakes1,280,726 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Brakes complaints by Fusion model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010694 (14%)
  2. 2011286 (10%)
  3. 2012198 (8%)
  4. 201391 (5%)
  5. 2014150 (11%)
  6. 2015135 (14%)
  7. 2016162 (10%)
  8. 2017110 (10%)
  9. 20187 (2%)
  10. 20196 (2%)
  11. 202011 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2016 Ford Fusion have?
NHTSA lists 162 brake complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion, which is 10% of the 1,627 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Ford Fusion?
Yes. Recall 23V162000 covers 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles whose front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid; dealers replace the hoses free of charge.
At what mileage do 2016 Fusion brake problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2016 Fusion is 80,000 miles.
Have the 2016 Fusion's brake problems caused crashes?
NHTSA data links 16 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries to brake-related complaints on the 2016 Ford Fusion.
How does 2016 compare to other Fusion years for brake complaints?
The 2016 Fusion's 162 brake complaints and 10% share are similar to 2017 (110 complaints, 10%) but lower than 2010's 694 complaints at 14% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.