In brief, Ford issued a safety recall affecting a subset of 2016 Fusion models to replace a faulty shifter cable bushing that could wear or detach, potentially allowing the vehicle to shift incorrectly or roll after being parked. The remedy is a free dealership repair to replace the bushing and realign the shifter linkage after you verify your vehicle’s VIN.
What the recall covers
Below is a concise explanation of the recall’s scope and potential consequences. The following points summarize the issue and its safety implications.
- The problem centers on a shifter cable bushing that can wear, degrade, or detach over time, which may misalign the shift linkage.
- If the bushing fails or shifts out of place, the transmission may not stay in the gear the driver selects—and in some cases could lead to the vehicle rolling if parked or not fully secured.
- The safety remedy is a repair that replaces the shifter cable bushing with an improved part and rechecks the shifter’s alignment and engagement with gears.
- The repair is performed at no charge to the vehicle owner through Ford dealers.
Dealers will inspect the shifter mechanism, replace the affected bushing if needed, and verify that the vehicle remains securely in the intended gear. Owners should not incur out-of-pocket costs for this safety-related repair.
Which Fusion models are affected
Not all 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles are included in the recall. The affected vehicles are identified by VIN and production timing. If your car is not within the affected range, you won’t receive service notices for this issue. The only way to know for sure is to check your VIN against official recall lists.
- Eligible model year: 2016 Ford Fusion (select VINs and production dates)
- Geographic scope: recall notices are issued in regions where Ford vehicles are sold; your local dealer can confirm applicability
- Identification method: verify via VIN lookups on Ford’s official recall site or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database
Because recalls are VIN-specific, owners should verify their status with the vehicle identification number rather than relying on model year alone.
Symptoms and safety concerns
Understanding possible signs can help owners decide when to seek service. The following are commonly cited indicators linked to this recall issue.
Shifter and indicator misalignment
- The gear selector or the dashboard gear indicator does not align with the actual gear engaged.
- The shifter feels looser or more difficult to move than typical, with unusual play before selecting a gear.
These symptoms can create uncertainty about which gear the car is truly in, increasing the risk of unintended movement or improper gear engagement.
Parking and rollaway risk
- Vehicle may not remain securely in Park when the driver believes it is parked, especially on inclines or when the parking brake is not fully engaged.
- In rare cases, the car could roll after being placed in a gear or even when in Park if the linkage is not correctly aligned.
Owners should treat any suspicious shifting behavior as a potential safety issue and contact a Ford dealer promptly for inspection and repair.
What to do if your car might be affected
Acting promptly can help prevent a potential safety incident. The following steps outline how to proceed.
- Check your vehicle’s recall status using your VIN on Ford’s recall lookup page or the NHTSA recall database.
- If your VIN falls within the recall, contact your local Ford dealer to schedule a repair appointment. Repairs are performed at no charge to the owner.
- If you notice symptoms (misaligned gear indicator, loose shifter feel, or unexpected gear engagement), stop driving if safe to do so, engage the parking brake, and arrange service as soon as possible.
During the repair, the dealer will replace the faulty shifter cable bushing with an updated component and confirm proper operation of the shifter linkage. Depending on dealership policies and appointment availability, a loaner vehicle may be offered.
How to check your vehicle now
To determine whether your 2016 Fusion is included in this recall, use these steps to verify with official sources. This helps ensure you’re acting on current, vehicle-specific information.
- Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is typically found on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on the driver’s door jamb.
- Visit the Ford Owner website’s recall lookup or the NHTSA recall search and enter your VIN to see if this recall applies to your car.
- Contact your local Ford dealer with your VIN for a definitive answer and to schedule the recall service if eligible.
Remember that recall status can change; always rely on the official VIN-based lookup for the most current information.
Summary
The shifter cable bushing recall for the 2016 Ford Fusion targets a specific subset of vehicles where the shifter linkage can misbehave due to a worn or detached bushing. The risk includes misalignment of gears and possible rollaway when parked. Ford will perform the repair at no cost, after VIN verification. Owners should check their VIN against Ford’s and NHTSA’s recall databases and contact their dealer promptly if eligible or if any shifting symptoms are observed. Staying up to date with official recall notices is the best way to ensure the issue is resolved safely.