NHTSA Complaint #11547965 — 2016 FORD FUSION

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 55-60 MPH, the vehicle was sluggish and hesitated to respond when depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing another vehicle to crash into the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the hospital, where he received medical assistance. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash and lower back pain, and he had received physical therapy. The contact was unsure whether the other driver had sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the failure later recurred and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and ignition coils of cylinder number 3 had failed. The contact stated that all the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. Upon inspecting the coolant level several times, the contact noticed that there was abnormal coolant drainage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.