2017 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,110 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 37 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 30 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 10, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, steering wheel/handle barMar 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Campaign 18V167000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, torque converterJul 6, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
Campaign 17V427000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, mid/rear assemblyDec 5, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 27, 2016, to September 28, 2016. The left rear seat backs pivot pins may have been improperly welded.
During a crash, the improper welds may fail, allowing any stowed luggage to move into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left hand, second row seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S43.
Campaign 16V874000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
498 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
Check engine has been off and on for last 500 miles. Regular maintenance. Took to dealership, Codes found of P0303, P0300, and p2196. Found coolant was low and confirmed coolant intrusion into engine. Per dealership either bad head, head gasket, or block and ford recommended replacing engine. Quoted $9000 in repairs to replace engine. Declined repair due to cost. According to NHTSA this is a common issue and should be addressed. Unsafe to drive however repair costs, and now inability to trade in, force driving until no longer can
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low and refilled the reservoir. Within three days of refilling the coolant reservoir, the failure reoccurred, after which the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2100. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over to the highway shoulder and the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the engine needed to be taken apart to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that the torque converter and the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was towed for a third time to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the flex plate had fractured in five separate places and needed to be repaired also. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,510.
Engine, Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the engine block had cracked due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle eventually stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2 caused by coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Engine, Nov 29, 2023
1.5 ecoboost catastrophic engine failure. On hi-way lost power. Coolant went into engine cracked block. Known defect, but ford says my car is not covered. But won’t explain why, it checks all the boxes, mfg in Mexico during defective years under mileage and date. Never received notice. Stuck with $7,800 repair. Ford executives will not engage to help.
Engine, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was a leak in cylinder #3. The vehicle was included in Manufacturer Communication NHTSA ID Number: 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and had the remedy completed. After the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that there was a leak within cylinder #1 and that the repair needed to be performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a repair was performed for an unrelated safety failure. The repairs were covered by the insurance company; however, during the inspection by the insurance company, it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. As a result, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
Approx 2 weeks ago I had a check engine light. The light indicated a cylinder 3 misfire. I then had an engine overheat with the check engine light. The mechanic said engine coolant was leaking into cylinder #3. He said the only repair was a new engine. I called multiple Ford dealers and there were aware of a technical bulliten on issue and said my vehicle was out of warrenty and that nothing could be done outside of a new engine.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
My 2017 ford fusion alerted to me that it was overheating, I immediately checked my fluids and noticed my coolant was empty so I refilled it. I assumed that when I recently had my car serviced they somehow forgot to refill my coolant when flushing/replacing me fluids. The next week I went to leave for work one morning and my car wouldn't start, had the battery checked and it was fine, replaced the started and still wouldn't crank. Then I had my fusion towed to a local mechanic who wasn't able to find the issue since they didn't do internal engine repairs, so paid that shop and had it towed to the dealership where I purchased the fusion and a couple of weeks later they tell me my pistons won't hold pressure and I need a new engine (8-10k) with no explanation as to what caused this. My fusion was purchased with 3 miles on it and currently has less than 49k on it. I have always taken very good care of my vehicle, but am now told that my warranty was 5 years from manufacturer date, not purchase date, leaving me with very little options. This issue needs to be addressed asap.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine and had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and assisted with 40% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
2017 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost with pin hole in Block. Technical service Bulletin 19-2346 Dec. 19 2019 Block has pin Hole in causing coolant to leak into #2 Cylinder. Yes it is Available for Inspection Safety Risk is it could Malfunction in cold weather and create no heat for driver/passengers Yes it has. Been to dealer. Contacted Ford and they said to file Complaint First sign was slight engine miss started around 107,000 miles. Second sign Engine light came on. Brought to Independent dealer and he informed me what the reason was ( cracked Block ). Brought to local Ford dealership and they also confirmed reason (cracked Block ). Researched Ford Bulletins and found Ford realized this Engine Block had a defect back in 2019 when it still would of been under Warranty. Ford Blocks are a Major part and Very expensive to replace. Ford Motors should own up and Repair as they new this before Warranty Expired.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. Additionally, there were pieces of the cam shaft in the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving and while idling. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal coolant consumption. The contact had been adding coolant to the vehicle after 5 miles. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 because the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 74,900.
Engine, Oct 25, 2023
Engine has been smoking excessively. Diagnosed at Fulton Ford as needing an engine replacement due to coolant leaking in to cylinder. Discussed with Ford twice and they will not consider it under the recall that is effecting numerous other engines of this size.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started to shake. The contact allowed the vehicle to idle for one minute before driving. The battery and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle currently failed to start. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle where an undisclosed code indicating that the failure was engine related. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
My 2017 Ford Fusion with 77,000 miles was running poorly. I noticed coolant reservoir was empty with no visible leaks. Took it to a Ford dealership and was told coolant was leaking into cylinders. I was told to fix the car they would have to replace the engine. Had I not noticed the coolant issue and the engine died while driving in highway traffic, my safety, as well as the safety of others would have been at risk.
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
The shifter cable and bushing have been replaced twice. I received no warning on all instances. The shift continued to return to park and the car was disabled. I was left stranded away from home. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Ford Auto repair shop. On the second repair of the shifter cable, the cable had completely disintegrated. Ford informed me that the transmission was the problem. I was told that the transmission was spitting out fluid onto the cable. Ford informed me that it would be best to replace the transmission to solve the problem. I Can Not Afford This. There Needs To Be A Recall. This Is A Manufacture Defect.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed a misfire the engine cylinder number 4. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine short block was faulty due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's customer satisfaction campaign for the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
Once stopping at a traffic light as the light turned green my car would not go, when trying to accelerate the car it makes the noise as if it wants to go but nothing is happening. I believe this a ongoing issue ford knows about for something going wrong in the transmission.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when starting, the vehicle would display a hesitation as if the motor failed to start. There would be a misfire message displayed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that cylinder 2 misfired and the engine needed to be replaced The contact learned of a Technical Service Bulletin that addressed a fractured block on cylinder number 2 causing engine failure. The vehicle was no longer covered by the warranty to receive the remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a critical issue with my 2017 Ford Fusion, equipped with a 2.0 L Ecoboost Turbo engine. The issue in question, namely coolant intrusion into the engine block, has been a well-documented problem recognized by the Ford Motor Company since at least 2010, as evidenced by Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229. My vehicle, a 2017 Ford Fusion, developed this issue when it had approximately 100,800 miles on the odometer. When I discovered the problem, I promptly contacted two different Ford dealerships for assistance, hoping that they would help address this known issue. However, I was met with significant resistance and a refusal to accept responsibility for the issue. Both dealerships cited the fact that my vehicle had exceeded 100,000 miles as the reason for their inability to assist me. I found this response deeply unsatisfactory and believe it is unfair given the longstanding awareness of the problem by the manufacturer. It is disheartening to learn that Ford Motor Company is unwilling to take responsibility for a problem that is clearly linked to a long-standing issue documented in their own technical service bulletins. This issue poses a significant safety and financial risk to Ford Fusion owners, and it is essential that the manufacturer acknowledges its responsibility in addressing and rectifying the problem, regardless of the mileage on the affected vehicles. I kindly request that the National Highway Transportation Board investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against Ford Motor Company for its refusal to address a known safety issue that has affected many Ford Fusion owners. Additionally, I urge the Board to advocate for the rights of consumers who are left without recourse due to arbitrary mileage limitations imposed by dealerships when dealing with such issues. I appreciate your attention to this matter. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)