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 and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine experienced a rough start and idling, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2025
2017 Ford Fusion got serviced at Ford dealership June 4, 2025. Service included, transmission flush, fuel induction service, oil change, oil filter change. About a month after service check engine light comes on upon starting the vehicle, but then goes out. A week later check engine light comes back on and would not start properly. Vehicle taken to independent mechanic and was told transmission fluid was low and also old. Vehicle taken to Ford dealership where service was done month prior. Ford dealership said cylinder misfire, coolant intrusion, and engine failure. Also transmission fluid was found to be low. Ford recommended new engine.
Engine, Jul 31, 2025
Vehicle is experiencing coolant intrusion from a crack in the engine block which is a known issue by Ford for my particular vehicle year (2017). Ford has issued a TSB/Recall for model years 2017-2019, but when I contacted Ford, I was told my car is not eligible/included in the recall because of the plant that the vehicle was manufactured at. I believe this issue should qualify for manufacturer recall as this is known issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal slushing sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered violently, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and powertrain warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe on cold starts and while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light and the low coolant warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders through a cracked engine block. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that it was known failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
My engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, which caused misfiring and engine failure. This has been a known issue with this year model, but since I am just outside of the warranty mileage (69K) and my VIN doesn't have any recalls, I have been advised to purchase a replacement engine. I simply cannot afford to replace an engine in a car I am still paying a loan for. For this to be a known issue and not be recalled is a serious safety concern and has caused me to lose confidence in the manufacturer. I am currently trying to see what a shop near me would charge to replace it but I am not sure that I can afford the repair costs. I shouldn't be expected to need to replace an engine when the year model has known issues and I have taken care of any and all maintenance on the car to keep it running well. I expected to have this car for many more years, especially with the low mileage and how well I've cared for it.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
The vehicle's engine is experiencing coolant intrusion. As such, when starting the car, white and sweet-smelling exhaust exits the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir continually runs low; however, we find no coolant on the driveway or apparently leaking from the car. That supports the mechanics assessment of a coolant intrusion. This issue, if left unaddressed, will cause the engine to run improperly, the spark plugs to become fouled, the engine to overheat, etc. I took the vehicle to a local certified mechanic. Although after looking at Ford's service bulletin, it became apparent that the vehicle is experiencing a similar issue to other 2017 models that were included in the recall. The mechanic listened to what we said and pulled up supporting documentation in the form of a Technical Service Bulletin. The check engine light just came up, within the past couple of days, well after the coolant intrusion was started. The disrepair seems to be a matter of timing. The subject has been driven quickly and cautiously.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 22, 2025
What malfunctioned- Car did not give any notice that it was in engine failure for months other than under performing and upon taking it to the ford dealership was never helped with the problem they took money for an oil change and works package but failed to make sure my car was safe. My car was a safety hazard bc it gave zero warning that it was loosing power and when the engine did fail I knew something had been wrong for almost a year and felt it went ignored by Ford and was taken advantage of. The product has been confirmed by multiple mechanics that what causes it is the hose cracks and thus the engine coolant wrecks a working engine. Ford knows it’s a problem but isn’t acknowledging it and makes more money off of parts.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the engine was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the cylinders and advised the contact that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for an Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 55,700.
Engine, Jul 17, 2025
Engine is experiencing the all too common coolant intrusion.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine and the service vehicle soon warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a loud clanging sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the head gasket and short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,791.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a vehicle code reader and scanner tool to scan the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic trouble code indicating a misfire in engine cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where, the coil pack and plug wire were replaced; however, the failure recurred days later. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in engine cylinder #2. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford TSB Number:19-2346. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 78,850.
Engine, Jul 10, 2025
Manufactured dates for the 2.7L engine put only into the trim model Ford Fusion Sport (a rare trim) during 06/16 - 01/17 have been documented to have cylinder head issues resulting in long block issues. (Meaning a whole new engine is needed) the only way you got this issue fixed is if it was done in the first 3 years of 2017 or within 39k miles. But for those that didn’t get their vehicles in during that time frame are supposed to pay out of pocket for a defect ford knew to exist and have no issued a recall on these vehicles.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start and was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
I purchased my 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium brand new with only 5 miles, from a dealership in Ky. My car recently started idling rough when I started it up. I took my car to a mechanic, after the check engine light came on. The code read misfire on cylinder 3, they replaced spark plugs and coils for $600, but only a few days later the check engine light came back on, still rough idling. I take my car to a 2nd mechanic $200, to find out that there is a “coolant intrusion” in the cylinders, indicating I would need a new engine. In disbelief, I take my car to a 3rd mechanic, $100. I have records from two different mechanic shops showing that there is a coolant intrusion in the engine, which is a "manufacturer defect". I called Ford's Corporate Office for help and apparently my VIN was not a part of any recall, although there are many recalls for the same issue, in the same year and model! There’s a recall on the car engine itself (per 3rd mechanic). Ford told me they couldn’t do anything about their manufacturer issue. Research initiated by the mechanic indicated that Ford Fusion cars with the same make and model, along with many other Ford models in the same year of 2017-2019 had the same issue of coolant intrusion into the cylinders and have been recalled. There are also active lawsuits over the same issue. It’s honestly unbelievable and disheartening that my car is not a part of the recall when it’s doing the exact SAME thing as others with the same year and model, which have already been recalled. I cannot afford to put a new engine in my car. It should have lasted a lot longer, and would have, if it weren't for a Ford manufacturer issue. I have all the documentation as needed, which states that I need a new engine and that the engine itself has already been recalled (however, the VIN shows no recall for the car). I will also be reporting this issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thank you for your time on this matter.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jolted and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion and a blown head gasket. The mechanic related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, and attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse and reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the deale,r where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 47,183.
Engine, Jun 19, 2025
Engine is losing coolant into the cylinders which causes car to overheat. When this happens car shakes and runs rough. When this occurs while driving down the road, thick white smoke comes from the exhaust blinding the cars behind us. If car dies, you lose power steering and brakes become very difficult to push. We had a repair shop check it out and coolant is leaking on top of the piston and exiting through the exhaust. The engine light comes on just before car begins to act up. According to our mechanic, it appears the engine block has a design flaw and Ford has issued a Technical Service Bulletin explaining the problem. Attached a picture of when it just begins to smoke. After a few seconds it fills the entire shop.
Engine, Jun 19, 2025
While driving the car, the engine indicator kept blinking then the car kept shaking. The Ford Service did inspection and found that there has been a coolant leak to Engine Oil which caused Engine Failure due to cylinder break.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking into the engine and there was smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a pressure test was performed and determined that the engine was not maintaining the proper engine pressure, and coolant was entering the cylinder walls. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage for the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Jun 15, 2025
Coolant leak in the 3# cylinder mechanic said I need a new engine