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, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at the dealer, the contact was informed that the head gasket was fractured, which caused coolant intrusion into the cylinder and the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had persisted and had worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption and difficulty starting. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2025
Check engine light came on at around 80,000 miles after 30 min drive. Next day would not start. Jumped it and drove to autozone. Autozones check engine reader stated spark plugs. Drove it to local ford dealership where test came back the third cylinder misfiring because coolant is low and leaking into the engine. Quick google search states many 2013-2018 fusions have a recall for this issue however my specific vin is not included. Dealership never mentioned other fusions being recalled for this. Could have started an engine fire or lost control.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the engine became overheated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact's son drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed to be engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,595.
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
Noticed difficulty starting the vehicle and smoke coming out of the exhaust and the check engine light came on with code PO302. Found this was associated with coolant leaking into the engine which caused the coolant level to decrease and had to add coolant to prevent the car from over heating. These leaking fluids could have leaked onto exhaust parts causing the smoke and possibly could have started a fire in the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Rodeo Ford in Goodyear Az. and they confirmed the code displayed and smoke coming from the exhaust and had to add more coolant right away. They confirmed coolant was leaking into the engine and checked for the recall and said my vehicle was not listed as part of the recall even though other 2017 Ford Fusions were part of the recall. They replaced the engine costing me $10,039.35 and said that the vehicle may be added later to the recall NHTSA Recall ID 17V209
Engine, Jun 8, 2025
My Fusion is a 2017 and in 2015 Ford reported a problem with the Eco-Boost engines. The issues is there is a flaw in the production of the engine that could cause a crack in the cylinder and allow coolant to enter the chamber and once that happens the engine fails. Ford did offer a customary recall for the engine, but it was limited on miles and time. I was never informed of the customary recall. My engine has a small crack that has leaked a small amount of coolant into the cylinder. The car still functions. My concern is that if the engine fails while it is being driven, that the engine will seize and the car will stop, and an accident could occur. Since I was sold a car with the defective engine, and it was not disclosed to me, I want ford to replace the engine, since my engine has the defect, before it becomes a safety hazard.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle started sputtering with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power with a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the next day, when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire coming from the spark plugs. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the temperature gauge went to Hot. The contact checked the coolant reservoir and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant. The following morning the vehicle was started, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Engine, May 19, 2025
Coolant leaking into cylinder causing engine problems.
Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. While the contact's fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The driver pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later driven to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was driven back to the contact's residence. The contact later performed an inspection of the vehicle. The coolant level was inspected, and the contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the contact stated that the coolant reservoir needed to be refilled daily. There was no visual signs of a coolant leak. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the fuel injector and coil pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed that there was no visual coolant leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 129,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2025
The temp gauge suddenly jumped up and alert said coolant was low. Driving on freeway, car shut down before I could get into a shoulder. Big rigs swerving around me, could have been killed. No leaks under car. Cap off the coolant reservoir and the coolant level bubbles up back to normal. After that, even driving one mile makes the temp gauge jump up and drop down erratically. Quoted more thank $8,000 to repair because it requires a new engine? Ford dealership said this is very common issue for Ford Fusions, that it is a design flaw and many of their clients have had similar safety scares.
Engine, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that his daughter had informed him that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the following day the coolant was low again, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact changed the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel pump; however, the coolant level remained low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting, with the message "Coolant Level Low" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
Coolant leak on engine leading to white smoke coming out of exhaust engine is on brink of ruin. This model is not covered underneath any of the recalls, even though it has the eco-boost. Diagnosed by Ford dealership.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,900.
Engine, Apr 26, 2025
Ford is currently telling me that coolant has mixed with my engine oil and that the entire engine needs to be replaced. However, after doing some research, I found that this is a known issue with these engines, and even a Ford representative acknowledged that it's been an ongoing problem.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2025
Just got my car I’m financing (used) It’s been giving me problems since I got it slow acceleration, overheat . , engine stalling Start and go Option isn’t working . Can I have a professional assist me with a recall maintenance please
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
We own a 2017 ford fusion with 72,000 miles and I took it to the dealer because the engine light came on, after a couple of days at the dealer they contacted me and said I needed a new engine due to the coolant intruding in one of the pistons , I did some research on line and found out that a lot of other people seem to have had the same issue with the 2.0 eco boost engine and found out that the engine block is defective from the manufacturer, I reached out to Ford customer service and they said they couldn’t help me with this issue since my warranty was expired , I ended up replacing the engine for a new one at a cost of over 8,300 dlls and I was told to keep my receipt in case of a recall on this issue . I didn’t want to buy another car since I I just had purchase a 2025 F-150 and i don’t want 2 car payments and my wife’s 2017 ford fusion is in an immaculate condition except for the engine failure .
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3 and that the engine would need to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with the recall number, and opened a case. The contact was relating to the failure of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2134 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/or Illuminated); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train fault message was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. 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 the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,352.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
My engine is now in need of replacement after 87k miles due to a coolant intrusion that Ford refuses to do a recall for my car. However, they recalled other 2017 ford fusion se’s with 2.0 engines for the same issue.
Engine, Apr 12, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Fusion with 49,300 miles. The engine light went on and the car was shaking and couldn't be driven over 40 miles per hour. I brought it to the dealer and they said that the coolant leaked into the engine and that I needed a new engine. I recently found out that these engines are defective, and Ford knowingly has been selling these cars.
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
My vehicle was just disagnosed with the coolant intrusion issue outlined in TSB 19-2346. I have owned this car for over 6 years and not once has anybody mentioned this well-known issue to me. I am disappointed I had to find out about it by experiencing it firsthand, and then going online and reading the stories of counless other drivers who have had the same issue. This engine design is clearly faulty and Ford has been aware of the issue with these engines since at least 2019. How can it be 2025 and a recall has not been initiated??? This is unacceptable. I am now stuck with a $10,000 repair bill for a new engine because the dealer repair tech warned me not to drive it any further without repair or else risk an engine fire or even an engine seizure which would likely cause an accident. Had I been aware of this inevitible issue sooner (due to a recall or any other manditory notice), I would have traded the car in long ago.