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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 14, 2024
The engine on this vehicle needs to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. On my engine diagnosis I get Error Code #P0302 which indicates Cylinder 2 misfire detected. My vehicle overheats quickly, runs rough and the coolant reservoir is dry. The vehicle's exhaust blows out a lot of white-ish smoke with a sickening odor. I took my vehicle to my local Auto Nation Ford of Bellevue, WA service department. They told me it is what they have seen on a lot of Ford Eco-Boost engines and there was a recall on these for engine replacement but my 2017 vehicle falls out of the recall. They told me I need a new engine replaced in this vehicle to the cost of about $10,000. Auto Nation Ford Bellevue, WA's service department referenced service bulletin #22-2229 (Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may include P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the long block engine assembly.). There were no warnings or dashboard lights except when my coolant gauge rose suddenly while driving on the road. I have dutifully maintained my vehicle with regular checkups so I don't believe I am at fault for this problem. I believe the Ford Motor Company should have informed me of this chronic problem but they didn't. I also believe my 2017 Fusion should be repaired with the cost going to the Ford Motor Company for a known defect. What do I do now please?
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
Upon starting the vehicle, the engine started to vibrate violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Wendle Ford mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65576
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
The redesigned head gasket began to leak coolant into cylinder three causing a misfire and overheating of the engine. She stated the check engine light and the temp light both illuminated. My wife was left on the side of the road until the car could cool down to avoid further damage of fire. The initial indication was only a misfire on 3. I plan on getting a quote for the Ford recommended fix which is replacement of the engine with a new long block. This is a widespread and well known issue that has unfortunately now affected me. The car is available for inspection until I can figure out how to replace the motor with the updated and redesigned long block.
Engine, Nov 8, 2024
Component: Coolant leaking into motor. It is available for inspection upon request. This is the second motor ford has put in my vehicle with same issue. Both times the vehicle broke down in transit causing us to be a hazard to surrounding traffic and leaving us on the side of the road. Problem has happened in to motors in same vehicle. Both motor malfunctions verified by service centers. First motor was replaced at no cost to us by Ford Motor Company (FMC). They indicated they knew there was an issue with the motor and replaced it; however it took us 4 calls to FMC to get this acknowledgement and assistance. The first three times we called we were told that there was no known issue and it was our problem. Now that the replacement motor is doing the same thing, approximately 2 years/ 50,000 miles later we are in the same situation. Current calls to FMC indicate it is our problem even though the replacement motor is under warranty. Problem has been inspected by Ford dealership service center in addition to a private certified service center, AAA Auto Group. Check engine light appeared both times at the time of breakdown, not any period of time before. All of our documentation is sitting with the vehicle at a Ford dealership at the moment. If this is an issue we can continue wiht NHTSA we will get the service records uploaded ASAP.
Engine, Nov 7, 2024
I took my car into the shop because we had a check engine light on and it showed a P0316 code which is a cylinder one misfire. upon inspection and replacement of my spark plugs, there was coolant that was getting into the cylinders and all over the spark plugs. I spoke to the mechanic the mechanic said that this is a known problem for the 2.0 turbo motors for the Ford fusions. I was advised to contact my local Ford dealership and see if there was anything that they can do for a TSB and I contacted Ford Motor Company directly and they are not going to provide financial assistance even though it’s a known problem and is covered for other vin numbers. I have a case number which is CXH02950291. the TSB number is 22–2229 for the long block replacement. That is the only fix for this motor and it is due to a defect in the long block being cracked. I have 4 children and 2 with special needs. I cannot afford an $8-10k cost for a motor replacement. We purchased this vehicle about 5 years ago and the vehicle has roughly 96k miles on it. This is insane. I need help.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine started to vibrate violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine block, resulting in damages to the engine. 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 and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon the start of the engine, the "Service Engine Now" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 17, 2024
While driving on the highway at 60MPH, the check engine light came on first, then got an overheating issue. Let car cool, then drove city streets and took car to an independent auto repair shop. They read the engine and it had error code P0304. Shop bore scoped into cylinder 4 and found engine coolant. Took to dealer to confirm, they did find that engine coolant was leaking into cylinder 4 and recommended replacing engine long block assembly for $9.25k.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed white smoke leaking from the exhaust. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and needed an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2024
My vehicle 2017 Ford Fusion has a chronic condition. The coolant comes into the engine and causes an engine misfire, which is a very serious problem. The 21n12 customer satisfaction program has already come out, but I bought this car secondhand and it's already out of all conditions. I'm wondering why this issue is not a recall. Many owners of the same car are complaining of the problem and this is a serious life-threatening defect. I think you should include this in the recall right away.
Engine, Oct 10, 2024
My car has been misfiring on the 4th cylinder for since the end of 2023. The first time, I was told that I needed a tune up, I did that. Months later another misfire, said I needed to change the ignition coil, did that. Then I was out of town and it misfired again. My spark plug was changed and I was able to return home. This last time [XXX], it showed another cylinder and crankshaft. I took to dealership and was initially told that I needed a tune up and had swollen lug nuts. Advised I had a tune up at 37,000 miles and car only has approximately 48,000 miles. I then requested car be tested for coolant intrusion. The test was done and a cylinders scoped and was told Yes, that is the case. Now Ford wants me to pay $9,000+ for engine replacement. They state that my VIN is not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. But this is a known fact to them and are not willing to absorb any of the cost. There is a program for the 1.5 but was told there is no program for 2.0 liter engine which I do not understand if it is the same engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced rough idling and failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The message "Coolant Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the cylinder head gasket. The contact was informed that the cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,965.
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
There was coolant intrusion into my engine which caused the engine to start seizing and misfiring and it also rusted a spark plug into cylinder #4. From my research this seems to be a known and common issue with EcoBoost Ford Fusions (I have a 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost). This issue apparently can also cause fires and I'm lucky that it didn't happen to me. The Peacock Ford Service Center in Maitland, Florida confirmed to me that this is a known issue. The engine has been inspected by a Firestone as well as the Ford Service Center that i previously mentioned. The only symptom of the failure was the check engine light coming on but the only reason it came on was because the engine started misfiring.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an auto parts store where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to another independent mechanic who confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion Into the Short Block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, prompting the contact to drive the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved fault code for a cylinder #2 misfire. The contact was informed that the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and the engine needed to be replaced, due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder head. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to an unknown recall; however, the VIN tool showed no open recalls on the VIN. The spark plugs and fuel injectors were replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine overheated and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant had leaked into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Engine, Sep 25, 2024
Coolant consumption through the engine due to faulty long block assembly. TSB has been issued but no recall. Ford motor company has known of this issue since at least December 19th 2019. TSB 19-2346
Engine, Sep 24, 2024
My car developed a miss in the engine that continued to get worse. It was inspected at the dealership, Key Scales Ford, in Leesburg, Florida. The check engine light was on and the car showed a code of PO303, misfire in #3 cylinder. It was determined that there was a crack in the block and coolant was entering #3 cylinder. The approximate costs to replace the engine were over $10,000 and the car had a trade-in value of approximately $9,000 so repair out of my pocket was not a smart option. Through research of my own I learned of NHTSA action which had led to a Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-2134. I contacted the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program and was told my VIN was not included under the TSB, even though it had the exact same problem. Ford refused to participate in any type of resolution despite this being a well-known problem with the 1.5-liter Ecoboost engines. This type of engine failure could lead to being stranded at any time so driving the car further was not a good idea. There was 55,912 miles on this car and the original brake pads outlived the engine. These engines are known to be defective and a problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine, causing 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 and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Sep 23, 2024
My 2017 Ford Fusion started with a grumble, saw white smoke exhaust. Drove about 6 miles turned off car, restarted the car and the engine light came on. Brought the car a week later to Dons Ford, they diagnosed a coil issue caused the engine light being on. Roughly a $700.00 repair. Few days later engine light came back on. Took it back to the dealer, they said they probably didn't reset the computer, so the computer thinks it still has a problem. They checked and rechecked my issue. This car has been a gem, 69,000 miles. Bought the car because I buy American made, my son worked in Detroit for Ford. Engine light came back on about 5 days later. Diagnoses, you need a new engine. $9,000. They say my car can catch on fire, but the dealer said I can drive it. There is more I could say but that's for a different agency.
Engine, Sep 22, 2024
2017 Ford Fusion with 90,000miles-Check engine light went on in the AM, no drivable concerns noticed. Took fusion to my mechanic, motor had coolant leak into cylinder #4, cylinder #4 had stopped firing. Complete 1.5L engine replacement needed. Engine coolant thermostat house gasket replaced Engine gasket kit/seals replaced Complete Engine assembly performed Removed & replaced 1.5L engine Engine Long Block replaced $7,900.00 in parts and labor Had the engine seized while driving due to this coolant leak catastrophic incident may have incurred with possible death. Found that other Ford models have had a recall for this issue but that 2017 Ford Fusions do not have enough incidents to be included. Extremely dangerous and deadly.
Engine, Sep 21, 2024
MY 2017 Ford FUSION 2.0 Eco COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH MY 6 YEAR OLD INSIDE!! I went to start my car & it didn’t want to turn over. Turned car off. Tried again. Started up but sputtered manically..then “kind of” settled down. I was maybe 2 miles down the road && COOLANT TEMP HIGH light turned on. I pulled over immediately turned car off. Checked coolant levels….it was BELOW minimum (NO VISIBLE LEAKS) replaced coolant, car started smoother. 2 days later. I started my car it was a little rough && as I began driving I could see what looked like white smoke coming from exhaust. I looked for a safe place to quickly pull over and the COOLANT TEMP HIGH light dinged on again. I checked levels…again BELOW minimum..this is 2 days AFTER I refilled the coolant….once again there are no visible leaks on the ground. It is the weekend so have NOT made it to dealership. Myself & my 6 year old daughter were in the car && THE ENGINE COULD HAVE BLOWN or caught fire!! This is absolutely unacceptable && unsafe. This is unsafe to the people around me && on the road due to the smoke of the car, possible flames, && sudden STOP. This is BEYOND dangerous. I’m positive after researching that this is coolant intrusion in the engine. I was never informed of this possible issue by Ford. I am a single mother, with one vehicle, this should not be MY BILL especially since I’ve maintained the maintenance on this vehicle regularly. I will be taking my Fusion to the Ford Dealership Monday where I hope Ford will cover this issue. (( I can update later if needed ))
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 19, 2024
I had the car about 3 months when the first service light appeared. Misfire - replaced the cylinder. But 2 months later service light came on again for same issue. Ford Dealership said it was coolant intrusion. Car repeatedly overheats. Service engine light comes on/stays on. Temperature gauge will indicate high temp, then will drop to normal seconds later, then shoot to the top again. At times engine will decrease power, and I have to pull over and park until engine cools, no matter where it happens. I don't feel safe driving on the highway, or any distance more than 20 miles or so. I am also afraid to park in the garage at night in case it's too hot. Ford dealership says it needs a new engine. Called Ford Customer Service but my VIN was not on the service action 19B37 or 21N12 (even though it was manufactured at a listed plant on the listed dates) so they would not assist in covering it.