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 and engine cooling
133 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in damage to 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 the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with a misfire in the engine and the vehicle experienced a reduction of automotive power and the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH. The contact proceeded to take the vehicle to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 as probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that during an oil change, the technician at the dealer advised the contact that there was coolant in the engine block, which caused damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that it was a known failure in similar vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in engine damage. 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, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 77,500.