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
1,110 reports, newest first.
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 ))
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the RPM gauge was rising but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle had not regained normal functionality. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
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.
Engine, Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,782.
Engine, Sep 17, 2024
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to engine coolant intruding into the cylinders. This was formally diagnosed by a Ford Dealership service team after the vehicle broke down on the side of the highway. This is the exact issue outlined in TSB #22-2229. The check engine light was activated indicating there was an issue. I filled up the coolant basin with a gallon of the manufacturer recommended coolant, and within 6 days, all the coolant was gone and the engine shut down when I was driving at approximately 50mph. Ford Corporate will not lend any financial assistance for the repairs, which is a complete engine replacement. This replacement costs between $7,000-$10,000.
Engine, Sep 16, 2024
My car is experiencing the issue noted in Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 (09-June-2022). My car leaks engine coolant into the engine/cylinders causing an excessive draining of coolant, overheating the engine, and shutting off the car. Specifically, my engine overheated and shut off, making the car undriveable. I was forced off the road on a single lane highway with speed limits of 55mph. This occurred at [XXX] on Friday, [XXX]. The area where the care came to rest was not particularly safe due to the narrow roads and high speed limit. The check engine light came on when this issue became a problem. My car was inspected by Bull Valley Ford in Woodstock, IL. They diagnosed that the issue is indeed the same issue in TSB 22-2229. The quoted price to repair is $7,000.00. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift from drive to park. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in neutral. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the gear shifter was reset. The contact stated that the failure had occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2024
The shifter cable bushing that other cars in my year got recalled for is going out. It’s having the same problem that the recalled cars are having but my vin doesn’t fall under it for some reason.
Engine, Sep 15, 2024
Driving on a highway engine began to shake and lose power engine had no problems prior to this all oil changes were up to date. After Engine began shaking violently pulled over on side of road no check engine light was present. Had vehicle towed where even when engine was on no check engine light. After checking the codes with ob2 reader it was determined a cylinder 1 and 2 misfire was present I replaced spark plugs and coil packs and that did not resolve the issue. It was then towed to a repair shop where they confirmed there was catastrophic engine failure including metal in the enigne there were no warning signs that this could happen the dealer and ford have been 0 help except wanting 12,000 to replace the engine
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the engine overheating warning light was illuminated with an audible chime. The contact pulled over and checked under the hood and became aware that the coolant reservoir was nearly empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was shifted into drive (D) but was unable to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,177.
Power train, Sep 10, 2024
Was out of town when I went to shift out of Park, and I received a SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT - SERVICE REQUIRED MESSAGE. My car was stuck in reverse and could only shift into neutral. The shift cable bushing had dry rotted and snapped. This item was recalled on previous fusions up to the 2016 model year, yet the same part was used through the 2020 model year. ALL of these items need to be recalled. They are all defective.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Coolant was leaking into the Engine. This is a known issue with this make and model of the Ford Fusion, yet not all the engines were recalled. Ford told us this was a known issue, but we received no notification of this being a potential issue. We have taken our vehicle to Ford since we bought it new in 2017, and nothing was ever said. Now that the engine has the issue that is part of the recall, Ford would not take any responsibility for it and refused to help pay for the repairs. If the engine is doing exactly what the recall was for, then Ford should be held responsible for the repairs.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact connected the battery to the charger and the dead cell warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that even though the vehicle was not started, the gear shifter independently switched from park and reverse. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the vehicle rolled backwards several feet. The contact stated that the failure almost caused him to be pinned up against the wall of the garage, where the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. 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 failure mileage was approximately 33,500.
Engine, Sep 7, 2024
Transmission went out , 2017 fusion had recall with something with transmission never got notice from
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking, vibrating, and idling roughly. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the computer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2346 Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Sep 4, 2024
I have a 2017 ford fusion with a 2.0 ecoboost engine. First, I received service engine soon message on my car which was diagnosed as a misfire. Following that, a few days later, my car overheated on the way to my work. I checked the coolant which was low and added more. There had been no signs of leaking under the car at any time. I was able to drive the car home but by the time I got home the coolant was again very low. I had it towed to a Ford dealership where I was given the catastrophic news that it was due to coolant intrusion and I need a whole new engine that will cost 9,000.00 after folloeing the TSB. I have approximately 60,000 miles on it and Ford has refused to help in any way. I have had the oil changed as recommended since I bought the car used from a Ford dealership as certified pre-owned with approximately 14,000 on it and was never made aware of any coolant intrusion problems. Researching this issue, I find that this is a common and very serious problem. If the engine were to overheat it could cause loss of power and more concerning, an engine fire. If the engine caught fire I worry if I could get 2 toddlers out of their car seats in the back in time. This is a serious safety issue. If I lost power on the freeway due to overheating would we be rear ended endangering all of our lives? Ford has acknowledged this engine has a design flaw and have recalled the 1.5L engines and certain other 2.0 for the exact problem. This sets a precedent, and all these engines with this problem should be recalled and the engine replaced. The symptoms and end result are all the same. My car is still sitting at the dealership since I do not have any way to come up with 9,000. Nor can I drive it.
Engine, Sep 3, 2024
Vehicle was sputtering while idle or in park. Engine light came on and when tested the diagnostic said “cylinder 2 misfire” Noticed coolant level would decrease quite drastically in short matter of time, also causing vehicle to run hot or begin to over heat. It’s not always possible (or safe) to pull over on the side of a busy freeway or wherever you are driving when this happens. After investigating, found that coolant was leaking into the cylinders. Being that this was a common issue in these specific eco boost engines I knew my engine block would need to be replaced. Car was at 40,000 miles when this started happening and still under warranty. Took car to the dealership explained the issue only for them to try to say there was nothing wrong with it after not even getting down into the engine. After much back and fourth they finally ordered a new engine block to replace the faulted original. Only took 6 months of the dealership having my car and dodging my calls and messages.
Engine, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and vibrated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the engine, and it was determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 98,526.
Power train, Engine, Sep 3, 2024
2017 Ford Fusion Titanium 2.0L Ecoboost purchased brand new. Coolant intrusion into Cylinder #1, causing a misfire,registered in Vehicle Health Alert system; check engine light on. Liberty Ford dealership was notified within the first week of the 1st misfire. Autozone found fault code P0301. Code scanner suggested replacing cylinder #1 spark plug. If misfire cont., it stated to replace Coil on cyl #1. All four spark plugs were replaced and Coil for cylinder #1 was replaced. Veh.began to exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke & rough running. Coolant fumes were entering the veh. cabin. Coolant added as soon as "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" dash alert. Diagnostic completed at Firestone Complete Auto Care: Determined "Cyl 1 is full of coolant & misfire occurring due to engine burning coolant.TSB out for this issue stating engine block replacement will be needed. Recommend dealership*** Manufacturer's recommended maintenance.… They provided a copy of TSB 22-2229 and stated Ford Manufacturer should replace entire engine (Long Block). I contacted Ford Manufacturer. They stated several times that "this is a KNOWN ISSUE". They stated a diagnostic must be done by a Ford Dealership and submit financial asst. request. They found code P0301 as well as overheating codes are present, coolant level low. Mode 6 shows multiple misfires on cyl1...found same diagnosis. TSB 22-2229 covers this condition, engine build code is 910 and meets criteria." Veh avail for inspection upon request? The veh stranded me away from home 2-4 times. I was given literature that stated low coolant may automatically shut off the engine, even while driving. Antifreeze contains glycols & other liquid chemicals that are sweet smelling but POISONOUS. That entering the veh cabin can possibly cause a person to have damage to the central nervous system, lose consciousness, become nauseated, vomit, dizzy, etc. Ford didn’t notify me of the manufacturer fault that caused the issue, a 3rd party did.