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.
Service brakes, Mar 16, 2024
Back brakes are making a very loud noises and it’s hard breaking to come to complete stop
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the coolant overheating. The vehicle was running rough and there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact stated that cylinders #1, #2, #3, and #4 had coolant intrusion. The mechanic recommended an engine long block replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine and cylinders #1, #2, #3, and #4. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 78,769.
Power train, Mar 11, 2024
The vehicle's automatic transmission began started shifting "roughly" and the service engine light for the powertrain came on. I was told the transmission code was for the "Traction Plate" and that I needed to replace the transmission.
Steering, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. Additionally, there was an audible chime indicating a possible oxygen sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #2. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was filed for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 86,849.
Steering, Traction control system, Feb 27, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist, traction control, and hill stop assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,720.
Steering, Feb 25, 2024
The shifter cable bushing was no longer present and the shifter cable detached, causing my car to be unable to move out of park. I was actively driving the vehicle, backing it out when this happened, leaving me and my car stuck in the middle of the lane. This problem has caused a recall on earlier years of the car, making it a known issue. There were no symptoms prior to the problem, but many warning lights on the dash claiming to need repairs immediately following the incident.
Engine, Feb 25, 2024
A couple of weeks ago, heater would not work and a very cold day. We stopped after a while for gas and then the heat went on. This went on every time we used the car. So we got an appt at local Ford place last week, where we bought car. Took them several days but turns out the coolant is leaking into the engine and we need a new motor to the tune of 7000 bucks. The car never warned us of any malfunctions. It only has 58,000 miles on it but because it is a 2017 it is out of warrantee. I later learned that the EcoBoost cars have a lot of problems with leaking coolant into the motor. Especially the Ford Fusion and we have a 2 L EcoBoost car.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 23, 2024
Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2024
Coolant Intrusion on Cylinder 1, common problem amongst 2.0 Ecoboost Engine. Current Ford fix is replace engine block with a new design. Ford is aware of the design flaw in these cars and refuses to make things right with current owners.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2024
My vehicle is displaying severe symptoms as well as throwing code of the already noted recall for other trims of this car but my car isn’t on recall list. I’ve had to replace the canister purge valve 3 times in less than 2 years, the vacuum seal is affecting fuel tank and honking every 15-20 seconds…when canister gets stuck open, I can’t start my car which happened yesterday in a busy intersection. It’s dangerous and I’m afraid to transport my kids in my car.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2024
Vehicle will not stay in reverse or drive thus it will not shift out of park. When shifted to reverse or drive the shifter would blink red and automatically shift back to park repeatedly. The message “Shift sys fault service required” and wrench popped up. Had to have it towed 90 miles to dealer. Safety issues: vehicle may not have actually been in park after automatic shifting back to park, this could injure someone or something if the vehicle moved unexpectedly. Also, I could have been stranded in an unsafe place. This problem could be reproduced at the dealership service center. Inspected by service once I got there. There were no warnings or messages prior to this issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2024, crash, fire
I didn’t have the car at the time I didn’t know the car facts now I’ve been paying on it & it’s my only transportation I got the car the 5th of Jan. 2023
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
We were in reverse backing into a parking stall and tried to put the car into park. An error popped up something to the effect SHIFT SYS FAULT We were unable to put the car in park/drive/or any other gear. Parking brake was automatically applied. We were stuck, had to have it towed by a flat bed truck and repaired. Thank god this did not happen in the middle of a street where traffic would have been....could have been tragic. It was towed on a Friday 2/9/24 and fixed on 2/13/24 It was a shift cable bushing that wore out and cracked. Similar to this recall from 2016 ford fusions (Copied below). This should have also applied to ANY Fords that had a similar "plastic" piece that could crack and wear out causing the car to be inoperable. Campaign/NHTSA# 19S16/19V362 Issue Date 2019-05-13 Description On your vehicle, the bushing in the transmission shifter cable may degrade over time. This may cause the transmission shifter cable to not be able to fully move the transmission to the selected gear position. Safety Risk On your vehicle, the bushing in the transmission shifter cable may degrade over time. This may cause the transmission shifter cable to not be able to fully move the transmission to the selected gear position. Remedy If the driver attempts to shift to park in this condition, the transmission may not be in the park position even though the shifter position indicates the vehicle is in park, and the transmission not in park warning may not appear. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or crash
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2024
The car started shaking while driving down the road and when coming to a stop. The gears were not shifting properly. I took it to a mechanic shop and they told me several different things "could" be wrong, supposedly fixed it, $700 for that. Started shaking and shift gear problems again, took it in again and spent $2800 for the supposed fix. Several days later same thing, took it back again and they said to take it to a transmission shop because they couldn't do anymore. Found out there was a recall on the torque and the different mechanic "fixed" that. Now it won't shift into several of the gears. Over $4500.00 spent! Transmission
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
The car was shaking when I started it. Took it to the dealership and they told me it got the coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now they need to replace the whole engine with a short block engine. I believe it's a design defect by Ford!
Engine, Feb 12, 2024
Engine light came on and heat and defrosters stopped working in vehicle. Took it into dealer and was told diagnostic code was for misfire in cylinder 3. They did a coolant leak test and immediately found coolant leaking into the engine. Was told this was a known issue with the 2.0L ecoboosts (TSB 22-2229 dated 6/9/22) and that I would need an entire engine block replacement. Due to being out of warranty I would be on the hook for $6,856 for the repairs. Car only had 45,000 miles on it at time of service.
Power train, Feb 12, 2024
Vehicle lost ability to drive forward & reverse on the freeway. Upon inspection, the torque converter had gone bad & contaminated the transmission fluid causing the transmission to go out. Now my vehicle needs a new torque converter & transmission. There was a recall "17V427000" but it did not include my vehicle; however, it looks like the same issue.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
About 4 weeks ago my car lost the ability to move while driving. The wrench light popped up to see manual. Upon checking the manual it stated that the problem was with the power train. I took it to get looked at and the service center further confirmed that it was a piece inside the transmission. I see that there was a safety recall issued in 2017 for the power train torque converter for 2017 Ford Fusions. However, when I type in my VIN number the recall does not appear for my car. Is there a way for the recall to be issued for my car being that I drive the exact car type that was affected and am having the same problem?
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the engine backfired with a cylinder misfire message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that the coolant level was very low. The contact frequently checked the coolant level and discovered that coolant was leaking but the location of the leak was not determined. The vehicle was then taken to two dealers, and it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, causing the engine to misfire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,719.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine. Engine block required entire replacement. Check engine light flashing causing me to contact Ford Dealer/Service. This was December 4, 2023.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 26, 2024
I went to my dealership because of a check engine light. After many hours of searching, I was told that a coolant leak had been found. I was informed that the head gasket was damaged and causing a leak into the engine. The cheapest repair would cost nearly $8000. The extended warranty that I purchased for the car has expired. Searching Google, I see that Ford is aware of the problem, and has known about it for some time. Ford should not be able to get away with this.
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move forward or reverse. The system default warning light was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 77,432.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant had leaked into the engine, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered and was sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and while reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH on one occasion. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 and TSB Number: 22-2134; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.