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.
Power train, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted, but failed to shift into drive. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was a leak in cylinder #3. The vehicle was included in Manufacturer Communication NHTSA ID Number: 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and had the remedy completed. After the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light became illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that there was a leak within cylinder #1 and that the repair needed to be performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the transmission failed to shift into drive(D). The Shift System Fault, Service Required message was displayed. The contact noticed that the shifter cable was detached and reconnected the shifter cable. The transmission was then able to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or 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 94,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a repair was performed for an unrelated safety failure. The repairs were covered by the insurance company; however, during the inspection by the insurance company, it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. As a result, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2023
I was driving to work when I had to stop at a red light as I hit the accelerator it didn’t move. I continued to press it as I was the first car at a green light suddenly the car jerked forcefully and went. I arrived at work and called my father to look at it and he told me to drive it home which is about 7 minutes away. As I drove the car it began jerking violently and slowing down. It was not safe for me to move off the road immediately causing cars behind me to slam on brakes and swerve around me. When I made it safely to the shoulder the gear shift was working but the pressing the accelerator didn’t really work until it continued jerking. The car had to be towed to my home and to the auto shop to be diagnosed. My transmission slipped due a form of malfunction of the transmission. The mechanic expressed there were no metal shavings in the pan. No warning lights appeared on the dash until after it completely broke and they still flashed on and off or changed each time. No crash occurred, it immediately taken to be diagnosed and has already been fixed. I would like for Ford to do an inspection but I just paid for a transmission so I can’t afford it. I have all the receipts and diagnostic information for the vehicle. I looked into the recalls and noticed the ford fusion 2.0L has an active transmission recall, but the only difference for my vehicle is a 1.5L.
Steering, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was extremely loose, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2023
The Rotary "Dial Shifter" keeps coming on while the vehicle is turned off as well as making a gear sound saying it's not in park when it is. I have had the vehicle for a month and I've had to jump the car 5 times already as it will come on and stay on. I looked it up and some fushions were recalled for it with the issue of that and the cd player and rear speakers making noise. Trying to see if another recall can be issued on more of the fusions.
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
Approx 2 weeks ago I had a check engine light. The light indicated a cylinder 3 misfire. I then had an engine overheat with the check engine light. The mechanic said engine coolant was leaking into cylinder #3. He said the only repair was a new engine. I called multiple Ford dealers and there were aware of a technical bulliten on issue and said my vehicle was out of warrenty and that nothing could be done outside of a new engine.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
My 2017 ford fusion alerted to me that it was overheating, I immediately checked my fluids and noticed my coolant was empty so I refilled it. I assumed that when I recently had my car serviced they somehow forgot to refill my coolant when flushing/replacing me fluids. The next week I went to leave for work one morning and my car wouldn't start, had the battery checked and it was fine, replaced the started and still wouldn't crank. Then I had my fusion towed to a local mechanic who wasn't able to find the issue since they didn't do internal engine repairs, so paid that shop and had it towed to the dealership where I purchased the fusion and a couple of weeks later they tell me my pistons won't hold pressure and I need a new engine (8-10k) with no explanation as to what caused this. My fusion was purchased with 3 miles on it and currently has less than 49k on it. I have always taken very good care of my vehicle, but am now told that my warranty was 5 years from manufacturer date, not purchase date, leaving me with very little options. This issue needs to be addressed asap.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine and had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and assisted with 40% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
2017 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost with pin hole in Block. Technical service Bulletin 19-2346 Dec. 19 2019 Block has pin Hole in causing coolant to leak into #2 Cylinder. Yes it is Available for Inspection Safety Risk is it could Malfunction in cold weather and create no heat for driver/passengers Yes it has. Been to dealer. Contacted Ford and they said to file Complaint First sign was slight engine miss started around 107,000 miles. Second sign Engine light came on. Brought to Independent dealer and he informed me what the reason was ( cracked Block ). Brought to local Ford dealership and they also confirmed reason (cracked Block ). Researched Ford Bulletins and found Ford realized this Engine Block had a defect back in 2019 when it still would of been under Warranty. Ford Blocks are a Major part and Very expensive to replace. Ford Motors should own up and Repair as they new this before Warranty Expired.
Power train, Oct 30, 2023
Car started rough and engine light came on. Coolant low. Took car to Ford dealer service department and was told the problem was coolant intrusion. Was told not to drive it as eventually the car would overheat and engine block would crack. Only fix is to get a new engine.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. Additionally, there were pieces of the cam shaft in the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Power train, Oct 30, 2023
Shift System Fault: transmission shifter cable bushing wore out, cap fell off, shifter cable got detached, so I cannot shift the car out of Park. I have a 2017 Ford Fusion and it was not included in the recall, even though this Shift System Fault problem is the same problem that the Ford Fusions included in the recall are having.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving and while idling. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal coolant consumption. The contact had been adding coolant to the vehicle after 5 miles. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 because the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 74,900.
Engine, Oct 25, 2023
Engine has been smoking excessively. Diagnosed at Fulton Ford as needing an engine replacement due to coolant leaking in to cylinder. Discussed with Ford twice and they will not consider it under the recall that is effecting numerous other engines of this size.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started to shake. The contact allowed the vehicle to idle for one minute before driving. The battery and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle currently failed to start. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle where an undisclosed code indicating that the failure was engine related. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Power train, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after reversing and shifting back into drive, the vehicle failed to move or respond as needed. The contact stated that the “Shift System Fault” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
My 2017 Ford Fusion with 77,000 miles was running poorly. I noticed coolant reservoir was empty with no visible leaks. Took it to a Ford dealership and was told coolant was leaking into cylinders. I was told to fix the car they would have to replace the engine. Had I not noticed the coolant issue and the engine died while driving in highway traffic, my safety, as well as the safety of others would have been at risk.
Power train, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing out of her driveway at approximately 3 MPH, the transmission slipped out of reverse(R) and shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred while in drive(D) and had become a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic; however, she had watched videos online on how to replace the damaged shifter cable bushing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
The shifter cable and bushing have been replaced twice. I received no warning on all instances. The shift continued to return to park and the car was disabled. I was left stranded away from home. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Ford Auto repair shop. On the second repair of the shifter cable, the cable had completely disintegrated. Ford informed me that the transmission was the problem. I was told that the transmission was spitting out fluid onto the cable. Ford informed me that it would be best to replace the transmission to solve the problem. I Can Not Afford This. There Needs To Be A Recall. This Is A Manufacture Defect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver crashed into the sidewalk and damaged the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,418.
Service brakes, Oct 14, 2023
A recall notice was mailed to me from Ford in April 2023 for Safety Recall 23V162. I have not received notification by October 2023 on when to schedule the brake line repair. The letter states that it is anticipated to be remedied by the 3rd quarter of 2023.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed a misfire the engine cylinder number 4. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine short block was faulty due to coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's customer satisfaction campaign for the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
Once stopping at a traffic light as the light turned green my car would not go, when trying to accelerate the car it makes the noise as if it wants to go but nothing is happening. I believe this a ongoing issue ford knows about for something going wrong in the transmission.