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, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when starting, the vehicle would display a hesitation as if the motor failed to start. There would be a misfire message displayed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that cylinder 2 misfired and the engine needed to be replaced The contact learned of a Technical Service Bulletin that addressed a fractured block on cylinder number 2 causing engine failure. The vehicle was no longer covered by the warranty to receive the remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Power train, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH the vehicle began jerking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a critical issue with my 2017 Ford Fusion, equipped with a 2.0 L Ecoboost Turbo engine. The issue in question, namely coolant intrusion into the engine block, has been a well-documented problem recognized by the Ford Motor Company since at least 2010, as evidenced by Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229. My vehicle, a 2017 Ford Fusion, developed this issue when it had approximately 100,800 miles on the odometer. When I discovered the problem, I promptly contacted two different Ford dealerships for assistance, hoping that they would help address this known issue. However, I was met with significant resistance and a refusal to accept responsibility for the issue. Both dealerships cited the fact that my vehicle had exceeded 100,000 miles as the reason for their inability to assist me. I found this response deeply unsatisfactory and believe it is unfair given the longstanding awareness of the problem by the manufacturer. It is disheartening to learn that Ford Motor Company is unwilling to take responsibility for a problem that is clearly linked to a long-standing issue documented in their own technical service bulletins. This issue poses a significant safety and financial risk to Ford Fusion owners, and it is essential that the manufacturer acknowledges its responsibility in addressing and rectifying the problem, regardless of the mileage on the affected vehicles. I kindly request that the National Highway Transportation Board investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against Ford Motor Company for its refusal to address a known safety issue that has affected many Ford Fusion owners. Additionally, I urge the Board to advocate for the rights of consumers who are left without recourse due to arbitrary mileage limitations imposed by dealerships when dealing with such issues. I appreciate your attention to this matter. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
Vehicle was being driven. Heard clunk noise. Vehicle no longer went into drive. Could not shift or anying. Had to have vehicle towed to repair shop. Ford could not review vehicle at time and was 30+ days out. Vehicle was then brought to another mechanic where they disassembled vehicle and found that the torque converter studs were no longer in place and created an issue where metal shards are in the transmission causing the transmission needing to be rebuilt along with shards being located in cooling system. Ford was contacted and advised to put a claim in with the NHTSA as this is a known issue for this vehicle year make and model however is not listed for this specific vin. There were no warning lights while driving the vehicle to indicate any issue. Vehicle currently not driveable. Our safety was put a risk as we were driving on the road during heavy traffic and caused a mess on the road and could have potential caused an action as vehicle was in drive when it stopped working.
Power train, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The power train warning light was illuminated, and a message indicating the gear shifter failure was displayed. The contact attempted to shift into park (P), but the gear shifter remained stuck in drive(D). The contact stated that she was able to manually move the shifter cable, and the vehicle shifted into park (P). The contact stated that the shifter cable bushing was replaced by a family member. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal after the part was replaced, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for the diagnostic test and the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after shifting from the reverse position to the drive position the transmission would not go into gear and the vehicle would not drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission cable bushing was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 2, 2023
The contact’s husband owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact’s husband applied pressure to the brake pedal and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle coasted to a stop. The brake fluid light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to navigate the vehicle to safety. The contact stated that upon her husband inspecting the vehicle, there was brake fluid leaking on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driver’s side brake hose had ruptured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,136.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2023
The contact's daughter owned a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear main seal was defective. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the rear main seal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was discovered that coolant from the head gasket had leaked into the engine cylinder, resulting in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went down to the floorboard before bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed brake fluid leaking from the front passenger’s side wheel. Upon refilling the brake fluid reservoir, the contact observed that the entire reservoir had emptied, again leaking from the front passenger’s side wheel. 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: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Engine, Sep 26, 2023
Ford recall for customer satisfaction program 21N12 for coolant leaking into cylinder damaging short block does not provide enough coverage. 2017 ford fusion with 61,000 miles has an estimated of $7,800 to repair this mfg defect. The extended coverage on this fix on failure is 7 years and 84,000 miles. I have missed the window by 2 months! This problem has been occurring since 2014-2018 models. My car had a resale value of $15,000, but is now worth nothing and I only got 60,000 miles out of this. It is not fair that their known defect has put me in this position.
Engine, Sep 26, 2023
I purchased a used 2017 Ford Fusion SE Ecoboost with 77790 miles on August 4, 2023. 2 days after purchase, the check engine light illuminated. I brought it into a local mechanic to run a diagnostic test. The diagnostic showed “misfire-cylinder 1”. The mechanic recommended replacing all spark plugs and the cylinder 1 coil pack. Repair was done and seemed to have been running well. 2 days later, the check engine light came back on. Brought it back into the same mechanic. The diagnostic showed “misfire in cylinder 2”. The mechanic recommended replacing the remaining coil packs but thought that the problem could possibly be a blown head gasket. I decided to replace the remaining coil packs in hopes that this would remedy the issue. 2 days after bringing the car home, check engine light came back on. I brought the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion. This mechanic diagnosed that “misfire in cylinder 2” was happening again. They mentioned that this ecoboost model is known for issues with carbon buildup. They used an intake cleaner to clean out the carbon and saw noticeable improvement. Later that afternoon, I came to pick up the car, and noticed that the cold start was much rougher than before. Once again, when driving home from the mechanic, the check engine light came on. Next day, took a short drive and a warning stating that the engine was overheating and coolant was low appeared. I filled the coolant and brought car to another mechanic. That’s when I was told that the engine needs replaced due to coolant leaking into cylinders. Still waiting to hear back from Ford to see if they will help with cost of repairs. Quoted $6300 to fix. This is my primary source of transportation and now I’m without a vehicle. This is also a hardship due to the fact that this vehicle was just purchased with no additional funds to pay for repairs. Please help!
Power train, Sep 20, 2023
Shift cable bushing issue. Same as recall 22s43 for 2012-2016 Ford Fusions.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2023
Trunk opens randomly on its own
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 19, 2023
Turbocharger leaked oil into the engine causing irreparable damage to the engine. Oil leaking cause engine failure, smoke coming out of the tailpipe, several blown gaskets and steering wheel malfunction. Cars computer system froze, enabling vehicle to move forward. Motor mounts were faulty, loose and unstable. Grinding sounds coming from wheels, vehicle alignment is unsteady. Issues with this vehicle previously reported under NHTSA ID #11534780 updated information being reported after repairs have been repaired.
Power train, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter failed to operate as needed and the contact was unable to shift into the intended gear. The message to “See Owner’s Manual” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2023
Trunk randomly opens and alarm goes off when parked and off. Trunk may randomly open while the vehicle is in motion. The safety concern is that the high voltage battery could get wet and become or cause a fire safety hazard. Additionally, it's plausible that items in the trunk could fly out into the roadway and cause an accident when it happens as the car is in motion.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2023
1). 3 days after purchasing the vehicle I wasn't sure but I could tell that something was wrong so I called my husband and told him while driving the car that something was wrong and he needs to notify the dealership. 2). 5 days after purchasing the vehicle I went into a grocery store. When I came out the car was on/running, all by itself. 3). Additional problems occurring on a daily basis with the vehicle which lets me know that it's electrical problems are as follows: A. The vehicle randomly turns on and off all by itself, this is very hazardous. B). The headlights also randomly do not work while driving the car, day or night, which is very hazardous for both me and my clientele, as I am a Lyft driver. C). The interior lighting on the console and dashboard become dim or do not turn on at all, day or night. D). While driving the vehicle it does not always accelerate properly, which is very hazardous in traffic. E). The Bluetooth system connects and disconnects itself randomly. F). The air and heating system randomly turn on and off without being touched. G). Charging my phone in the vehicle is also challenging as it does not always work. H). Bluetooth radio stereo system is continuously problematic, volume randomly increases and decreases and turns on and off by itself, even with the vehicle completely shut down. I). After locking the doors, everything inside the car does not completely turn off. Interior lighting sometimes turns off and on separately, and it can take up to 30 minutes for the dashboard lighting to go off. J). The instrument panel often makes some sort of sound/noise and the gear shifter dial will aluminate even though the car is off/completely shut down. K). While driving, front windshield defogger will randomly turns on, causing the windshield to fog up, distorting vision, which is very hazardous. L). Dashboard vents emit an extreme amount of heat even though both heater and air conditioner are completely off.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Ford Fusion 2017 SE 2.0L Engine with 100,000 Miles. Check Engine Light came on, and a warning that the engine was overheating. Within a few seconds, the car would return to normal. This process would repeat continuously every few moments. The car was taken to a Ford Dealership, and it was noted that there was a blockage & leak that would cost $8,000 to repair. I called Ford Corporate and they said that the recall applying to hundred of thousands of Ford Fusions for this same issue did not apply to my car. Ford recalled 2013-2014 Fusion Vehicles (1.6L engine) for this issue. Ford recalled 2013-2019 Fusion Vehicles (1.5 L / 2.0L Ecoboost engine) for this issue. Why are certain vehicles omitted from this dangerous recall though this is a documented issue with Ford Fusions?
Power train, Sep 11, 2023
Shift cable bushing on the top of the transmission was found disintegrated upon inspection and only small remnants were found. Due to this issue, the cable was also found to be disconnected from the transmission. Prior to the inspection, a “Shift Sys” and “See Manual” error appeared on the dash screen with a yellow wrench while changing gears 3 separate times. The transmission then became stuck in neutral. This could cause myself or others to be stuck in a gear unable to safely leave their vehicles at their destination. This could also cause the reverse and leave myself or others stranded at their destinations. Research found that this same part and issue is under recall for all models 2013-2016 Ford Fusions. I believe this recall should be extended to the 2017 model as well. I have tended to the issue and replaced the part, using OEM part from dealer, within my vehicle to continue commuting safely.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware of brake fluid leaking from the front driver’s side brake hose. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake hose had ruptured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Engine, Sep 11, 2023
FORD FUSION 2017 DANGEROUS DEFECT ENGINE ISSUES The Engine Light went on in my Ford 2017 Fusion car with only 64,000 miles and I became very nervous about my Family’s safety driving in my Ford 2017 Fusion car. The Ford Dealership was unable to take my car for two weeks, so I had no choice but to take it to an outside Mechanic to look at my car to see what was wrong because it was dangerous to drive the car and I could not wait two weeks. I missed work because I was unable to drive my car in this dangerous state with the Engine Light on. The outside Mechanic said the 3rd Cylinder misfired and then replaced the 4 spark plugs and coils to see if that helped and charged me $350.00 for his Service. Then a few days later the Engine Light went on again, so that Service did Not fix this dangerous problem & the Mechanic told me to go to Ford to fix this problem. When I looked on the NHTSA Website, there were “157 Complaints” on the same problems that I was experiencing with my Ford 2017 Fusion. These Complaints were expressing that their Ford 2017 Fusions had Faulty Head Gaskets causing coolant to leak into the pistons causing the cylinders to misfire and then their Engines needed to be replaced resulting in a flaw Cylinder Block causing an Engine Block. Many of them did not have their Engine Replaced because there is no Recall on these defective parts & they did not have the money to fix their Ford 2017 Fusion. I also do not have the money to fix my Ford 2017 Fusion with Ford’s defective parts causing dangerous safety Engine damage. These defective parts are high RISK causing Accidents, Fire and even Death which will be the fault of Ford Corporation for not Recalling these defective parts & fixing the damage these defective parts causes. I also found out that there was a Recall on the Ford 2013–2014 Fusions with the same problems. Now there should be a Recall on the 2017! HELP!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the brake pads were replaced; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle violently shook. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic). Additionally, the contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 20–30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but there was resistance, and the brakes was slow to respond. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was firm and had to be pumped several times to respond. The contact stated that the brake hose had ruptured. The brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was informed that there was brake fluid on the brake pads and the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Sep 7, 2023, crash
I was a victim in a car crash driving this vehicle when another vehicle hit me and deployed my air bags. Due to the air bags deployment I ended up with significant burn marks to my arm which is likely to permanently scar.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, jerking, and overheating, and the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact veered to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine cylinders were misfiring, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.