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, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his daughter was reversing out of the driveway at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into gear. There was no warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Power train, Apr 6, 2022, crash
My 2017 for fusion stopped changing gears and when trying to change gears it sounded awful and was very rough. Sheehy Ford said it was the torque converter and found numerous office issues with in the transmission. Repairs were $5k. Thank goodness for Ford customer support( my awesome rep Kiara) who provided financial help for the repairs. I have lots of articles about the same issue and am shocked that the SE model wasn’t included in the recall.
Engine, Apr 3, 2022
My Daughters Words: In all my life we have owned ford vehicles, and never in my 18 years have I experienced a situation such as I have with the 2017 ford fusion my mother purchased after our 2018 car accident. In the past year I have become the primary driver of the fusion. At first nothing seemed to be wrong, a simple check engine light. I immediately went to the local AutoZone and used the code checker to see what the light was signaling. The code stated a misfire in cylinder 2, so we took it to Shealy's auto in Cayce for a deeper look and spark plug replacement. After Mr. Shealy and his team replaced the coil, and the spark plugs all was fine for a few days. We received the car back and two days later the check engine light returned. This prompted a swift return to Mr. Shealy where he re-checked the code and lightly examined the state of the engine. Mr. Shealy turned the vehicle into the on position and ran the code checker, after receiving the same misfire as before he opened the hood and partially removed the plastic cover over the engine. After confirming his technicians had replaced the proper coil, and all spark plugs, Mr. Shealy cleared the code and sent me on my way. 3 days later the car began running slightly warm, then violently throwing the code, overheat wildly, turning off electronic to reduce engine heat, and rethrowing the cylinder misfire when examined by the mechanic.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2022
Canister Purge Valve (CPV)” in this vehicle malfunctioned before reaching 75k, becoming stuck in an open position, which could create an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. Resulting in check engine low speed stalling and gas tank vacuum
Power train, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the gear selector was in the park (P) position, the gear indicator displayed the neutral position instead. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. On one occasion while driving over a railroad track, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission shift cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 90,800.
Power train, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon reversing on a roadway, she depressed the brake pedal and shifted into drive, but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the middle of the road blocking traffic. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing had detached. The independent mechanic tied a cable around the cable bushing and he was able to drive the vehicle back into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,758.
Power train, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
3/22/22 Check engine light illuminated and had cylinder 3 misfire code P0303. This was around 4 PM. Car was driven home and sat in driveway until 8 PM. Went to go pick up dinner, and rough idle began and interior heat was not working at all. CEL was still illuminated but car was driving fine. Did notice a sort of "vinegar" type of smell that quickly went away after driving. 3/23/22 Remote started vehicle to go to work and then I realized billows of white/blueish smoke were coming out of the exhaust. Ran outside and shut the vehicle off. Towed to McGovern Ford of Framingham in Framingham, MA. Complete engine failure due to coolant leaking into the cylinder. This all happened very quickly. The second the engine light came on, I scheduled the first available appointment on April 18, 2022. Less than 24 hours later it resulted in complete engine failure. There were no warning indicators other than the check engine light. This is a known manufacturing defect on Ford's part and they have yet to support their customers in resolving this issue. I have a 2017 Ford Fusion, with 63,000 miles on the clock, and it was purchased as a certified pre-owned in December of 2020. It has the 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine. McGovern Ford has no loaner vehicles available until the April 18th date, and Ford/warranty company will not cover a rental cost. I need a vehicle to commute to and from work, and now I am without a vehicle for the foreseeable future due to a manufacturing defect knowingly sent off the production line by Ford Motor Company - of which they refuse to rectify.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2022
Issue with Sync 3. Major concern is the vehicle is equipped with a safety feature if there is an accident. 911 Assist is a SYNC feature that can call for help if you are involved in an accident and are unable to make a call yourself. 911 Assist works with SYNC 3 to alert emergency responders when there is an accident and relays important information such as the type of crash that occurred, the number of seat belts that were being used, and whether an airbag has deployed. The APIM/Sync 3 is malfunctioning on the vehicle where there is no GPS and the phone does not connect. This "safety" feature is useless with the APIM not functioning correctly in the event of an accident. Without GPS, emergency responders would not have a location and without phone connection, this could be a tragic result. The dealer has not not been confirmed or inspected to date as I had to make a service appointment.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2022
Trunk randomly opens. Sometimes the car is started, sometimes it’s not. Happens whether in gear or not.
Engine, Mar 11, 2022
on 2/13/2022 while in Orlanda Florida only at @ 29K miles, engine light came on steady, but with no rise in temp - Dealer told me to drive it home (Chicago) it went out, then later came on solid again running rough, with leaking fuel and coolant inside and outside, and burning smoking exhaust and at strong smell of fuel everywhere = Fire hazard. Another delaer replaced long-block and told me it was a known issue found on an internal Ford Tech Serv Bullettin they were not allowed to give or show me. Should have been recalled.
Power train, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning while in either in the drive (D) or reverse (R). The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN and was offered no assistance. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an extensive diagnostic test was performed and it was discovered that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall; she was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. ADDED COMMENT: Before the complete break of the transmission, I was noticing some hesitation with changing gears and going dead from a stop. Going down a hill on coast the back of the car made a roaring sound. At these moments, the car gear shift would be slightly hard to turn to park or drive. The transmission would also seem to slip. NOTE: The actual odometer was 189293 when the issue happened and repaired. Even though this was not on the recall list, it should be added because I experienced the same issue with my transmission as the others. I have attached my invoice for the repair. Not included are the 2 prior wrecker bills from having it towed to my house, and then had it towed to Lonnie Cobb's Ford for repair, which the car sat for weeks with no repair. Third wrecker bill is included on the Repair Invoice. from Clement Automatic Transmissions. THE CONSUMER STATED BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, THERE WAS HESISTATION WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WOULD DIE FROM A STOP. WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A ROARING SOUND. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AS IT DISPLAYED THE SAME FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. AT THE THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIR THE ODOMETER READ 189293.
Wheels, Mar 9, 2022
The lug nuts on the wheels have "swelled" so that the wheels cannot be removed in an emergency for replacement. This problem is well known and was pointed out to me a a danger when I had my wheels rotated. The shiny metal covering the steel lug nut separates preventing the lug nut wrench from fitting and allowing for removal of the lug nut. 2017 Ford Fusion Energy Titanium
Power train, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the electric gear shifter failed to shift from Park to Reverse. The contact stated that the electric gear shifter would shift into reverse but rotate back into the Park position. The warning message "Shift System Error" illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he maneuvered the electric gear shifter and was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Steering, Mar 8, 2022
Power Steering became difficult to turn and handle while driving, this just suddenly happened without warning, my Son's safety was at risk by not being able to handle the steering, shortly after the Steering Assist Fault warning light came on, Service Traction Advance warning light and Hill Assist not working light came on. He shut the car off for about 10 mins and restarted the same lights are on. He is unable to drive it due to the steering is so hard. About 2 weeks prior to the above incident, transmission went out (it was repaired). Waiting to hear back from warranty company
Wheels, Mar 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 38,461. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the service advancetrac and another unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) was not associated to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,748.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2022
My gas tank does this sucking noise and it's been fixed once but it keeps having this same issue and cuts my car off. It takes 15 to 30 minutes before it starts up again. When I looked up the issue I noticed other for fusions had been having the same problems.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
Got gas and put car in drive and the shift knob went to park automatically . Tried to put car in drive again and same result happened. The picture showed on my dash and I research oned it and found it was the bushing on shift cable had broke. The car was totally disabled from driving. The 2016 fusion had recall on this but I have a 17 and the Ford dealership is not finding a current recall for the bushing my car.
Engine, Feb 20, 2022
Coolant is leaking inside the engine and is contaminating oil. Noticed it during oil change. There are others in online forums with the same issue over many years to current. This is a huge issue as there is a flaw in the engine design concept and the only fix is to replace the engine or a majority of the engine.
Power train, Engine, Feb 4, 2022
THE CAR STALLED A FEW TIMES WIHILE ON MY WAY HOME WITH NO WARNING HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SO AS I NEEDED TO ACCELERATE OR SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE WOULD START SHUDDER AND JERK AS IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOUSE LOOKED UP ISSUES IT SAID IT MAY BE TRANSMISSION SO THEN I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUSINESS AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER THAT THERE WERE 2 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY VEHICLE THE RECALLS WERE THROUGH THE NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY REPORTS. (POWER TRAIN) AND (TORQUE CONVERTER). HOWEVER MY VEHICLE WAS THE 1.5 VERSION AND WAS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AS THE 2.1 VERSION BEING COVERED THROUGH THE VEHICLE RECALLS. SINCE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY INCLUDED BOTH ISSUES IN THE QUOTE WAS OVER 6000 DOLLARS BUT LESS IF ONE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS IN JUNE/2020 and the car had 97 k miles on it.
Power train, Jan 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact’s grandson stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as designed. The contact’s grandson stated that the vehicle was driving like the transmission was slipping. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Power train, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle failed to shift out of PARK. Additionally, the wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the actuator replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Power train, Jan 12, 2022
Multiple times, the car will not change gears. Turning the knob to reverse or drive, and the light indicates a gear for one second, then goes back to park. It has happened in parking lots a few times switching from reverse to drive and I need to stop the car and restart it a few times when I am blocking traffic. No warning lights and the car otherwise acts normal. I called Ford, who said they were not aware of any issues and asked me to take it to a dealer
Wheels, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and tire rotation and it was discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and the wheels could not be removed from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 3, 2022
I drove about 11 miles total to get on the interstate, when I was about 7-9miles into my drive, my steering wheel started to lock up. I slammed on my breaks, and kept twisting and turning my steering wheel for about 2 miles to the nearest gas station. I had tons of lights pop up on my dash and they said my steering system is failed. Something along those lines. It said something about my shifter being messed up as well? I have had 0 lights on, 0 warnings, nothing. If I was going any faster than I was I could’ve been seriously injured. I almost ran straight into a bridge before I slammed my breaks on to ensure I wouldn’t hurt myself or wreck the car. Not sure why my steering would just all-of-the-sudden go out? I haven’t had any problems previous to this situation so it’s very unsafe and honestly terrifying. This situation could’ve gone south really fast, if I would’ve been on the interstate it could’ve been fatal.