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, Jul 31, 2025
Vehicle is experiencing coolant intrusion from a crack in the engine block which is a known issue by Ford for my particular vehicle year (2017). Ford has issued a TSB/Recall for model years 2017-2019, but when I contacted Ford, I was told my car is not eligible/included in the recall because of the plant that the vehicle was manufactured at. I believe this issue should qualify for manufacturer recall as this is known issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal slushing sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered violently, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and powertrain warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe on cold starts and while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light and the low coolant warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders through a cracked engine block. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that it was known failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
My engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, which caused misfiring and engine failure. This has been a known issue with this year model, but since I am just outside of the warranty mileage (69K) and my VIN doesn't have any recalls, I have been advised to purchase a replacement engine. I simply cannot afford to replace an engine in a car I am still paying a loan for. For this to be a known issue and not be recalled is a serious safety concern and has caused me to lose confidence in the manufacturer. I am currently trying to see what a shop near me would charge to replace it but I am not sure that I can afford the repair costs. I shouldn't be expected to need to replace an engine when the year model has known issues and I have taken care of any and all maintenance on the car to keep it running well. I expected to have this car for many more years, especially with the low mileage and how well I've cared for it.
Power train, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, during acceleration or deceleration, the transmission was shifting roughly. The contact stated that at slow speeds, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
The vehicle's engine is experiencing coolant intrusion. As such, when starting the car, white and sweet-smelling exhaust exits the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir continually runs low; however, we find no coolant on the driveway or apparently leaking from the car. That supports the mechanics assessment of a coolant intrusion. This issue, if left unaddressed, will cause the engine to run improperly, the spark plugs to become fouled, the engine to overheat, etc. I took the vehicle to a local certified mechanic. Although after looking at Ford's service bulletin, it became apparent that the vehicle is experiencing a similar issue to other 2017 models that were included in the recall. The mechanic listened to what we said and pulled up supporting documentation in the form of a Technical Service Bulletin. The check engine light just came up, within the past couple of days, well after the coolant intrusion was started. The disrepair seems to be a matter of timing. The subject has been driven quickly and cautiously.
Power train, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the parking brake had unintentionally activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission shifter cable bushing had failed, causing the shifter cable to detach. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 22, 2025
What malfunctioned- Car did not give any notice that it was in engine failure for months other than under performing and upon taking it to the ford dealership was never helped with the problem they took money for an oil change and works package but failed to make sure my car was safe. My car was a safety hazard bc it gave zero warning that it was loosing power and when the engine did fail I knew something had been wrong for almost a year and felt it went ignored by Ford and was taken advantage of. The product has been confirmed by multiple mechanics that what causes it is the hose cracks and thus the engine coolant wrecks a working engine. Ford knows it’s a problem but isn’t acknowledging it and makes more money off of parts.
Power train, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the message "Shift System Fault" was displayed, and the gear shifter erroneously shifted back into park(P). The vehicle was undrivable and was later towed to the local dealer who replaced the shifter cable bushing, and the vehicle was repaired. The contacted stated that the failure had recently reoccurred. The contact was able to reconnect the shifter cable bushing and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the engine was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Service brakes, Jul 19, 2025
On June 23, 2025, while departing my residence, I disengaged the emergency brake on my vehicle, subsequently hearing an unusual sound. Upon attempting to drive, I experienced diminished braking performance, and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The following day, I sought a professional assessment at Big O Tires. Their diagnosis identified a failure in the left brake hose, recommending the replacement of both. Following their recommendation, I proceeded with the necessary repairs. Subsequently, I received notification of a manufacturer recall addressing this specific issue. Consequently, I am seeking reimbursement for the previously completed service. Despite my attempts to obtain a resolution through direct communication, I have yet to receive a response, and I am now seeking assistance in this matter.
Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the cylinders and advised the contact that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for an Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 55,700.
Engine, Jul 17, 2025
Engine is experiencing the all too common coolant intrusion.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine and the service vehicle soon warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and service warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter clutch and a failed transmission. In addition, the contact was informed of metal found in the oil. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2025
In July 2025, my 2017 Ford Fusion SE (EcoBoost engine) was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #4 by Sunrise Ford in North Hollywood, CA. This is a known issue with the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines and is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2208. The vehicle had only 76,000 miles at the time and had been regularly serviced and well-maintained. Over the past 1–2 years, I received repeated warnings during oil changes that my coolant levels were unusually low, though no leaks were found. In July 2025, the check engine light (CEL) appeared. The vehicle exhibited rough idle at cold start, but otherwise drove normally. I immediately brought the car to the dealership, where they confirmed the problem through diagnostics and plug inspection. The dealership quoted me $11,000–$12,000 to replace the engine (long block). Ford Customer Relations (CRC) was contacted and denied financial assistance, citing the age of the vehicle. They also acknowledged this is a known issue and suggested I file a report with the NHTSA, which I am now doing. This engine failure presents a serious safety risk. The CEL appeared without warning during normal use. A driver unfamiliar with the signs of internal coolant loss could continue operating the vehicle, risking a sudden loss of engine power, stalling, or further engine damage while in motion. In my case, the failure occurred quietly and was only caught because I acted quickly. Had I ignored the CEL or rough idle, engine failure could have occurred at highway speed. The issue was confirmed and documented by a Ford dealer. I am no longer in possession of the vehicle, as I was forced to sell it at a loss due to the cost of repairs. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection, but all related documentation has been retained.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a loud clanging sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the head gasket and short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,791.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a vehicle code reader and scanner tool to scan the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic trouble code indicating a misfire in engine cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where, the coil pack and plug wire were replaced; however, the failure recurred days later. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in engine cylinder #2. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford TSB Number:19-2346. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 78,850.
Engine, Jul 10, 2025
Manufactured dates for the 2.7L engine put only into the trim model Ford Fusion Sport (a rare trim) during 06/16 - 01/17 have been documented to have cylinder head issues resulting in long block issues. (Meaning a whole new engine is needed) the only way you got this issue fixed is if it was done in the first 3 years of 2017 or within 39k miles. But for those that didn’t get their vehicles in during that time frame are supposed to pay out of pocket for a defect ford knew to exist and have no issued a recall on these vehicles.
Visibility, Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and attempting to close the front passenger side window or the front driver's side window, the windows raised up but failed to remain closed. The contact stated that the windows immediately rolled back down independently. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of a TSB related to the failure, but no assistance to repair the vehicle was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start and was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The contact stated that the transmission returned to park(P), and the gear shifter detached. The contact stated that someone nearby was able to reattach the shifter, and the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at slow speeds. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the VIN nor the model year was not included. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 67,793.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
I purchased my 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium brand new with only 5 miles, from a dealership in Ky. My car recently started idling rough when I started it up. I took my car to a mechanic, after the check engine light came on. The code read misfire on cylinder 3, they replaced spark plugs and coils for $600, but only a few days later the check engine light came back on, still rough idling. I take my car to a 2nd mechanic $200, to find out that there is a “coolant intrusion” in the cylinders, indicating I would need a new engine. In disbelief, I take my car to a 3rd mechanic, $100. I have records from two different mechanic shops showing that there is a coolant intrusion in the engine, which is a "manufacturer defect". I called Ford's Corporate Office for help and apparently my VIN was not a part of any recall, although there are many recalls for the same issue, in the same year and model! There’s a recall on the car engine itself (per 3rd mechanic). Ford told me they couldn’t do anything about their manufacturer issue. Research initiated by the mechanic indicated that Ford Fusion cars with the same make and model, along with many other Ford models in the same year of 2017-2019 had the same issue of coolant intrusion into the cylinders and have been recalled. There are also active lawsuits over the same issue. It’s honestly unbelievable and disheartening that my car is not a part of the recall when it’s doing the exact SAME thing as others with the same year and model, which have already been recalled. I cannot afford to put a new engine in my car. It should have lasted a lot longer, and would have, if it weren't for a Ford manufacturer issue. I have all the documentation as needed, which states that I need a new engine and that the engine itself has already been recalled (however, the VIN shows no recall for the car). I will also be reporting this issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thank you for your time on this matter.
Power train, Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.