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 and engine cooling, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2025
The temp gauge suddenly jumped up and alert said coolant was low. Driving on freeway, car shut down before I could get into a shoulder. Big rigs swerving around me, could have been killed. No leaks under car. Cap off the coolant reservoir and the coolant level bubbles up back to normal. After that, even driving one mile makes the temp gauge jump up and drop down erratically. Quoted more thank $8,000 to repair because it requires a new engine? Ford dealership said this is very common issue for Ford Fusions, that it is a design flaw and many of their clients have had similar safety scares.
Engine, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power train, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed shifter bushing lever. The contact was informed that the shifter bushing lever 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. In addition, the contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 97,634.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that his daughter had informed him that the coolant level was low. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the following day the coolant was low again, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact changed the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel pump; however, the coolant level remained low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting, with the message "Coolant Level Low" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Power train, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated independently and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact was unable to move the gear shifter into reverse or drive out of the parking space. The contact maneuvered the gear shifter, and opened and closed the doors several times, and occasionally pushed the vehicle to get the transmission to activate or reset. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact waited for a while and then opened and closed the door while making several attempts to start the vehicle. The “WRENCH” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the shifter cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 4 years later the failure returned. The failure had occurred several times and became more frequent. The vehicle was not returned to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
Coolant leak on engine leading to white smoke coming out of exhaust engine is on brink of ruin. This model is not covered underneath any of the recalls, even though it has the eco-boost. Diagnosed by Ford dealership.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,900.
Engine, Apr 26, 2025
Ford is currently telling me that coolant has mixed with my engine oil and that the entire engine needs to be replaced. However, after doing some research, I found that this is a known issue with these engines, and even a Ford representative acknowledged that it's been an ongoing problem.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2025
Just got my car I’m financing (used) It’s been giving me problems since I got it slow acceleration, overheat . , engine stalling Start and go Option isn’t working . Can I have a professional assist me with a recall maintenance please
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
We own a 2017 ford fusion with 72,000 miles and I took it to the dealer because the engine light came on, after a couple of days at the dealer they contacted me and said I needed a new engine due to the coolant intruding in one of the pistons , I did some research on line and found out that a lot of other people seem to have had the same issue with the 2.0 eco boost engine and found out that the engine block is defective from the manufacturer, I reached out to Ford customer service and they said they couldn’t help me with this issue since my warranty was expired , I ended up replacing the engine for a new one at a cost of over 8,300 dlls and I was told to keep my receipt in case of a recall on this issue . I didn’t want to buy another car since I I just had purchase a 2025 F-150 and i don’t want 2 car payments and my wife’s 2017 ford fusion is in an immaculate condition except for the engine failure .
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3 and that the engine would need to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with the recall number, and opened a case. The contact was relating to the failure of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2134 (Low Coolant, White Exhaust Smoke And/or Illuminated); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train fault message was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,352.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the passenger’s side doors failed to open as intended. The contact stated that the door handle had detached from the door. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the door failed to open from the outside. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,419.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
My engine is now in need of replacement after 87k miles due to a coolant intrusion that Ford refuses to do a recall for my car. However, they recalled other 2017 ford fusion se’s with 2.0 engines for the same issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2025
I believe my 2017 ford fusion should be included in the recall for the BECM for the 2019-2020 because my charging port has a sticker with QR code and ( CD391 PHEV ) and I keep having intermittent problems with the Battery Energy Control Module
Engine, Apr 12, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Fusion with 49,300 miles. The engine light went on and the car was shaking and couldn't be driven over 40 miles per hour. I brought it to the dealer and they said that the coolant leaked into the engine and that I needed a new engine. I recently found out that these engines are defective, and Ford knowingly has been selling these cars.
Power train, Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into drive, the shift lever suddenly moved back into the park with the message "Please place the vehicle into park" displayed. The contact became aware that the vehicle could no longer be shifted into drive. The service transmission warning light was 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 the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
I reported this issue back on July 1, 2022. My car was getting stuck in park and when I would get it into gear (reverse), once I put it in drive it automatically switched back to park. The gear shift bushing had broken on my car and I had to have it repaired. As of today, the bushing continues to get stuck in park and I have to turn my car off and back on, press the brake multiple times in order to get it in gear, rather reverse or drive. It continuously gets stuck. I know there was a recall on the gear shifts from 2012-2016 Fusion models. Something needs to be done about this for the 2017 model. I am afraid that once again I will be stranded with my child because my car wont go into gear and will remain in park.
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
My vehicle was just disagnosed with the coolant intrusion issue outlined in TSB 19-2346. I have owned this car for over 6 years and not once has anybody mentioned this well-known issue to me. I am disappointed I had to find out about it by experiencing it firsthand, and then going online and reading the stories of counless other drivers who have had the same issue. This engine design is clearly faulty and Ford has been aware of the issue with these engines since at least 2019. How can it be 2025 and a recall has not been initiated??? This is unacceptable. I am now stuck with a $10,000 repair bill for a new engine because the dealer repair tech warned me not to drive it any further without repair or else risk an engine fire or even an engine seizure which would likely cause an accident. Had I been aware of this inevitible issue sooner (due to a recall or any other manditory notice), I would have traded the car in long ago.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with a misfire in the engine and the vehicle experienced a reduction of automotive power and the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH. The contact proceeded to take the vehicle to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 as probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2025
On 3/8 the car stopped moving while driving. No warning lights came on, no check engine lights, no fluid leaks etc. Ford spent 3 weeks investigating and said there was metal flakes in the transmission fluid. Towed it to a transmission shop whom immediately reported “large chunks of metal” in the transmission fluid. Advising the transmission was degrading from the inside. Agin no warning lights or check engine light are illuminated on the dash. Entire transmission will need to be replaced at 97,000 miles!
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that during an oil change, the technician at the dealer advised the contact that there was coolant in the engine block, which caused damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that it was a known failure in similar vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.