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.
Service brakes, Mar 27, 2025, crash
I was driving under the posted speed limit on a road near my house going to pick my kids up from school. I was approaching a stop sign at an intersection and began to press on the brake pedal. The pedal traveled all the way to the floor as I was coming yo the stop sign. A driver was approaching me from the left headed east and my car went into the street past the stop sign and the other driver hit me which in turn caused his vehicle to roll over and mine was damaged as well which turned out to be totaled. The brakes began to work again right as the gentleman hit me. I never knew about the recall and when that happened I got onto the web and out in my VIN and saw it was recalled. I need to know what’s going to be dealt with here!
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in engine damage. 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, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 77,500.
Engine, Mar 22, 2025
my Ford Eco Boost engine has a coolant intrusion which can cause overheating and possibly engine fire. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Ford and Ford has issued a TSB bulletin for this problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not included in TSB: 22-2134 (Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). 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 78,900.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 16, 2025, fire
Engine overheats. Stalls while driving. Seizes up. Coolant intrusion
Engine, Mar 16, 2025
COOLANT ISSUE CAUSED ENGINE OVERHEAT WHICH LEAD TO CYLINDER MISFIRE AND ENGINE FAILURE
Engine, Mar 15, 2025
Defective head gasket or other parts led to coolant entering into the engine and causing the engine to sputter and seize. The car randomly started hiccupping while driving and would rock back and forth when trying to accelerate. The car would launch slowly from a start and made a right turn on red risky. The problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealer. The mechanic said this is a "known problem" with these engines. This problem/engine, however, is not covered under warranty. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership. There was a check engine light 3 days prior with no symptoms. The code came back with a cylinder 2 misfire. I made an appointment for the closest day possible. After 2 days, the car was a bit shaky and the unusual vibration was noticeable. On the third day, there were issues with power delivery, the sputtering became audible, and the shaking was intense. I brought my car into the dealer immediately.
Engine, Mar 14, 2025
Ford 2017 - Coolant Intrusion - Mileage drove (116,700mi) Vehicle vibration during everyday start of the car. White smoke during every day start of engine. Engine check light is on. Took it to Ford dealer service, they confirmed its coolant intrusion and quoted 11k$ for long block replacement. I can’t afford for it. Worried that it would lead to severe risk like engine fire in near future. Requesting NHTSA to extend it as a mandatory recall for all affected Ford Vehicles.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was shaking abnormally, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact checked the engine bay and noticed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low level on coolant. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3 due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter, the gear shifter failed to move to the intended gear. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the gear shifter was stuck in reverse(R). The contact stated that a tow truck arrived on the scene and was able to move the gear shifter to park(P). An appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
1.5 Ecoboost engine leaks coolant into cylinder(s) causing misfire and engine overheating due to failed head gasket, cylinder head or crack in engine block. Ford TSB 21N12, 22-2322 and others address this exact issue. Ford failed to notify me of TSB, and the short time Ford allowed to replace engine has expired. Contact with Ford Corp resulted in no help with my car.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 2, 2025
The cylinder wall failed which led to coolant loss into the motor
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the long block engine assembly needed to be replaced. 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 approximately 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the starter had failed. The starter was replaced; however, several days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the same mechanic, where it was diagnosed for a second time. The contact was advised that coolant intrusion had caused the engine to fail, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message to clean around the gas cap was displayed. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and was vibrating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the sound was coming from the fuel tank flap. The contact stated that while pushing the fuel tank flap, the contact felt a significant air pressure, and the failure ceased after the flap was closed; however, the failure recurred while the flap was not completely closed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling and the vehicle stalled while at a traffic light. The contact stated there was black smoke coming from the tailpipe. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EVAP system was leaking, and the EVAP canister control valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mobile mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission had failed and 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 and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,409.
Structure, Feb 11, 2025
Trunk pops open on its own
Engine, Feb 10, 2025
I have a 2017 Ford Fusion with 47,000 miles on it. There is no more warranty. I took my car in to get the recall fixed and I was told I need a new engine because the coolant was leaking into cylinder . I read online that there a numerous complaints about this. I should not at 47,000 have to pay for a new engine.
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
The engine light came on. Brought it to have it checked. They said it was a mechanical issue. Drive it from Connecticut to South Carolina. Light came back on and went to three different mechanics. Last one said the engines on this model are defective. Brought it to Ford they said I can put in a new engine for $9,600.00. It has engine coolant leaking into the engine. Spark plug has melted into the engine and can’t be removed. The car has 65,000 miles on it. The car should have a 200,000 mile life.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the head gasket, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the new engine not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that occasionally the "Coolant Level Low" message was displayed and after starting the vehicle and driving at various speeds, there was thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact decided to replace the head gasket and discovered that the engine block was cracked. The contact researched and became aware that the failure might be caused by coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The maintenance required light to be illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 19-2172 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/ Or Illuminated MIL). The failure mileage was 47,000.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
My son’s 2017 Ford Fusion didn’t hold its coolant. We took it to our mechanic to see what was going on. He diagnosed leaking coolant that has blown a head gasket and his car needs a new engine. We looked on the internet and found out that there is a recall on 2017 Fusions. We found out that this problem can cause fires in the car. Since this has been a problem in the past for Fusions We think this should be a recall concern since this has been a problem in the past with these vehicles. We do not want our son to perish in a vehicle that needs work that should be covered by a serious safety issue a FIRE .Please contact me at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)