2017 Ford Fusion problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 960 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Fusion, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 960
Recalls: 4
Crashes: 19
Fires: 8
Injuries: 14
Median mileage: 80,000 mi

Key facts

Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 471 of 960 complaints (49%).
Transmission & Drivetrain (271) and brakes (95) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 80,000 mi.
Owners reported 19 crashes, 8 fires and 14 injuries.
The 2017 Ford Fusion has 4 recalls on file.
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
It ranks 3rd of 15 Ford Fusion model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 24% fewer complaints than the 2016 model year (1,261).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Engine	367
Power train	260
Engine and engine cooling	131
Unknown or other	81
Electrical system	70
Service brakes, hydraulic	48
Service brakes	44
Steering	34

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Ford Fusion complaints that list mileage.

2017 Ford Fusion recalls (4)

Recall 23V162000Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehicles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Recall 18V167000Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehicles
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Recall 17V427000Jul 6, 20176,026 vehicles
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Recall 16V874000Dec 5, 201625 vehicles
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: During a crash, the improper welds may fail, allowing any stowed luggage to move into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

RQ22004Opened Aug 8, 2022Closed Mar 24, 2023led to recall 23V162000
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturin…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover
2017 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
2017 Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆

Recent 2017 Ford Fusion complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Oct 6, 2026SCSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
The automatic transmission failed at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ford dealership on 09/04/2025 for warranty repair. The transmission was replaced. The vehicle remained at that dealership approximately eight months and was returned to me on or about 05/01/2026. After return, a grinding and clunking noise was present when accelerating, turning, braking and going over bumps. A power steering line failed within days of return and…
NHTSA complaint #11769399 · source
Filed Sep 28, 2026CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
We purchased this 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost in August 2022 at 48,968 miles. At 55,940 miles, the vehicle developed a documented coolant leak requiring water-pump replacement. At approximately 75,520 miles, the coolant level was again documented as requiring attention. At approximately 84,189 miles, the vehicle experienced low coolant, low oil, white/gray smoke and rough running. Manteca Ford identified Ford TSB 22-2322 and ultimately performed a major short-block…
NHTSA complaint #11767414 · source
Filed Sep 22, 2026LATransmission & Drivetrain
I was driving my 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum on my way home and the wrench light came on and said check manual when i looked in my app the only thing that was in the maintenance was my 90k maintenance . my car is driving fine no RPM jumping no smoking no burning smell no shaking nothing ( the wrench light was off when i cranked it to take my daughter to work Saturday morning ) well Saturday on my way home from bring my daughter to work my check engine light came on still my…
NHTSA complaint #11766215 · source
Filed Sep 16, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain
Orange wrench light came on dash with see manual ( symbol represents powertrain malfunction). Car lost power and started jerky shifting between second and third gear. We limped the car home and parked until we could get an appointment at the dealership for service. Took it to dealership. They found the powertrain maintenance light wasn't on and no current or historical codes present. Dealership road tested vehicle and verified delayed harsh shifting between 2-3 gears with no…
NHTSA complaint #11764843 · source
Filed Sep 16, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission shifter cable bushing on my 2017 Ford Fusion has failed and completely disconnected from the transmission housing on two separate occasions.When this happens, the gear shifter inside the cabin operates freely, but the transmission fails to engage the selected gear. The vehicle shows it is in "Park" on the dash, but the actual transmission remains stuck in Drive or Reverse. This creates an immediate and severe rollaway risk and unintended vehicle movement, as…
NHTSA complaint #11764762 · source
Filed Sep 14, 2026MIEngine
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious engine failure and safety issue involving my 2017 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. At approximately 79,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure. While driving, the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of an intersection, leaving me stranded in traffic and at risk of being rear-ended by approaching vehicles. I was able to restart the vehicle and move out of the intersection, but the…
NHTSA complaint #11763978 · source
Filed Sep 8, 2026150,000 miMIEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power, and the RPM became elevated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11762700 · source
Filed Aug 30, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
2017 Ford Fusion. Transmission replaced February 2026 at 98,175 miles by independent repair facility. Check engine light illuminated immediately following replacement and has remained on continuously since. Autozone scan showed emissions-related code only. On August 28, 2026 at approximately 120,064 miles, orange wrench light and "See Manual" message appeared moments after hot restart. Acceleration became heavy and hesitant. Drove approximately 70 miles home via I-15; heavy…
NHTSA complaint #11760693 · source

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Other 2017 Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology