VehicleVerdict

2017 Ford Fusion problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Ford Fusion sits mid-pack among Fusion years: 1,369 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 1,369, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 40 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 520 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,369

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

55

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

40

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Fusion years?

Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted7,021 complaints2006: 919 complaints2007: 1,277 complaints2008: 1,532 complaints2009: 1,165 complaints2010: 7,021 complaints2011: 3,650 complaints2012: 3,046 complaints2013: 2,357 complaints2014: 1,751 complaints2015: 1,266 complaints2016: 2,032 complaints2017: 1,369 complaints2018: 564 complaints2019: 396 complaints2020: 257 complaints
Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fusion years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford Fusion problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine52038%
Transmission30522%
Electrical System13410%
Brakes1027%
Other1007%
Steering514%
Fuel System363%
Airbags282%
Tires & Wheels252%
Visibility & Wipers161%
Speed Control151%
Lighting81%
Seat Belts60%
Body & Structure60%
Driver Assistance60%
Suspension50%
Seats40%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2017 Ford Fusion have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V162000BrakesMarch 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Consequence

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.

18V167000SteeringMarch 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V427000TransmissionJuly 6, 2017 · 6,026 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V874000SeatsDecember 5, 2016 · 25 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STARTED ON FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED . VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT AND WAS RECENTLY 22 DAYS PRIOR COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A ENGINE COOLANT RECALL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 6, 2020 · fire

“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)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 16, 2021 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING THROUGH SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CALIFORNIA EVENING OF JAN 3RD 2018 WEST BOUND ON HWY 74 HAVING JUST PAST THE OVERPASS ON I-5. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND MY CAR FLOATED OVER AND I COULD NOT STOP IT OR STEER. IT WAS THE STRANGEST THING I EVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2018 · crash

“Which drive home from work one day when my brakes just gave out. Prior to my brakes given out in August. My brakes begin to feel loose. I set my car down for a few months and as recently as December 10 a had my car towed to Ford where they have. Let me know that my front brake lines have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 11, 2022 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT ON GORDON DR IN RUSTON, LOUISIANA WHEN AN ANIMAL ENTERED THE ROAD SO I STEERED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE ANIMAL AND SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL OF STEERING. THIS CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A DITCH WITH A CEMENT DRAIN. MY CAR PROCEEDED TO DRAG ON THE GROUND SO I DID NOT DRIVE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 28, 2020 · crash

2017 Ford Fusion — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford Fusion reliable?

It is close to typical for the Fusion: 1,369 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2017 Fusion problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (520 complaints), transmission (305 complaints), electrical system (134 complaints).

Does the 2017 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Ford Fusion. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Ford Fusion under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Fusion years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Fusion?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Ford Fusion earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.