Car Yearsto Avoid

2017 Ford Fusion Problems

What owners have reported about the 2017 Ford Fusion, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2017 Ford Fusion a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,112 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

1,112 complaints 4 recalls, 3 crash risk 8th worst of 13 Fusion years

Top 2017 Ford Fusion problems

1

Engine problems

499 complaints (45%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and belts and associated pulleys.

Complaints 499 · Usually at 58,000–105,000 miles

2

Transmission problems

313 complaints (28%) name the transmission, most often the shift linkage / cable / rod and automatic transmission.

Complaints 313 · Usually at 61,000–101,000 miles · Recall 17V427000

3

Electrical problems

125 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and software.

Complaints 125 · Usually at 10,000–60,000 miles

4

Brake problems

101 complaints (9%) name the brakes, most often the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings and ABS warning light.

Complaints 101 · Usually at 65,000–111,000 miles · Recall 23V162000

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 45%
Transmission 28%
Electrical 11%
Unknown or Other 9%
Brakes 9%
Steering 5%
Fuel System 3%
Airbags 3%
Wheels 2%
Acceleration 1%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (600 of 1,112). The amber line is the middle value, about 72,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2017 Ford Fusion recalls

Front brake hoses may rupture and leak

Crash risk

The front brake hoses can burst and leak brake fluid. A leak makes the brake pedal travel farther and lengthens the distance needed to stop, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: Your dealer will replace the front brake hoses at no cost to you.

Recall 23V162000 · Mar 2023

Steering wheel bolt can loosen while driving

Crash risk

The bolt that holds the steering wheel on can loosen over time. If the wheel detaches while driving, the driver can lose steering control and the risk of a crash goes up.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer one at no cost to the owner.

Recall 18V167000 · Mar 2018

Transmission torque converter may detach from engine

Crash risk

On some vehicles with a 2.0L gas engine and six-speed automatic, the studs that attach the torque converter to the engine may be poorly welded. If they fail, the vehicle can lose the ability to move, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge, and Ford or Lincoln will notify owners by mail.

Recall 17V427000 · Jul 2017

Mid / rear assembly

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.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left hand, second row seat back frame, free of charge.

Recall 16V874000 · Dec 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2017 Ford Fusion gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Ford Fusion, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Fusion years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2010 Fusion 5,130
2011 Fusion 2,793
2012 Fusion 2,516
2013 Fusion 1,792
2016 Fusion 1,641
2008 Fusion 1,353
2014 Fusion 1,331
2017 Fusion 1,112
2009 Fusion 1,023
2015 Fusion 995
2018 Fusion 442
2019 Fusion 316
2020 Fusion 183

2017 Ford Fusion problems by system

Engine (499)Transmission (313)Electrical (125)Brakes (101)

Common questions

Is the 2017 Ford Fusion a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,112 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.

What are the most common 2017 Ford Fusion problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and brakes. 499 complaints (45%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and belts and associated pulleys.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Fusion engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 58,000–105,000 miles, with a middle value near 78,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Fusion have?

4. Front brake hoses may rupture and leak (23V162000); Steering wheel bolt can loosen while driving (18V167000); Transmission torque converter may detach from engine (17V427000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2017 Ford Fusion?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2020, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.