2017 Ford Fusion: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Ford Fusion? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2017 Ford Fusion. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2017 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Ford Fusion has 500 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Fusion
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 25
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 21 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 610
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Ford Fusion Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Ford Fusion?
The 2017 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Ford Fusion
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for known issues such as excessive oil consumption or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on engine and transmission health.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for known issues such as excessive oil consumption or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on engine and transmission health.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Ford Fusion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Ford Fusion are heavily concentrated in engine problems, with over two-thirds of all reports. Transmission and drivetrain issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential powertrain concerns, but the low confidence level and limited sample size caution against strong conclusions.
- Engine problems account for 342 of 500 total complaints, making it the most reported component.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 124, the second most common category.
- Only 6 crash-related complaints were reported, a small fraction of total complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Brake System
All 2017 Ford Fusion Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Fusion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 342 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 124 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 37 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle unexpectedly locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable and was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The…
Component/System: Engine — 1.5L EcoBoost short block coolant intrusion leading to catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Vehicle overheated while in operation, creating risk of engine fire, loss of vehicle control, and strandin…
Coolant light and check engine lights kept coming on. The car was diagnosed by the Ford Dealership as Ford TSB 22-2229, which is a design flaw in specific EcoBoost engines, where an "open deck" block causes coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3, leading to severe engine failure.…
Dec 2022 I purchased a 2017 Ford Fusion. In June 2023 the engine needed replaced which was covered under warranty. In March 2026, the flex plate breaks and now needs to be replaced. This is the original part for this car as I confirmed with the dealer that this part isn't requi…
Rear Backup Camera keeps malfunctioning. The display screen from camera glitches or goes black and eventually it will state that rear camera is not available.
Engine failure due to coolant intrusion.
2017 ford fusion started to drive rough and minutes later the check engine light illuminated. The car was immediately turned off and taken to a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed it with coolant intrusion and advised to check for recall. There are no active recalls associated with …
Coolant Intrusion caused my engine to be blown.
2017 Ford fusion with the 1.5 L eco-boost engine with a coolant intrusion. Coolant links into the cylinders due to a flaw engine block design.
The bushing on transmission cable to transmission is missing. We cause shift lever not to work, not being able to put transmission in gear or out of gear. Same problem as earlier ford fusions with automatic transmissions
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was started; however, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact moved the gear shift lever to reverse(R), and the steering wheel seized. The tow truck driver had a difficult time trying to move the vehicle onto…
I pulled in and got gas. I put the car in drive but it wouldn't stay in drive, it went back to park. So I had it towed.there were no warning before this happened!no it wasn't inspected. No it has been reproduced. I was stuck in an parking lot. The bushing for the shifter cable …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer, and the transmission was replaced; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No war…
Horn, randomly sounds off
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached and was left hanging. The driver moved over to the side of the highway. The contact stated that the steering wheel was previously …
Rear camera all of a sudden stops working and says "rear camera not available", creating unsafe conditions when backing up. Common issue on Ford Fusions, for which there's a recall recently announced for the 2016 model year but not for 2017, even though same signs and symptom…
My backup camera on my 2017 ford fusion failed causing a blue screen on my infotainment screen camera is faulty and is a common issue among other vin numbers using the same part
Coolant intrusion into the engine causing my car to missfire going down the road. Car is sitting in my yard unfit to be driven. Dealership claims it had previously been remedied. The car has only been inspected by my mechanic. No prior warnings before the misfire occurred
Engine failed. Lost all compression. Evidently this is a known problem with this engine where the head, head gasket and block fail between cylinders.
There is open recall for 2017 ford fusion coolant leak that may lead to vehicle fire i have the same issue with my 2017 ford fusion but my vin is not flagged now I’m scared to drive the vehicle
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ford Fusion.
2017 Ford Fusion Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Fusion. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Ford Fusion Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Ford Fusion reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Fusion?▾
#1: Engine Problems (342 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (124 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (37 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Fusion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Ford Fusion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Ford Fusion, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Ford Fusion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Ford Fusion. A major recall area is STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Ford Fusion?▾
The 2017 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Fusion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Ford Fusion based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.