2017 Ford Fusion Owner Complaints

Recurring whining, rattling, and grinding noise coming from under the engine/transmission area of my 2017 Ford Fusion Energi (HF35 hybrid transmission). The noise is present in all gear ranges, including Neutral while the vehicle is moving, but not in Park. No warning lights or trouble codes. The transmission has already been replaced once for this same issue, and the noise has come back. This matches the known HF35 differential and transfer shaft bearing failure pattern (Ford TSB 22-2396, SSM 50744). I am on disability (SSDI) and this vehicle is my primary means of transportation.

NHTSA ID

11775048

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power (it shut off) and displayed "auto start stop shift to P, then restart engine". The vehicle has never done this before, and thank goodness my wife did not have the kids in the car at the time. She was able to pull over safely only because she was on a small road with light traffic, and not at highway speed. Clearly, this put not only our vehicle at risk, but others as the brakes and steering became very hard to use when the engine just shut off out of nowhere. Since it happened today, I have not taken it in to be inspected as of yet. Upon my wife getting the car restarted she came the few miles straight home, where I did test the battery and it read good at 12.57 volts with the engine and accessories off. So the Motorcraft battery is good and as such should not be a cause in this case. To say the least, we have now lost confidence in this vehicle as being a safe mode of transportation.

NHTSA ID

11772488

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

The shift cable bushing on my 2017 Ford Fusion SE (VIN: [XXX]) failed and disintegrated, causing the shift selector to bind and disconnect from the transmission linkage. The gear selector shows Park while the transmission remains engaged in gear, creating a severe rollaway hazard. This matches the exact failure mechanism of NHTSA Recall Campaign 22S43 / 21V-376, but Ford claims this specific VIN was excluded from the recall scope INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11771717

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, and the braking distance was extended. During the failure, the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear hydraulic brake hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The rear hydraulic brake hoses were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 144,955.

NHTSA ID

11771611

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Mileage

144,955 mi

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 emitted smoke from the front of the vehicle while driving. A "Shift System Fault" message began appearing when shifting into reverse and continues to appear intermittently. The same dealership performed three further repair visits. Their repair orders document multiple loose bolts holding the transmission mount to the transmission, an improperly installed exhaust, and a loose right hand CV shaft nut. On 08/14/2026 I took the vehicle to a second, unaffiliated authorized Ford dealership for an independent inspection. On a lift they found all four subframe bolts loose, the right front subframe bolt not fully seated and cross threaded so that it could not be tightened further, and the four smaller rear subframe bolts missing entirely. They also documented that no one-time-use fasteners had been billed on the original transmission repair. They tightened the loose bolts, replaced the cross threaded bolt, installed the four missing bolts, and confirmed by road test that the noise was eliminated. The subframe carries the engine, transmission and front suspension. The vehicle was driven approximately 1,700 miles over roughly three months, including highway driving, in this condition before the loose and missing fasteners were found. Repair orders from both dealerships are available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11769399

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

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 replacement. Despite this major engine repair, mechanical and drivability problems continued. At approximately 101,375 miles, we returned the vehicle to Manteca Ford specifically for loss of power and hesitation. The Ford technician verified a “noticeable loss of power” and lack of full boost. Manteca Ford diagnosed and replaced the turbocharger. The problem was not resolved. Only approximately 205 miles later, at 101,580 miles, the vehicle returned to Manteca Ford because it was still hesitating during acceleration. Manteca Ford then identified DTCs P0729, P07AA, P2703 and P2704 and documented “TRANSMISSION INTERNAL MECHANICAL FAULTS,” including an incorrect sixth-gear ratio and friction-element faults. The dealer recommended replacement or teardown of the transmission. We are extremely concerned about the safety implications of this history. Loss of power and hesitation during acceleration can create a serious hazard when merging onto a highway, entering or crossing traffic, or attempting to accelerate to avoid a collision. This vehicle has experienced repeated engine/powertrain problems despite major repairs, and we are concerned the transmission condition may have been developing during the earlier loss-of-power/hesitation complaints. We request that NHTSA evaluate this history for a potential safety-related defect or broader pattern.

NHTSA ID

11767414

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

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 car is driving fine when i looked in my Ford App at the check engine light warning which was these two warnings The transmission control system has detected the transmission torque converter clutch is not operating as expected. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert .A reduction in vehicle fuel economy may also occur when the fault is present. The transmission control module has detected that the torque converter clutch failed to apply. This system failsafe logic disables the torque converter clutch when this condition is present. This results in a higher than normal engine RPM's during higher vehicle cruising speeds and reduced fuel economy. now my car is still driving fine. i took it to auto zone to put the computer on it and it read this code P0741 which gives this Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off, which indicates that the vehicle's computer commanded the torque converter clutch to lock up, but it is failing to do so. i took it to our ford dealer ship and he stated oh yes you need a whole new transmission which is 7200$ do you want to pay now .... Im shocked that my car would need a new transmission... i have seen recalls for Torque Converter for the fusion .. but my vin is not showing this recall is there anyone else experiencing this

NHTSA ID

11766215

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

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 codes present. Dealership states most likely has an internal failure starting in the forward, direct or intermediate clutch. Transmission would have to be torn down to diagnose cause. They recommend replacing the transmission as being more cost effective. Transmission has approximately 145000 miles (engine was replaced under 36000 miles due to head gasket failure- replace under warranty as manufuring defect found at a scheduled oil change) so odometer only shows 117000 miles. This car was purchased new and we purchased the extended warranty and service package. It has been consistently serviced on schedule by the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11764843

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

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 the vehicle cannot be safely secured. Ford previously issued Safety Recall 22S43 for millions of 2013–2016 Fusions for this exact identical defect (degraded Hytrel 4556 shifter bushings). Despite utilizing the same design and experiencing identical, dangerous failures, the 2017 model year was excluded. The NHTSA needs to investigate and force Ford to expand Recall 22S43 to include the 2017 model year before an injury occurs.

NHTSA ID

11764762

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

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 exhaust then produced a very large, thick cloud of white smoke. The amount of smoke could have significantly reduced visibility for other drivers and created an additional safety hazard. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, where I was told the engine had coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. I was also told this is a common problem with Ford EcoBoost engines, including the 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.3L engines. My concern is not only the cost of the repair, but the serious safety risk. Coolant intrusion can cause misfires, excessive white smoke, engine damage, and eventual engine failure. A sudden loss of power while driving can create a serious crash hazard, as happened to me. I am concerned Ford has known about this recurring problem for years yet has continued using these engines in vehicles such as the Fusion, Escape, and Lincoln MKZ without adequately addressing the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate coolant intrusion affecting Ford EcoBoost engines and determine whether a safety defect exists that warrants a recall. I also believe affected owners should receive reimbursement for engine replacement costs when the failure is caused by this defect. My experience demonstrates that this is more than a normal maintenance issue. An engine that can suddenly stall in traffic and produce a large cloud of white smoke without warning poses a significant safety risk to vehicle occupants and other motorists.

NHTSA ID

11763978

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

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 ID

11762700

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Mileage

150,000 mi

I lost power while on the Freeway any indicators flashed: "see manual", "pre-collision assist not available", "service advance track", "downhill assist not available", the check engine light was on. It seems that when to limp mode. I took it to the Ford fusion dealer so they could check the car. They run into test and found that the transmission or motor has failed. I check and found that on that year make and model some cars were affected and it was a recall for that. This is the recall 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.

NHTSA ID

11762014

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

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 traffic required engine shutdown at multiple stops. Following morning, wrench light was no longer illuminated but hesitation persisted. Using manual paddle shift to select 5th gear improved drivability. Replacement transmission accumulated approximately 22,000 miles over 6 months. Ford Motor Company has issued multiple recalls for 2013-2016 model year Fusions involving identical transmission, shifter cable bushing, and torque converter defects, but 2017 model year vehicles with identical 6F35 transmissions and failure symptoms have been excluded from all campaigns. No crash, fire, or injury occurred.

NHTSA ID

11760693

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Flexplate cracked 5 months ago, and now it has cracked again. This is due to troqeu converting failure and faulty transmission mounts.

NHTSA ID

11759124

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

If i do not run my car for atleast 10 minutes before driving, my gas tank will start making a loud horn sound, and when this happens and i go to slow down, the car will shut off. Mechanics say there’s an issue with the purge valve and the charcoal filter. I’ve already had this issue fixed three times and it comes back less than a week prior to service

NHTSA ID

11757803

Incident

May 20, 2026

I am reporting a serious recurring safety concern involving a 2017 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle was purchased used in August 2022 with approximately 50,000 miles. Within months, significant coolant and engine problems began. In February 2023, at approximately 55,940 miles, the vehicle developed a coolant leak. A pressure test confirmed the water pump was leaking and it was replaced. At approximately 84,189 miles, the vehicle experienced white/gray exhaust smoke, coolant loss, very low oil, and rough-running symptoms. The servicing Ford dealership referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2322 in connection with the diagnosis and ultimately replaced the engine short block. Despite this major engine repair, the problems continued. The vehicle subsequently experienced additional smoking, hesitation and loss of power and required replacement of the turbocharger. The vehicle was returned again because it continued to smoke and required additional repairs. I am concerned this is a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear and tear. The repeated engine/coolant failures, smoking, hesitation and loss of power create a serious safety concern because the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power or experience engine failure while being driven. Ford has been notified of the repeated failures but declined further relief based primarily on the vehicle's current age, mileage and expired warranty. This ignores that the problems began years earlier at substantially lower mileage and that major repairs failed to permanently correct the condition. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in this and similarly equipped Ford vehicles has a safety-related defect involving coolant intrusion, engine failure and loss of power. The vehicle is currently at approximately 101,000 miles, but the documented problems began at 55,940 miles and continued despite major repairs.

NHTSA ID

11756818

Incident

Feb 20, 2023

I was coming home from work and when I tried to shift the gear from drive to park it was stuck on drive and Neutral I contacted the car dealer and they said ford has had this issue that it was a recall on it so I researched and found out that Ford issued major safety recalls (Recall 22S43 and 18S20) for 2017 Ford Fusions regarding a degraded transmission shifter cable bushing. This defect can cause the shifter cable to detach. Consequently, the car may roll away unexpectedly because the transmission isn't actually in Park, even though the shifter says it is.Recall DetailsThe Problem: The underhood shift cable bushing can degrade and fail over time.The Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and add a protective cap over it free of charge (parts and labor). It my VIN# was not coming up as a recall and this is an ongoing issue for this car and I would like to get this resolved as soon as possible with ford recall please thank you

NHTSA ID

11752546

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11752388

Incident

May 27, 2026

The vehicle in question has the coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3 with rough idle on startup, P0300, P0302, P0303, and white smoke on startup. The vehicle now has 111339 miles on it and the out of pocket cost is more than what the vehicle blue books for in excellent condition. TSB 22-2134 speaks to all the issue and what the repair is. If this is a known issue then I feel this should be a vehicle recall by Ford due to the costly repair.

NHTSA ID

11751941

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

I experienced an issue identical to safety recall 22S02. Rear brake light remains on due to a broken Brakelight stop bumper. Dealership did not offer to fix at no charge.

NHTSA ID

11751907

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Driver's side selt belt does not latch all the time. Yes can be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If the seat fails, injury can occur in a crash Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Appointment is July 18 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no

NHTSA ID

11750259

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Good Aftrrnoon and I hope all is well. My cars check engine light is on and the dealer states it’s the cannister purge valve. I showed them that there is a recall (PART 573 safety recall - NHTSA Recall #26V369) but they will not accept it because it’s not showing my car needing it to be changed on the NHTSA website. They are saying it will cost $1995.00 to fix the issue. This is stopping me from obtaining an inspection sticker and I’ve received tickets. Can you confirm that my vehicle is part of this recall.

NHTSA ID

11750045

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

ENGINE HAS COOLANT INTRUSIONAND IS MISFIRING. Engine light came on. The coolant system found pressure to be dropping significantly. Removed spark plugs and inspected cylinder bores using borescope. Verified coolant is leaking into cylinder 2 and needed to replace the engine at Ourisman Ford in Manassas VA. on July 11, 2026.

NHTSA ID

11749828

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

On 7/8/2026, the vehicle became undriveable. Placing the vehicle in reverse on the shidfter dial using registered a conflicting direction on the dashboard indicator. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and the repair consisted of replacing the shift cable bushing. This was the same fix required in recalls 18S20 & 22V413. On 7/9/2026 the issue was verified by a Ford dealership tech. I was advised that the protective cap is now contained in the repair kit with the shift cable bushing. A brief fleeting warning on the screen indicated a "Shift Fault - See Manual" or words to that effect. The manual only seemed to reference a "Steering Fault" Ford HQ was notified - Reference No: CXH-08533100

NHTSA ID

11749428

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

The door entry control numbers are on all the time now which will cause the battery to drain if the car is not driven daily. It says that water from a car wash or rain has gotten in behind the door control panel.

NHTSA ID

11747581

Incident

Jun 21, 2026