The 2017 Ford Fusion was popular for its styling, comfort, and features. But it also came with some known issues—especially around engine reliability, transmission performance, power steering, brakes, and infotainment. This guide breaks down the most common problems, symptoms, fixes, and preventive tips so you can stay ahead of trouble.
Is the 2017 Fusion Reliable?
The Fusion carries **medium risk** of major repairs, especially after 90,000 miles, according to Kelley Blue Book :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Common complaints include premature brake wear, engine coolant leaks, transmission troubles, infotainment glitches, and power steering faults.
Common 2017 Fusion Problems
1. Engine Coolant Intrusion (1.5 L EcoBoost)
Direct answer: The 1.5 L EcoBoost engine in 2017 Fusions has a design issue where coolant leaks into the engine, risking damage.
A class action lawsuit and service program 22N12 address this problem; Ford offered free short-block replacement for affected engines :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Symptoms: Low coolant levels, sporadic overheating, white smoke, oil appearing milky.
- Cause: Coolant passage design flaw allowing leakage into combustion chamber.
- Fix: Ford’s no-cost short-block repair covered until Feb 2023 :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Prevention: Regularly check coolant level and watch for aging symptoms before damage occurs.
2. Transmission Shaking, Jerking & Failure Risk
Direct answer: The 6-speed automatic transmission in 2017 Fusions can shake, jerk, and sometimes fail prematurely.
A mass action lawsuit alleges Ford knowingly sold vehicles with faulty 6F35 transmissions that experience shaking, clunking, delayed shifts, and slipping :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Symptoms: Hesitation between gears, shuddering when accelerating from stop, whining, delayed engagement.
- Cause: Valve body, torque converter, solenoid faults, software issues in TCM :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Fix: Diagnose transmission codes, service fluid & filter, valve body clean or rebuild; in severe cases, transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Recall: Recall 17S16 covered certain transmission components starting Aug 2017 :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
3. Power Steering Issues – Investigation and Recall
Direct answer: Some 2017 Fusions may lose electric power assist, making steering stiff or heavy.
There was an NHTSA investigation into steering faults. Ford issued earlier recalls for EPAS sensor failures (2011–2013), though the 2017 models were later closed as no widespread defect found :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Symptoms: Sudden loss of power assist, steering roughness, warning light.
- Cause: Sensor, motor bolt corrosion, wiring corrosion.
- Fix: If within recall period, Ford will replace EPAS module; otherwise, repair motor/bolts ($800–$1,500).
4. Brake Wear & ABS Glitches
Direct answer: Owners frequently report early brake pad and rotor wear, including pulsation and ABS warning lights.
Consumer Reports lists thin pads, warped rotors, and ABS caliper faults as common complaints :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Symptoms: Squealing, warning lights, soft or vibrating brake pedal.
- Cause: Thin pads, warped rotors, stuck calipers, ABS sensor faults.
- Fix: Replace pads/rotors ($250–400); fix caliper/sensor issues ($500+).
5. Infotainment and Electronics Glitches
Direct answer: SYNC/MyFord Touch may freeze, reboot, or lose connectivity even in 2017 models.
Although Ford switched to SYNC3 in late 2015, earlier models still face glitches in electronics, CD, and radio systems :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Symptoms: Frozen screen, audio dropout, Bluetooth disconnects, CD not working.
- Cause: Outdated APIM, corrupted software, failing modules.
- Fix: Dealer software update or APIM replacement ($300–$600); aftermarket fixes available.
6. Hybrid Transmission (eCVT) Issues
Direct answer: Hybrid 2017 Fusions (Energi) may have eCVT reliability issues, including jerking or hesitation.
Owners report shuddering or lag when accelerating, due to eCVT issues similar to PowerShift units :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Symptoms: Shudder on acceleration, hesitation, reduced regenerative braking.
- Cause: Worn clutches, hydraulic control faults, software calibration issues.
- Fix: Hybrid fluid service, software updates, mechatronics repair or replacement.
7. Fuel Trim, Carbon Build‑Up & Sensor Errors
Direct answer: Fuel trim errors often arise from carbon build-up and oxygen sensor issues, leading to sluggish performance.
Technicians note O2 sensor faults driven by build-up causing poor fuel trim in 2017 SE models :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Symptoms: Hesitation, reduced fuel economy, check engine light.
- Cause: Carbon deposits, MAF/O2 sensor malfunction.
- Fix: Clean throttle & intake, replace sensors, use fuel system cleaner.
8. Water Pump Failure (3.5L & V6 Engines)
Direct answer: V6 models may have internal water pump failures that mix coolant with oil, risking catastrophic engine damage.
Ford’s Cyclone V6 engines are known for this—repair is expensive and often requires engine removal :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Symptoms: Overheating, milky oil, white exhaust smoke.
- Cause: Internal seal failure in water pump.
- Fix: Replace pump & gaskets ($1,500+); possible engine rebuild if shaft damage.
Recalls & Service Campaigns Summary
| Issue | Year/Engine | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Intrusion (1.5L) | 2017 1.5L EcoBoost | Short-block replacement under program 22N12 :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
| Transmission Bushing/Parts | 2017 auto | Recall 17S16 – transmission pump/valve body parts :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} |
| Takata Airbags | Up to 2017 | Urgent inflator replacements :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} |
| Brake Hose Leak Risk | 2013–2018 Fusions | Recall for brake hose leaks :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} |
Maintenance Tips & Prevention
- Check coolant level: Especially in 1.5 L models—inspect regularly.
- Transmission care: Service fluid/filter, stay alert for jerking or whining.
- Steering & recall awareness: Watch steering assist; check VIN status.
- Brake maintenance: Replace pads early; inspect rotors and calipers often.
- Update SYNC3: Keep software current; revisit dealer if glitches occur.
- Hybrid care: Service eCVT and battery every 30–50K miles.
- Fuel system cleaning: Clean throttle and intake around 60K miles.
- Cooling system monitoring: Look for milky oil or overheating in V6 models.
DIY vs Mechanic Repairs
- DIY Tasks: Monitor fluids, change pads/rotors, update SYNC, clean throttle, swap sensors.
- Mechanic Required: Short-block replacement, transmission rebuild, EPAS repair, eCVT/hybrid fix, internal water pump replacement.
Owner Voices
“Coolant leak ruined my engine—Ford replaced it under the 22N12 program and it drives fine now.”
“Transmission jerked and shuddered at 70k—dealer fixed under recall, but I still feel slight hesitation.”
“SYNC screen froze on me. A software update from the dealer fixed the issue.”
Conclusion
The 2017 Ford Fusion is attractive and feature-rich, but it comes with some documented issues: coolant leaks in EcoBoost engines, transmission faults in the 6-speed automatic, power steering concerns, early brake wear, electronics quirks, hybrid drivetrain worry, carbon and sensor buildup, and V6 water pump risks. Most are manageable with smart maintenance, recall checks, and prompt repairs. If you stay attentive to warning signs, keep software updated, and address problems early, your Fusion can stay reliable for many more miles.
Have you dealt with any of these issues? Share your experience or ask a question below—your wisdom helps everyone keep their Fusions running well.