CarBrief

The 2017 Ford Fusion has 1,202 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, mostly about the engine and power train[1][2][3]. Fuel economy depends a lot on the version, and the hybrid is far ahead of the gas models[4][5].

1,202owner complaints[1]
4recalls[6]
20–42MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,202 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Fusion[1]. Of those, 45 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 38 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

The complaints sort into component groups:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 509 77,466
Power train[3] 336 79,560
Electrical system[8] 146 29,000
Unknown or other[9] 119 31,918
Brakes[10] 112 80,000

Steering (67 complaints[11]), fuel and propulsion (40[12]) and air bags (35[13]) are smaller groups. The air bag group is small, but 14 of its 35 complaints mention a crash and 15 an injury[13]. Brakes have 14 crashes and 10 injuries among 112 complaints[10].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the four largest named groups. It is only a sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.

The electrical group stands out for its low median mileage of 29,000[8]. Engine, power train and brake complaints come in at much higher mileage[2][3][10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2017 Fusion[14][15][16][17]. Newest first:

Two of these recalls cover over a million vehicles each, and they also cover other model years[14][15]. The other two are narrow, one limited to a specific engine and transmission and one to 25 cars[16][17].

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 2017 Fusion differently by engine and drive. Hybrid versions are far ahead of the rest.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Hybrid FWD, 2.0L[4] 43 / 41 / 42 $1,600
FWD, 1.5L turbo[18] 23 / 34 / 27 $2,500
FWD, 2.0L turbo[19] 21 / 31 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.5L[20] 21 / 32 / 25 $2,700
AWD, 2.0L turbo[21] 20 / 29 / 23 $2,900
AWD, 2.7L V6 turbo[5] 17 / 26 / 20 $3,350

The Energi plug-in hybrid is rated 42 MPGe combined, with 610 miles of range[22].

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door Fusion, in both AWD and FWD, 5 stars overall[7][23]. The frontal crash rating is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[7][23]. The rollover risk is 10.9%[7][23].

The Fusion Energi has only a rollover rating on file, also 4 stars and 10.9%[24].

Engine and size

EPA test vehicles list these horsepower ratings for the 2017 Fusion:

Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Standard sedan Hybrid Energi
Length[29][30][31] 192 in 192 in 192 in
Width[29][30][31] 73 in 73 in 73 in
Height[29][30][31] 58 in 57 in 57 in
Wheelbase[29][30][31] 112 in 112 in 112 in
Curb weight[29][30][31] 3,435 lb 3,660 lb 3,962 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2006: 730 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 1,064 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 1,353 complaints, 5 recalls20082009: 1,023 complaints, 6 recalls20092010: 5,639 complaints, 11 recalls20102011: 2,926 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 1,957 complaints, 20 recalls20132014: 1,432 complaints, 20 recalls20142015: 1,066 complaints, 14 recalls20152016: 1,724 complaints, 13 recalls20162017: 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls1,20220172018: 508 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 473 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 235 complaints, 3 recalls2020
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fusion model year. The 2017 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20067304
20071,0644
20081,3535
20091,0236
20105,63911
20112,9267
20122,6175
20131,95720
20141,43220
20151,06614
20161,72413
20171,2024
20185082
20194734
20202353

NHTSA data lists 15 Fusion model years, from 2006 to 2020[6]. The 2017 model sits in the middle for complaints. Its 1,202 complaints are more than seven other years (2006, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020) and fewer than seven others (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016)[6]. The 2010 model has the most, at 5,639[6].

On recalls, the 2017 model has 4[6]. That is well below 2013 and 2014 (20 each), 2015 (14), 2016 (13) and 2010 (11)[6]. Only 2018 (2 recalls) and 2020 (3) have fewer, while 2006, 2007 and 2019 also have 4[6].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they are best used to compare Fusion years with each other[6].

Should you buy a used 2017 Fusion?

Cut the verdict to 5 sentences: complaint and recall position vs other years[6], stalls and power loss in engine and power train samples[2][3], four recalls with free remedies and the advice to ask for proof of the brake hose and steering wheel bolt fixes[14][15], fuel economy range by version[5][4], 5 stars overall[7][23]. The biggest complaint groups are engine and power train, and in the samples of texts we read, owners describe stalls and power loss in both[2][3]. Dead batteries came up in the electrical sample[8]. Four recalls apply, and each has a free dealer remedy[14][15][16][17].

The data cannot tell you whether a particular car has had those fixes done. Ask for proof that the brake hose and steering wheel bolt recalls were completed. Fuel economy and cost depend heavily on the version, from 20 combined MPG with the 2.7L AWD to 42 with the Hybrid[5][4]. Safety ratings are good, at 5 stars overall for the 4-door models rated[7][23].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 509 of 1,202 NHTSA complaints, followed by power train with 336[1][2][3]. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe stalling and loss of power[2].
Does the 2017 Ford Fusion have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists four: front brake hoses (23V162), steering wheel bolt (18V167), torque converter (17V427) and rear seat back (16V874). Each has a free dealer remedy[14][15][16][17].
What gas mileage does a 2017 Ford Fusion get?
The EPA rates it from 20 combined MPG (2.7L AWD)[5] to 42 combined MPG (Hybrid)[4]. The 1.5L turbo FWD is rated 27 combined[18].
How safe is the 2017 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA rates the 4-door AWD and FWD 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover[7][23].
Is the 2017 Ford Fusion better than other model years?
By NHTSA counts, 2017 has 1,202 complaints and 4 recalls[6]. Seven Fusion years have more complaints, and 2013 to 2016 have more recalls[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,202 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Fusion (45 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 38 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 509 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,466). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 336 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,560). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 41 highway / 42 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fusion model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 146 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 119 complaints name the unknown or other component group (9 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,918). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 112 complaints name the brakes component group (14 crashes, 1 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 67 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 40 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,720). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 35 complaints name the air bags component group (14 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 23V162, filed March 10, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V167, filed March 12, 2018: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V427, filed July 6, 2017: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V874, filed December 5, 2016: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 32 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 42 MPGe combined, 610 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Fusion with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 169 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Fusion with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 141 to 240 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 173 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Fusion with 2.7L 6-cylinder: rated 325 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,435 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN HYBRID: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,660 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FUSION 4DR SEDAN ENERGI PHEV: length 192 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,962 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.