2017 Ford Fusion Safety Report
2017 Ford Fusion: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine and Steering Recall Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Fusion
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Fusion receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Fusion
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Fusion:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Coolant Intrusion Coolant leaks into engine cylinders, particularly in 1.5L EcoBoost engines, leading to misfires, rough driving, white smoke, and eventual engine failure. Many complaints reference this as a known design flaw. |
High | Common | 80000-150000 miles |
| Steering Wheel Detachment The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen, causing the steering wheel to detach while driving, leading to a complete loss of steering control. This was subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 18V603000). |
High | Occasional | 50000-100000 miles |
| Brake Hose Rupture Front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid, increasing brake pedal travel and extending stopping distances, which increases crash risk. This was subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 20V332000). |
High | Occasional | 50000-100000 miles |
| Torque Converter Failure On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines, torque converter weld studs may fail, leading to a loss of motive power. This was subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 17V427000). |
High | Occasional | 50000-80000 miles |
| Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Failure The bushing on the transmission cable to the transmission can go missing, preventing the driver from shifting gears or putting the vehicle in/out of park, leaving the vehicle stranded. |
Medium | Occasional | 50000-100000 miles |
| Rear View Camera Malfunction The rear view camera frequently displays 'Rear camera not available' or a distorted image, creating unsafe conditions when backing up. Many complaints note this as a common issue. |
Medium | Common | 50000-100000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Fusion:
Predominantly related to coolant intrusion in the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, leading to misfires, rough running, white smoke, and engine failure. Total 268 complaints.
Issues include transmission failures, torque converter problems (subject to recall), and shifter cable bushing failures preventing gear engagement. Total 222 complaints.
Further complaints related to engine overheating, coolant leaks, and check engine lights, often linked to the coolant intrusion issue. Total 98 complaints.
Problems include backup camera malfunctions, horn sounding randomly, and various electrical glitches. Total 54 complaints.
Loss of power steering, steering wheel detachment (subject to recall), and loose steering wheels. Total 40 complaints.
Brake fluid leaks and increased pedal travel due to brake hose ruptures (subject to recall). Total 40 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Fusion
Is the 2017 Ford Fusion safe?
The 2017 Ford Fusion received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has a significant number of complaints (1069 total) and four recalls addressing critical safety components like brakes, steering, and power train, which could compromise safety if not addressed. The prevalent engine coolant intrusion issue, while not a direct crash risk, can lead to sudden vehicle breakdown.
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Fusion?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Ford Fusion are related to the ENGINE (268 complaints), primarily due to coolant intrusion in the 1.5L EcoBoost engine leading to engine failure. POWER TRAIN (222 complaints) issues like transmission problems and shifter cable failures are also common. Other significant concerns include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (54 complaints) issues like backup camera malfunctions, and STEERING (40 complaints) problems, including the steering wheel detachment recall.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Yes, the 2017 Ford Fusion has four recalls. These include recalls for front brake hoses that may rupture, steering wheel retaining bolts that may loosen, torque converter weld studs that may fail, and improperly welded left rear seat back pivot pins. It is crucial to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed for any specific vehicle.
How does the 2017 Ford Fusion perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Ford Fusion performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Is the 1.5L EcoBoost engine reliable in the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in the 2017 Ford Fusion has a significant known issue with coolant intrusion, leading to numerous complaints of engine misfires, rough driving, and complete engine failure. This suggests a notable reliability concern for this specific engine variant.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the strong crash ratings but prevalent engine issues and critical safety recalls, a pre-purchase inspection is essential, focusing on engine health (especially 1.5L EcoBoost) and ensuring all four recalls have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Fusion
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Fusion. The data includes 1069 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 37 reported crashes, 8 fire incidents, 30 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Ford Fusion an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.