Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Fusion brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Fusion have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 91,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Fusion | 52 |
| 2014 Fusion | 91 |
| 2015 Fusion | 109 |
| 2016 Fusion | 97 |
| 2017 Fusion (this page) | 83 |
| 2018 Fusion | 4 |
| 2020 Fusion | 5 |
9crashes
1fire
7injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 83 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: Part numbers for Edge and MKX vehicles have been added. Edge and MKX model year updated from 2018 to 2019, build dates remain the same.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement Submitting Owner Letters
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement In some of the affected vehicles, brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses. If the brake fluid reservoir is depleted below a predetermined level, the brake fluid warning indicator light will illuminate. The driver may experience an increase in pedal travel together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration over time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2017 Ford Fusion owners describe catastrophic brake failures centered on front brake hose ruptures and brake fluid loss. The most common scenario: while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal collapses to the floorboard with little or no stopping power. Owners frequently report no warning until braking ability is already gone; the brake fluid warning light often illuminates only after the failure occurs. Many find the brake fluid reservoir empty or severely depleted, with fluid pooling visibly under the vehicle or on the ground, usually near the passenger or driver side wheel.
Failures happen at mileage ranging from 24,000 to 180,000 miles, though concentrations appear in the 50,000–140,000 range. Some owners have experienced multiple hose failures within months or years. One owner replaced brake hoses three times in recent months; another had both front hoses fail twice within 13 months.
Several owners describe additional symptoms: spongy brake pedal feel, delayed or jerky brake response, loss of power steering assist when braking is attempted, and audible clicking or popping sounds coinciding with brake failure. One owner's narrative points to brake line chafing against a sway bar on Sport models, causing rupture.
The recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V162000) addressing hydraulic brake issues has been hampered by prolonged parts unavailability. Owners consistently report dealer statements that recall parts are not yet available—a situation cited in complaint after complaint spanning months. Some owners paid out of pocket for repairs or suffered collision damage ($1,000+ deductible mentioned) while awaiting recall parts or repair appointments.
Same Ford Fusion brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Front brake hose rupture/burst
Front brake flex hose splits, bursts, or ruptures, causing sudden loss of brake fluid and complete or near-complete brake failure. Owners report the brake pedal going to the floorboard with little to no braking response. Brake fluid pooling visible on ground, typically passenger or driver side.
When: Generally over 50,000 miles; failures documented from 24,000 to 180,000 miles; some recurring within months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floorboard; Loss of braking power or severely delayed response; Visible brake fluid leak on ground; Brake fluid warning light illuminated (sometimes after failure occurs); No warning prior to burst in most cases; Brake pedal may feel spongy before failure
Codes mentioned: Low brake fluid warning
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake hose replacement; one owner reported replacing both front hoses twice within 13 months; another reported three hose replacements in recent months; estimated cost cited: $1,000 deductible paid by one owner for collision damage; repairs range from independent mechanic work to dealer service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued; however, recall parts unavailable for extended periods (many complaints cite parts unavailable since recall notification); manufacturer referred multiple owners to NHTSA Hotline; one owner was told rusted brake lines not covered under warranty; no reimbursement offered to one owner who pre-emptively repaired in June 2025
Rear brake hose fracture
Rear brake hose fractures or splits, causing brake fluid loss and compromised braking. One documented case of driver's side rear brake hose failure; passenger's side hose also showed possible fracture on same vehicle. Recall Campaign 23V162000 applies only to front hoses.
When: At 100,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed to floorboard; No resistance from brake pedal; Vehicle loss of braking ability
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear brake hoses replaced by independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 covers only front brake hoses; referred owner to NHTSA Hotline for rear hose failure
Brake hose rubbing/chafing against suspension (Sport model)
Brake line rubs against sway bar, causing line failure. Owner suggests issue may be confined to Sport models with larger front sway bar. Initial repair attempt at one dealer did not resolve the problem; second brake line failure by different cause occurred after the attempted fix.
When: Over 50,000 miles; second failure occurred March 5, 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Complete hydraulic failure of brake system; Brake line rubbing on sway bar discovered upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line replacement; one owner had issue traced and allegedly fixed, but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narrative
Loss of brake fluid/low fluid level (various etiologies)
Owners report low brake fluid warnings and visible leaks, some without clear hose rupture initially identified. Multiple owners found brake fluid reservoir empty or significantly depleted. In one case, rodent chewing of ESC wiring harness was diagnosed instead of primary brake issue.
When: Various; one case at 40,300 miles, another at 142,245 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires increased pressure or goes to floorboard; Low brake fluid warning light illuminated; Brake fluid visible on ground or under vehicle; Owners adding brake fluid frequently; Brake warning light and other warnings (ABS, Service Advance Trac, Advance Trac) illuminated
Codes mentioned: Low brake fluid warning light, Brake warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid refilled by owners; some hoses then found to be leaking; parts not repaired in many cases due to unavailable recall parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners informed parts not available for recall repair; manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline; one manufacturer advised rental vehicle assistance would be charged
Delayed or jerky brake response (intermittent)
Brake pedal response delayed or jerky during depression; vehicle hesitates or jerks while braking. Some cases involved brake pedal feeling spongy. No clear hose rupture found in some instances; dealers unable to replicate failure on test drive in one case.
When: Various speeds; one case at 76,000 miles, another at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depression causes delayed response; Vehicle jerks or hesitates while braking; Spongy brake pedal feel; Recurrent failures on multiple occasions
Codes mentioned: Check engine warning light (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in most cases; one dealer unable to find issue on test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts unavailable for recall; no diagnostics completed in several cases
Brake pedal stiffness/inability to depress
Brake pedal becomes stiff or fails to depress normally even when parked. One case involved power steering loss coinciding with brake failure. No clear rupture documented.
When: At 142,245 miles (one case); at 65,000 miles (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal firm and difficult to depress; Power steering assist lost temporarily when braking attempted; Clicking noise heard when depressing brake pedal; Brake, traction control, and Hill Start Assist warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Brake warning light, Traction control warning light, Hill Start Assist warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle had to be turned off and back on to restore power steering
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall parts unavailable; manufacturer informed owner parts would be available Q3 2023
Brake seizure
Brake pedal seizes or locks up, preventing normal brake operation or preventing vehicle from shifting out of park.
When: At 101,000 miles; at approximately 100,000 miles (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes seize unexpectedly; Brake pedal seized when attempting to shift into reverse; Vehicle stuck in gear or unable to shift
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in cases documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall parts unavailable
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 66,000 and 112,252 miles, with the median around 91,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 66,000; a quarter make it past 112,252. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.