Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Fusion electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Ford Fusion have filed 103 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 30,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
103
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Fusion | 137 |
| 2014 Fusion | 127 |
| 2015 Fusion | 91 |
| 2016 Fusion | 130 |
| 2017 Fusion (this page) | 103 |
| 2018 Fusion | 21 |
| 2019 Fusion | 70 |
| 2020 Fusion | 27 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 103 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 103 electrical 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 electrical 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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPassÃÂÃÂÃÂî/LincolnWayÃÂÃÂÃÂî app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SOC) drops below 50%. A warning may also set if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an over the air update. The TCU powers down all communication when in this mode and app features are disabled. Manually start the vehicle to wake if from mode. More information is located in the app under: Account > Help > search 'Deep Sleep' in th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners complain most frequently about battery drain. A brand-new battery goes dead after 3-8 hours of parking, with the vehicle refusing to start. Some owners have replaced the battery five to seven times within the first few years of ownership, yet the problem returns within weeks. The drain persists even after dealers reprogram the powertrain control module and insist the battery is good. Owners suspect the APIM (Audio Integrated Module) is not shutting off when the vehicle is parked, and one owner measured 11 amps of continuous draw at rest—far above normal.
SYNC 3 system freezes are the second major pattern. The touchscreen becomes unresponsive, climate controls no longer respond to buttons (including the defogger, which then activates on its own and fogs the windshield), and the audio system displays "AUDIO OFF" and will not turn on. These outages last until the vehicle cools down or sits overnight. One owner notes this breaks hands-free 911 connectivity in a crash.
Stalling without warning occurs repeatedly. The engine shuts off while driving at highway speeds or during turns, with no warning lights before the event. Power steering and brakes become inoperable. Some vehicles stall multiple times over months, and dealers cannot retrieve fault codes. Vehicle can be restarted after each stall.
Windows, shift dials, trunk latches, rear cameras, and seat motors fail randomly. Some owners report the shift dial becomes stuck or makes grinding noises, preventing reverse gear. Trunk pops open while driving or parked. Windows roll back down after closing. These intermittent gremlins resist dealer repair attempts and recur shortly after.
For Fusion Energi (hybrid) owners involved in collisions, dealers refuse post-collision battery system inspections despite documented fire risk and toxic gas release from damaged hybrid battery cells.
Same Ford Fusion electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Dead Battery / Battery Drain
Battery discharges rapidly when vehicle is parked, even after battery replacement. Owners report the car will not start after sitting 3-8 hours or overnight. Multiple battery replacements within months do not resolve the issue. Root causes cited include faulty APIM (Audio Control Module), ACM (Audio Control Module) software issues, seat wiring shorts, and excessive phantom drain. Some owners replace batteries 4-7 times within the warranty period. Dealers blame manufacturing defect, infrequent use, or lack of deep-cycle battery design, but updates to powertrain control module (PCM) do not fix the problem.
When: Within 2-7 days of purchase through several years of ownership; recurs after each battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; No dome lights or dashboard lights on when battery dead; Manual door unlock required; Green light on start/stop button blinks but vehicle does not crank; Battery discharges after 3-8 hours of parking; High amp draw detected (11+ amps) at rest
Codes mentioned: U1027, P2450, P2451, P0DD2, P0DD6, P0DDE, Low voltage codes on multiple modules
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced 4-7 times; PCM reprogramming attempted but ineffective. Some dealers quote $1,800 for APIM replacement. TSB 182025A addresses frayed under-seat wiring; SSM 50250 covers battery drain investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford admitted battery drain in January 2018; instructed PCM reprogramming. Ford Recall 23V-440 documents battery issues on Fusion Energi. No broader recall issued despite widespread complaints.
SYNC/Infotainment System Malfunction
SYNC 3 system locks up, becomes unresponsive, or causes cascading electrical failures affecting climate control, audio, windows, and other components. Touchscreen and physical buttons do not respond. Audio system displays 'AUDIO OFF' and will not turn on. System affects 911 connectivity for hands-free calling during emergencies. Multiple owners report intermittent freezing that resolves after vehicle sits or temperature drops.
When: Intermittent; often triggered by hot days or high electrical demand while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen unresponsive to commands; Physical buttons do not register; Audio system shows 'AUDIO OFF' or no display; Bluetooth connects/disconnects randomly; Radio volume increases/decreases on its own or station changes; System remains on after vehicle shut down (takes 30 minutes to fully power off); Instrument panel makes noise or glows when car is off; SYNC does not respond to voice commands
Repairs/costs cited: No parts or costs cited by owners. Software updates have not resolved the issue in several cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB issued despite widespread forum complaints. Dealerships cannot replicate the issue and decline to log it.
Climate Control System Failure
Climate control system becomes intermittently unresponsive or fails completely. Neither touchscreen nor physical console buttons respond to commands. Defogger activates involuntarily, causing windshield to fog up and obscure vision. Defogger emits burning smell. Heating and air conditioning turn on/off randomly without user input. System failures create unsafe driving conditions in cold climates where defrosting is critical.
When: Intermittent; can recur after overnight parking or after temperature changes
Symptoms owners cite: Climate controls unresponsive to touchscreen or buttons; Defogger activates randomly, fogging windshield; Burning smell from defogger vents; Heater and AC turn on/off without user action; Dashboard vents emit extreme heat with systems off; Windshield defogger causes vision obstruction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided by owners.
Automatic Window Motor Failure
Front driver and passenger windows fail to close fully. When raised, windows automatically roll back down to halfway or two-thirds open position. Issue recurs even after dealer 'recalibration' or reset. Some owners report windows make excessive noise when attempting to operate. Problem creates safety risk for emergency window closure.
When: Intermittent; can occur on multiple occasions within months
Symptoms owners cite: Window will not close fully; Window automatically rolls back down after being raised; Windows do not respond to commands; Repeated activation and retraction without user input; Rattling or spinning noise from window motor
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed 'recalibration' without resolving issue.
Rear Camera Intermittent Failure
Rear backup camera fails to display image, showing only black screen with vehicle outline or displaying 'unavailable' message. Issue occurs after rainfall or frost events and resolves during periods of dryness, suggesting moisture intrusion. Radar sensors remain active. Camera is critical safety device for backing operations; failure leaves driver with only mirror visibility.
When: After rainfall or frost events; resolves after dryness returns
Symptoms owners cite: Camera screen shows black with only vehicle outline; Camera displays 'unavailable at this time' message; Radar sensors continue to beep; No video feed when vehicle in reverse
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; issue appears moisture-related, possibly roof antenna.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes Ford has recall for some backup cameras but vehicle is listed as ineligible for repair.
Shift Dial / Transmission Shifter Malfunction
Electronic shift dial (rotary shifter) becomes stuck or produces continuous grinding/rattling noise as if trying to rotate but unable. Vehicle cannot shift out of Park or into Reverse. Shifter activates on its own while vehicle is off, causing parasitic battery drain and preventing engine start. Some owners report multiple recurrences after dealer repair. Issue occurs without warning lights.
When: Intermittent; can recur after initial dealer repair; sometimes triggered by parking
Symptoms owners cite: Shift dial makes rattling or grinding noise; Vehicle stuck in Park, cannot shift; Cannot shift into Reverse; Shifter dial activates while vehicle off; Continuous spin noise from shifter; No warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced actuator module on vehicle with ~2,100 miles. Owner reports recurrence after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some 2017 Fusions have recall for shifter issue, but not all VINs are included in recall eligibility.
Stalling Without Warning
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at highway speeds or during low-speed maneuvers (turns, intersections). No warning lights illuminate prior to stall. Power loss occurs immediately, affecting steering, brakes, and ability to control vehicle. Stalling creates immediate collision risk. Vehicle can be restarted after stall. No diagnostic codes are logged when failure occurs.
When: During active driving; can recur multiple times over months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; No check engine or warning lights before stall; Occurs during turns or intersections; Occurs at highway speeds (30-70 mph); Battery light and wrench light flash after stall; Vehicle can be restarted; Power steering inoperative during stall
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates have not resolved recurrence. No fault codes retrieved by dealers.
Trunk Latch Failure
Trunk pops open spontaneously while vehicle is driving at speeds ranging from 5 to 60 mph, or while vehicle is parked and shut off. No external force or button press involved. Key fob is not in use. Problem occurs multiple times per day at varying temperatures and times. Trunk contents and latch mechanism show no obvious obstruction.
When: Intermittent; multiple times per day at varying speeds and conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk opens while driving; Trunk opens while parked and vehicle off; No key fob activation; Occurs at speeds 5-60 mph; Occurs at temperatures 27-70°F; Occurs multiple times daily
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Power Steering / Brake Assist Loss
Power steering and brake assist components become inoperable, often triggered by electrical system malfunction or complete electrical shutdown. Owner reported inability to pull over safely when power steering lost during stall event. Brake assistance is also compromised, increasing stopping distance and collision risk.
When: During stalling events or electrical system failures
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes inoperative; Brake assist fails; Difficult to steer vehicle; Increased braking distance
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Engine Coolant Leak / Internal Leak
Coolant leaks internally into engine, causing catastrophic engine damage. Check engine light illuminates and vehicle loses power (limited to 25 mph on highway). Engine overheats. Hose cracks are suspected cause. Engine requires complete replacement even in relatively new vehicles (2.5 years old or less). Ford does not acknowledge the defect despite multiple mechanics confirming the issue.
When: Occurs after months of undisclosed underperformance; discovered during diagnostic
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Loss of power; vehicle limited to 25 mph; Engine overheating; Engine temperature gauge rising; White smoke from exhaust; Vehicle stalls; Coolant level decreases with no visible leak; Vehicle understates symptoms for months before failure
Codes mentioned: Code 301 (spark plug misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. Spark plugs burning white and gaskets blown indicate internal damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refuses to assist with warranty coverage or recall, despite documented coolant leak issue.
Battery Overheating / Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Emission
12V battery becomes extremely hot to the touch and emits strong odor of rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide gas). Gas is odorless on touch and can cause nausea, light-headedness, and respiratory issues. Owner experienced symptoms while driving and could have passed out, creating collision risk. APIM malfunction causes excessive battery drain and overheating.
When: During heavy electrical load or charging
Symptoms owners cite: Battery extremely hot to touch; Rotten egg smell from battery; Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) emission; Nausea and light-headedness in driver; Potential loss of consciousness risk
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealer quoted $1,800 for APIM replacement to address root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford confirms APIM malfunction is common issue causing battery drain.
Audio / Bluetooth Connectivity Dropout
Bluetooth and audio systems become intermittently unresponsive. Bluetooth connects and disconnects randomly. Radio volume increases/decreases on its own. Audio system turns on and off without user input even when vehicle is shut down. Navigation system does not connect reliably to smartphone.
When: Intermittent; can occur while driving or parked
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth repeatedly connects and disconnects; Radio volume changes on its own; Station changes without user input; Audio system turns on/off while car off; Navigation will not connect to smartphone reliably; Touchscreen for audio unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information; dealers have not resolved issue after multiple visits.
Alternator / Charging System Failure
Battery light remains on despite battery replacement and alternator replacement. Charging system does not maintain battery voltage. Battery continues to fail even after new alternator and belt installation. Underlying electrical issue not diagnosed.
When: Persistent after multiple component replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated on dashboard; Battery continues to drain despite new alternator; Battery fails despite replacement battery and new alternator
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and belt replaced without resolving issue. Owner suspects ECM failure.
Transmission Torque Converter / Internal Failure
Torque converter fails internally, filling transmission filter with metal debris. Debris starves pump of fluid and circulates throughout transmission. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate, especially on busy roads and intersections, creating collision risk. No warning lights illuminate before failure. Transmission failure occurs on newer vehicle.
When: Without warning; discovered during dealer inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; Difficulty accelerating on busy roads; No warning lights prior to failure; Transmission filter fills with metal debris
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter internally failed. Repair would require transmission overhaul or replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall documented for 2017 Fusion torque converter failure, but not all VINs listed as eligible.
Automatic Seat Position Malfunction
Driver's seat with automatic positioning moves unexpectedly, pushing driver into steering wheel. Issue recurs despite multiple dealer reset attempts. Seat continues to malfunction over time. Potential collision risk if seat moves during driving.
When: Periodically; recurs despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic seat moves driver into steering wheel; Seat repositions without user command; Uncomfortable and potentially unsafe positioning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer resets did not permanently resolve issue. Under-seat wiring TSB 182025A addresses frayed wiring causing electrical shorts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 182025A documents under-seat wiring issue causing shorts and potential battery drain.
Transmission Slipping / Pressure Valve Failure
Automatic transmission slips during gear shifts, causing vehicle to slide or lose traction on highways. Nearly causes collision when vehicle slides into oncoming traffic. Vehicle slips despite multiple powertrain control module updates. Pressure valve replaced, but slipping continues.
When: Intermittent; recurs despite repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips during shifts; Vehicle slides on highway; Loss of traction during acceleration; Unsafe gear changes
Repairs/costs cited: Pressure valve replaced; transmission still exhibits slipping behavior.
Engine Oil Leak from Turbocharger
Turbocharger leaks oil into engine, causing irreparable engine damage. Oil leak causes engine failure, white/blue smoke from exhaust, multiple blown gaskets. Vehicle steering wheel malfunctions. Motor mounts fail and are loose/unstable. Vehicle vibrates and makes grinding sounds from wheels. Computer system freezes.
When: At owner-stated mileage without clear triggering event
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from tailpipe; Engine failure; Multiple blown gaskets; Steering wheel malfunction; Motor mount failure and instability; Grinding sounds from wheels; Computer system freezes; Vehicle alignment unsteady; Rattling noise
Repairs/costs cited: Engine damage irreparable; multiple component failures result from turbo oil leak.
Cross-Traffic Alert Button Detachment
Cross-traffic alert button detaches from dashboard without warning or physical cause. Button no longer functional. No warning light illuminates.
When: At approximately 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Button detaches from dashboard; Button inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Button replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner for assistance; no repair completed.
Service Restraints System Module Failure
Service Restraints System warning light illuminates after starting vehicle. Restraints module fails and requires replacement.
When: At approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Restraints System warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Service Restraints module requires replacement.
Shift Lock / Parking Brake Actuator Failure
Vehicle unable to shift out of Park due to failed actuator module. Multiple warning lights display on dashboard but do not register in computer system. Vehicle becomes immobilized. Occurs on very low-mileage vehicle (~2,100 miles).
When: At approximately 2,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift from Park; Dashboard warnings do not register in computer; Vehicle immobilized; 3-4 warning lights display
Repairs/costs cited: Actuator module replaced.
Starter Motor / Ignition Switch Failure
Vehicle fails to start or experiences delayed start even with new battery. Start may require jump-start or multiple attempts. Dealer suspects starter motor failure. Vehicle is only 2 years old despite symptom pattern.
When: Starting from March 2019 on vehicle purchased March 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Delayed start response; Requires jump-start to start; Multiple start attempts needed
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suspects starter motor issue.
Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Failure - Hybrid
On 2017 Fusion Energi (hybrid) post-collision, BECM and battery cell balancing circuits failed. Current Interrupt Device causes excess voltage and fire risk. Multiple DTCs indicate communication loss and cell balancing failures. Vehicle documented fire risk with toxic gas (HF, CO) exposure. Owner reports 7 documented fires in similar vehicles, 2 while driving. Post-collision diagnostics not performed by dealerships despite DTCs present.
When: Post-collision impact to high-voltage battery system
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power loss post-collision; Fire risk from hybrid battery; Reduced range; Toxic gas exposure (HF, CO); Headaches, cognitive issues, respiratory problems in occupants; CO detector alarmed
Codes mentioned: U1027, P2450, P2451, P0DD2, P0DD6, P0DDE
Repairs/costs cited: No post-collision battery diagnostics or HV system inspection performed by Ford dealers. Dealers claimed lack of capability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Recall 23V-440 documents identical BECM and battery cell balancing failures on Fusion Energi. Recall documents 7 fires, 2 while driving.
Synthesized from 103 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
There is a recall on 2017 Ford Fusion's torque converter. I currently have a 2017 Ford Fusion. After inspection at a Ford service dealership, the "torque converter clutch internally failed filling the transmission filter with metal debris and starving the pump for fluid causing debris to go throughout the transmission." The problem with this, is that even though it's list as a recall for ,y…
unknown vehicle needs to be jumped after every drive. i just picked up the car. only have had it for 4 days. have had to jump it twice. it has 61,000 miles on it. i have taken the battery out and in for a charge and tested and it it good was also purchased 7/22. all of the interior screens and lights come on but the start/stop button green light blinks. don't understand why there isn't a recall.
In our 2017 Ford Fusion, the back up camera sometimes says "unavailable at this time" (or something close to that) when put in reverse. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety is put at risk for multiple parties - the driver/owner, individual(s)/property behind the vehicle, insurance companies, and potentially others as the total view between mirrors and the backup camera is…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 103 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 11,241 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,241; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.