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 ↗2017 Ford Fusion powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Ford Fusion have filed 296 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
296
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Fusion | 287 |
| 2014 Fusion | 233 |
| 2015 Fusion | 140 |
| 2016 Fusion | 297 |
| 2017 Fusion (this page) | 296 |
| 2018 Fusion | 97 |
| 2019 Fusion | 72 |
| 2020 Fusion | 63 |
4crashes
1fire
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 296 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 296 powertrain 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.
Among the 15 model years of Ford Fusion in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2018 Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rattle noise from the transmission bellhousing area. This may be more noticeable at idle. This may be due to a flexplate crack around the mounting area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the flexplate, transmission fluid pump, and torque converter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with HF35/HF45 hybrid transmissions can now be disassembled to repair and clean any contamination that may have been the result of a differential or transfer shaft bearing failure and the transmission can be overhauled/rebuilt. Service tools and service parts are now available. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Ford Fusion powertrain is a mess. Transmission failures are routine around 60,000–127,000 miles, often right after the 60,000-mile warranty expires. Owners describe sudden loss of power while accelerating, especially when merging or pulling away from stops—with no warning until the wrench light comes on too late. The transmission either won't shift, gets stuck in neutral, or becomes unresponsive entirely. One owner's dealership manager admitted the transmissions on this model are "poorly designed" and that many customers need replacements.
Torque converter failure is equally common, causing hesitation on acceleration, slipping gears, roaring sounds downhill, and eventually complete loss of power. The shifter cable bushing—a plastic part—disintegrates and leaves drivers stranded, unable to shift out of park. Ford issued recalls (19V362, 22V413, 22S43) for this same bushing on 2013–2016 models, but 2017 VINs are routinely excluded even though the design is identical.
The 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines have coolant leaking directly into cylinders, destroying the engine. Owners report check-engine lights followed within hours by white smoke and engine seizure. Coolant fumes enter the cabin. Ford's TSB 22-2229 documents this as "known"—yet owners pay $4,800–$12,000 for engine replacement because warranty denials are routine.
Multiple owners report sudden engine stalls while driving with no stored code, leaving dealers unable to help. Some vehicles shut off seven times in a year without throwing a code Ford can see.
Same Ford Fusion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter fails, causing hesitation on acceleration, transmission slipping, gear-change difficulties, and roaring sounds when coasting downhill. At higher mileage (150K–200K), complete loss of power or transmission failure may occur.
When: 150,000–200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or delay when accelerating from stop; Transmission slipping; Hard gear shifts; Roaring sound from transmission when coasting downhill; Vehicle dying from a stop; Vibration at stops that escalates and may stall engine
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 17V427000 (unverified recall linkage)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission or torque converter replacement; costs cited ~$5,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V427000 exists but owners report VINs not included despite matching symptoms
Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
Known manufacturing defect where coolant leaks into engine cylinders, causing misfires, rough idle, white exhaust smoke, and eventual engine seizure. Occurs most frequently on 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. TSB 22-2229 and recall 19B37 address this, but coverage is inconsistent and many owners face full engine replacement costs.
When: Early in ownership (as low as 63,000–76,000 miles); can progress rapidly once detected
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (CEL) illuminates; Misfire, typically cylinder 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rough idle, especially at cold start; White/blue smoke from exhaust; Low coolant level despite no visible leaks; Coolant odor in cabin; Engine overheating alert; Sudden loss of engine power
Codes mentioned: P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire), P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire), P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), P0217 (engine overtemperature condition)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine long-block replacement required; costs cited $4,800–$12,000. TSB 22-2229 documents issue; some owners report Ford denied warranty coverage despite known defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2229 issued; recall 19B37 (computer reset) attempted but ineffective; many owners report Ford denied assistance citing out-of-warranty status
Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Degradation
Small plastic bushing in transmission shifter cable deteriorates or disintegrates over time, causing shifter to become stuck in park or fail to engage other gears. Vehicle displays 'SHIFT SYS FAULT' warning or 'Shifter Malfunction' message. Leaves drivers stranded and creates safety hazard if vehicle rolls. Similar recalls issued for 2013–2016 model years (campaigns 19V362, 22V413, 22S43), but 2017 model-year VINs are often excluded.
When: 65,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in park; will not move to other gears; Shifter moves but does not register in transmission; Intermittent shift failures—works when towed, fails later; 'SHIFT SYS FAULT' or 'Shifter Malfunction—See Manual' warning; Yellow wrench warning light; Vehicle automatically shifts to park while driving; Requires brake pedal depression to shift; Shifter cable visibly disconnected or bushing disintegrated
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement or full shifter cable assembly; costs cited $6–$300+ labor. Many owners report Ford dealerships initially refused coverage despite identical part numbers and failure modes as recalled models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 19V362, 22V413, 22S43 issued for 2013–2016 models; 2017 model-year VINs frequently excluded despite identical design and failure mode. Owners report dealers citing 'VIN not in recall' despite acknowledging problem commonality
Unexpected Engine Stalling (No Stored Codes)
Vehicle shuts off while driving or idling with no warning lights or stored diagnostic codes. Occurs during turns, traffic stops, or highway driving. Dealer unable to reproduce or diagnose. Can occur multiple times (7+ incidents documented). No fault codes trigger, leaving dealer unable to authorize repairs under warranty despite safety hazard.
When: Low to mid-mileage (70–110K miles); one case reported at 4K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly while driving or stopped; No check engine light or warning codes before shutdown; Multiple shutdown episodes over weeks/months; Engine restarts after shutdown; Occurs during turns, traffic signals, or highway acceleration; Display may show 'Service Advance Trac' or generic service message; Dealer cannot duplicate or find code-stored fault
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealers state inability to diagnose without stored code. One vehicle fitted with flight recorder by dealer for diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford closed cases citing inability of dealer to duplicate issue; no authorized repairs without code; customers referred to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission Power Loss or Limp Mode (No Warning)
Vehicle suddenly loses motive power to wheels while accelerating or driving at highway speed, despite engine still running. Shifter becomes unresponsive; transmission enters neutral or limp mode without warning light. Occurs shortly after reaching 60K–70K mile warranty threshold.
When: 60,000–127,000 miles; many incidents just beyond 60K warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power to wheels during acceleration; Engine revs but vehicle does not respond; Transmission will not shift into drive or reverse; Vehicle enters neutral or stays in neutral; Automatic parking brake may engage; No warning light until several miles of driving; Wrench warning icon may illuminate after failure; Vehicle stranded on roadway or must be limped slowly to safety
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; costs $5,000+. Some owners report transmission failure recurred after initial replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V427000 exists but most affected VINs excluded; owners report Ford declined coverage and referred to NHTSA Hotline
Harsh or Delayed Gear Shifts
Transmission shifts harshly or with excessive delay when shifting from drive to park, neutral to drive, or during normal driving. May be accompanied by shuddering or jerking. Often precedes complete transmission failure.
When: Early in ownership to 120K+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or harsh shift engagement; Delayed response when shifting gears; Jerking or shuddering during gear changes; Slight jolts when shifting; Transmission slips under light acceleration; Vehicle may shudder excessively during shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission service or replacement; early repairs may involve seal/clutch replacement; later failures require full transmission swap
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often unable to find fault or codes; some repairs covered under warranty if still in effect
Check Engine Light Without Reproducible Fault
Check engine light illuminates but dealer scanner finds no stored code, no misfire, no transmission fault, or fault clears before appointment. Dealer cannot authorize repair. Eventually, underlying failure (transmission, engine, torque converter) manifests catastrophically.
When: Variable; can occur weeks or months before complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; No fault code stored or code clears before diagnosis; Dealer scan finds 'no trouble found' (NTF); Underlying mechanical issue exists but undiagnosed; Catastrophic failure occurs later (transmission, engine, torque converter)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed due to absence of stored code; customers advised to return when code is present
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and dealerships cite inability to diagnose without code; customer referred back for re-diagnosis if issue recurs
Hybrid System Wiring Harness Failure
Plug-in hybrid (Energi) model experiences wiring harness failure in hybrid electrical system at very low mileage, preventing vehicle start. Part unavailable, requiring extended repair downtime. No loaner vehicle provided; Ford attempted to sell extended warranty instead of addressing defect.
When: 2,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button start inoperative; Vehicle will not start; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; part unavailable at time of repair; 5+ days delay cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No alternate transportation provided; manufacturer attempted to sell extended warranty rather than cover defect
Synthesized from 296 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Car shut off while stopped at a red light with no warning and then when I went to resume driving the car said it was in accessory mode. I started to roll back as I took my foot off the brake. I was able to turn off the car and restart it. I pulled over for a little while and stopped and restarted the vehicle several times before feeling safe to proceed. There were several other cars behind me…
2017 Ford Fusion 2.0L ecoboost engine is available for inspection. The engine block was designed incorrectly and coolant leaks into the cylinder. There is a risk of fire from the intrusion of coolant in the cylinder. Many other people are having this issue and they did recall the 1.5L engine. They need to on the 2.0L as well. My local mechanic identified the issue and I called the Ford…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, there was an abnormal thud coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into drive or reverse. The contact looked underneath and around the vehicle but was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road by the neighbors. There were no warning…
My car is jerking and the check engine light has not come on it has been since july and they can't tell me but it a recall on the 2.0 liter but not on mine for a 2.5 torque converter that is the problem and the guy at Ford place said it would be 2700 to fix I would rather run it in a river wow
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 296 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 178 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 61,000 and 101,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 101,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.