Is the 2017 Ford FUSION reliable?

The 2017 Ford FUSION has 1367 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford FUSION?

Top problems: ENGINE (519 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (305 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (122 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Ford FUSION?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Ford FUSION?

The 2017 Ford FUSION gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Ford FUSION?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Ford FUSION is approximately $1,601/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Ford FUSION

Q: Is the 2017 Ford FUSION often stolen?

The Ford FUSION was the #14 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 7,100 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford FUSION has 1367 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 1748. The most common issue is engine problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: my car, with 2k miles, would not start (push button start, this is the plug-in hybrid "energi" model). after being towed to a dealer, they had to tear the car apart to find a bad wiring harness as part of the hybrid system. this part was unavailable, and i am having to wait over 5 days to have the. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 10 fire reports filed.

10 fire reports 43 crash reports 31 injuries

1367

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

519 complaints

38%

• MY CAR, WITH 2K MILES, WOULD NOT START (PUSH BUTTON START, THIS IS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID "ENERGI" MODEL). AFTER BEING TOWED TO A DEALER, THEY HAD TO TEAR THE CAR APART TO FIND A BAD WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND I AM HAVING TO WAIT OVER 5 DAYS TO HAVE THE
• WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, BETWEEN 5-10 MPH WHEN THE CAR CLICKED LOUDLY. I LOST STEERING AND BRAKES, AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE ENGINE HAD TURNED OFF, THE CAR HAD PUT ITSELF INTO PARK, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BACK AS IF I HAD OPENED THE DOOR WITH THE CAR SHUT OFF.
• I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 8/31/16 AND ON 11/28/16 THE DREADED DEAD BATTERY PROBLEMS STARTED. I TOOK IN IT, THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY ON 11/28 SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY JUST A FAULTY BATTERY FROM THE MANUFACTURE AND THAT IT HAPPENS, RARELY BUT IT HAPPENS. ON 12/31/17 I WENT TO START MY CAR AND IT AGAIN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 6 fire reports

“MY CAR, WITH 2K MILES, WOULD NOT START (PUSH BUTTON START, THIS IS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID "ENERGI" MODEL). AFTER BEING TOWED TO A DEALER, THEY HAD TO TEAR THE CAR APART TO FIND A BAD WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND I AM HAVING TO WAIT OVER 5 DAYS TO HAVE THE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ford FUSION

Based on 761 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

145

30-60K

149

60-100K

296

100-150K

137

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 30K mi · 76 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 37K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 38K mi · 35 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Earlier than typicalmedian 34K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 11K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Earlier than typicalmedian 13K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR12/03/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

Above-average theft risk

#14 most stolen in 2025

The Ford FUSION was the #14 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 7,100 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Sedan with widespread availability

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Ford FUSION

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ford FUSION

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,601

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1601

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford FUSION Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2017 FUSION, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1367 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: MY CAR, WITH 2K MILES, WOULD NOT START (PUSH BUTTON START, THIS IS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID "ENERGI" MODEL). AFTER BEING TOWED TO A DEALER, THEY HAD TO TEAR THE CAR APART TO FIND A BAD WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND I AM HAVING TO WAIT OVER 5 DAYS TO HAVE THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: MY CAR, WITH 2K MILES, WOULD NOT START (PUSH BUTTON START, THIS IS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID "ENERGI" MODEL). AFTER BEING TOWED TO A DEALER, THEY HAD TO TEAR THE CAR APART TO FIND A BAD WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND I AM HAVING TO WAIT OVER 5 DAYS TO HAVE THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY CAR, WITH 2K MILES, WOULD NOT START (PUSH BUTTON START, THIS IS THE PLUG-IN HYBRID "ENERGI" MODEL). AFTER BEING TOWED TO A DEALER, THEY HAD TO TEAR THE CAR APART TO FIND A BAD WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS PART WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND I AM HAVING TO WAIT OVER 5 DAYS TO HAVE THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SICKENING FUMES/ODORS ENTERING MAIN CABIN OF THE CAR, UNLESS THE AIR IS ON RECIRCULATE. FUMES CAUSING HEADACHE, SORE THROAT, RESPIRATORY AND EYE IRRITATION. THE FUMES ARE PRODUCED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ENTER THE CAR WHEN IT IS RUNNING AND THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN OR THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER PUL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)