Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems

Owners filed 1,084 complaints about the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid with NHTSA between Aug 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (355).

Complaints
1,084
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
42
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
36
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine355
  2. Power train302
  3. Engine and engine cooling130
  4. Electrical system125
  5. Steering59
  6. Service brakes52
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic48
  8. Air bags35
  9. Fuel/propulsion system34
  10. Wheels27
  11. Vehicle speed control15
  12. Visibility/wiper15
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)9
  14. Exterior lighting8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20165
201751
201849
201973
202095
202172
2022125
2023238
2024250
2025123
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

355 reports4 fires
“I was experiencing engine vibration while driving and lack of power when I pressed gas pedal. I took it to an independent garage first, and then to the dealer. Both told me there was coolant and water in the cylinders, and the dealer told me I needed a total engine replacement consisting of the long block and the head gasket. And it was going to cost me $14,000. my car only has 44,000 miles on it and Ford told me there was nothing they could do about it even though it was a known issue dating back several years.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2025EngineODI 11696895

Power train

302 reports6 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon reversing out of the driveway and attempting to shift to drive(D), the message "System Fault - Consult Manual" was displayed. The contact was not able to shift to drive(D). The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the shifter cable was loosened. The contact was able to insert a screwdriver into the end of the cable, and the contact was able to shift to drive(D). The contact drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall however, the model year was not included. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Power trainODI 11678715

Engine and engine cooling

130 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine experienced a rough start and idling, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11679064

Electrical system

125 reports3 crashes1 fire
“What malfunctioned- Car did not give any notice that it was in engine failure for months other than under performing and upon taking it to the ford dealership was never helped with the problem they took money for an oil change and works package but failed to make sure my car was safe. My car was a safety hazard bc it gave zero warning that it was loosing power and when the engine did fail I knew something had been wrong for almost a year and felt it went ignored by Ford and was taken advantage of. The product has been confirmed by multiple mechanics that what causes it is the hose cracks and thus the engine coolant wrecks a working engine. Ford knows it’s a problem but isn’t acknowledging it and makes more money off of parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11675481

Steering

59 reports6 crashes
“Component: Power Steering Module Rack and Pinion assembly The wheel locked up as described below in the middle of me taking a left turn, with the errors popping up as described. The problem has been diagnosed by the local Ford dealership. Three warning lamps that are intermittently on when I start the vehicle, though are not always there: Steering Assist Fault Service Required Service AdvanceTrac Hill Start Assist Not Available. While these are up, the steering wheel will not turn without incredible effort, requiring a massive amount of force to turn the steering wheel, which results in very little change in the direction the car is moving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026SteeringODI 11768560

Service brakes

52 reports9 crashes1 fire
“On June 23, 2025, while departing my residence, I disengaged the emergency brake on my vehicle, subsequently hearing an unusual sound. Upon attempting to drive, I experienced diminished braking performance, and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The following day, I sought a professional assessment at Big O Tires. Their diagnosis identified a failure in the left brake hose, recommending the replacement of both. Following their recommendation, I proceeded with the necessary repairs. Subsequently, I received notification of a manufacturer recall addressing this specific issue. Consequently, I am seeking reimbursement for the previously completed service. Despite my attempts to obtain a resolution through direct communication, I have yet to receive a response, and I am now seeking assistance in this matter.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 19, 2025Service brakesODI 11674695
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.