YearToAvoid

2017 Ford Fusion Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 311 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ford Fusion, 28% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 80,000. A related recall (17V427000) covers torque converter weld studs on 2.0L six-speed automatic models.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
311
28% of 1,110
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
80,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden stalling or loss of power while driving at various speeds, sometimes with no warning indicators.
  • Some describe the vehicle rolling backward unexpectedly after stalling on an incline, including one case that led to a crash.
  • Several complaints describe a shift module or powertrain fault triggering a dashboard warning followed by hesitation or refusal to shift.
  • One owner reported the transmission stopped changing gears entirely and made loud, rough noises, which a dealer attributed to torque converter issues within the transmission.
  • A separate complaint describes hard, jarring gear shifts on the highway accompanied by a total loss of power, forcing the driver to pull off the road.

When 2017 Ford Fusion transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 9, 2016, latest Sep 22, 2026.

2017 Ford Fusion transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter202016 Q32018 Q32019 Q42021 Q12022 Q22023 Q32024 Q42026 Q1
311 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (20).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ford Fusion

  1. NHTSA 17V427000Jul 6, 2017Transmission & Powertrain6,026 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:torque converter

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

    Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Fusion model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2006150 (21%)
  2. 200774 (7%)
  3. 200847 (3%)
  4. 200920 (2%)
  5. 2010894 (17%)
  6. 2011268 (10%)
  7. 2012158 (6%)
  8. 2013280 (16%)
  9. 2014235 (18%)
  10. 2015143 (14%)
  11. 2016310 (19%)
  12. 2017311 (28%)
  13. 2018106 (24%)
  14. 201969 (22%)
  15. 202067 (37%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission & powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA lists 311 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Fusion, which is 28% of the 1,110 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Yes. Recall 17V427000 covers 2017 Fusion, Edge, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles with 2.0L engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, where torque converter weld studs may be defective. Dealers replace the torque converter free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically appear on the 2017 Fusion?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 80,000 miles.
Did the transmission issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2017 Fusion includes 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries.
How does the 2017 Fusion compare to other model years for this problem?
The 2017 Fusion's 28% share of complaints tied to transmission & powertrain issues is the highest among the listed model years, compared to 19% in 2016 and 24% in 2018.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.