2017 Ford Fusion: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine · FL

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power (it shut off) and displayed "auto start stop shift to P, then restart engine". The vehicle has never done this before, and thank goodness my wife did not have the kids in the car at the time. She was able to pull over safely only because she was on a small road with light traffic, and not at highway speed. Clearly, this put not only our vehicle at risk, but others as the brakes and steering became very hard to use when the engine just shut off out of nowhere. Since it happened today, I have not taken it in to be inspected as of yet. Upon my wife getting the car restarted she came the few miles straight home, where I did test the battery and it read good at 12.57 volts with the engine and accessories off. So the Motorcraft battery is good and as such should not be a cause in this case. To say the least, we have now lost confidence in this vehicle as being a safe mode of transportation.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

We purchased this 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost in August 2022 at 48,968 miles. At 55,940 miles, the vehicle developed a documented coolant leak requiring water-pump replacement. At approximately 75,520 miles, the coolant level was again documented as requiring attention. At approximately 84,189 miles, the vehicle experienced low coolant, low oil, white/gray smoke and rough running. Manteca Ford identified Ford TSB 22-2322 and ultimately performed a major short-block replacement. Despite this major engine repair, mechanical and drivability problems continued. At approximately 101,375 miles, we returned the vehicle to Manteca Ford specifically for loss of power and hesitation. The Ford technician verified a “noticeable loss of power” and lack of full boost. Manteca Ford diagnosed and replaced the turbocharger. The problem was not resolved. Only approximately 205 miles later, at 101,580 miles, the vehicle returned to Manteca Ford because it was still hesitating during acceleration. Manteca Ford then identified DTCs P0729, P07AA, P2703 and P2704 and documented “TRANSMISSION INTERNAL MECHANICAL FAULTS,” including an incorrect sixth-gear ratio and friction-element faults. The dealer recommended replacement or teardown of the transmission. We are extremely concerned about the safety implications of this history. Loss of power and hesitation during acceleration can create a serious hazard when merging onto a highway, entering or crossing traffic, or attempting to accelerate to avoid a collision. This vehicle has experienced repeated engine/powertrain problems despite major repairs, and we are concerned the transmission condition may have been developing during the earlier loss-of-power/hesitation complaints. We request that the federal safety agency evaluate this history for a potential safety-related defect or broader pattern.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Orange wrench light came on dash with see manual ( symbol represents powertrain malfunction). Car lost power and started jerky shifting between second and third gear. We limped the car home and parked until we could get an appointment at the dealership for service. Took it to dealership. They found the powertrain maintenance light wasn't on and no current or historical codes present. Dealership road tested vehicle and verified delayed harsh shifting between 2-3 gears with no codes present. Dealership states most likely has an internal failure starting in the forward, direct or intermediate clutch. Transmission would have to be torn down to diagnose cause. They recommend replacing the transmission as being more cost effective. Transmission has approximately 145000 miles (engine was replaced under 36000 miles due to head gasket failure- replace under warranty as manufuring defect found at a scheduled oil change) so odometer only shows 117000 miles. This car was purchased new and we purchased the extended warranty and service package. It has been consistently serviced on schedule by the dealership.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine · MI

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious engine failure and safety issue involving my 2017 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. At approximately 79,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a coolant intrusion failure. While driving, the engine suddenly stalled in the middle of an intersection, leaving me stranded in traffic and at risk of being rear-ended by approaching vehicles. I was able to restart the vehicle and move out of the intersection, but the exhaust then produced a very large, thick cloud of white smoke. The amount of smoke could have significantly reduced visibility for other drivers and created an additional safety hazard. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, where I was told the engine had coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. I was also told this is a common problem with Ford EcoBoost engines, including the 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.3L engines. My concern is not only the cost of the repair, but the serious safety risk. Coolant intrusion can cause misfires, excessive white smoke, engine damage, and eventual engine failure. A sudden loss of power while driving can create a serious crash hazard, as happened to me. I am concerned Ford has known about this recurring problem for years yet has continued using these engines in vehicles such as the Fusion, Escape, and Lincoln MKZ without adequately addressing the issue. I request that the federal safety agency investigate coolant intrusion affecting Ford EcoBoost engines and determine whether a safety defect exists that warrants a recall. I also believe affected owners should receive reimbursement for engine replacement costs when the failure is caused by this defect. My experience demonstrates that this is more than a normal maintenance issue. An engine that can suddenly stall in traffic and produce a large cloud of white smoke without warning poses a significant safety risk to vehicle occupants and other motorists.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I am reporting a serious recurring safety concern involving a 2017 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle was purchased used in August 2022 with approximately 50,000 miles. Within months, significant coolant and engine problems began. In February 2023, at approximately 55,940 miles, the vehicle developed a coolant leak. A pressure test confirmed the water pump was leaking and it was replaced. At approximately 84,189 miles, the vehicle experienced white/gray exhaust smoke, coolant loss, very low oil, and rough-running symptoms. The servicing Ford dealership referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2322 in connection with the diagnosis and ultimately replaced the engine short block. Despite this major engine repair, the problems continued. The vehicle subsequently experienced additional smoking, hesitation and loss of power and required replacement of the turbocharger. The vehicle was returned again because it continued to smoke and required additional repairs. I am concerned this is a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear and tear. The repeated engine/coolant failures, smoking, hesitation and loss of power create a serious safety concern because the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power or experience engine failure while being driven. Ford has been notified of the repeated failures but declined further relief based primarily on the vehicle's current age, mileage and expired warranty. This ignores that the problems began years earlier at substantially lower mileage and that major repairs failed to permanently correct the condition. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in this and similarly equipped Ford vehicles has a safety-related defect involving coolant intrusion, engine failure and loss of power. The vehicle is currently at approximately 101,000 miles, but the documented problems began at 55,940 miles and continued despite major repairs.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · NE

Car warning states “steering assist fault service required” total loss of power steering in the vehicle after sat parked for a week, vehicle started without issue, no warning codes can be found with OBDII scanner

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · AZ · crash · 1 injury

the federal safety agency COMPLAINT - 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium (VIN: REDACTED) - [XXX] (Collision) Q1: FAILED COMPONENT Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and hybrid battery cell balancing circuits failed post-collision. Per Ford Recall 23V‑440, Current Interrupt Device causes excess voltage, fire risk, toxic gas exposure. DTCs: U1027 (ABS/ECM loss), P2450/P2451 (EVAP stuck open/closed), P0DD2/P0DD6/P0DDE (battery cell balancing circuits H/J/K/M stuck off). Vehicle available for inspection. Q2: SAFETY RISKS Sudden power loss, fire risk, CO/HF toxic gas exposure from damaged cells. HF IDLH 0.025 g/m³. Symptoms: headaches, cognitive issues, respiratory problems requiring Brain MRI. Ford documented 7 fires, 2 while driving. Gas events recur when changing charging amperage; CO detector alarmed repeatedly; hospitalized for symptoms. Q3: DEALER CONFIRMATION NOT investigated. No Ford dealer conducted required post-collision battery diagnostics despite DTCs proving multiple system failures. United Insurance Claims ignored [legal demand] for hybrid-specific inspections. No CO/HF assessment. Battery cell balancing failures indicate physical collision damage to high-voltage system. Q4: INSPECTIONS Insurance: Standard only, ignored DTCs requiring hybrid testing. Ford Service (Tempe, AZ) and Ford Collision Center (Mesa, AZ): No inspection; reasons given a) lack capability b) we just scan the vehicle; we don't thoroughly inspect for gas leaks". Recall 23V‑440 documents identical failures. Police: No report (real-time audio capture of admission of at-fault driver), no hazmat assessment. Multiple permanent DTCs prove need for Ford-certified diagnostics. Q5: WARNING SYMPTOMS Pre-collision: Intermittent issues, check engine light, reduced range. Post-collision: Reduced range, Gas exposure symptoms plus DTCs U1027, P2450/P2451, P0DD2/P0DD6/P0DDE showing communication/battery cell failures. Medical documentation available. Pattern confirms BECM/battery damage per documented defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Engine · OH

The engine has suffered a complete failure due to a known defect in the 1.5L EcoBoost. This issue was already repaired once under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37/21N12 (engine short block replacement) on 10/12/2020 at Stilwell Ford, before I owned the vehicle. Less than 5 years later, the exact same defect has occurred again. Details of Failure: •Vehicle began running rough with loss of power and abnormal engine noise. •A compression test performed by my repair shop shows: Cylinder 4 = 0 psi compression, with cylinder wall scoring and oil intrusion. •Shop diagnosis: engine requires complete replacement (~$7,000 repair). •Symptoms are identical to the coolant intrusion / cylinder failure defect covered by Ford’s prior CSP. •This is the second time this defect has occurred on the same vehicle. Safety Risk: •Vehicle misfires and shakes violently, making it unsafe to drive. •Sudden loss of power and potential stalling in traffic pose a serious risk of crash. •Drivers are given no warning before engine failure occurs. Manufacturer Response: •Ford acknowledges this defect under CSP 19B37/21N12 but refuses further coverage since it was “already repaired” once. •As a second owner, I never received notice of the defect. •The fact that the failure recurred shows Ford’s repair program did not fully resolve the defect. Request: I am reporting this as a repeat safety defect. The failure has occurred again after Ford’s supposed remedy. the federal safety agency should investigate whether Ford’s CSP repairs adequately resolve the defect, and whether additional recalls or coverage extensions are warranted.

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Transmission · CA

In July 2025, my 2017 Ford Fusion SE (EcoBoost engine) was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #4 by Sunrise Ford in North Hollywood, CA. This is a known issue with the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines and is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2208. The vehicle had only 76,000 miles at the time and had been regularly serviced and well-maintained. Over the past 1–2 years, I received repeated warnings during oil changes that my coolant levels were unusually low, though no leaks were found. In July 2025, the check engine light (CEL) appeared. The vehicle exhibited rough idle at cold start, but otherwise drove normally. I immediately brought the car to the dealership, where they confirmed the problem through diagnostics and plug inspection. The dealership quoted me $11,000–$12,000 to replace the engine (long block). Ford Customer Relations (CRC) was contacted and denied financial assistance, citing the age of the vehicle. They also acknowledged this is a known issue and suggested I file a report with the federal safety agency, which I am now doing. This engine failure presents a serious safety risk. The CEL appeared without warning during normal use. A driver unfamiliar with the signs of internal coolant loss could continue operating the vehicle, risking a sudden loss of engine power, stalling, or further engine damage while in motion. In my case, the failure occurred quietly and was only caught because I acted quickly. Had I ignored the CEL or rough idle, engine failure could have occurred at highway speed. The issue was confirmed and documented by a Ford dealer. I am no longer in possession of the vehicle, as I was forced to sell it at a loss due to the cost of repairs. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection, but all related documentation has been retained.

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Engine · IL

Engine is losing coolant into the cylinders which causes car to overheat. When this happens car shakes and runs rough. When this occurs while driving down the road, thick white smoke comes from the exhaust blinding the cars behind us. If car dies, you lose power steering and brakes become very difficult to push. We had a repair shop check it out and coolant is leaking on top of the piston and exiting through the exhaust. The engine light comes on just before car begins to act up. According to our mechanic, it appears the engine block has a design flaw and Ford has issued a Technical Service Bulletin explaining the problem. Attached a picture of when it just begins to smoke. After a few seconds it fills the entire shop.

Filed Jan 19, 2025 · Engine · OH

Sudden loss of power while driving, misfiring causing sudden jerk while driving, almost rear-ended, white smoke/steam now showing from exhaust. Apparent engine coolant leak. While the 2017 Fusion 2.0L ecoboost is in the coolant leak recall this VIN is not showing a recall. Car is not safe or operable with this condition. It is available for inspection

Filed Sep 15, 2024 · Engine · TN

Driving on a highway engine began to shake and lose power engine had no problems prior to this all oil changes were up to date. After Engine began shaking violently pulled over on side of road no check engine light was present. Had vehicle towed where even when engine was on no check engine light. After checking the codes with ob2 reader it was determined a cylinder 1 and 2 misfire was present I replaced spark plugs and coil packs and that did not resolve the issue. It was then towed to a repair shop where they confirmed there was catastrophic engine failure including metal in the enigne there were no warning signs that this could happen the dealer and ford have been 0 help except wanting 12,000 to replace the engine