2017 Ford Fusion: engine stalls while driving

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 Jun 18, 2026 · Engine · UT

1.5 liter ecoboost engine has a coolant intrusion problem into the cylinder to due a design flaw. Problem can cause several problems: loosing coolant and causing the engine to overheat, causing misfire in the cylinders, and can cause the engine to stallwhich has happened several time on me. The engine should be recalled as a safety concern for stalling, it has stalled on the I15 in Utah several times

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 31, 2025 · Engine · 136,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal slushing sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered violently, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and powertrain warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

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 Jul 1, 2025 · Transmission · 111,700 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

Just got my car I’m financing (used) It’s been giving me problems since I got it slow acceleration, overheat . , engine stalling Start and go Option isn’t working . Can I have a professional assist me with a recall maintenance please

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · 78,900 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not included in TSB: 22-2134 (Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GDI Engine – Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,900.

Filed Mar 16, 2025 · Engine · MO · fire

Engine overheats. Stalls while driving. Seizes up. Coolant intrusion

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 86,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The message to clean around the gas cap was displayed. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and was vibrating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the sound was coming from the fuel tank flap. The contact stated that while pushing the fuel tank flap, the contact felt a significant air pressure, and the failure ceased after the flap was closed; however, the failure recurred while the flap was not completely closed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling and the vehicle stalled while at a traffic light. The contact stated there was black smoke coming from the tailpipe. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EVAP system was leaking, and the EVAP canister control valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Engine · 50,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Engine · 47,254 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated and that the hood of the vehicle was trembling while an abnormal sound came from the engine upon starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving the vehicle at various speeds the engine would stall. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the failure was attributed to coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 and that the entire engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,254.