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2017 Ford Fusion transmission problems

315 complaints (28% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
315
of this car's complaints
28%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
5
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Shift linkage/cable/rod
    4
  • Automatic transmission
    4
  • Automatic transmission: torque converter
    2
  • Driveline: differential unit
    1
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    1
  • Automatic transmission: internal: bearings/bushings
    1
  • Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fusion transmission problems in other years

2006201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Ford Fusion transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't shift 47Transmission failure 39Hesitation 31Jerking 31Shudder 19Harsh shifting 11Slipping 7Rollaway 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: torque converterReported July 6, 2017 · 6,026 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 17V427000 · Recall details

What 2017 Ford Fusion owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Recurring whining, rattling, and grinding noise coming from under the engine/transmission area of my 2017 Ford Fusion Energi (HF35 hybrid transmission). The noise is present in all gear ranges, including Neutral while the vehicle is moving, but not in Park. No warning lights or trouble codes. The transmission has already been replaced once for this same issue, and the noise has come back. This matches the known HF35 differential and transfer shaft bearing failure pattern (Ford TSB 22-2396, SSM 50744). I am on disability (SSDI) and this vehicle is my primary means of transportation.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The shift cable bushing on my 2017 Ford Fusion SE (VIN: [XXX]) failed and disintegrated, causing the shift selector to bind and disconnect from the transmission linkage. The gear selector shows Park while the transmission remains engaged in gear, creating a severe rollaway hazard. This matches the exact failure mechanism of the federal safety agency Recall Campaign 22S43 / 21V‑376, but Ford claims this specific VIN was excluded from the recall scope INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · SC

The automatic transmission failed at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ford dealership on 09/04/2025 for warranty repair. The transmission was replaced. The vehicle remained at that dealership approximately eight months and was returned to me on or about 05/01/2026. After return, a grinding and clunking noise was present when accelerating, turning, braking and going over bumps. A power steering line failed within days of return and emitted smoke from the front of the vehicle while driving. A "Shift System Fault" message began appearing when shifting into reverse and continues to appear intermittently. The same dealership performed three further repair visits. Their repair orders document multiple loose bolts holding the transmission mount to the transmission, an improperly installed exhaust, and a loose right hand CV shaft nut. On 08/14/2026 I took the vehicle to a second, unaffiliated authorized Ford dealership for an independent inspection. On a lift they found all four subframe bolts loose, the right front subframe bolt not fully seated and cross threaded so that it could not be tightened further, and the four smaller rear subframe bolts missing entirely. They also documented that no one-time-use fasteners had been billed on the original transmission repair. They tightened the loose bolts, replaced the cross threaded bolt, installed the four missing bolts, and confirmed by road test that the noise was eliminated. The subframe carries the engine, transmission and front suspension. The vehicle was driven approximately 1,700 miles over roughly three months, including highway driving, in this condition before the loose and missing fasteners were found. Repair orders from both dealerships are available for inspection.

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 22, 2026 · Transmission · LA

I was driving my 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum on my way home and the wrench light came on and said check manual when i looked in my app the only thing that was in the maintenance was my 90k maintenance . my car is driving fine no RPM jumping no smoking no burning smell no shaking nothing ( the wrench light was off when i cranked it to take my daughter to work Saturday morning ) well Saturday on my way home from bring my daughter to work my check engine light came on still my car is driving fine when i looked in my Ford App at the check engine light warning which was these two warnings The transmission control system has detected the transmission torque converter clutch is not operating as expected. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert .A reduction in vehicle fuel economy may also occur when the fault is present. The transmission control module has detected that the torque converter clutch failed to apply. This system failsafe logic disables the torque converter clutch when this condition is present. This results in a higher than normal engine RPM's during higher vehicle cruising speeds and reduced fuel economy. now my car is still driving fine. i took it to auto zone to put the computer on it and it read this code P0741 which gives this Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off, which indicates that the vehicle's computer commanded the torque converter clutch to lock up, but it is failing to do so. i took it to our ford dealer ship and he stated oh yes you need a whole new transmission which is 7200$ do you want to pay now .... Im shocked that my car would need a new transmission... i have seen recalls for Torque Converter for the fusion .. but my vin is not showing this recall is there anyone else experiencing this

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 16, 2026 · Transmission · IN

The transmission shifter cable bushing on my 2017 Ford Fusion has failed and completely disconnected from the transmission housing on two separate occasions.When this happens, the gear shifter inside the cabin operates freely, but the transmission fails to engage the selected gear. The vehicle shows it is in "Park" on the dash, but the actual transmission remains stuck in Drive or Reverse. This creates an immediate and severe rollaway risk and unintended vehicle movement, as the vehicle cannot be safely secured. Ford previously issued Safety Recall 22S43 for millions of 2013–2016 Fusions for this exact identical defect (degraded Hytrel 4556 shifter bushings). Despite utilizing the same design and experiencing identical, dangerous failures, the 2017 model year was excluded. the federal safety agency needs to investigate and force Ford to expand Recall 22S43 to include the 2017 model year before an injury occurs.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

2017 Ford Fusion. Transmission replaced February 2026 at 98,175 miles by independent repair facility. Check engine light illuminated immediately following replacement and has remained on continuously since. Autozone scan showed emissions-related code only. On August 28, 2026 at approximately 120,064 miles, orange wrench light and "See Manual" message appeared moments after hot restart. Acceleration became heavy and hesitant. Drove approximately 70 miles home via I-15; heavy traffic required engine shutdown at multiple stops. Following morning, wrench light was no longer illuminated but hesitation persisted. Using manual paddle shift to select 5th gear improved drivability. Replacement transmission accumulated approximately 22,000 miles over 6 months. Ford Motor Company has issued multiple recalls for 2013-2016 model year Fusions involving identical transmission, shifter cable bushing, and torque converter defects, but 2017 model year vehicles with identical 6F35 transmissions and failure symptoms have been excluded from all campaigns. No crash, fire, or injury occurred.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Flexplate cracked 5 months ago, and now it has cracked again. This is due to troqeu converting failure and faulty transmission mounts.

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.

Questions about the 2017 Ford Fusion transmission

Does the 2017 Ford Fusion have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 315 complaints about the transmission of the 2017 Ford Fusion, 28% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Fusion transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Fusion transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V427000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Fusion have bad transmission?

The Ford Fusion model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (894 complaints), 2017 (315 complaints) and 2016 (311 complaints).

Other 2017 Ford Fusion problems

Engine 500Electrical 125Brakes 102Steering 52Fuel system 37Airbags 28Wheels 24Driver assistance 18Acceleration 16Visibility 14Lights 9Seat belts 7Body 6Suspension 6Seats 4Locks 2

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