2017 Ford Fusion: hesitation when accelerating

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 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 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 Aug 15, 2025 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and hesitated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and three independent mechanics, and was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start and was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed May 2, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · IL

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting, with the message "Coolant Level Low" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced coolant intrusion and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Engine · 74,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion into one of the cylinders. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer but was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine · 138,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shifted out of gear independently. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 174,000 miles · VA

There is a recall on 2017 Ford Fusion's torque converter. I currently have a 2017 Ford Fusion. After inspection at a Ford service dealership, the "torque converter clutch internally failed filling the transmission filter with metal debris and starving the pump for fluid causing debris to go throughout the transmission." The problem with this, is that even though it's list as a recall for ,y specific car, the recall is not listed under my VIN number. This inspection was done on December 17, 2024. The safety of myself and children were put at risk when my car hesitated to accelerate on multiple occurrences on busy roads and intersections. The problem has been reproduced by a Ford dealer and has also been inspected by a Ford service dealership. There were no warning lights on indicating that there was a problem.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Engine · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The contact later observed that the coolant reservoir was empty though it had been refilled the day before. The blank warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into the engine resulted in irreparable damage. The contact was informed that a replacement engine was required. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then lurched forward while responding. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Dec 11, 2024 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving 60 MPH and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding and instead decelerated. The contact attempted to exit the highway however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed while attempting to merge over to the exit ramp. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 120,000.