FaultScore

2017 Ford Fusion electrical problems

124 of the 1,386 complaints about the 2017 Ford Fusion are about the electrical system — 9% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 29,500 miles.

A

124

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 119 96.0%
12V/24V/48V Battery 1 0.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 1 0.8%
Speedometer/Odometer 1 0.8%
Software 1 0.8%
Spark Plugs 1 0.8%

Electrical System across every Ford Fusion year

2006 71 4.3%
2007 55 3.3%
2008 28 1.7%
2009 23 1.4%
2010 324 19.6%
2011 203 12.3%
2012 163 9.9%
2013 160 9.7%
2014 158 9.6%
2015 102 6.2%
2016 145 8.8%
2017 124 7.5%
2018 26 1.6%
2019 35 2.1%
2020 37 2.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Brattleboro, VT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 7/8/2026, the vehicle became undriveable. Placing the vehicle in reverse on the shidfter dial using registered a conflicting direction on the dashboard indicator. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and the repair consisted of replacing the shift cable bushing. This was the same fix required in recalls 18S20 & 22V413. On 7/9/2026 the issue was verified by a Ford dealership tech. I was advised that the protective cap is now contained in the repair kit with the shift cable bushing. A brief fleeting warning on the screen indicated a "Shift Fault - See Manual" or words to that effect. The manual only seemed to reference a "Steering Fault" Ford HQ was notified - Reference No: CXH-08533100

NHTSA complaint #11749428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pensacola, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The door entry control numbers are on all the time now which will cause the battery to drain if the car is not driven daily. It says that water from a car wash or rain has gotten in behind the door control panel.

NHTSA complaint #11747581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Irving, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Fusion. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 119,966, but during a repair, it was discovered that the mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntsville, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle's electrical system intermittently fails while driving. The entire instrument cluster and electronics shut off (speedometer, gauges, and all warning indicators go dark) while the engine continues running. On one occasion this occurred at night on a highway, with sudden loss of dashboard and electrical function until the vehicle could be pulled to safety, rendering the vehicle essentially invisible. The failure has worsened over time and now includes audible relay clicking near the center console and failed remote-start commands. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealer. After multiple prior visits where the dealer could not reproduce the fault, the dealer verified the concern and connected a scan tool, finding that all modules on the HS1-CAN communication bus stopped communicating. The dealer checked technical service bulletins, performed pinpoint tests, and verified connector pin fitment. The dealer's diagnosis is a failed Gateway Module, with replacement recommended. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Warning symptoms preceding the failures include the dashboard going dark, electronics resetting, fault codes appearing on restart, and remote start malfunctioning. This is a serious safety risk: loss of the instrument cluster, lighting, and electrical systems while driving, particularly at highway speed and at night, eliminates the driver's ability to monitor speed and warning indicators and can result in loss of visibility. This failure pattern is widely reported by owners of this model and appears consistent with Gateway Module defects addressed by recall on newer model-year Fusion vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11739613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbridge, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Horn, randomly sounds off

NHTSA complaint #11719591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear camera all of a sudden stops working and says "rear camera not available", creating unsafe conditions when backing up. Common issue on Ford Fusions, for which there's a recall recently announced for the 2016 model year but not for 2017, even though same signs and symptoms and vehicle otherwise. Could you please investigate.

NHTSA complaint #11717723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lincoln Park, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My backup camera on my 2017 ford fusion failed causing a blue screen on my infotainment screen camera is faulty and is a common issue among other vin numbers using the same part

NHTSA complaint #11714470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11707501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen st Mary, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In our 2017 Ford Fusion, the back up camera sometimes says "unavailable at this time" (or something close to that) when put in reverse. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety is put at risk for multiple parties - the driver/owner, individual(s)/property behind the vehicle, insurance companies, and potentially others as the total view between mirrors and the backup camera is compromised. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealership as it is out of warranty. I see where Ford has a recall on some of these, so I checked both NHTSA and Ford websites, and it says this vehicle is ineligible for repair. However, we are experiencing this problem from time to time, most recently 2 days ago when our [XXX] old was driving it. He called to let us know what the camera was doing. I believe having a safety device glitching is unnacceptable, and I would like to see Ford resolve this issue for not just my car but all of them having a KNOWN issue! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11707084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dover, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Leaking fluids

NHTSA complaint #11691648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chandler, AZ Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA 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

NHTSA complaint #11685483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Drexel Hill, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What malfunctioned- Car did not give any notice that it was in engine failure for months other than under performing and upon taking it to the ford dealership was never helped with the problem they took money for an oil change and works package but failed to make sure my car was safe. My car was a safety hazard bc it gave zero warning that it was loosing power and when the engine did fail I knew something had been wrong for almost a year and felt it went ignored by Ford and was taken advantage of. The product has been confirmed by multiple mechanics that what causes it is the hose cracks and thus the engine coolant wrecks a working engine. Ford knows it’s a problem but isn’t acknowledging it and makes more money off of parts.

NHTSA complaint #11675481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lisbon, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I believe my 2017 ford fusion should be included in the recall for the BECM for the 2019-2020 because my charging port has a sticker with QR code and ( CD391 PHEV ) and I keep having intermittent problems with the Battery Energy Control Module

NHTSA complaint #11654262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carthage, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I obtained my vehicle on Lease in 2017 with 40K miles from Ford of Branford CT. When off lease I purchased it outright. I still own the vehicle and am still having Two main problems, One since almost the beginning. The First is the automatic seat control(driver's). This system would periodically push the driver into the Steering Wheel. I brought it into that dealership several times for that reason, while still in CT. They did claim to get it to stop doing this with some resets, but over time it continued. Around 2020, the vehicle began going totally dead. Initially it was determined to be the Starting Battery. My concern was it to ba a Compiter or Power drain problem. Several batteries and Dealership visits didn't solve it. I moved to SC in May 2022. These problems continued there, where Cox Ford of Southern Pines took over. After more Service visits the only answer was a BAD BATTERY. Recently, after returning from Vacation and having to jump start the vehicle two times, I had several conversations with the service department. Finally a new Service writer found some information. A Technical Service Bulletin described how in this vehicle, how under seat wiring for the automatic seats, were becoming frayed and shorting on metal rails.(182025A). Also another for Battery Drain (SSM 50250). My Automotive background (which I no longer do) Tells me that electric seat wiring, grounding against seat rails could cause the Battery to be Draining. I believe they could be connected.

NHTSA complaint #11637769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,000 miles Powhatan, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11633352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Milford, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 12v battery on my 2017 Fusion Energi titanium has failed every 6-10 months since buying the car new. Each failure is at best, inconvenient and expensive, however on multiple occasion it resulted a dangerous situation that compounded, knocking out fuses for components which manage power steering and other components. It was extremely difficult to pull over safely with my two young children and we were left stranded until we had a replacement battery delivered on the freeway. Ford knows this is a problem and says that it’s because the car is designed without a alternator and then changed the warranty coverage on the batteries from 3 to 2 years because of how much money they’ve been losing on replacements with warranty tolling.

NHTSA complaint #11630232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,500 miles Cincinnati, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact connected the battery to the charger and the dead cell warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that even though the vehicle was not started, the gear shifter independently switched from park and reverse. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the vehicle rolled backwards several feet. The contact stated that the failure almost caused him to be pinned up against the wall of the garage, where the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 33,500.

NHTSA complaint #11613467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaumont, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My brakes are faulty sometimes I’m not able to stop like I should. I also have transmission problems. When I put the car into reverse or drive I hear a loud boom. It is getting worse by the day. I see that the transmission is on a recall as well.

NHTSA complaint #11609596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Garwood, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Shift system failure. 2023 replace plastic piece that was not a recall on 27 but was a recall on all other models. Last week shift system failure $706 to replace shifter picked up car Saturday. Today car is being towed back for shift system failure again. Car will not go out of park. I have all receipts and invoices from.

NHTSA complaint #11602779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plainfield, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased this vehicle in late 2017 and immediately experienced an electrical issue that de-charged the battery. It was less than two weeks after my initial purchase. Since then, I have been stranded several times, inconvenienced, and frustrated by the level of service I received at Liccardi Ford in Watchung NJ. I have replaced this battery 4 other times since the initial replacement. This is clearly an electrical defect that NO ONE at Ford wishes to acknowledge. Instead of pouring more money into this vehicle or filing a legal claim, I contact the FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS LINE (Spoke with someone name William) who failed to be considerate of my particular situation. This has been happening to me as a Ford customer for 7 years!!!!. In that time frame, I replaced the battery 5 times. That is not normal. I would to report that this is a defect and a recallable issues. Ford should have accepted this issue as a recallable defect years ago. Please see this and many other reported electrical issues with the Ford Fusion: [XXX] Any support would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11585048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,244 miles Cary, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The shift dial (park, neutral, drive, reverse), makes a continuous spin noise like it's stuck and trying to turn, but can't. This is the second time this is happening. I had it fixed the first time at the Ford dealership, and was short one year in the Recall group. 2017 year should have been included in that recall. After they fixed it, now the issue has returned. This issue results in the driver not being able to move in reverse. Therefore, you're stuck and unable to back up if needed. There are no warning lights. The only warning you get is when the rattling noise starts.

NHTSA complaint #11584373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Panorama City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.

NHTSA complaint #11573680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Rotary "Dial Shifter" keeps coming on while the vehicle is turned off as well as making a gear sound saying it's not in park when it is. I have had the vehicle for a month and I've had to jump the car 5 times already as it will come on and stay on. I looked it up and some fushions were recalled for it with the issue of that and the cd player and rear speakers making noise. Trying to see if another recall can be issued on more of the fusions.

NHTSA complaint #11553648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,960 miles California City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Turbocharger leaked oil into the engine causing irreparable damage to the engine. Oil leaking cause engine failure, smoke coming out of the tailpipe, several blown gaskets and steering wheel malfunction. Cars computer system froze, enabling vehicle to move forward. Motor mounts were faulty, loose and unstable. Grinding sounds coming from wheels, vehicle alignment is unsteady. Issues with this vehicle previously reported under NHTSA ID #11534780 updated information being reported after repairs have been repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11545312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1). 3 days after purchasing the vehicle I wasn't sure but I could tell that something was wrong so I called my husband and told him while driving the car that something was wrong and he needs to notify the dealership. 2). 5 days after purchasing the vehicle I went into a grocery store. When I came out the car was on/running, all by itself. 3). Additional problems occurring on a daily basis with the vehicle which lets me know that it's electrical problems are as follows: A. The vehicle randomly turns on and off all by itself, this is very hazardous. B). The headlights also randomly do not work while driving the car, day or night, which is very hazardous for both me and my clientele, as I am a Lyft driver. C). The interior lighting on the console and dashboard become dim or do not turn on at all, day or night. D). While driving the vehicle it does not always accelerate properly, which is very hazardous in traffic. E). The Bluetooth system connects and disconnects itself randomly. F). The air and heating system randomly turn on and off without being touched. G). Charging my phone in the vehicle is also challenging as it does not always work. H). Bluetooth radio stereo system is continuously problematic, volume randomly increases and decreases and turns on and off by itself, even with the vehicle completely shut down. I). After locking the doors, everything inside the car does not completely turn off. Interior lighting sometimes turns off and on separately, and it can take up to 30 minutes for the dashboard lighting to go off. J). The instrument panel often makes some sort of sound/noise and the gear shifter dial will aluminate even though the car is off/completely shut down. K). While driving, front windshield defogger will randomly turns on, causing the windshield to fog up, distorting vision, which is very hazardous. L). Dashboard vents emit an extreme amount of heat even though both heater and air conditioner are completely off.

NHTSA complaint #11545086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,500 miles Roseville, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:SPARK PLUGS

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while reversing from a the driveway, the vehicle was sputtering as if the cylinders had misfired. When the vehicle was shifted into drive, there was slow acceleration. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that spark plugs misfire in cylinder 2. The independent mechanic advised the contact to go to the dealer because it was an engine issue. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a spark plug misfire in cylinder 2. The vehicle was not repaired due to a fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The failure mileage was 98,500.

NHTSA complaint #11537728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

California City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car started smoking out of nowhere, smoke was coming out of the tail pipe. My cars check engine light begin to blink. The whole entire car begin to shake. It was making a rattling sound, the car begin to slow down on its own, even though I was pressing the gas. It wouldn’t go any faster than 65 miles an hour as the car begin to shake and make a loud rattling noise. My AC went out all of a sudden this was two hours after getting it serviced.

NHTSA complaint #11534780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fontana, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to transmission issues from what in hearing. The cars front end locked up while i was driving. I could not push the car out of the steeet. It is stuck in park. Luckily I wasn't on the freeway. But I was on a busy street and the police had to block the road.

NHTSA complaint #11533340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sweetwater, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car dies and fuel tank honks all the time even while putting gas in it won’t start or will die it happens at red lights all the time I have a hard time grit to start back up it’s very dangerous

NHTSA complaint #11529964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,275 miles Asheville, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted out of gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the passenger's and driver's side windows failed to operate as needed. The contact also noticed excessive fluid underneath the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed unknown repairs to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11519050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Ford Fusion problems

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