Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Ford Fusion
The 2017 Ford Fusion has notable recalls related to brake fluid leaks, steering wheel detachment, torque converter issues, and seat weld problems. These are significant concerns that affect safety and drivability. Verify these areas during inspection and test drive to ensure the car is in good condition. Overall, the Fusion can be a reliable choice if these issues are addressed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Ford Fusion has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,114 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 3 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V162000 Front Brake Hoses May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V167000 Steering Wheel may Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V427000 Torque Converter Connection may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V874000 Rear Seat Back Pivot Pins may Fail NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 396 complaints
- Power Train 314 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 133 complaints
- Electrical System 125 complaints
- Unknown or Other 103 complaints
- Steering 52 complaints
Of the 1,114 complaints on file, 37 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 1,114 complaints, owners report 30 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Brake fluid leaks
How to check: Inspect brake lines for cracks and fluid leaks
Steering wheel detachment
How to check: Test wheel for unusual play or looseness
Torque converter weld failure
How to check: Listen for unusual noise or shuddering
Rear seat weld defects
How to check: Examine rear seat for stability issues
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for steering wheel looseness
Red flag: Excessive wheel play
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Notice any shudder or hesitation
Red flag: Significant hesitation felt
- 04
City driving
What to check: Ensure brakes are firm and responsive
Red flag: Soft or delayed braking
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test rear seat stability
Red flag: Seat moves unusually
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts
Red flag: Rough or slipping shifts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the brake line recall been addressed?
- Is the steering wheel securely attached?
- Any issues with the transmission?
- Have rear seat welds been inspected?
- Service history of brake system?
- Documentation of previous recalls done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history report
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Ford Fusion? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.