Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2017 Ford Fusion pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2017 Ford Fusion
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2017 Ford Fusion
S / SE / Titanium / Sport / Hybrid (2nd-gen North American Fusion, 2013-2020)
Watchful

The Fusion is a well-built, attractive midsize sedan. The 1.5L EcoBoost has a documented cylinder 3 coolant loss issue — the 2.0T is the preferred powertrain and avoids this. Hybrid models are reliable but HV battery should be checked above 100k miles. The Fusion was discontinued in 2020, making used supply abundant and prices attractive.

Items to check
13
Open recalls
5
NHTSA complaints
240
Top concern
1.5T coolant loss / door handle cable failure

Powertrain

1.5L EcoBoost coolant loss (cylinder 3)

High Attention
Documented cylinder head micro-failure on the 1.5T in Fusion/Escape allows coolant to disappear without external leak. White smoke on warmup is the symptom.
Check coolant level cold before starting. Any unexplained loss = suspect head gasket. White exhaust smoke confirms.
Est. cost: $1,800–$3,500 cylinder head replacement Source: Ford 1.5T CD4 platform issue

2.0T EcoBoost — preferred powertrain

Low Risk
The 2.0T does not share the 1.5T coolant issue and is the stronger used pick.
Standard check — no specific failure mode.
Est. cost: Maintenance only Source: Ford 2.0T record

Hybrid HV battery health

Monitor
Lithium-ion HV battery degrades past 100k miles on Fusion Hybrid.
Test fuel economy in mixed driving — should achieve 38–42 mpg.
Est. cost: $2,500–$5,500 HV battery Source: Hybrid battery wear pattern

Body

Door handle cable failure

Monitor
Exterior door handle cable breaks — door cannot be opened from outside.
Open all four doors from outside repeatedly.
Est. cost: $100–$250 per cable Source: Common Fusion complaint

Transmission

6F35 / 6F50 fluid condition

Monitor
Shudder at light throttle 30–45 mph = fluid contamination.
Test light-throttle highway acceleration.
Est. cost: $300–$500 fluid flush Source: Ford 6F service pattern

Electrical

SYNC 3 infotainment

Low Risk
SYNC 3 is reliable. Early builds had CarPlay connectivity issues resolved by OTA update.
Test all functions including CarPlay and backup camera.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: Ford software campaigns

Documentation

Engine variant check + recall verification

High Attention
Identify 1.5T vs 2.0T before purchase, then close out the four campaigns that apply to this car. Two are the ones that matter on a used lot: 18V-167 (steering wheel retaining bolt, 2014-2018) and 23V-162 (front brake jounce hoses, 2013-2018 non-hybrid). 17V-427 is 2.0L-only. 16V-874 covers 25 cars built over two days in Sept 2016.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require 18V-167 and 23V-162 closed in writing before purchase. Coolant check on 1.5T.
Est. cost: Walk away from 1.5T with unexplained coolant loss Source: NHTSA campaigns 16V-874 / 17V-427 / 18V-167 / 23V-162

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

16V-874
Left Rear Seat Back Pivot Pins
Insufficient weld penetration on second-row left seat back; may not retain cargo in a crash. Only 25 cars, built Sept 27-28 2016 at Hermosillo. Ford 16S43.
17V-427
Torque Converter Weld Studs (2.0L)
Inadequately welded studs can separate the converter from the flexplate and the car loses the ability to move. 2017 2.0L EcoBoost with the 6F35. Ford 17S16.
18V-167
Steering Wheel May Detach
Steering wheel retaining bolt can lose torque and back out. 2014-2018 Fusion, 1.3 million cars. Remedy is a longer bolt. Ford 18S08.
23V-162
Front Brake Jounce Hoses May Rupture
Hose can rupture and leak brake fluid, extending stopping distance. 2013-2018 non-hybrid Fusion, 1.28 million cars. Ford 23S12.
Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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