If you’re hunting for a used midsize sedan, the 2017 Ford Fusion SE is probably all over your search results. It’s everywhere. Honestly, Ford sold so many of these things that the used market is basically saturated with them, which is great for your wallet but kinda confusing when you’re trying to figure out if you’re buying a gem or a total headache.
The 2017 model year was actually a pretty big deal for the Fusion. It wasn’t just a carryover. This was the year Ford gave it a facelift, updated the tech, and messed around with the engine options to keep it competitive against the Camry and Accord. But here's the thing: not every 2017 Ford Fusion SE is created equal. Depending on which engine is tucked under that Aston Martin-style grille, you’re either getting a reliable commuter or a car that might spend more time at the mechanic than in your driveway.
The Engine Lottery: Why the 1.5L EcoBoost is a Gamble
You’ve gotta be careful here. Most 2017 Ford Fusion SE models you'll find on the lot come with one of three engines. There’s the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is basically a dinosaur. It’s slow. It’s loud. But man, it’s hard to kill. If you just want to get from point A to point B without worrying about turbochargers blowing up, that’s the one.
Then there’s the 1.5-liter EcoBoost.
This is where things get dicey. This specific engine has been the subject of some pretty serious talk in mechanic circles and online forums like Blue Oval Forums. The big issue? Coolant intrusion. Basically, a design flaw in the engine block can allow coolant to leak into the cylinders. It starts as a misfire or a "Check Engine" light and can end with you needing a completely new long block. If you’re looking at a 2017 Ford Fusion SE with the 1.5L, you absolutely have to check the service history for any mentions of coolant loss or engine replacement.
If you want power, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is the sweet spot. It’s punchy. It makes the Fusion feel way more expensive than it actually is. It doesn't suffer from the same widespread structural issues as the smaller 1.5L, though you’ll pay a bit more at the pump for that extra zip.
Inside the Cabin: SYNC 3 and the Rotary Shifter
The 2017 refresh brought one change that people either love or absolutely despise: the rotary gear shift dial. Instead of a traditional lever, you've got a chrome-rimmed knob on the center console. It opens up a lot of space for cup holders and storage, which is nice, but it feels weird the first few times you use it. You'll find yourself reaching for a handle that isn't there.
But the real MVP of the 2017 Ford Fusion SE interior is the jump to SYNC 3.
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Before 2017, Ford’s infotainment was... well, it was a mess. MyFord Touch was glitchy and frustrating. SYNC 3 changed that. It’s faster, the interface is cleaner, and—most importantly—it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a car that's now nearly a decade old, having that seamless smartphone integration makes the 2017 model feel surprisingly modern. If the SE you’re looking at has the 8-inch touchscreen, you’re golden. If it has the tiny 4.2-inch screen with all the physical buttons, you’re going to feel like you’re driving a time capsule from 2012.
The seats are actually pretty comfortable for long hauls. Ford used a "Duratec" fabric on the SE trim that holds up surprisingly well against stains and wear. Even with 100,000 miles on the clock, a well-cared-for Fusion interior doesn't usually look like a disaster zone.
Driving Dynamics: Is it Actually Fun?
Actually, yeah. It is.
The Fusion was built on Ford’s CD4 platform, which was designed to be a "world car." That means it has some European DNA in the suspension tuning. While a 2017 Toyota Camry feels like driving a very reliable cloud, the Fusion has some weight to the steering. It goes where you point it. The independent rear suspension handles bumps without that annoying "rebound" feel you get in cheaper compact cars.
- Steering: Electric power-assisted, but feels surprisingly natural.
- Noise: Ford used a lot of acoustic glass and sound deadening in the SE Luxury package, so it's quiet on the highway.
- Brakes: They’re firm. Not "sports car" firm, but they don't feel mushy.
One thing to watch out for is the 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission. It’s not a dual-clutch disaster like the Focus had, but it’s known for "harsh shifts," especially between second and third gear. If you’re test driving a 2017 Ford Fusion SE and it feels like it’s hesitating or "clunking" when you accelerate from a stop, walk away. That’s a sign of valve body wear or solenoid issues that can cost a couple thousand bucks to fix.
Real-World Reliability and Common Headaches
Let's talk about the stuff that actually breaks. Beyond the engine issues I mentioned, the 2017 Fusion has a few "personality quirks."
The lug nuts are a weird one. Ford used two-piece "swollen" lug nuts that have a chrome cap over a steel core. Over time, moisture gets between the two layers, the metal swells, and your standard lug wrench won't fit anymore. If you get a flat tire on the side of the road and you still have the factory lug nuts, you might be stranded. Most owners just swap them out for one-piece solid steel ones for about $50. It's a cheap fix, but annoying if you don't know about it.
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Then there's the backup camera. It’s pretty common for the image to get distorted or just go black. Usually, it's a wiring harness issue in the trunk lid because the wires get pinched every time you open and close the trunk.
Also, keep an eye on the battery. The Fusion is very "electrically heavy." If the battery starts to get weak, the car starts acting possessed. You’ll get random warning lights for the hill-start assist or the power steering. Often, it’s not a mechanical failure; the computer just isn't getting enough voltage.
Fuel Economy Reality Check
Don't believe the window sticker entirely. The 1.5L EcoBoost was marketed as the fuel-sipper, but in the real world, that tiny engine has to work really hard to move a 3,500-pound sedan. Most drivers report getting around 24-26 MPG in mixed driving. If you do a lot of city stop-and-go, expect that to drop closer to 20 MPG.
The 2.5L non-turbo engine is actually pretty similar in terms of efficiency because it doesn't have to stay "on boost" to keep up with traffic. If you're buying this car specifically to save money on gas, you might be better off looking at the Fusion Hybrid, but that’s a different beast entirely with its own set of battery-related concerns.
Safety and Tech That Still Holds Up
For 2017, Ford pushed a lot of driver-assist tech down to the SE trim through various "Equipment Groups." You can find SE models with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and even adaptive cruise control.
The IIHS gave the 2017 Fusion a "Top Safety Pick" rating (when equipped with optional front crash prevention). It’s a solid tank. It feels heavy in a good way. In an era where some newer cars feel like they’re made of recycled soda cans, the Fusion has a substantial, safe feel to it. That's a big reason why these are still popular for teenage drivers or families on a budget.
What You Should Check Before Buying
If you're looking at a 2017 Ford Fusion SE today, you need a specific checklist. Don't just kick the tires.
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- Check the VIN for Recalls: Ford issued several for this year, including one for a shifter cable bushing that could degrade and cause the car to roll away even if it looks like it's in Park. Make sure that's been fixed.
- The "Tailpipe Sniff": On a cold start, check for white smoke. If you see it and it smells sweet (like maple syrup), that’s burning coolant. Run.
- Transmission Fluid: Ask when it was last changed. These transmissions hate old, dirty fluid. If it’s never been touched and the car has 120,000 miles, changing it now might actually cause more problems than it solves.
- The Headlights: The 2017 SE used projector halogen bulbs. They’re... okay. But they tend to burn out faster than LEDs. Check the housings for any signs of melting or moisture.
The Bottom Line on the 2017 SE
The 2017 Ford Fusion SE is a bit of a "middle child." It’s better than the early models but carries some of the baggage of Ford’s transition into turbocharging everything.
Is it a good car? Yes, if you get the right version.
The "perfect" 2017 Fusion SE is one with the 2.0L EcoBoost or the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, the 202A equipment group (which gives you the leather seats and SYNC 3), and a documented history of transmission fluid changes. Avoid the 1.5L unless it has a brand-new engine with the updated block design.
It still looks sharp. It still drives better than a used Nissan Altima or Chevy Malibu from the same era. Just go in with your eyes open about the potential for engine and transmission quirks.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a 2017 Ford Fusion SE, your first move shouldn't be to the dealership. Start by pulling a vehicle history report like Carfax or AutoCheck. Look specifically for "Fleet" use—many of these were rental cars. Rentals aren't always bad, but they usually had a harder life than a single-owner car.
Next, find a local independent mechanic who knows Fords. Ask them to do a pressurized coolant system test. This is the only way to be 100% sure the engine isn't hiding a coolant intrusion issue. It’ll cost you maybe $100, but it could save you $6,000 in engine replacement costs down the road.
Finally, check the tire wear. The Fusion is sensitive to alignment. If the inside edges of the tires are bald, it likely needs new rear control arms or at least a professional alignment. Negotiate that into the price. If the seller won't budge, move on—there are thousands of these cars out there, and you can afford to be picky.