The short answer
NHTSA's recall database lists 7 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2020 Ford Fusion model year, as of Oct. 12, 2026. 2017 has the most (4); the components named most often are Steering, Seats, Powertrain and Hydraulic brakes.
A recall count is not a reliability score. One campaign can cover a few hundred vehicles or more than a million, some campaigns are software updates, and recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand. For a used vehicle, the question that matters is whether that VIN's recalls have been completed: check it on NHTSA's free VIN lookup before you buy.
At a glance
Recall campaigns by model year
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most (campaigns) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | Steering (1), Seats (1), Powertrain (1) |
| 2018 | 2 | Steering (1), Hydraulic brakes (1) |
| 2019 | 3 | Electrical (1), Rear camera / backover (1), Equipment (1) |
| 2020 | 3 | Electrical (1), Rear camera / backover (1), Equipment (1) |
The campaigns that cover the most model years
| NHTSA campaign | Component | Model years covered (2017–2020) | What NHTSA says could happen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V167000 | Steering | 2017–2018 | A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V162000 | Hydraulic brakes | 2017–2018 | A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V440000 | Electrical | 2019–2020 | A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | Rear camera / backover | 2019–2020 | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. |
| 25V685000 | Equipment | 2019–2020 | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 16V874000 | Seats | 2017 | During a crash, the improper welds may fail, allowing any stowed luggage to move into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 17V427000 | Powertrain | 2017 | If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash. |
How to check a specific vehicle
- Get the 17-character VIN (windshield, door jamb or title).
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years, by VIN, free.
- If anything is open, ask the seller to have it completed before delivery, or book it with a franchised dealer of that brand. Recall repairs are free.
- Ask for the service records; a completed recall shows on the dealer repair order.
- Wisconsin used-vehicle disclosures: Wisconsin dealers disclose a used vehicle's condition on the Wisconsin Buyers Guide (Trans 139.04); ask for it and read it with the recall printout.
- Our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
Getting recall work done in Barron
Recall repairs on Ford Fusion vehicles are done at no charge by a franchised Ford dealer. Ours: Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500. Service is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (no Saturday service). Service loaners are available; ask the service department when you book.
Used Fusion checklist
Before you buy a used Fusion
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Questions
How many recalls does the Ford Fusion have?
For 2017–2020 model years, NHTSA lists 7 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 12, 2026. 2017 has the most (4). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.
Which used Fusion year has the fewest recalls?
In NHTSA's data, 2018 has the fewest (2). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.
Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Ford.
Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?
Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
