2008 Ford Fusion

Do not drive

Owners filed 1,353 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

756 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 98,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags625
16217
Service Brakes459
2303
Service Brakes, Hydraulic56
000
Power Train30
001
Engine28
012
Unknown or Other27
201
Structure › Body22
201
Structure17
000
Vehicle Speed Control14
401
Electrical System11
020

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V158000
Filed Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V081000
Filed Feb 16, 20211,067 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module19V904000
Filed Dec 18, 2019600,166 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.

Risk. If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V024000Do not drive
Filed Jan 10, 2017654,695 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V384000Do not drive
Filed May 31, 20161,892,343 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Equipment14E028000
Filed May 29, 201482,579 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain all weather driver side accessory floor mats sold for use in model year 2006-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2007-2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 9, 2007, through October 31, 2010. The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.

Risk. The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S07. NOTE: Vehicles built after October 31, 2010, while potentially equipped with the same floor mats, are equipped with a Brake Over Accelerator (BOA) feature that prevents simultaneous accelerator and brake application, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped by pressing firmly and steadily on the brake pedal.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2026NJ

I had the Ford brake recall work completed in 2023, but the same brake issue has returned. This appears to be the same HCU problem covered by the recall, and Ford is now refusing to repair it. I am concerned because this is a serious safety issue, and the recall repair did not permanently correct the problem.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 2025NC

I have been having issues with my 2008 ford fusion. I did research and found that the is a Ford customer satisfaction program( campaign # 21N11) which also goes along with recall number 19S54 and ford is refusing to fix the issues. Their lots of complaints and somethingd needs to be done ASAP before someone gets hurt cause this has to do with the brakes.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 5, 2025KS

My brake pedal drops to the floor when braking at times. Mechanics say that is my ABS module. I believe this is a very common issue with these vehicles. This has happened to me several times. Only remedy without repair is disengaging the ABS system all together. There has not been a recall on this but there has been a customer satisfaction program associated with the brake system. I tried to have mine fixed and Ford says the program has expired. I feel like braking is the most important thing you need to be on the road. This needs to be a full recall and not a satisfaction program. Thank you

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 8, 2025IL

HAVE TO PRESS DOWN HARD ON BRAKES TO SLOW OR STOP. HAD LANDMARK FORD INSPECT RECALL ISSUE & THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH BRAKES.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 21, 2024CA

Took in for two recalls to Serramonte ford, airbag recall fixed, braking issue not fixed due to as dealer put it, issues with computer system and was not given a timeframe to have it completed, vehicle was returned to me.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 14, 2024TX

Door handle is stuck/broken. Door cannot open from the inside or outside. Passengers are stuck in car.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 27, 2024TX

The vehicle brakes will engage at random intervals without the brake pedal being touched. This happens at all speeds, and even at a stop. Issue still occurs daily, and has been ongoing for 5+ years. Brake master cylinder and aux boost pump have been replaced twice with OEM parts, and three complete brake jobs (pads, calipers and rotors) in the last 5 years. At slower speeds, it manifests as a drag to forward motion. At higher speeds, the drag is more pronounced, and causes the car to decelerate. It has also caused the tires to "hop" during travel, causing loss of vehicle control. Luckily, no accidents so far. I am aware of the recall for the HCU (ABS Module) for this vehicle, but four different Ford dealerships have declined to examine closer, citing recall 19S54 as a "customer experience" issue, not a safety issue. The brake fluid replacement (DOT3 to DOT4) has been done, but dealer declined to examine or replace the HCU, citing "out of warranty".

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 15, 2024OH

This isn't an incident. I just want to report that Ford Motors will not replace the Hydraulic Control unit that is under recall for my 2008 Ford Fusion. They will only replace cars that are 15 or less years old. My car has 117,000 miles on it. Far less than the yearly average of 14,000 miles. If this truly a safety issue, then I feel that my car should be serviced under the recall. I chatted with the Ford Customer service rep and he informed me that it was safe to drive, But he did tell me to take it to a Ford dealer (of course) and that I would be financially responsible for the repair. So I own a vehicle that is under a recall, but since it's 1 year past the 15 year ownership date, Ford will not repair it under the recall. Thus any Ford owner that owns a vehicle that is older than mine is also out of luck Thank you for taking the time to read this and maybe encourage Ford to do the right thing. My car should not be any less safe than a 2010 car

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 2024CT

I want to file a safety complaint against Ford car company for their vehicle in which I purchased which is a 2008 Ford Fusion SEL for excessive and dangerous rot and rust problem on the frame and suspension and under component which can lead to accidents if one of these components fall apart . I purchased a 2008 Ford fusion SEL in Connecticut which used to be a Massachusetts state government vehicle before I've obtained it. It was well maintenance and had no flood damage. But just like a wide range of cars from Ford especially this model that I've purchased has a serious problem with excessive rust which make the car very dangerous to drive. Mind's speaking I've had to have framework done to my vehicle and change multiple suspension parts because of all the rust my transmission pan literally fell apart and all the oil came because it was so rusted. My stabilizer links and control arms have fell apart in which obstructs the steering which also caused a safety hazard for me and other people on the road. Ford has a duty to design their cars with a certain level of weather resistance. After doing research I found that there is a wide range of customers who's having the same having the same problems with this year make and model just like other vehicles that are made by ford. All the problems that stated in this complaint having verified by ASE certified mechanics that I've been working on my vehicle. The contact stated all the original metal components like control arms, tie rods

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 17, 202479,259 milesMO

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hydroplaned, and the anti-lock brakes engaged and disengaged. The brake pedal became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle had passed testing. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving the vehicle, the brake pedal was squishy and would depress to the floorboard. The contact stated that the solenoid was stuck open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 79,259.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 16, 2024CA

The dashboard has warped. The seems on the dashboard around the passenger side airbag cover have become partially unattached to the rest of the dashboard and have caused an opening above passenger side airbag that may allow for debris/dirt to enter into safety equipment and could potentially lead to serious hazards to person if airbag unit deploys. The plastic vent and sensor under the windshield located in the very top front of the dashboard has cracked and has also become dislodged and lifteb from dashboard housing and can pose safety issues if in a collision. There is also some notable brittleness arising in the dashboard material. The warping of the dashboard and its components pose strong safety concerns and a risk to service departments doing recall repairs for manufacturers. There are many similar vehicles produced by this manufacturer during this time that have had same dashboard failures and at the very least it was been the root of stress anxiety for owners and repair dealerships.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 1, 202368,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The message that the engine was overheated was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked into the compression chamber and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 28, 2023GA

I just bought this car and the brakes do not feel right when i go to stop. They are new and i got them changed today and it still makes a pop noise.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2023MI

I discovered my drivers rear brake light bulb melted in their socket. The socket themselves are burnt black and the drivers side tail light case has been hot enough to melt. A quick search on the Internet turns up a lot more chatter about this same issue. Even scarier is the fact that this happening with zero warning. No blown fuse, no codes, nothing to indicate your frying stuff in the back at all. The dealership denies hearing anything , Ford denies hearing anything, even though it's happening all over the country and I found at least five other complaints listed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administratiion. I took car in for oil change and discovered this but want $250 for repair and no guarantee it won't happen again. I'm a senior with limited income and it's a 2008 Ford fusion SE HELP NEED RECALL!

Power Train
Filed Apr 17, 2023143,300 milesGA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was a squealing sound coming from underneath the dashboard. The vehicle was hard shifting while accelerating or while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 8-times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in TSB Number: 10052190 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 143,300. The repairs were made at the owner's expense in the amount of $2196.46.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2023TN

Driving around 55 and put brakes on and went 3/4 to floor like they were out. 2 other people experienced the same. HCA Unit must be bad or corrosive. I read online about this. Ford has extended warranty recall and sent letter and fluid changed 14 yes later. We'll that's a little late cause obviously unit bad now. Ford dealer will not replace cause can't duplicate problem. If I wreck, Ford is liable for 4 to 5 people in car. Common sense would be REPLACE PART!!!

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 8, 202373,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact was unsure if a warning light was illuminated. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times, and the brake pedal started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test; however, the dealer stated that no failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 28, 2023VA

Transmission slipping

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 21, 2023TN

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 9, 202398,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the trunk latch was inoperable. The failure nearly caused the trunk to slam on her hand. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

20 of 1,353 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2020180330Routine
2019314300Above average
2018438210Above average
20171,109480Above average
20161,6201360High concern
20159931350Above average
20141,3301990High concern
20131,79019901Fatalities reported
20122,514693Do not drive
20112,7859101Do not drive
20105,1271391Do not drive
20091,022750Do not drive
2008 — this page1,353660Do not drive
20071,064551Do not drive
2006730540Do not drive

Compare every Fusion year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 10, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.