RoadVitals

2008 Ford Fusion Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
542
Latest Jul 21, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
40%
of 1,353 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
29
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Ford Fusion submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 542 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

The 25 most recent of 542, in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11751872
Incident
Jul 21, 2026
Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11684088
Incident
Aug 30, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jul 5, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11671375
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Brakes
Filed Feb 8, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11641534
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed Oct 21, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11621078
Incident
Sep 11, 2024
Brakes
Filed Sep 27, 2024

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".

NHTSA ID
11616815
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Brakes
Filed Jan 17, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11565926
Incident
Oct 1, 2023
Mileage
79,259 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 28, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11529277
Incident
Jun 28, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2023

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!!!

NHTSA ID
11511375
Incident
Mar 11, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11510773
Incident
Aug 8, 2022
Mileage
73,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11508307
Incident
Dec 18, 2019
Brakes
Filed Dec 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ID
11499416
Incident
Dec 11, 2022
Mileage
151,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and driving over a black ice, the contact felt the brake pedal had lost pressure. The contact desperately pushed on the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken the dealer and the contact was informed that the brake fluid was low, and that the hydraulic control unit (HCU) needed to be replaced; but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ID
11499134
Incident
Dec 28, 2022
Mileage
128,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. However, upon inspecting the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed inspection and did not need to be repaired under the recall. The dealer then marked the recall as complete. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11490024
Incident
Mar 25, 2018
Mileage
200,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesSteering
Filed Jul 17, 2022
Crash reported

My Breaks gave way for some odd reason I ran into a cable box trying to control or rather stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11474319
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Jun 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but went all the way to the floorboard and the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing a stopping distance delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle passed the valve condition test. The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that after the dealer completed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V024000 (Air Bags) the front passenger's side air bag material was protruding from the enclosure. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11468178
Incident
Jun 8, 2020
Mileage
65,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Apr 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while sitting in the vehicle there was an abnormally loud popping sound before the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.

NHTSA ID
11461109
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Mileage
216,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed on the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop in a reasonable time. The contact depressed the brake pedal all the way to the floorboard for the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate or diagnosed the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11453495
Incident
Jun 2, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake pedal hesitated to respond, causing a 6-8 feet stopping distance delay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be contacted once the parts were available. The contact received another recall notification from the manufacturer that the parts were available and she contacted the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they would need to order the parts. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were available. A case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11450932
Incident
Jan 8, 2020
Brakes
Filed Jan 27, 2022

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11449153
Incident
Jan 18, 2022
Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the ABS engaged, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure might last for a few seconds or for a few days. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, there were no DTC codes retrieved. Additionally, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID
11448045
Incident
Jan 5, 2022
Mileage
147,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 2, 2022

I am unable to safely brake. When I press my foot on the brake, it doesn’t engage until it completely touches the floor of the car.

NHTSA ID
11445862
Incident
May 17, 2021
Brakes
Filed Dec 22, 2021

The contact's daughter owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when the Antilock Brake System (ABS) was activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they had done everything required for the recall repair and could not assist with an Antilock Brake System (ABS) fault code shown in the code reader. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

NHTSA ID
11444692
Incident
Dec 6, 2021
Mileage
175,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired in August 2021 and was informed that the vehicle had been serviced previously. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and approaching a red light, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not stop. The contact stated that the signal light had turned green in time preventing a crash. The contact stated that her vehicle was able to stop while going up an incline because she had not depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ID
11442587
Incident
Dec 1, 2021
Mileage
62,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 16, 2021

Have to apply extra pressure to get my car to stop, which is obviously a huge safety risk if I can’t stop my car properly when braking. I’ve taken the car to a few different mechanics who cannot diagnose or fix the problem. Ford says they are “backed up” & don’t have the parts available yo fix the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11440587
Incident
Aug 8, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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