RoadVitals

2008 Ford Fusion Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
1,353
+1 complaint in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
59
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since Jan 17, 2008

What this page shows

Our database holds 1,353 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Ford Fusion. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

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

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 1,353 · page 1 of 55

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
Body & structure
Filed Oct 14, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11619638
Incident
Oct 7, 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
Filed Aug 15, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11608804
Incident
Aug 15, 2024
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 16, 2024

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, suspension shocks and struts and frame all have a issue with rot rust and corrosion which led to vehicles having alignment issues.

NHTSA ID
11577817
Incident
Feb 27, 2024
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
Filed Jan 16, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11565691
Incident
Jan 16, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11542103
Incident
Aug 14, 2023
Mileage
68,000 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
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 13, 2023

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!

NHTSA ID
11526840
Incident
Jun 10, 2023
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 17, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11517379
Incident
Dec 17, 2022
Mileage
143,300 mi
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
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 28, 2023

Transmission slipping

NHTSA ID
11509571
Incident
Feb 28, 2023
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
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 9, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11500830
Incident
Jan 9, 2023
Mileage
98,000 mi
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
Airbags
Filed Nov 15, 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) 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 not made aware of the issue. The dealer had been contacted but had not returned the phone calls. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated there is another recall mentioned but not listed.

NHTSA ID
11493688
Incident
Mar 25, 2021
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
Airbags
Filed Oct 6, 2022

The contact owned a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as the vehicle had been totaled. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted.

NHTSA ID
11488198
Incident
Oct 6, 2022

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.

Narrow this down by component

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .