RoadVitals

2009 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.
529
Latest Jul 20, 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.
52%
of 1,021 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.
43
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
9

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 2009 Ford Fusion submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 529 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 529, in the owner's own words

BrakesExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Jul 20, 2026

my brakes had went out while i was driving home from work

NHTSA ID
11751439
Incident
May 20, 2026
Brakes
Filed Apr 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake repairs, and after the repairs, the brake pedal felt spongy. The independent mechanic performed further inspections and diagnosed the vehicle with insufficient brake pressure due to a failure of the ABS hydraulic control unit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11732434
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
Mileage
110,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the failure occurred. When the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed an inspection. The brake pedal was depressed approximately seventy percent down for the brakes to engage. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but it was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear calipers needed to be inspected. However, the contact was unsure if the rear calipers were inspected. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired and was awaiting a flush of the braking system. The dealer made the manufacturer aware of the issue. The zone manager informed the contact that a satisfaction program had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11717314
Incident
Jan 30, 2026
Mileage
95,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 8, 2025

The ABS warning light came on while driving, and the brakes began to feel unsafe during normal stops. I later learned there is an open recall for the ABS module on my vehicle. When I took it to the dealership, they refused to perform the recall repair unless I paid out of pocket for a new ABS control module, even though the recall notice mentions this component. The issue affects braking performance and safety, especially on wet roads. The ABS system continues to malfunction, and the dealership’s refusal to complete the recall repair leaves the vehicle unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID
11692064
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2025

My car's brake pedal started not working properly. When trying to brake, the brake pedal goes down further than what it is supposed to and it takes longer than normal to brake, causing almost wrecks. It happens suddenly when trying to brake sometimes and it is very scary. There was a previous recall on the brake lines and it said they needed to be flushed out and all. I had this done to my car before and thought everything was okay. But it is not. I called Ford and they said there is currently a Customer Satisfaction Program that covers the repair of the Hydraulic control unit but it is limited to vehicles under 15 years old. My car is 16 years old so it does not qualify for this program. I asked why this wasn't a recall because it is such a big safety issue and they stated they couldn't make it a recall, it would have to be reported and issued from NHTSA. If the brakes/brake pedal is messing up and this is a known issue, then the vehicles' age should not matter. It should be recalled and fixed because this is such a huge safety concern and obviously a defect when manufactured. I don't have another car to drive and I'm sure there are numerous others in this same position and I feel it is imperative that this be looked into further and issued as a recall so people can remain safe and I'm sure this would save lives. I almost ran into a car today and it is extremely hazardous. It is very dangerous and scary and there is no warning light or anything indicating anything is wrong until driving it and it randomly happens. I have taken care of my car and had the previous recalls fixed but Ford knows this is an issue and very dangerous so it seems clear this needs to be issued as a recall.

NHTSA ID
11680076
Incident
Aug 12, 2025
Brakes
Filed Aug 7, 2025

I have recall 19S54 and called Ford. They made an appointment with Downtown Ford, Charleston, WV. The dealership said ford declined my recall repair due to not being able to get their machines to get any codes from my car. The ABS light is on. My mechanic said Ford should fix their recall. The recall says the D03 fluid must be changed to DOT 4 even if no problem found and if problem detected how to fix it! Ford declined because they can't get code reader to work on my car. They said it is a Preexisting Condition! My car is old but only has 24,800 miles and has been kept inside in a heated garage. The Downtown dealership said their hands are tied and would love to make my car safe. Their phone number is 304 344 1601. Please help me get my car fixed!!! I have called Ford multiple times and no help due to not having the codes from the dealership. Thanks!!!!

NHTSA ID
11679035
Incident
Aug 4, 2025
Brakes
Filed Nov 26, 2024

I have noticed for some time in our 2009 Ford Fusion purchased used that the brake travel was longer than it should be. This results in the need to anticipate braking quicker and react faster to allow appropriate time to slow down. In doing some research I discovered a Ford recall 19S54 which was apparently replaced by a Ford CSP 21N11. I made an appointment to have this issue addressed by a Ford dealership and they said that the CSP expired in 2022 and the vehicle is no longer covered despite the persistence of the safety issue and the fact that it has not been repaired for this known problem. With a significant issue, such as braking, I believe the expiration should be extended to allow for Ford owners to have this known safety issue addressed appropriately by Ford.

NHTSA ID
11627426
Incident
Nov 26, 2024
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Oct 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The check brakes system message was displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer completed the air bag recall and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake module and HECU module were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. 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, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,970. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11621936
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Mileage
96,970 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 28, 2024
Crash reported

After activation of ABS brake system, brakes became "soft" and "spongy" with permanent increased braking time. As described in safety recall 19S54, this due to to a valve in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) being stuck open. I received a letter from Ford Motor Company regarding this safety recall in 2011 informing of the defect and assuring "we will correct this condition." The vehicle was taken to Koons Ford (1051 E Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 22044; 703-241-7250) on 7/5/21 for repair. However, the HCU was not replaced, which appears to be the only remedy to this problem. Instead DOT 3 brake fluid was replaced with DOT 4 fluid, according to Koons Ford. However, after subsequent activation of the ABS brake system, the brakes became impaired again in the same way as before. I returned the car to Koons Ford on [XXX]. A "one-time" repair was performed pursuant to "customer satisfaction program" 21N11, as Ford acknowledged in a letter to dealers dated 12/7/21 that numerous customers were returning as the action prescribed in safety recall 19S54 did not repair the defective brakes. However, the HCU was not replaced. Service Advisor Kevin Lacki told me the HCU "passed" the inspection/diagnostic despite replication of the problem. I complained to Service Manager Rob Ryans who did nothing. I emailed the General Manager of the dealership twice, and he never responded. I called the manufacturer on [XXX] (case #[XXX]), but no action was taken. The problem of "soft" brakes and extended travel time quickly resurfaced and led to a vehicle accident in early 2023. The Ford Motor Company is employing a diagnostic that results in false "passes" for HCUs that should be replaced (and/or this dealership did not correctly perform the service actions). Even after "passing" Ford's diagnostic, the HCU valve(s) become stuck open after ABS activation. The safety recall should be investigated and the recall amended to replace faulty HCUs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA ID
11617022
Incident
Aug 9, 2022
Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 2024

While i was driving and the car hits a hole if the road, and i tried to brake so i can controll the car the breakes became uresponsive for the moment and after a few seconds when i try to brake again the travel space of the brake pedal is increased a lot and is near the end, and it takes a lot before the things return to normal( so it happens only when the car try to activate te ABS system).

NHTSA ID
11616080
Incident
Aug 14, 2024
Brakes
Filed Sep 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the Hydraulic Electric Control Unit (HECU) had failed and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11614828
Incident
Aug 1, 2021
Mileage
92,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 4, 2024
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing extended brake pedal travel while driving. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was pulling into the garage, the brake pedal was depressed. Still, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into the garage wall. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was drivable. The contact later received notification of Ford Campaign Number: 21N11. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake fluid and the brake fluid cap were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer had not replaced the HCU. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11612491
Incident
Sep 4, 2024
Mileage
160,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the brake lines had been flushed. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time, and the vehicle was diagnosed with an HECU fuse failure. The contact was informed that the HECU fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 173,890.

NHTSA ID
11609064
Incident
Aug 16, 2024
Mileage
173,890 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2024

Chapman Ford in Marysville, Ohio has had my car for ABS recall for almost a month now. They said they are waiting on the HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HCU. Is this normal to take this long to fix.

NHTSA ID
11600621
Incident
Jun 12, 2024
Brakes
Filed Mar 15, 2024

Ford dealership refuses to replace ABS HCU unit. Recall states that it will be replaced if defective. Dealership said that it is defective but not part of the recall. Shows that it is part of the recall.

NHTSA ID
11577602
Incident
Mar 15, 2024
Brakes
Filed Nov 24, 2023

Hcu fails and prolongs braking, brakes are often soft

NHTSA ID
11556668
Incident
Nov 24, 2023
Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2023

My brakes have been soft when I was sold the vehicle. I was assured multiple times that there is nothing wrong with them. As I have taken it in for multiple oil changes, the mechanics always seem to have a problem with the brakes. I’ve taken it to get the calipers, discs and master cylinder replaced and they have been bled for over 24 hours and are still soft and can’t find the reason. Every mechanic has told me they won’t pass safety yet I was sold this car with a safety pass. I’m still paying on this vehicle and haven’t even had it a year. The photos I uploaded are from Carfax Car care. I have receipts for the brakes and master cylinder being replaced if those are needed.

NHTSA ID
11543684
Incident
Oct 27, 2022
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance
Filed Mar 11, 2023
Crash reported

My vehicle failed to stop which resulted to a car crash

NHTSA ID
11511294
Incident
Mar 1, 2023
Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2022

With new brake pads on brake pedal goes to the floor. Brake/ABS is on and won’t clear either. Also when driving brakes want to engage then disengage

NHTSA ID
11489162
Incident
Oct 13, 2022
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Oct 2, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

Extended brake travel that caused me to get into a car accident. Also my airbag did not deploy causing me to have a serious headache. I had two people in the vehicle with me. I pushed down on the brake pedal and it felt like it wasn’t stopping or it was stopping very slowly. I was driving straight the person in the white pontiac was trying to turn left. I had the right away no yield or stop sign, but she pulled out in front of me. Driver was a 16 year old girl

NHTSA ID
11487467
Incident
Apr 13, 2022
Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 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 dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11484403
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
43,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 27, 2022

My car was recalled for the ABS HCU unit (recall#19S54) that was experiencing spongy brake performance with occasional times of going to the floor and losing all brakes and putting the entire community and myself at risk. I took it to Sunrise Ford on 5/10/22 at 7:30 am. after having a full brake job, replacing all pads, rotating drums and flushing the system at my trusted mechanic. Even after all work was performed, the problem was not solved. I drove to the dealership and the brakes were functional but occasionally would fail and I could pump them back up. There were NO CODES of malfunction of any kind when the car was brought to the dealership. They confirmed the HCU was faulty and said they would replace it free of charge. 3 hours later I was informed they couldn't fulfill the recall without an 1160. repair to the ABS unit. When I declined the expensive repair and asked they return the car with the recall performed they refused. They said it was not drivable and they wouldn't give it back or complete the job without making this other repair. I asked to pick up my car and they would only return my vehicle if I signed a safety waiver and had a tow truck to remove it. When I arrived with a tow truck it wasn't ready and I was left waiting for 45 minutes. Then when my mechanic got the car back the entire braking system was dismantled and brake fluid was sprayed everywhere including the inside of the headlight. The communication module was disconnected so no codes could be generated. When I complained in an internal online review form, I was put on a DO NOT SERVICE list by Deana Ramirez the service director at Sunrise Ford. I was also told that this list went to all Ford dealerships preventing me from receiving this recall service at any dealership.

NHTSA ID
11466445
Incident
May 13, 2022
Brakes
Filed May 15, 2022
Crash reported2 injuries reported

on May 2021 accident happen prior to brake couldn't t brake as soon as it's pressed. it took long time after pressing the brake to come to complete stop. i contact silver spring ford to diagnose the recall issue but they insist I have to pay. i explained them it's on recall and the letter I received stated that diagnose and parts indicate free of charge but the are refused to perform the diagnosis and solve the issue.

NHTSA ID
11464727
Incident
May 7, 2022
Brakes
Filed May 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle in front stopped abruptly. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond and stop in a reasonable time. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle towards the ditch to avoid collision and pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer did not have the equipment to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID
11464509
Incident
Apr 29, 2022
Mileage
84,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 19V904000 (Service Brakes, HYDRAULICS) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. The VIN tool confirmed parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11462729
Incident
Apr 1, 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.

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