RoadVitals

2009 Ford Fusion Engine Problems

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

Data refreshed

Engine 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.
37
Latest Sep 20, 2023
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.
4%
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.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
7

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. 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. 37 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 engine

The 25 most recent of 37, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust manifold valve was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust manifold valve was stuck in the open position again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11545698
Incident
Feb 15, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2023

Transmission will not go into gear. When it finally does shift it jumps completely forward or backwards depending on the gear. However, it does not matter which gear you put it in. It takes several attempts before it does go into gear; at that time it will completely jump forward/backward. This causes great risk to myself and others on the road/parking lots. I never know when it is going to get in gear or if it will go out while driving. The problem has been reported to the Ford company. The vehicle as not been inspected by any manufacture or policy/insurance. There was no warning, or no warning when it happens.

NHTSA ID
11541452
Incident
Aug 16, 2023
Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while performing a daily routine check on the vehicle, she noticed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they were aware that the oil dip stick assembly had failed due to the screws becoming loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ID
11513193
Incident
Mar 6, 2023
Mileage
114,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2021
Fire reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph when smoke coming from the engine compartment was noticed. The contact continued to drive until they heard a popping noise from the engine compartment then pulled over. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and the contact sought medical care and sustained smoke inhalation. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11431223
Incident
Aug 9, 2021
Mileage
200,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2020
Fire reported

I WAS DRIVING STOPED AT A LIGHT. NOTICED DARK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MADE MY LEFT TURN TRYING TO GET TO A PARKING LOT JUST AHEAD. THE SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR. IT WAS SMOKING BAD BY NOW. I PULLED OVER AS I DID I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO LATER. I GOT OUT OF CAR CALLED 911. THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS BURNED UP THE FRONT TIRES. WINDSHIELD WAS STARTING TO CRACK AND STARTED MELTING. THIS WAS SO SCARY EVERY THING HAPPENED SO FAST AND THE GAUGE DIDN'T SHOW THE CAR WAS RUNNING THE SLIGHTEST BIT HOT. WITH ALL THAT IT SEEMED WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR THE LIGHT THE BRAKES WERE STARTING TO GO OUT. THERE IS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 45,000 MILES ON MY CAR. NOW THAT I THINK OF ALL THIS I THANK GOD I DIDN'T GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND HURT OR KILL SOMEONE INCLUDING MYSELF. [XXX] FROM CLARKSTON MICHIGAN INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11338153
Incident
Jul 3, 2020
Mileage
45,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Mar 28, 2020

VEHICLE LOST BRAKES WHEN LEAVING PAVEMENT ON TO DIRT ROAD.BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR BEFORE STOPPING.VEHICLE SLOW TO STOP.VEHICLE IN MOTION TURING OFF THE HIGHWAY

NHTSA ID
11319564
Incident
Mar 25, 2020
Mileage
140,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 10, 2019

HEARD ABOUT A RECALL ON SOME FORD VEHICLES OVER COOLANT LEAK I THINK MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THAT MY VEHICLE IS LEAKING COOLANT BUT I CAN'T TELL WHERE I HAVE AN 09 FORD FUSION 2.3 LI I 4 CYL. SE MODEL. VEHICLE LEAKS WHEN RUNNING OF VEHICLE IS OFF.

NHTSA ID
11288124
Incident
Sep 11, 2019
Mileage
132,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 18, 2019

CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND EVERYTIME I DO A COMPLETE STOP, I'VE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE FOR A SOLUTION TO FIX MY CAR AND IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND NOBODY HAS A EXACT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM I ALREADY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND EGR VALVE BUT IT STILL STALLING.

NHTSA ID
11280784
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
145,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 28, 2019

WHILE DRIVING IN TO WORK ON MULTIPLE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD COME OFF. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A SHOP TO GET FIXED. EACH TIME IT WAS THE IDLER PULLEY BOLT BEING BROKEN. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY AND ONCE ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THERE IS A LOUD CLINKING SOUND AND THE CAR GROWLS.

NHTSA ID
11192180
Incident
Mar 28, 2019
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 28, 2018

HERKY JERKY ACCELERATION. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A SENSOR. 6 MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAID A SMALL OIL LEAK BURNED THROUGH SOME WIRES. STATED SOME SORT OF ISSUE WITH A WIRING HARNESS. STATED WIRING HARNESS NEEDED REPLACED, BUT WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCATE. BRAKES CONSTANTLY NEED REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS. MULTIPLE TIMES PER YEAR.

NHTSA ID
11143518
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2018

I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR ENTERED "LIMP HOME" MODE AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD BARELY ENOUGH TIME TO MOVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FROM TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID
11139586
Incident
Oct 9, 2018
Mileage
112,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 6, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK AT LEAST THREE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY STARTED, IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

NHTSA ID
11109805
Incident
Jul 6, 2018
Mileage
129,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 3, 2018

TAKATA RECALL !!!!!!! THE DISPLAY PANEL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF AT WILL. MOSTLY WHEN ITS HUMID OUTSIDE OR RAINING. THIS IS INCLUDING THE SCARY AIRBAG LIGHT, OIL LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT. I AM STUCK WITH THE CAR SINCE FORD STATED NO ONE SHOULD SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. HAS NO VALUE. AND I PRAY EVERY DAY IT DOES NOT KILL ME!

NHTSA ID
11082628
Incident
Apr 1, 2018
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed May 22, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RED WARNING LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER LATER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN WITHOUT POTENTIALLY STALLING. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10990924
Incident
Nov 2, 2015
Engine
Filed Nov 26, 2016

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY DEFECTIVE. ENGINE STALLS, LOSES POWER, ENTERS LIMP MODE, AND RUNS AT REDUCED SPEEDS. ESPECIALLY DANGERS LEAVING AN INTERSECTION, AFTER BEING STOPPED, YOU CAN'T RELY ON THE VEHICLE HAVING ENOUGH POWER TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION AS ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHES. ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT BEING T-BONED.

NHTSA ID
10928036
Incident
Oct 26, 2016
Mileage
116,100 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 29, 2016

I PURCHASED THE 2009 FORD FUSION FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S FIRST CAR. IT ONLY HAS 68K MILES ON IT SO I WAS CONFIDENCE THAT IT WOULD BE A RELIABLE CAR. AFTER DIVING IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH THE CAR STARTED STALLING AND IT WAS NEVER CONSISTENT. ABOUT ONCE A WEEK THE CAR WOULD STALL SOMETIMES WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN OR JUST DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. THEN ALSO SOMETIMES IT WOULD SURGE. SHE SAID THE SCARY PART WAS WHEN IT STALLS YOU CAN'T STEER OR BRAKE THE CAR BECAUSE OF NO POWER. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THE THROTTLE BODY BUT COULD NOT SAY FOR SURE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THAT PART. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THERE IS NO RECALL! ALSO, THE FLOOR MATS WHERE CONSTANTLY GETTING STUCK ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR ENGINE WOULD RACE UP AND MAKE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR. SO, THE NICE FUSION MATS ARE NOW IN THE GARBAGE AFTER ALMOST KILLING MY DAUGHTER. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE DEFECTS AND FIX THEM!

NHTSA ID
10891724
Incident
Jul 28, 2016
Mileage
69,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE DIRECTLY BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ID
10881301
Incident
Jun 25, 2016
Mileage
101,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2015

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2009 FORD FUSION TO COLLEGE ORIENTATION IN MANKATO, MN. THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AND ULTIMATELY STOPPED RUNNING. THE ISSUE SURROUNDING FORD'S LACK OF COMMITMENT IS THAT THE THROTTLE BODY DEFECT IS A KNOWN ISSUE; REFERENCE CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID MY CAR DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I HAVE A CASE NUMBER FROM FORD INVOLVING THE DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY, BUT NOBODY HAS FOLLOWED UP WITH ME AND I ASSUME THE CASE IS CLOSED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY MY CAR WOULD NOT BE COVERED SINCE IT'S THE SAME DEFECT THAT'S ADDRESSED BY THEIR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.

NHTSA ID
10730897
Incident
Jun 24, 2015
Mileage
81,540 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 20, 2015

SMART JUNCTION BOX AND TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IT'S A NEW CAR WITH 37000 MILES .

NHTSA ID
10717549
Incident
May 18, 2015
Mileage
37,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Apr 3, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE MIGHT BE RELATED TO A RECENT CRASH THAT OCCURRED; HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10703630
Incident
Apr 2, 2015
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 6, 2015

I HAVE TWICE NOW EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE/POWER TRAIN FAILURE WHILE AT SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE, MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SHUTS DOWN. DURING WHICH THE ENGINE STALLS, POWER BRAKES FAIL, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. LUCKILY I WAS IN A POSITION IN TRAFFIC WHERE I COULD QUICKLY ENGAGE THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND ALLOW PLENTY OF REACTION TIME FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO AVOID ME. AFTER THE CAR HAS STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER, THAT IS WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS (ENGINE AND WRENCH) COME ON THE DASH. EACH TIME IT HAS TAKEN NO LESS THAN 5 MINUTES, WHILE SITTING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, TO RESTART THE CAR. WHEN THE CAR RESTARTS IT WILL DRIVE LIKE IT DID PRIOR TO THE FAILURE BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON. THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AFTER A FULL DAY OF TRYING TO RECREATE THE ISSUE (25 MILE TEST DRIVE) THEIR RECOMMENDATION WAS TO TAKE THE CAR AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE AS NORMAL UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SITE AND SEVERAL OTHERS, I HAVE FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY FUSION OWNER WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. I BROUGHT SEVERAL DOCUMENTS TO PROVE THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY FORD (CSP 13N03) AND THERE IS A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. DUE TO THE BUREAUCRATIC NATURE OF THE CONFLICTUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, I AM NOW LEFT WITH A BLUNT REFUSAL TO REMEDY THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I DO NOT OWN A 2010 FUSION BUT RATHER A 2009. A MODEL YEAR PRIOR TO WHAT FORD RECOGNIZES HAS ISSUES BUT I IN FACT HAVE TWICE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SYMPTOMS THAT FORD OUTLINED IN THEIR CSP 13N03 DOCUMENT. AT THE END OF THE DAY I STILL HAVE A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS NOT FIT TO BE ON PUBLIC ROADS BECAUSE OF THE MASS SAFETY RISK IT POSES TO IT'S OCCUPANTS (MY CHILDREN) AND OTHER MOTORISTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10692416
Incident
Mar 4, 2015
Mileage
63,976 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jan 27, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

BUSINESS NAME: FORD MOTOR COMPANY. CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION P.O.BOX 1904 DEARBORN, MI 48121 BUS PHONE: 866-436-7332 EMAIL: WEBSITE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY. COM NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ANY OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN YOUR COMPLAINT: TRANSACTION DATE: 12-15-2014 AMOUNT IN DISPUTE: N/A EXPLANATION OF COMPLAINT: I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 15TH 2014 THE CAR I OWN IS A 2009 FORD FUSION SEL .MY ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK MY CAR I WENT OFNLINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS ONE I CONTACTED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10679352
Incident
Dec 15, 2014
Mileage
102,653 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 29, 2014

WHILE DRIVING MY FUSION WHICH HAS HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES UP TO THIS POINT SLAMMED INTO 3RD GEAR FOLLOWED BY A RAPID DECREASE IN POWER AND SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH CAME ON AND PRETTY SURE WAS IN THE" LIMP HOME" MODE. TOOK IT TO GET THE CODES READ AND P 2104 AND P0607 WERE PRESENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10668918
Incident
Dec 18, 2014
Mileage
188,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 21, 2014

2009 FORD FUSION - WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIT UP. DRIVER PULLED OVER TO SAFE AREA & SHUT OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. LIGHTS, RADIO AND FAN STILL WORKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE FOR ASSESSMENT & REPAIRS - THE MAIN POWER CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WERE BAD, BATTERY WAS AT 9 INSTEAD OF 12 - ALL COMPONENT'S NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10659964
Incident
Oct 26, 2014
Mileage
83,464 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 16, 2014

I'M GETTING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A WRENCH SYMBOL ON MY DASHBOARD. WHEN I TAKE IT TO GET CHECKED, IT SAYS 'FAULTY THROTTLE BODY' OR THROTTLE CONTROL ACTUATOR. THIS CAUSES MY FORD FUSION TO GO INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS IS A MODE THAT CAUSES THAT CAR TO ACCELERATE NO MORE THAN 20 MILES AN HOUR. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 55-70 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I FEAR FOR MY LIFE. WHEN I CONTACT AUTO CARE CENTERS, THEY ALL TELL ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS TO BE HANDLED BY THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. I THINK THAT THIS THROTTLE BODY IS DEFECTIVE AND AFTER SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, I SEE THAT I'M ONE OF MANY FORD OWNERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I WOULD LIKE A THEM RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE AUTO PART. I HOPE NO ONE HAS DIED FROM THEIR CAR SUDDENLY GOING INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10655307
Incident
Nov 30, 2012
Mileage
91,000 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .