2009 FORD FUSION

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    abs module

    225 unsafe

    225
    incidents
    Typical range: 80,000–125,000 mi

    Median 100,000 mi, based on 216 reports (10% had no usable mileage)

    • "Y 2009 FORD FUSION HAS NEWER BRAKES FROM JULY 2015. AFTER THE ABS BRAKES GO OFF WHEN GOING OVER GRAVEL OR WHEN HITTING ICE - THE BRAKES SEEM TO JUST GO OUT- THE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND EVENTUALLY STOPS. I USUALLY PULL OVER AND PUMP THE BRAKES AND THEY EVENTUAL…"~6,500 mi, complaint #1348403
    • "WHILE BRAKING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE BREAK PEDAL SUDDENLY LOST PRESSURE PREVENTING THE BREAKS FROM WORKING PROPERLY. I ROLLED PAST THE CORNER, THIS WAS A NEAR ACCIDENT. I LIFTED MY FOOT PUMPING THE BREAKS, IT DIDN'T CHANGE THE PRESSURE. I HAD TO PUT MY…"~82,700 mi, complaint #1514743
    • "TWO TIMES IN THREE MONTHS - AFTER ABS EVENT, THE BRAKES GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. STOPPING AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH SUCH LITTLE GRAB IN THE BRAKES MAKES TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I BELEIVE IT IS THE COMMON HCU PROBLEM... ACTUALLY IM CERTAIN. FORD SHOULD IS…"~102,000 mi, complaint #1420318
    • "THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW WITH A MONTH BETWEEN INCIDENCES. I STOPPED ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE ON A CITY/TOWN STREET, AND THEN THE BRAKES LET GO A LITTLE AND WE'RE SOFT THE REST OF MY DRIVE. THE SECOND TIME I HEARD AND FELT A VIBRATION AS THE BRAKES STOPPED HOLDIN…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1513291
    • "HARD STOP ON FREEWAY RESULTING IN ABS ACTIVATING. AFTERWARDS, BRAKES WERE SPONGY AND REQUIRED EXCEPTIONALLY MORE DISTANCE TO BRAKE AND PEDAL NEEDED TO BE DEPRESSED TO THE INTERIOR FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE VEHICL…"~287,000 mi, complaint #1610543
  2. #2

    brake hydraulics

    2 stranded, 194 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    197
    incidents
    Typical range: 81,500–132,000 mi

    Median 100,000 mi, based on 244 reports (17% had no usable mileage)

    • "BRAKE MALFUNCTION. DURING SUDDEN STOP CAUSING COLLISION. *TR"~1,010 mi, complaint #717058
    • "THE BREAK PEDAL WILL TRAVEL 2/[REDACTED ADDRESS] TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE CAR BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. I CAN NEVER TELL IF THE CAR IS GOING TO STOP OR NOT."~85,000 mi, complaint #1716208
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS SENSOR ACTIVATED. MOMENTS LATER, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP AND THE STOPPING DIS…"~103,914 mi, complaint #1344268
    • "WHEN PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL AT ANY SPEED THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WHEN I TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO MASTER CYLINDER. I PAID OVER $800 FOR REPAIR BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. NOW DEALER IS TELLING ME IT COULD B…"~137,000 mi, complaint #1344964
    • "BRAKES GO NEARLY TO THE FLOOR WHEN PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE ENGAGING AND STOPPING VEHICLE. SPONGY. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER WITH NEW, NO HELP. REPLACED ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT WITH USED UNIT, AND NO HELP, BUT SUSPECT THE REPLACEMENT UNIT IS FAULTY ALSO. VEHI…"~218,000 mi, complaint #1578796
  3. #3

    airbag system

    155 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    156
    incidents
    Typical range: 68,000–150,000 mi

    Median 90,000 mi, based on 62 reports (66% had no usable mileage)

    • "STARTING IN 2016 I HAVE CALLED FORD MONTANA DEALERSHIP, CALLED CORPORATE OFFICE, AND FILED COMPLAINT. NO FIX AT DEALERSHIP, NO HELP FROM CORPORATE. NOW 2018, WHEN WILL THIS BE FIXED?"~6,000 mi, complaint #1441208
    • "TAKATA RECALL; IN 3RD QUARTER 2018 FORD CLAIMED REPAIR PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE FAULTY AIR BAG SYSTEM OR OUR VEHICLE. THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY FURTHER NOTICES FROM FORD REGARDING REMEDIES FOR THIS ISSUE."~66,000 mi, complaint #1511769
    • "MY DASH BOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE AIR BAG.. VERY SCARY... ALSO MY DOOR HANDLE IS BROKEN... I CAN NO LONGER LOCK THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR SO I AM NEVER REALLY SAFE IN MY CAR... I THINK THE DASH BOARD SHOULD BE A RECALL CAUSE I KNOW THE FORD PLACE GETS COMP…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1184554
    • "TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A WREAK BECAUSE THE BRAKES IN THE FLOOR WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OUT."~124,000 mi, complaint #1441844
    • "DEER STRIKE FONT END TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH,, 9 YEAR OLD IN PASSENGER SEAT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AS REQUIRED , SHE WAS TOO LIGHT., DAMAGE TO FRONT END BUMPER, HOOD, AND GRILL. UPON REPAIR I NOTICED THAT THE DASH BOARD JUST BELOW THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HAD BE…"~740,000 mi, complaint #1031746
  4. #4

    other

    19 unsafe, 45 annoyance

    64
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 105,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TAKATA RECALL --NOW NEARLY 1.5 YEARS AFTER THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED, AND STILL NO PART AVAILABLE TO FIX THE CAR."~28,000 mi, complaint #1472742
    • "WE HAVE TWO SAFETY RECALLS ON OUR 2009 FORD FUSION DATING BACK TO DECEMBER 2019! ANY IDEA OF WHEN THESE WILL BE ADDRESSED AS FORD SAYS WORKING ON A SOLUTION!!"~48,000 mi, complaint #1737014
    • "PART HAS BEEN ON RECALL SINCE 2016 WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. I'VE BEEN CALLING AND HAVE BEEN TOLD PART IS ON BACK ORDER FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY. REALLY......THIS IS RIDICULOUS. MAYBE IF THE PARTS WERE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. S…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1409460
    • "I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM THE DEALER IN FEB 2017. I JUST CALLED AND CHECKED AND THEY ADMITTED TO THE RECALL BUT SAID THEY HAVE NO OTHER INFORMATION AT THIS TIME. AS OF TODAY 10/20/17, I DO NOT THINK THAT THIS IS A TIMELY CORRECTION FOR THE RECALL."~120,000 mi, complaint #1415924
    • ""TAKING RECALL" I HAVE A FORD FUSION EFFECTED IN THIS RECALL I'M BEING FORCED TO STOP WORKING IN TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I CAN'T PASS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY INSPECTION FOR COMMERCIAL USE. I DON'T HAVE THE MEANS TO BUY ANOTHER CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME BECAUSE…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1348039
  5. #5

    door latch and hinge

    23 unsafe, 6 broken

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 60,000–96,000 mi

    Median 78,500 mi, based on 30 reports (17% had no usable mileage)

    • "INSIDE DOOR HANDLES BRAKE AND DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE!!! ALSO DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AFTER THE HANDLE BRAKES."~40,500 mi, complaint #1227563
    • "THIS MAY BE A HUGE COINCIDENCE BUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING SIDESWIPED WITH ONLY PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NO LONGER OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE IMPACT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1023116
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE DOOR LATCH WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 1…"~79,200 mi, complaint #1330888
    • "I JUST PARKED THE CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS WORKED FINE. I NOW HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, PUT THE WINDOW DOWN, AND REACH THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR. IT IS D…"~97,000 mi, complaint #989451
    • "WENT TO WORK MONDAY, MARCH 11TH, AND WHEN I GOT TO WORK MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE SO I HAD TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW AND OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. IT WILL NOT LOCK EITHER. *TR"~179,000 mi, complaint #968218
  6. #6

    throttle and pedal

    1 stranded, 24 unsafe

    25
    incidents
    Typical range: 70,500–122,000 mi

    Median 102,500 mi, based on 37 reports (14% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND TRYING TO PASS A VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STARTED TO RACE AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP ONCE SHE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR WITH HER FO…"~4,120 mi, complaint #798633
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING MY CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED FROM 60 TO 30 MPH. IT DID THIS A COUPLE TIMES AND I DROVE RIGHT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THAT MY THROTTLE BODY WENT BAD AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THERE HAS BEEN A RE…"~79,098 mi, complaint #1054677
    • "BUSINESS NAME: FORD MOTOR COMPANY. CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION P.O.BOX 1904 DEARBORN, MI 48121 BUS PHONE: [REDACTED PHONE] EMAIL: WEBSITE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY. COM NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ANY OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN YOUR COMPLAINT: TRANSACTION DATE: 1…"~102,653 mi, complaint #1151753
    • "THIS IS MY HUSBAND'S CAR AND WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. WHEN TURNING A CORNER THE CAR WILL STOP ACCELERATING. YESTERDAY I WAS ON ROUTE 295 AROUND PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, FORTUNATELY IN THE RIGHT LANE, WHEN THE CAR…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1475251
    • "TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE BODY WAS…"~215,000 mi, complaint #1130932
  7. #7

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 10 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 64,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY UNTIL THE FAILU…"~14,957 mi, complaint #1018970
    • "WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH IN TRAFFIC, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN. DASHBOARD LIGHTS APPEARED AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE EXITING THE ROADWAY. DUE TO THE LACK…"~41,292 mi, complaint #1098454
    • "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 WEE…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1303137
    • "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 O…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1293668
    • "ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED, CAR SEEMED TO CHUG OR LURCH OR ENGINE FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THAT HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIME, WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE COLD WEATHER. THE WRENCH LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN WHEN I SHUT THE CAR…"~164,381 mi, complaint #1043248
  8. #8

    unintended acceleration

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 42,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT PLACED THE TRANSMISSION LEVER INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE AT A V…"~5,773 mi, complaint #833140
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION SEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING FOLLOWED BY A LOUD POPPING NOISE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHIC…"~13,920 mi, complaint #834941
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 FORD FUSION. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1186270
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCEL…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1181864
    • "SEE COMPLAINT # 11155933 CAR HAS DONE THE SAME UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON 12/12/18 AND AGAIN ON 1/11/19. ON 12/12/18 STARTING SPEED WAS 25 MPH PRIOR TO ACCELERATION. ONE 1/11/19 STARTING SPEED WAS 55 MPH PRIOR TO ACCELERATION. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE GA…"~126,630 mi, complaint #1530608
  9. #9

    control module

    2 stranded, 4 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE FAILED. T…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1083405
    • "SMART JUNCTION BOX AND TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IT'S A NEW CAR WITH 37000 MILES ."~37,000 mi, complaint #1184183
    • "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 - T…"~83,464 mi, complaint #1133309
    • "The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, without warning the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact coasted the vehicle to the road shoulder. Th…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1758491
    • "FOR THE PAST MONTH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS APPEARED AND STAYED ON FOR A BRIEF TIME. NOW IT STAYS ON . I HAVE HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE AND THE RESULTS WERE P2112, P0721 AND P2104. THERE APPEAR TO BE A BAD APP SENSOR, THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM-FORC…"~108,252 mi, complaint #1018752
  10. #10

    power windows and locks

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "BOTH FRONT AND REAR INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE FAILED. I AM UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LOWERING THE WINDOW AND OPENING FROM EXTERIOR. THERE IS NO VISIBLE EVIDENCE THEY HAVE FAILED, THEY HAVE JUST STOPPED WORKING. YOU CAN CONVINCE THE REAR TO WORK IF YO…"~47,000 mi, complaint #910432
    • "I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AND TRIED OPENING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. BUT THE HANDLE AND LOCK WOULD NOT WORK. SO I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. ALSO THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SECURITY ISSUE. I WAS…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1037439
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. "~83,000 mi, complaint #1096585
  11. #11

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe, 1 broken, 3 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE MOUNTED AT AN EXTREME ANGLE WHICH FORCES YOUR HEAD FORWARD AT AN UNCOMFORTABLE ANGLE. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS NEED TO BE MORE STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN INSTEAD OF CURVING FORWARD. *TR"~5,200 mi, complaint #707793
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MANUAL RECLINING MECHANISM BOLT FRACTURED, CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1076434
  12. #12

    steering electric assist

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I HAD A HISTORY OF RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2009 FUSION. THE BATTERY DIED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, CAUSING ME TO FINALLY REPLACE IT. THE CAR CONSTANTLY THREW ERRORS REGARDING LOW TIRE PRESSURE. BUT THE LARGEST PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A TWO-LAN…"~40,000 mi, complaint #955183
    • "DRIVING DOWN ROAD IN CITY, 25 MPH, APPROACHING INTERSECTION TO MAKE RIGHT TURN, BEGAN TURNING AND HALFWAY THROUGH TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN PLACE AND I COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN. LUCKILY NO CAR WAS IN LEFT LANE AT LIGHT OR I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. STOP…"~57,850 mi, complaint #1122091
    • "WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U-TURN TO THE LEFT THE STEERING SUDDENLY FOUGHT AGAINST ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN AND TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN ITS SELF OUT. I'M A BIG GUY AND HELD THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT SOMEONE WITH LESS STRENGTH WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1163093
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1163094
  13. #13

    transmission automatic

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DURING THE NIGHT OUR 2009 FORD FUSION ROLLED DOWN ARE DRIVEWAY AND ENDED UP ALMOST IN THE STREET. I COULD SEE THE TIRE MARKS IN THE SNOW AND SEE THAT IT DID IN FACT ROLL, I CHECKED THE GEARSHIFT AND IT WAS IN PARK. I PUSHED ON THE CAR AND IT ROLLED A LITTLE MO…"~13,000 mi, complaint #765719
    • "VEHICLE SHIFTS VERY IRREGULARLY- SEEMS TO GO IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND WHEN STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL IT DOES NOT RESPOND THEN JERKS INTO DRIVE GEAR. TWO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN DASH, SMALL WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE. AN OBD CODE READER WAS USED TO DETERMINE A FAULT C…"~23,742 mi, complaint #984839
    • "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 CODE…"~188,000 mi, complaint #1142887
  14. #14

    engine internal

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "1. ENGINE THREW A ROD RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE JULY 10, 2009: WHILE TRAVELING THE I805 S IN SAN DIEGO, CA, THE VEHICLE ENGINE EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED, THERE WERE NO NOIS…"~10,120 mi, complaint #733118
    • "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…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1675212
    • "I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM CHECK A TAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE THAT I HAD HEARD EARLIER THAT DAY. I MADE IT ABOUT 5 MILES FROM HOME, AND THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN, NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOTHING OTHER THAN THE SOUND THAT HAD JUST OCCURRED THAT MO…"~52,000 mi, complaint #921061
    • "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.…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1765985
  15. #15

    tire failure

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-495 OUTSIDE OF BOSTON ON CLEAN PAVEMENT ON A HOT, SUNNY DAY WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE TIRE WAS DESTROYED, AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT. THE TIRE HAD 16,300 MILES AND GOOD TREAD. *KB"~16,300 mi, complaint #871503
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT TIRES, SIZE P205/60/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY WERE UNAB…"~19,000 mi, complaint #902046
    • "THE RUBBER COMPOUND ON CONTINENTAL TIRES 225/50R17 IS SEPARATING FROM TREAD, CAUSING A RUMBLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AFTER ONLY 23,000 MILES, AND TREAD WEAR IS, ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, DOWN TO HALF LIFE ON AN 80,000 MILE EXPECTED TIRE LIFE. CONTINENTAL W…"~55,632 mi, complaint #998653
  16. #16

    wiring harness

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THERE'S WAS A FIRE THAT STARTED ON ELECTRICAL WIRING LEADING TO MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ON MY 2009 FORD FUSION SE V6 I THINK IT WAS CAUSE BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM THAT FORD HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE FIRE HAPPEN TH…"~44,600 mi, complaint #855124
    • "FORD HAS REPLACED BY DOOR MECHANISM TWICE NOW AND YET THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEY THEN TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW DASH CLUSTER. WHILE IN THE SHOP THEY FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR HAD CAUSED A SHORT AND FRIED THE DASH CLUSTER.I COULD NOT T…"~79,900 mi, complaint #1339370
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A SMALL FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR IGNITED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE…"~115,681 mi, complaint #1319710
  17. #17

    brake pads and rotors

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "1908 FORD FUSION REAR BRAKING SYSTEM, BRAKE PADS MUST BE REPLACED AT 25,000 MILES. REAR ROTORS MUST BE TURNED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO ADMIT PROBLEMS AFTER CALL TO REVIEW ISSUE WITH MY PURCHASED FUSION IN 2008. LOSS OF REAR BRAKING CAN LEAD TO INCIDENT'S…"~25,000 mi, complaint #736080
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE REAR BRAKES SEIZED. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR THE REAR BRAKES WERE OMITTING A FOUL ODOR AND THE REAR WHEEL RIMS WERE SCALDING HOT TO THE TOUCH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THE SPRINGS IN THE CALIPER STUCK…"~28,000 mi, complaint #918808
  18. #18

    glass and windshield

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION SPORT (NA). THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR TWENTY FOUR HOURS. THERE WERE NO CRACKS PRIOR TO THIS DISCOVERY. THE CRACK ORIGINATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE O…"~1,300 mi, complaint #718271
    • "2009 FORD FUSION WINDSHIELD CRACK WITH OUT BEEN HIT BY ANY FOREING OBJECT. ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN. CRACK KEEPS GROWING AND IS GETTING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. GOING TO BRING CAR TO THE DEALER THEY WANT TO INSPECT IT. AFTER SEEN YOUR WEB SITE WITH SO MANY COMPLAI…"~18,000 mi, complaint #839765
    • "ON THE MORNING OF THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21ST, 2013 I LOADED MY KIDS FOR SCHOOL AND PROCEEDED TO EXIT MY GARAGE AND TURN MY DEFROST ON WHEN NOT A MIN LATER MY REAR WINDOW POPPED AND SHATTERED. I CALLED FORD AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT AND WAS ADVISED THAT WAS NOT A…"~116,315 mi, complaint #1023047
  19. #19

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 2 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS PREMATURELY DETERIORATING AND BULGING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STICKY RESIDUE THAT EXPANDED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CA…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1249828
    • "DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO EXIT VEHICLE. *TR"~40,000 mi, complaint #894843
    • "MY DRIVER SEAT HEATER WAS GETTING VERY HOT, AFTER A FEW TIMES OF THIS INTENSE HEAT IT NOW DOESN'T TURN ON AT ALL. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER SEAT. CONSIDERING I ONLY USE IT 4 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, AND USUALLY ONLY…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1417653
  20. #20

    wheel or rim

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE CAR WAS BOUGHT, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WOULD TURN ON ABOUT ONCE EVERY OTHER MONTH. WE WOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE AND REFILL AS NEEDED. BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF APRIL THE LIGHT CAME ON EVERY OTHER DAY AND THE CAR STARTED T…"~20,000 mi, complaint #779102
  21. #21

    corrosion and rust

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THIS WINTER I HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSE TO TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO CORROSION ON THE ALUMINUM WHEEL SEALING SURFACE TO THE TIRE. WEEKS EARLIER I THOUGHT IT WAS A HOLE/NAIL IN THE TIRE, BUT THE TIRE SERVICE PERSON SAID IT WAS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE WHEEL SEALING BEAD…"~82,543 mi, complaint #1046052
    • "AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE HOOD ABOVE THE GRILL AND INSIDE THE BACK DOORS JUST ABOVE THE WHEEL WELLS. *TR"~85,000 mi, complaint #1060036
  22. #22

    engine cooling

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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."~132,000 mi, complaint #1627561
  23. #23

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WESTFIELD FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], COUNTRYSIDE, IL 60525, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLAMP HOUSING N…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1668673
  24. #24

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ONE OR BOTH HYDRAULIC STRUTS ON THE TRUNK LID HAS FAILED. THIS CAUSES THE TRUNK LID TO NOT HOLD ITS OWN WEIGHT AND SLAMS DOWN CREATING A POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO DID NOT HAVE THE PART. CURRENTLY WAITING ON RELPACEMENT PART (HOPEFULLY…"~16,000 mi, complaint #777447
    • "CAR IS MAKING AWFUL SOUNDS TURNING AT LOW SPEED FRONT END. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE WITH OVER 5000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. NO FIX. THEY SAY THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT IF YOU LISTEN TO IT. IT DOESNT SOUND LIKE IT"~178,000 mi, complaint #1288469
  25. #25

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK WAS INOPERABLE AND ITS DESIGN MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. SHE STATED THAT THE TRUNK REQUIRED GREAT FORCE IN ORDER FOR IT TO SHUT PROPERLY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS…"~1,800 mi, complaint #715184
    • "BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT TRUNK STRUT OR TRUNK LID LIFT SUPPORT HAVE FAILED TO SUPPORT TRUNK LID. TRUNK LID DOES NOT REMAIN OPEN EVEN WHEN OPENED COMPLETELY. HAS CAUSED INJURY BY TRUNK LID FALLING AND STRIKING MY HEAD AND NECK. NO PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT R…"~55,000 mi, complaint #974229
  26. #26

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2009 FORD FUSION FRONT END PULL OR DRIFT. I HAVE A FUSION THAT WILL LITERALLY RUN OFF THE ROAD WHEN HANDS ARE NOT CORRECTING THE STEERING. WHILE EVERYONE KNOWS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH NO HANDS ON THE WHEEL, WE ALL DO IT FROM TIME TO TIME AND IN MOST CARS TH…"complaint #726068
  27. #27

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE MERGING ONTO A FREEWAY MY CAR EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT IT WAS. IT WAS A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD TAKE 4 WEEKS TO GET…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1091158
  28. #28

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~114,000 mi, complaint #1882064
  29. #29

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE ERROR CODE FOR MY CAR INDICATED THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP AND THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE THE PART PUT ON, I WAS ADVISED I NOT ONLY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP, BUT THE AIR VALV…"~59,883 mi, complaint #1073563
  30. #30

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 po…"complaint #1929420
  31. #31

    fuel pump

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FUEL PUMP OVERHEATED AND PUMP, SENDING UNIT, AND WIRING HARNESS ALL MELTED AND DESTROYED. DISCOVERED UPON BEING UNABLE TO START CAR. NO SIGN OF ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS"~74,000 mi, complaint #1263835
  32. #32

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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."~112,000 mi, complaint #1505654
  33. #33

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " I DECIDED TO BUY A NEW FORD FIESTA TITANIUM 1.4I DURATEC PETROL , ENGINE NUMBER:8Y00038 AND COLOR OF MY CAR IS GREY, ON 1TH DECEMBER IN 2008 IN TURKEY IN HATAY OVALI FORD VEHICLE COMPANY ( 2009 MODEL)..I PAID 29,800 TRKISH LIRA( 17678 AMERICAN DOLLAR) FOR…"complaint #711216
  34. #34

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT IN FRESNO, CA. ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT ME FROM BEHIND AT A UNSAFE SPEED. HIS VEHICLE PUSHED ME ACROSS INTERSECTION. BUT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN OR HOLD MYSELF OR MY DAUGHTER BACK. I HIT THE WINDSHIELD OR PANEL I BELIEVE AND CUT MY EYEL…"~41,436 mi, complaint #935556
  35. #35

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Buying the 2009 Fusion understanding the power steering was faulty, thinking a good tune up and general fluids replaced would handle the problem. However this was not the case. Fusion needed rack n pinion and power steering pump. I can not drive the vehicle du…"complaint #1766650
  36. #36

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!"complaint #2012989
  37. #37

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ISSUES. ALL 4 HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND TWO HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE COURSE OF 9 MONTHS. ONE TIME THE SENSOR BECAME LOOSE AND BEGAN CLUNKING AROUND INSIDE THE RIM. IT WAS ONLY AN EXPENSIVE ANNOYANC…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1174141

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 14E028000, 16V384000, 17V024000, 18V046000, 19V904000, 21V081000, 21V158000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD FUSION directly.