Problems · NHTSA complaints

2008 Ford Fusion problems

Owners filed 1,353 complaints about the 2008 Ford Fusion with NHTSA between Jan 2008 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (638).

Complaints
1,353
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
53
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
29
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags638
  2. Service brakes479
  3. Structure82
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic74
  5. Power train47
  6. Engine39
  7. Electrical system28
  8. Vehicle speed control24
  9. Latches/locks/linkages14
  10. Steering11
  11. Fuel/propulsion system10
  12. Seat belts7
  13. Suspension6
  14. Tires5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20085
20097
201011
201114
201215
201341
201478
201567
2016148
2017447
2018286
201964
202066
202168
202216
20239
20247
20253
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

638 reports18 crashes2 fires4 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 15, 2022Air bagsODI 11493688

Service brakes

479 reports27 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Service brakesODI 11751872

Structure

82 reports3 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2024Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11577817

Service brakes, hydraulic

74 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 17, 2024Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11565926

Power train

47 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11517379

Engine

39 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2023Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11542103
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.