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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags638
- Service brakes479
- Structure82
- Service brakes, hydraulic74
- Power train47
- Engine39
- Electrical system28
- Vehicle speed control24
- Latches/locks/linkages14
- Steering11
- Fuel/propulsion system10
- Seat belts7
- Suspension6
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
7
11
14
15
41
78
67
148
447
286
64
66
68
16
9
7
3
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2014 | 78 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 148 |
| 2017 | 447 |
| 2018 | 286 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2021 | 68 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.