10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
27 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
102,364 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Ford Fusion:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #395

Aug 192019

Fusion

  • 130,000 miles
Brakes wouldn't work causing 2000 in bodily damage to another vehicle, as well as damage to my 2008 Ford Fusion. The Ford Fusion was traveling at a rate of less than 5 miles an hour and the vehicle that was hit was stopped at a red light. I paid out of pocket. In the seven to eight years I have owned this vehicle I've had two recalls. The first was the airbag. That took Ford years to replace after the initial letter went out 2015. Just this past summer of 2019, they finally replaced it. The brakes have always been spongy, also the acceleration has stuck twice, with the pedal going all the way to the floor, I was able to get it to pop out but it was very scary. I would not recommend a Ford to anyone.

- Wayne, NJ, USA

problem #394

Jan 192020

Fusion

  • 98,000 miles
I received a recall notice from Ford (#19S54 / NHTSA #19V-904) regarding the hydraulic control unit / anti-lock braking system. After an anti-lock brake incident, the brake pedal requires additional distance to start braking and it takes longer to stop. This has already happened twice in the past, and I am currently experiencing the issue after the ABS activated while trying to stop on ice. Previously I took my car to a mechanic who was able to temporarily restore full brake function, but this time that temporary fix didn't work. I live in Wisconsin (winter time) and it is unsafe to drive this car with the limited brake function, especially if I need to stop quickly to avoid an accident. I've been trying to work with Ford via their customer care line call center outside of the U.S., but they have been unhelpful as the recall is in the "advance notice period". the representative said I needed to have a Ford dealer diagnose the issue to ensure it was related to the recall. I did this and the dealer confirmed that it matched the recall. They contacted Ford corporate to determine the next action, and Ford stated that the fix and parts for it are unavailable until late 1st quarter 2020. Ford suggested that the dealer complete an advanced diagnosis process to determine the issue, at a cost of $300 to me. I am unwilling to do this, as there is no step towards fixing this after spending the $300, and Ford may not reimburse this cost. The dealer cannot help, unless I choose to spend my own money and hope that Ford will reimburse me for the costs. Ford call center managers have been unwilling to help as well. I have now been without a car for 2 weeks, and it appears I may be until March. This is unacceptable, and Ford's unwillingness to act on this safety issue is appalling. Is there anything that can be done to help get my car safely back on the road sooner?

- Fort Atkinson, WI, USA

problem #393

Jan 012011

Fusion

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the parking brake was activated along with the brake pedal and was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to (big valley Ford Lincoln located at 3282 auto center cir, stockton, ca 95212) to be diagnosed. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was 41,000.

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #392

Dec 292017

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 114,200 miles
Further information for the recall notice 19S54 / NHTSA recall 19V-904. Mileage at first event 111,287. Three times when braking hard the brake pedal went to the floor and barely slowed down the car. 1.) first time August 2017 while slowing down and making a right turn over a man hole cover. Dealer bleed the brakes but this did not fix the issue. 2.) recurred mileage 14459 December 28, 2017 on interstate where traffic had come to a halt. Had to brake fairly hard but the pedal went to the floor and only slowed the car slightly. Had over 100 yards before the stopped traffic. I almost hit the stopped cars ahead but they started to move forward just in time. I then rode the emergency lane, stopped and turned the car off and waited a while, then drove to the dealership. I left the car with them and had to get a rental car. This was a Friday before new years so they needed many days to get to look at it. Picked up car Jan 2, 2018 but they did not know for certain how to fix it but thought I might need a new hydraulic control unit, hcu. 3.) mileage 114520 January 23, 2018 this happened again on city roads and that was enough. I found a video online from a mechanic that described the issue completely. I sent the link to the Ford dealer and put a printed copy on the driver seat. I called the dealer and had them pick up the car because I was to scared to drive it anymore. In shop Jan 24 to 27, 2018. Total paid to dealer for three visits on this issue $1,409.61 plus $501.63 in rental car charges. Total out of pocket cost = $1,909.61. 1/27/2020 I just received a recall notice on this issue. I disagree with the comments that says " "Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle...you can continue to safely drive your vehicle." It certainly is a safety issue! here is the issue: Https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=0R46_unyyk8.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #391

Dec 302019

Fusion

  • 87,457 miles
I have been having problems with my brakes since April 2019. At that time, a new brake master cylinder was installed.when returning home from Oklahoma city ok on 12/30/2019, my brakes failed. It is a 3 1/2 hour, 215 mile trip from Oklahoma city to my home in hutchinson ks. Thankfully and fortunately or I wouldn't be here to send this "incident information", my brakes did not fail at highway speeds. I was traveling on city streets at 30-35 mph when they failed. I have had a new master cylinder installed but my brakes still do not feel right. Today, I received notice about the NHTSA recall 19V-904. Since I have already experienced brake problems, I would like to have my vehicle repaired asap because I am terrified of driving it at highway speeds.

- Hutchinson, KS, USA

problem #390

Jan 212020

Fusion

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard which extended the braking distance. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (service brakes, hydraulic). Neither the Ford dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted nor notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

- Cedar City, UT, USA

problem #389

Nov 012019

Fusion

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to epic Ford located at 5200 evergreen way, everett, Washington 98203, (425)-353-7171 to be inspected. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA

problem #388

Jan 102020

Fusion

  • 113,000 miles
Extended brake pedal travel

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #387

Jan 082020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 129,400 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the brake pedal went all the way to the floor to stop the vehicle. The vehicle went to an independent mechanic who determined there was air in the ABS system and bled the air out. The issue recurred again with another vehicle stopping suddenly in front and the contact's brake pedal again going all the way to the floor and a rear end collision happening. The other vehicle's passenger was injured and transported to the emergency room by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle will probably be totaled and the driver's air bag did deploy properly. Almost all of the damage was to the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The dealer and the manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The independent mechanic reviewed the repairs and verified the repairs were done properly. The contact had researched the internet and found that there were a number of complaints about the ABS system with the hydraulic control unit malfunctioning by not providing an immediate stop. The VIN tool found a NHTSA recall number: Awaiting (brakes) the failure mileage 129,400.

- Southgate, KY, USA

problem #386

Oct 012019

Fusion

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. While depressing the brake pedal, the pedal traveled to the floorboard and caused the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Interstate Ford (125 alexandersville rd, miamisburg, oh) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V904000 (brake system), but the part was not available. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 83,000.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #385

Oct 212019

Fusion

  • 106,725 miles
I noticed that I was having to press the brake pedal lower and lower for my car to stop. I took my car to dunn tire for my six month tire rotation and asked them if they would check my brakes because of the problem mentioned. They rotated the tires but said my car was not safe to drive because of the brakes. I had to leave it there and they got me a ride home. They said the master cylinder needed to be replaced so they had my car from Friday to Monday. I was not expecting to have to pay $499.69, but did so that I could get my car back. When I returned for my car I was told me that the master cylinder was leaking fluid. They replaced the cylinder and performed the procedure multiple times to bleed the brake system. Pedal is better and vehicle stops, but is still not as hard as is should/could be. They recommended taking car to dealer for further diagnosis into the ABS module or booster. When they told me the approximate cost, I could not do it as I am on a fixed income. I heard about the recall the other day on tv and went to this site to see if my car was affected by the recall. It is. I have limited my driving especially in inclement weather because I'm afraid there might be a braking problem or worse. I am very concerned that my brakes might go out at any time.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #384

Dec 182019

Fusion

  • 89,000 miles
ABS system engaged when coming to stop on icy city street; this was the first time in many months of driving that it had to do so. Immediately after that the brake pedal was extremely spongy and travels nearly to the floor on each subsequent stop. ABS does not engage and ABS light does not come on. No evidence of brake fluid leak, car calipers and brake pads all ok, master cylinder appears full.

- Easton, PA, USA

problem #383

Nov 022018

Fusion

  • 189,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. While braking, the ABS activated, the brakes malfunctioned, and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle delayed in finally stopping. The failure occurred at least five times with the brakes returning to normal afterwards. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 189,000.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

problem #382

Nov 032019

Fusion

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. While the contact's husband was attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to operate properly. The brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and the emergency brake had to be applied to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the master cylinder failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately a week later. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she filed a previous complaint with NHTSA (ODI number: 10967298) for the same failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

- Brandon, FL, USA

problem #381

Oct 012019

Fusion

  • 205,000 miles
When you press the petal, you have to pump the brakes to make the brakes work. The calipers are working correctly and bleeding the brakes doesn't fix it. New brake pads have been replaced. This began once the anti-lock brake system was engaged and the anti-lock brake system won't work. All of the wheels will lock up when there is a sudden stop at moderate speed (40 mph with full braking).

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #380

Jul 102019

Fusion

  • 75,000 miles
The car has had a complete and total failure of the break system. The break pedal depresses all the way until it contacts the floor and the vehicle barely comes to a stop. Ever since it has first happened, it has not returned to its original state. The firs time it happened the vehicle was in motion about 30mph in the city.

- Souderton, PA, USA

problem #379

Aug 122019

Fusion

  • 163,000 miles
Car has intermittently soft or spongy feeling to the brake pedal during what seems like no specific reason. Master cylinder has been replaced and issue continues. Bleeding the brakes doesn't cause any change and pumping the brakes only results in moderate return of the brake system.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #378

Jul 312019

Fusion

  • 93,000 miles
While hitting a pothole or driving on a wet surface and using the brakes the brakes lock up and the car slides before coming to a stop. After this happens the brakes are very spongy and go all the way to the floor when being pressed. When this happens I need to swerve around other vehicles to avoid an accident. I believe this is an issue with the ABS.

- King Of Prussia, PA, USA

problem #377

May 062019

Fusion

  • 65,000 miles
Driving along the freeway I had to brake suddenly and the ABS system malfunctioned causing the brake pedal to drop to the floor. Replaced the master cylinder but the problem still exists and the car is dangerous to drive. The ABS valve replacement is $1,200. And the car only has 60,000 miles on it. Based on research this appears to be a very common problem for Ford and Lincoln. I've had to part the vehicle until I can figure out the proper fix.

- Hurricane, UT, USA

problem #376

Jul 032019

Fusion

  • 98,000 miles
Heading to work, I encountered a hard braking event which the ABS reacted to, car was able to continue but the brake pedal became soft for all subsequent braking, and not able to stop the car in a satisfactory distance!! I turned around and headed home at a slow rate of speed but had to use the emergency brake to provide added stopping ability. Car was parked (after trying to pump up pedal in driveway) for the day, when I returned home, there were no codes in a std. Code detector and no visible signs of fluid leaks under car or at wheels and fluid level seemed appropriate. Car has about 95000 miles on it. Took car for a ride after work to plan my next days troubleshooting and all seems normal?! on line search found many similar reports.

- East Brunswick, NJ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »