2009 Ford Fusion Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 1,023 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Fusion years
About as many complaints as other years 10th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1,023 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Fusion. That ranks 10th out of 15 Fusion model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (473 complaints, 46%), typically at around 102,000 miles. Complaints mention 65 crashes, 5 fires, 40 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Ford Fusion problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes473 · ~102,000 mi
Air Bags359 · ~90,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic61 · ~96,970 mi
Structure42 · ~77,350 mi
Vehicle Speed Control33 · ~47,000 mi
Engine30 · ~98,000 mi
Unknown or Other24 · ~80,000 mi
Electrical System23 · ~66,500 mi
Power Train20 · ~57,488 mi
Steering16 · ~65,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes problems47346%102,000“way floor” (13%)$1,700
Air Bags problems35935%90,000“takata air bags” (25%)—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems616%96,970“brake pedal depressed” (21%)—
Structure424%77,350——
Vehicle Speed Control333%47,000——
Engine303%98,000——
Unknown or Other242%80,000——
Electrical System232%66,500——
Power Train202%57,488——
Steering162%65,000——
Latches/locks/linkages131%77,600——
Seats91%60,000——
Wheels91%85,772——
Engine and Engine Cooling71%108,252——
Fuel/propulsion System61%120,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline61%97,549——
Suspension61%88,780——
Tires61%19,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)50%79,900——
Service Brakes, Air40%50,000——
Exterior Lighting30%40,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance30%96,000——
Visibility30%18,000——
Seat Belts20%95,718——
Equipment10%———
Equipment Adaptive/mobility10%78,700——
Parking Brake10%37,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 304 complaints
2009: 9200992010: 12122011: 122011122012: 15152013: 152013152014: 29292015: 332015332016: 98982017: 30420173042018: 2412412019: 792019792020: 60602021: 712021712022: 18182023: 9202392024: 10102025: 3202532026: 55

n = 1,023 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Ford Fusion recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleMar 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V158000 · 2,602,668 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module; air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleFeb 16, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V081000 · 1,067 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleDec 18, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V904000 · 600,166 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.

Risk: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveJan 11, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V046000 · 327,796 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2009 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveJan 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V024000 · 654,695 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveMay 31, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V384000 · 1,892,343 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Extended Braking Distance (EA18002) — opened Apr 18, 2018, closed Jan 15, 2021, led to recall 19V904000.
  • Extended Braking Distance (PE16017) — opened Dec 20, 2016, closed May 4, 2018.
  • Floor mat interference with accelerator (EA12009) — opened Dec 12, 2012, closed Jun 12, 2014, led to recall 14E028000.
  • Accel Pedal Interference - Acc Floormat (PE10019) — opened May 28, 2010, closed Jan 11, 2013.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and continued to pump the brake pedal until the vehicle…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769237

Dear NHTSA, The braking system failed which was covered by Ford Safety Recall 19S54 with NHTSA campaign #19V904000 at 37,750 miles. After research and finding the label of the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit still on the vehicle, being manufactured 07/12/2008, picture attached, it turned out to be the…

Service Brakes · received Sep 3, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762013

my brakes had went out while i was driving home from work

Service Brakes · received Jul 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751439

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake repairs, and after the repairs, the brake pedal felt spongy. The independent mechanic performed further inspections and diagnosed the vehicle with insufficient brake pressure due…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Apr 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732434

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the failure occurred. When the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed an inspection. The brake pedal was…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Feb 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11717314

Other Ford Fusion years

← 2008 Fusion · 2010 Fusion →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2020 Fusion1833
2019 Fusion3163
2018 Fusion4422
2017 Fusion1,1124
2016 Fusion1,64113
2015 Fusion99413
2014 Fusion1,33019
2013 Fusion1,79219
2012 Fusion2,5165
2011 Fusion2,7927
2010 Fusion5,13011
20091,0236
2008 Fusion1,3535
2007 Fusion1,0644
2006 Fusion7304

See all Ford Fusion problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Fusion?

Owners most often report service brakes, air bags, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 473 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Ford Fusion?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Ford Fusion a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Fusion model years, the 2009 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.