2009 Ford Fusion: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Ford Fusion? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,020 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2009 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Ford Fusion trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Ford Fusion has 1,020 owner complaints, 65 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Fusion
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,020
- Crash-related complaints
- 65
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2009 Ford Fusion Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Airbag Malfunctions
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Airbag Malfunctions, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Ford Fusion?
The 2009 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Ford Fusion
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and hydraulic components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Ford Fusion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Ford Fusion are heavily concentrated in the brake system and airbag components, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues with braking performance and airbag deployment, though the low confidence level and self-reported nature of complaints warrant caution.
- Brake system complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most frequently reported component.
- Crash-related complaints represent a small but notable portion of total reports.
- Brake System
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Hydraulic issues
All 2009 Ford Fusion Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Fusion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 535 | 42 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 359 | 20 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 60 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 42 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 37 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 33 | 7 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 5 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Air | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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 brak…
The ABS warning light came on while driving, and the brakes began to feel unsafe during normal stops. I later learned there is an open recall for the ABS module on my vehicle. When I took it to the dealership, they refused to perform the recall repair unless I paid out of pocket …
My car's brake pedal started not working properly. When trying to brake, the brake pedal goes down further than what it is supposed to and it takes longer than normal to brake, causing almost wrecks. It happens suddenly when trying to brake sometimes and it is very scary. Ther…
I have recall 19S54 and called Ford. They made an appointment with Downtown Ford, Charleston, WV. The dealership said ford declined my recall repair due to not being able to get their machines to get any codes from my car. The ABS light is on. My mechanic said Ford should fix the…
I have noticed for some time in our 2009 Ford Fusion purchased used that the brake travel was longer than it should be. This results in the need to anticipate braking quicker and react faster to allow appropriate time to slow down. In doing some research I discovered a Ford rec…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The check brakes system message was displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notifications of NH…
After activation of ABS brake system, brakes became "soft" and "spongy" with permanent increased braking time. As described in safety recall 19S54, this due to to a valve in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) being stuck open. I received a letter from Ford Motor Company regarding…
While i was driving and the car hits a hole if the road, and i tried to brake so i can controll the car the breakes became uresponsive for the moment and after a few seconds when i try to brake again the travel space of the brake pedal is increased a lot and is near the end, and …
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the Hydraulic Electric Control Unit (HECU) had fail…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing extended brake pedal travel while driving. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, causing th…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the br…
The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!
Chapman Ford in Marysville, Ohio has had my car for ABS recall for almost a month now. They said they are waiting on the HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HCU. Is this normal to take this long to fix.
Ford dealership refuses to replace ABS HCU unit. Recall states that it will be replaced if defective. Dealership said that it is defective but not part of the recall. Shows that it is part of the recall.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the front driver's side door became inoperable. The contact stated that the front driver's door failed to open. The contact stated that the door latch could be locked and unlocked; however, the front driver's door could…
Hcu fails and prolongs braking, brakes are often soft
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 position. The vehicle …
My brakes have been soft when I was sold the vehicle. I was assured multiple times that there is nothing wrong with them. As I have taken it in for multiple oil changes, the mechanics always seem to have a problem with the brakes. I’ve taken it to get the calipers, discs and mast…
Transmission will not go into gear. When it finally does shift it jumps completely forward or backwards depending on the gear. However, it does not matter which gear you put it in. It takes several attempts before it does go into gear; at that time it will completely jump forward…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Ford Fusion.
2009 Ford Fusion Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Fusion. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Ford Fusion Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Fusion reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,020 owner complaints, 65 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Fusion?▾
#1: Brake System (535 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (359 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (60 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Ford Fusion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Ford Fusion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Ford Fusion, NHTSA complaints include 65 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 1,020 total complaints. 40 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Ford Fusion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Ford Fusion. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Ford Fusion?▾
The 2009 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Fusion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Ford Fusion based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.