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KLUNK
KLUNK

2009 Ford Fusion

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2009 Ford Fusion has 1,018 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are brakes (523 complaints) and electrical (338 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Fusion, consider the 2020 model year which has 82% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 82% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Ford Fusion dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

18V046000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 Caro...

Risk

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

Remedy

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...

Reported Nov 1, 2018

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20061323535768130
20071451396178457
2008985366174938
2009995233384711
201020495207101307527
20111538185441454153
20121618121557171134
201383771209569265
2014643112159296214
2015345116116358122
2016523124158608271
201713876111514263
20185941928174
20194156321643
2020366286246

By Category

Brakes
523
Electrical
338
Body
99
Engine
47
Transmission
11

By Severity

1
482
2
462
3
4
4
70

Worst Problems

Complaints

Brakes 1

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 original HCU, whose failures were the reason for the Safety Recall. A Ford dealer had performed software evaluation of the ABS HCU and determined replacement of unit not necessary. This was done on 4/14/2021 at 17,606 miles along with break fluid change to DOT4 and reservoir cap change. Unfortunately my wife just went through a four-way stop intersection when the break pedal went to the end of its movement without being able to stop. No injuries or crashes involved. According to all sources read, this was caused by the ABS HCU valve being stuck open after attempting to brake on the slippery road during rain. The car is no longer safe to drive and sitting in front of our home. Asked Ford Motor Co to take care of this incomplete repair by the Ford dealer and replace the HCU but they say it’s no longer their responsibility. My understanding is that with a safety recall, they are to fix the issue as long as the vehicle is still around. They don’t agree. Can you help with this situation? Thank you! Note: I tried to upload pictures of ABS HCU and VIN labels on vehicle but failed after a number of retry attempts. If you need them I can try another way. Let me know.

8d ago
Brakes 1

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

1mo ago
Brakes 2

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 to a failure of the ABS hydraulic control unit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

4mo ago
Brakes 2

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 depressed approximately seventy percent down for the brakes to engage. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but it was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear calipers needed to be inspected. However, the contact was unsure if the rear calipers were inspected. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired and was awaiting a flush of the braking system. The dealer made the manufacturer aware of the issue. The zone manager informed the contact that a satisfaction program had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

7mo ago
Brakes 2

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 for a new ABS control module, even though the recall notice mentions this component. The issue affects braking performance and safety, especially on wet roads. The ABS system continues to malfunction, and the dealership’s refusal to complete the recall repair leaves the vehicle unsafe to drive.

11mo ago
Brakes 2

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. There was a previous recall on the brake lines and it said they needed to be flushed out and all. I had this done to my car before and thought everything was okay. But it is not. I called Ford and they said there is currently a Customer Satisfaction Program that covers the repair of the Hydraulic control unit but it is limited to vehicles under 15 years old. My car is 16 years old so it does not qualify for this program. I asked why this wasn't a recall because it is such a big safety issue and they stated they couldn't make it a recall, it would have to be reported and issued from NHTSA. If the brakes/brake pedal is messing up and this is a known issue, then the vehicles' age should not matter. It should be recalled and fixed because this is such a huge safety concern and obviously a defect when manufactured. I don't have another car to drive and I'm sure there are numerous others in this same position and I feel it is imperative that this be looked into further and issued as a recall so people can remain safe and I'm sure this would save lives. I almost ran into a car today and it is extremely hazardous. It is very dangerous and scary and there is no warning light or anything indicating anything is wrong until driving it and it randomly happens. I have taken care of my car and had the previous recalls fixed but Ford knows this is an issue and very dangerous so it seems clear this needs to be issued as a recall.

13mo ago
Brakes 1

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 their recall. The recall says the D03 fluid must be changed to DOT 4 even if no problem found and if problem detected how to fix it! Ford declined because they can't get code reader to work on my car. They said it is a Preexisting Condition! My car is old but only has 24,800 miles and has been kept inside in a heated garage. The Downtown dealership said their hands are tied and would love to make my car safe. Their phone number is 304 344 1601. Please help me get my car fixed!!! I have called Ford multiple times and no help due to not having the codes from the dealership. Thanks!!!!

13mo ago
Brakes 1

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 recall 19S54 which was apparently replaced by a Ford CSP 21N11. I made an appointment to have this issue addressed by a Ford dealership and they said that the CSP expired in 2022 and the vehicle is no longer covered despite the persistence of the safety issue and the fact that it has not been repaired for this known problem. With a significant issue, such as braking, I believe the expiration should be extended to allow for Ford owners to have this known safety issue addressed appropriately by Ford.

21mo ago
Brakes 1

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 NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V158000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer completed the air bag recall and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake module and HECU module were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,970. Parts distribution disconnect.

22mo ago
Brakes 4

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 this safety recall in 2011 informing of the defect and assuring "we will correct this condition." The vehicle was taken to Koons Ford (1051 E Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 22044; 703-241-7250) on 7/5/21 for repair. However, the HCU was not replaced, which appears to be the only remedy to this problem. Instead DOT 3 brake fluid was replaced with DOT 4 fluid, according to Koons Ford. However, after subsequent activation of the ABS brake system, the brakes became impaired again in the same way as before. I returned the car to Koons Ford on [XXX]. A "one-time" repair was performed pursuant to "customer satisfaction program" 21N11, as Ford acknowledged in a letter to dealers dated 12/7/21 that numerous customers were returning as the action prescribed in safety recall 19S54 did not repair the defective brakes. However, the HCU was not replaced. Service Advisor Kevin Lacki told me the HCU "passed" the inspection/diagnostic despite replication of the problem. I complained to Service Manager Rob Ryans who did nothing. I emailed the General Manager of the dealership twice, and he never responded. I called the manufacturer on [XXX] (case #[XXX]), but no action was taken. The problem of "soft" brakes and extended travel time quickly resurfaced and led to a vehicle accident in early 2023. The Ford Motor Company is employing a diagnostic that results in false "passes" for HCUs that should be replaced (and/or this dealership did not correctly perform the service actions). Even after "passing" Ford's diagnostic, the HCU valve(s) become stuck open after ABS activation. The safety recall should be investigated and the recall amended to replace faulty HCUs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

23mo ago
Brakes 1

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 it takes a lot before the things return to normal( so it happens only when the car try to activate te ABS system).

23mo ago
Brakes 2

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 failed and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.

24mo ago
Brakes 4

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 the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was pulling into the garage, the brake pedal was depressed. Still, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into the garage wall. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was drivable. The contact later received notification of Ford Campaign Number: 21N11. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake fluid and the brake fluid cap were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer had not replaced the HCU. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

24mo ago
Brakes 2

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 brake lines had been flushed. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time, and the vehicle was diagnosed with an HECU fuse failure. The contact was informed that the HECU fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 173,890.

25mo ago
Body 1

The potholes on the highway caused my tie rods and tires to explode!

25mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

26mo ago
Brakes 1

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.

30mo ago
Body 2

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 not be opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

33mo ago
Brakes 1

Hcu fails and prolongs braking, brakes are often soft

34mo ago
Engine 2

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 was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust manifold valve was stuck in the open position again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

36mo ago

1018 total

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