Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after the dealer performed the passenger's side airbag recall repair, the passenger's side dashboard and airbag compartment was separating. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the car was parked outside in the sun, the passenger's side dashboard nearby the air bag became deformed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 87,150.
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. …
On December 27th 2019. My daughter slide into the back of another car and she complained the breaks were taking to long to come to a complete stop. The car was totaled and on January 23rd, 2020 we received safety recall notice 19s54/NHTSA recall 19v-904. Had we received this notice before 12/27/19 we believe repairs would have prevented the accident and the car would not have been sold for parts.
September 8 we had a car accident and our car was totaled the air bags none of them ever went off, even the police and paramedic were concerned, and being a nurse I am very concerned, we were getting off bypass and another car hit us. We were rear ended
My Breaks gave way for some odd reason I ran into a cable box trying to control or rather stop the vehicle.
Had several incidents with my brakes not working properly after ABS going on by hittin my brakes on a bumpy road or uneven gravel and in rainy weather, my brakes went soft and low and I would have to press the brakes all the way down to the ground for my vehicle to stop. After pumping the brakes and stopping a lot of times the brakes would go somewhat back to normal, recently I pressed my brakes in uneven gravel and I almost ran into a construction post because my brakes gave out on me and went soft and low, so I had to turn my vehicle to prevent me from crashing, my brakes have been low and soft ever since and I drove my vehicle several times after that incident and my brakes have not returned back to normal, im trying to figure out this issue and believe it's extremely dangerous, I take care of my vehicle it looks brand new still and I always take care of it, I just don't understand …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was a crack on the dashboard over the air bag, which exposed the air bag. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (mastel Ford, olean, ny, [phone]) who stated that nothing could be done. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V384000 (air bags). The contact also received a Takata settlement notice and was referred to [phone]. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Consumer stated it is a separation of the airbag compartment cover from the dash. Airbag light is on in cold weather until car warms up. It started the winter of 2012-2013. By 2015 you can put hand in the hole. It keeps getting worse. Updated 8/21/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the dashboard on the passenger side lifted up and exposed the air bag. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V384000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called don gasgarth's charlotte county Ford at [phone] (located at 3156 tamiami trail, port charlotte, fl 33952) and was informed that the part was not available. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the front passenger side of the dashboard bubbled. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V384000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Body complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Ford Fusion, 6% of the model year's 1,353 complaints. The component named most often is body (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Fusion body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2008 Ford Fusion, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Fusion body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.