Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 there was a squealing sound coming from underneath the dashboard. The vehicle was hard shifting while accelerating or while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 8-times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in TSB Number: 10052190 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 143,300. The repairs were made at the owner's expense in the amount of $2196.46.
1. Currently on My 2nd PCM and 4th set of coils and plugs. I was driving My car a few months ago and it started struggling to stay running and the engine light started flashing and after about 2 minutes the car completely shut down. Bought All new coils and Plugs to find out that the pcm was just popping them. Replaced the Pcm and Coils and plugs and Now My car is sitting due to the same problem with the PCM and coils. 2. About a Year ago, I Pulled into the Gas station and when I got back into my car it wouldn't start. After days of Mechanic work I was told that the wiring harness that powers the fuel pump were melted. Which could have very easily caught My car on fire while I was inside. 3. 6 months ago My power Steering went out for the 1st time because of the bolt on the pully and happened again 3 months ago. How are these things not recalled!!?? I've seen a ton of complaints!
Was not notified of any recalls on this vehicle when I purchased it. I had an accident last month and the brakes locked up and I couldn't control the steering and went careening off the roadway into a stationary sign and tow up the passenger side of my vehicle. The passenger air bag never deployed. Nor the driver air bag.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. While driving 30 MPH, the wrench warning icon illuminated "powertrain fault". The contact depressed the brake pedal and it traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was eventually able to stop and pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to odaniel Ford Mitsubishi (631 Lincoln hwy w, new haven, in 46774, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the electrical throttle body and ABS failed. The electrical throttle body was replaced, but the contact was informed that there was no repair for the brakes. The contact's brother retrieved the vehicle from the dealer after the repairs. While driving 30 MPH and approaching an intersection, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to engage. The vehicle was able to come to a stop after traveling through an intersection without a crash. …
My ignition coils have melted and fried the PCM. Long story short it was a very dangerous situation where I was in the middle of a highway going 50mph when my car just wouldn't accelerate. It started shaking violently and I thought I was going to lose control. Luckily, I was able to safely make it to the side of the road and have it towed to the local dealership. Unfortunately, Ford has yet to take responsibility and recall these defective parts. There are thousands of complaints filed online. This issue costs thousands to fix and should be taken seriously by Ford. Even the dealership commented that they thought the ignition coil May have melted before they even looked at it because they know this is a known issue with Ford fusions. I'm really disappointed in Ford.
The ptu on my car went out last month. When I called the dealer to order it I was informed by the parts department to look into recalls because there is a known issue. I started looking and there is a recall for this particular ptu on the edge, flex and some fusions...but not for mine...I have called Ford and asked why and I was given no explanation. This unit was manufactured by Ford to be a non-serviceable lifetime unit...obviously it is not. They have admitted that there is a problem and even replaced some of them...why is mine not covered when it is the same exact parts as the others? I have also found that a class action law suit is being filed over this issue.
Car parked at the driveway, started the car, see an engine light and wrench light in the dashboard, tried to accelerate gas pedal, it appears there's no accelerating power. RPM unstable, engine shaking. Called aaa roadside assistance, aaa technician checked and started the car its the same issue. He recommended to disconnect the positive battery cable to reset computer system. Disconnected wait for 10 seconds and re-start the engine, then everything worked. Took the car to a Ford dealer, service advisor believe to be the electronic throttle body problem. Verified in the computer if there's a recall for 2008 Ford Fusion, however nothing reported at this time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Fusion. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but it took numerous attempts to stop the vehicle. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to waldorf Ford (2440 crain hwy, waldorf, md 20601, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. An independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired the master cylinder. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Started with very loud sounds coming form the car - thought it was the front end. Took it to Ford in paso robles, ca they could find nothing wrong. Transmission failure began with faulty shifting - check engine light came on. Contacted Ford immediately they set my apt time 4 days later - I had to park my car until I was able to take it in. The transmission had to be replaced on 5/29/2014. It is now 4/1/15 and the same noises are coming back and I expect the transmission to have to be replaced again very soon.
I have had to replace the transmission, the head gasket, drive shaft and carrier barrings. When I had the vehicle fixed I was told I need a new gas tank as well. My passenger side airbag compartment is rising up from the dash and I am concerned it will deploy even without an accident to initiate the deploy. Called Ford motor company and they were not willing to help in any way. I purchased the car in 2013 and have had problems from the start with no help from Ford. Thank you.
Transmission complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Ford Fusion, 3% of the model year's 1,353 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Fusion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.