Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph when smoke coming from the engine compartment was noticed. The contact continued to drive until they heard a popping noise from the engine compartment then pulled over. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and the contact sought medical care and sustained smoke inhalation. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while performing a daily routine check on the vehicle, she noticed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they were aware that the oil dip stick assembly had failed due to the screws becoming loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
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.
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/backward. This causes great risk to myself and others on the road/parking lots. I never know when it is going to get in gear or if it will go out while driving. The problem has been reported to the Ford company. The vehicle as not been inspected by any manufacture or policy/insurance. There was no warning, or no warning when it happens.
I was driving stoped at a light. Noticed dark smoke coming from under the hood. Made my left turn trying to get to a parking lot just ahead. The smoke started coming into the car. It was smoking bad by now. I pulled over as I did I saw flames coming from under the hood. This is only a minute or two later. I got out of car called 911. The whole engine was burned up the front tires. Windshield was starting to crack and started melting. This was so scary every thing happened so fast and the gauge didn't show the car was running the slightest bit hot. With all that it seemed when I was slowing down for the light the brakes were starting to go out. There is only a little over 45,000 miles on my car. Now that I think of all this I thank god I didn't get into an accident and hurt or kill someone including myself. [redacted] from clarkston michigan
Business name: Ford motor company. Customer service division p.o.box 1904 dearborn, mi 48121 bus phone: [phone] email: website: Ford motor company. Com names and addresses of any other businesses involved in your complaint: transaction date: 12-15-2014 amount in dispute: n/a explanation of complaint: I was involved in a car accident on December 15th 2014 the car I own is a 2009 Ford Fusion sel .my accelerator got stuck my car I went ofnline to see if there was any recalls on the vehicle and there was one I contacted for customer service.
I purchased the 2009 Ford Fusion for my 16 year old daughter's first car. It only has 68K miles on it so I was confidence that it would be a reliable car. After diving it for about a month the car started stalling and it was never consistent. About once a week the car would stall sometimes when pulling away from a stop sign or just driving at normal speeds. Then also sometimes it would surge. She said the scary part was when it stalls you can't steer or brake the car because of no power. After taking it to the repair shop several times they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. The dealership said it was probably the throttle body but could not say for sure and there was no recall on that part. This is unbelievable the car is not safe to drive and there is no recall! …
My daughter was driving her 2009 Ford Fusion to college orientation in mankato, mn. The car went into "limp" mode on the highway due to a defective throttle body assembly and ultimately stopped running. The issue surrounding Ford's lack of commitment is that the throttle body defect is a known issue; reference consumer satisfaction program 13n03. The service manager and Ford customer service said my car did not fall within the parameters of the replacement program. I have a case number from Ford involving the defective throttle body, but nobody has followed up with me and I assume the case is closed. The service manager said he did not know why my car would not be covered since it's the same defect that's addressed by their customer satisfaction program.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that it took at least three attempts to start the vehicle. When the vehicle finally started, it failed to accelerate and the wrench warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Electronic throttle body defective. Engine stalls, loses power, enters limp mode, and runs at reduced speeds. Especially dangers leaving an intersection, after being stopped, you can't rely on the vehicle having enough power to clear the intersection as oncoming traffic approaches. Always concerned about being t-boned.
Engine complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Ford Fusion, 4% of the model year's 1,023 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford Fusion engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Ford Fusion, though it has 6 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 2009 Ford Fusion engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries to engine & cooling 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.