The 2008 Ford Fusion has 5 recalls, the most serious being front airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, with a serious risk of injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbags are affected by inflator defects, and prior repair attempts across multiple campaigns have not fully resolved the issue for all affected vehicles. The inflators can rupture explosively during a crash deployment, scattering sharp metal fragments toward the driver and front passenger. Some of these recalls are scoped to vehicles that were originally sold or have ever been registered in high-humidity regions, including Gulf Coast and Southeast states, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and certain U.S. territories, because sustained heat and humidity accelerate the deterioration of the inflator propellant. Owners unsure whether their specific vehicle is covered should check their VIN against the individual campaigns.
On the braking side, the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit contains valves that can react with certain corrosion-inhibiting additives found in some brake fluids, causing those valves to stick open rather than close fully. When that happens, the brake pedal travels further toward the floor before the brakes engage, which extends stopping distances and raises the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid additives can react with valves in the ABS hydraulic control unit, preventing them from closing properly and affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealer will flush brake system with DOT 4 fluid, install new reservoir cap, test the control unit, and replace it if a stuck valve is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
