The 2009 Ford Fusion has 6 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect affecting both the driver and passenger sides, where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, with the potential for serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side front airbag inflators are subject to this defect, and multiple recall filings cover overlapping model year ranges for this vehicle. The passenger-side inflator and the driver-side inflator can each explode during airbag deployment rather than inflating normally, scattering sharp metal fragments toward anyone seated in the front of the car. This risk is tied to long-term exposure to heat and humidity, making vehicles in warm, humid climates or regions with high temperature swings particularly susceptible. If your car has spent time registered or driven in states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, or other high-humidity areas, it falls squarely within the affected population.
On the brake side, the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit contains valves that can react with certain formulations of brake fluid and fail to close fully. When this happens, the brake pedal travels further toward the floor before the brakes fully engage, which means stopping distances increase and the margin for error in an emergency shrink. This does not cause brake failure outright, but it does mean the car takes more effort and distance to stop than a driver would expect.
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 explode due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
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.
