Buying a Ford Fusion can be an excellent investment. This vehicle, a mid-sized car, offers a lot of key features and even some of the more advanced options for its model year. Before you invest in a vehicle, it is critical to learn as much as you can about it, its history and its safety ratings. The 2008 Ford Fusion’s recalls are another factor to take into consideration. Like most vehicles, the 2008 model year has had some recalls that are important to get taken care of before you buy.
About the 2008 Ford Fusion
The 2008 Ford Fusion has much to offer to today’s buyer. The Fusion itself was first produced in August of 2005 for model years 2006 on. This is a four-door sedan vehicle ideal for five people.
By 2008, Ford Motor Company had produced two generations of this vehicle. It has since produced the third generation as well. There are also numerous trim options and engine styles, including a gas engine, a gas/electric hybrid vehicle, and a gas/plug-in electric hybrid model.
The 2008 Ford Fusion was available in several trim packages. The standard model offered a 2.3L 16V 14 Duratec engine that produced 160 horsepower and created 156 ft/lbs of torque.
Ford Fusion Recalls on the 2008 Model Year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that five total 2008 Ford Fusion recalls exist as of August of 2020. Additional recalls may occur at some point in the future. Here is a look at some of those recalls.
ABS Valve Problem
In December of 2019, Ford issued a recall impacting the 2008 Ford Fusion. NHTSA campaign number 19V904000 involves the vehicle’s service brakes and hydraulics. The ABS valve on these vehicles may remain open after an ABS event occurs.
This recall impacted over 600,000 vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, MKZ and Lincoln Zephyr vehicles, for model years 2006 through 2010.
In these vehicles, the ABC Hydraulic Control Units can sometimes react with brake fluids that contain corrosion preventative additives. If this occurs, it can lead to the inability of the valves to close tightly.
If they cannot close properly, a driver may need to apply the brakes for a longer period of time to get the vehicle to stop. This can increase the risk of a crash occurring.
To fix this recall, Ford notified owners, and dealers worked to flush the brake system using DOT 4 fluid. They were then instructed to place a new brake fluid reservoir cap in place. They also tested the hydraulic system to ensure the valves were no longer sticking. If they were, then they replaced the impacted components.
Passenger Front Airbag Recall
In January of 2017, Ford issued NHTSA campaign number 17Vo24000, a recall for the potential for an inflator rupture of the frontal airbag. Ford noted that only some of its 2008 Ford Fusion models were at risk of this problem. These vehicles have a specific type of airbag inflator that is put together as a part of the passenger frontal airbag module.
In these affected vehicles, the frontal airbag may inflate improperly, leading to the risk of a rupture occurring. If a rupture occurs, it can propel metal fragments at those sitting in the driver or passenger seat.
The cause of this problem relates to moisture and humidity.
Buildup in these vehicles can damage the inflator in these airbags. To fix this problem, Ford had dealers work to replace the passenger front airbag inflator.
Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat Risk
In May of 2014, Ford issued NHTSA campaign number 14E028000. This recall relates to the driver side accessory floor mat. The mat may create a problem that could lead to an increased risk of injury due to a crash.
This recall impacted over 82,000 vehicles, including Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The floor mat in these vehicles can move in such a way that it can make it hard for the driver to access the accelerator pedal. This can make it impossible for the driver to move to an ideal position. This can also lead to increased speed and, in some cases, increase the risk of a crash occurring.
To fix this problem, Ford notified all its owners, and dealers placed new replacement mats in place. There was no charge for this repair.
Wheelchair Lift and Interlock Belt Failure
In March of 2010, Ford issued a recall for the wheelchair lift and interlock belt on its Ford Fusion. This was a small recall that impacted only a few vehicles. NHTSA campaign number 10V113000 relates to an adaptive equipment failure.
In these vehicles, the user of the lift can be injured should the lift move without the belt positioned properly. The recall was formally issued by VAN-CON, the company that manufactured the belts.
In this recall, the belt appears to be latched into place, but that is not the case. This leaves a person at risk for injury. To fix this, VAN-CON issued a replacement component for the vehicles.
Finding a 2008 Ford Fusion Recall
For those planning to purchase a Ford Fusion, it is possible to find recall information about their specific vehicle using the Ford Recalls and Field Service Action tool.
Users just need to input their Vehicle Identification Number of the make, model and year of the car into the tool. It will list all applicable recalls for the vehicle or the model year for the vehicle. Be sure to check the trim package details, too.
If you plan to buy a vehicle, you should check to see if any recalls exist. If they do, make sure they have been completed before buying or reach out to the manufacturer to get them to handle the recall update for you right away.
This helps ensure the vehicle remains safe to use long term. Most often, once you own the vehicle, the manufacturer or the dealership will contact you with any additional recalls.
