429 complaints reported

2009 Ford Fusion Brakes

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
429
Crashes
32
Fires
0
Injuries
4

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

My car's brake pedal started not working properly. When trying to brake, the brake pedal goes down further than what it is supposed to and it takes longer than normal to brake, causing almost wrecks. It happens suddenly when trying to brake sometimes and it is very scary. There was a previous recall on the brake lines and it said they needed to be flushed out and all. I had this done to my car before and thought everything was okay. But it is not. I called Ford and they said there is currently a Customer Satisfaction Program that covers the repair of the Hydraulic control unit but it is limited to vehicles under 15 years old. My car is 16 years old so it does not qualify for this program. I asked why this wasn't a recall because it is such a big safety issue and they stated they couldn't make it a recall, it would have to be reported and issued from NHTSA. If the brakes/brake pedal is messing up and this is a known issue, then the vehicles' age should not matter. It should be recalled and fixed because this is such a huge safety concern and obviously a defect when manufactured. I don't have another car to drive and I'm sure there are numerous others in this same position and I feel it is imperative that this be looked into further and issued as a recall so people can remain safe and I'm sure this would save lives. I almost ran into a car today and it is extremely hazardous. It is very dangerous and scary and there is no warning light or anything indicating anything is wrong until driving it and it randomly happens. I have taken care of my car and had the previous recalls fixed but Ford knows this is an issue and very dangerous so it seems clear this needs to be issued as a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2025
Aug 2025

The ABS warning light came on while driving, and the brakes began to feel unsafe during normal stops. I later learned there is an open recall for the ABS module on my vehicle. When I took it to the dealership, they refused to perform the recall repair unless I paid out of pocket for a new ABS control module, even though the recall notice mentions this component. The issue affects braking performance and safety, especially on wet roads. The ABS system continues to malfunction, and the dealership’s refusal to complete the recall repair leaves the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2025

I have recall 19S54 and called Ford. They made an appointment with Downtown Ford, Charleston, WV. The dealership said ford declined my recall repair due to not being able to get their machines to get any codes from my car. The ABS light is on. My mechanic said Ford should fix their recall. The recall says the D03 fluid must be changed to DOT 4 even if no problem found and if problem detected how to fix it! Ford declined because they can't get code reader to work on my car. They said it is a Preexisting Condition! My car is old but only has 24,800 miles and has been kept inside in a heated garage. The Downtown dealership said their hands are tied and would love to make my car safe. Their phone number is 304 344 1601. Please help me get my car fixed!!! I have called Ford multiple times and no help due to not having the codes from the dealership. Thanks!!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Nov 2024

I have noticed for some time in our 2009 Ford Fusion purchased used that the brake travel was longer than it should be. This results in the need to anticipate braking quicker and react faster to allow appropriate time to slow down. In doing some research I discovered a Ford recall 19S54 which was apparently replaced by a Ford CSP 21N11. I made an appointment to have this issue addressed by a Ford dealership and they said that the CSP expired in 2022 and the vehicle is no longer covered despite the persistence of the safety issue and the fact that it has not been repaired for this known problem. With a significant issue, such as braking, I believe the expiration should be extended to allow for Ford owners to have this known safety issue addressed appropriately by Ford.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2024
Sep 2024 Crash

After activation of ABS brake system, brakes became "soft" and "spongy" with permanent increased braking time. As described in safety recall 19S54, this due to to a valve in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) being stuck open. I received a letter from Ford Motor Company regarding this safety recall in 2011 informing of the defect and assuring "we will correct this condition." The vehicle was taken to Koons Ford (1051 E Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 22044; 703-241-7250) on 7/5/21 for repair. However, the HCU was not replaced, which appears to be the only remedy to this problem. Instead DOT 3 brake fluid was replaced with DOT 4 fluid, according to Koons Ford. However, after subsequent activation of the ABS brake system, the brakes became impaired again in the same way as before. I returned the car to Koons Ford on [XXX]. A "one-time" repair was performed pursuant to "customer satisfaction program" 21N11, as Ford acknowledged in a letter to dealers dated 12/7/21 that numerous customers were returning as the action prescribed in safety recall 19S54 did not repair the defective brakes. However, the HCU was not replaced. Service Advisor Kevin Lacki told me the HCU "passed" the inspection/diagnostic despite replication of the problem. I complained to Service Manager Rob Ryans who did nothing. I emailed the General Manager of the dealership twice, and he never responded. I called the manufacturer on [XXX] (case #[XXX]), but no action was taken. The problem of "soft" brakes and extended travel time quickly resurfaced and led to a vehicle accident in early 2023. The Ford Motor Company is employing a diagnostic that results in false "passes" for HCUs that should be replaced (and/or this dealership did not correctly perform the service actions). Even after "passing" Ford's diagnostic, the HCU valve(s) become stuck open after ABS activation. The safety recall should be investigated and the recall amended to replace faulty HCUs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2022
Sep 2024

While i was driving and the car hits a hole if the road, and i tried to brake so i can controll the car the breakes became uresponsive for the moment and after a few seconds when i try to brake again the travel space of the brake pedal is increased a lot and is near the end, and it takes a lot before the things return to normal( so it happens only when the car try to activate te ABS system).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Sep 2024

Chapman Ford in Marysville, Ohio has had my car for ABS recall for almost a month now. They said they are waiting on the HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HCU. Is this normal to take this long to fix.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Apr 2024 Crash

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing extended brake pedal travel while driving. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, causing the braking distance to be extended. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was pulling into the garage, the brake pedal was depressed. Still, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into the garage wall. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was drivable. The contact later received notification of Ford Campaign Number: 21N11. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake fluid and the brake fluid cap were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer had not replaced the HCU. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

Ford dealership refuses to replace ABS HCU unit. Recall states that it will be replaced if defective. Dealership said that it is defective but not part of the recall. Shows that it is part of the recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Nov 2023

Hcu fails and prolongs braking, brakes are often soft

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2023

My brakes have been soft when I was sold the vehicle. I was assured multiple times that there is nothing wrong with them. As I have taken it in for multiple oil changes, the mechanics always seem to have a problem with the brakes. I’ve taken it to get the calipers, discs and master cylinder replaced and they have been bled for over 24 hours and are still soft and can’t find the reason. Every mechanic has told me they won’t pass safety yet I was sold this car with a safety pass. I’m still paying on this vehicle and haven’t even had it a year. The photos I uploaded are from Carfax Car care. I have receipts for the brakes and master cylinder being replaced if those are needed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
Oct 2022

With new brake pads on brake pedal goes to the floor. Brake/ABS is on and won’t clear either. Also when driving brakes want to engage then disengage

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
May 2022

My car was recalled for the ABS HCU unit (recall#19S54) that was experiencing spongy brake performance with occasional times of going to the floor and losing all brakes and putting the entire community and myself at risk. I took it to Sunrise Ford on 5/10/22 at 7:30 am. after having a full brake job, replacing all pads, rotating drums and flushing the system at my trusted mechanic. Even after all work was performed, the problem was not solved. I drove to the dealership and the brakes were functional but occasionally would fail and I could pump them back up. There were NO CODES of malfunction of any kind when the car was brought to the dealership. They confirmed the HCU was faulty and said they would replace it free of charge. 3 hours later I was informed they couldn't fulfill the recall without an 1160. repair to the ABS unit. When I declined the expensive repair and asked they return the car with the recall performed they refused. They said it was not drivable and they wouldn't give it back or complete the job without making this other repair. I asked to pick up my car and they would only return my vehicle if I signed a safety waiver and had a tow truck to remove it. When I arrived with a tow truck it wasn't ready and I was left waiting for 45 minutes. Then when my mechanic got the car back the entire braking system was dismantled and brake fluid was sprayed everywhere including the inside of the headlight. The communication module was disconnected so no codes could be generated. When I complained in an internal online review form, I was put on a DO NOT SERVICE list by Deana Ramirez the service director at Sunrise Ford. I was also told that this list went to all Ford dealerships preventing me from receiving this recall service at any dealership.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2022
May 2022 Crash Injury

on May 2021 accident happen prior to brake couldn't t brake as soon as it's pressed. it took long time after pressing the brake to come to complete stop. i contact silver spring ford to diagnose the recall issue but they insist I have to pay. i explained them it's on recall and the letter I received stated that diagnose and parts indicate free of charge but the are refused to perform the diagnosis and solve the issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2022
Jan 2022

I have been waiting on a part on my brakes. The Hydraulic control unit of the anti-lock braking system is stuck open. This has resulted in extended brake pedal travel requiring to stop the vehicle. Increasing the risk of a crash! I was sent an email stating this anticipated part to be available late first quarter 2020. This recall has been since 2019. I've had the vehicle in 2 different FORD MOTOR Companies and the part is still not available. After 2 months of the vehicle sitting at the Ford Motor Company, I was told I could pick up the car and it was safe to drive until the part was available, yet no one has been able to give me the TOA of the part. My 16-year attempted to drive this vehicle to school and the brake pedal is still extending requiring delay of stopping time. Increasing the risk of a crash!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2022

total abs brake and main brake system failure. Car was dropped off at the dealership 12/23/21 and I'm being told parts aren't going to be available until 2/28/22 at the earliest, probably longer. Ford won't provide any faster parts or a rental car coverage and this is my only means of transportation. The recall needs to provide this in addition to the repair or ford should buy back the car. They are causing a life threatening situation, no parts to fix it in a timely manor and no rental coverage for the owners.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2021
Dec 2021

The vehicles HBU continues to fail. After repairs done to the master cylinder, new tires, brake pads and rotors the condition of the car continues. The brakes continue to fail. Sound Ford (under the recall) flushed the braking system, however the condition continues. When asked about the repairs, the service manager informed me that the recall only covered flushing the braking system and replacing the fluid. The braking system has failed in total 3 times now. Sound Ford claims there is nothing wrong with the vehicle's braking system. The braking system continues to fail.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2021
Dec 2021

2009 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WORK NOT PROPERLY PERFORMED REGARDING SAFETY RECALL 19V-904. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED, THE BRAKES FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER THE RECALL DESCRIBED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FAILURE WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2021
Dec 2021

I'm sending this in response to the above noted letter which indicates that we failed to take our 2009 Ford Fusion to our Ford dealer to have the brake system checked pursuant to the Safety Recall Notice 19S54/ NHTSA 19V-904 which we received in January 2020. Your statement that we have failed to take the vehicle to our local dealership is incorrect; We took the vehicle to Sunset Ford, 11700 Gravois Road 63127 on 07/15/21. A short time after we dropped it off a dealer service representative called and advised us that the ABS light was on and refused to perform the work outlined in the January 2020 notice unless we agreed to pay for the diagnostic and all work associated with the ABS. I noted that the light had been on for over 7 years, the abs system had always functioned properly, had passed the Missouri safety inspection every year including that of May 2021 was diagnosed when it first occurred by Sinclair Ford to be a problem in the light circuit not the abs system referred her to the January 20 notice which specifically stated "a valve in the hydraulic control unit of the anti-lock braking system may be stuck open" and " repairs to be completed free of charge (parts and labor)" She stated she had all of the service information and recall notices in her file and none of them referred to the ABS systems in any manner...."either pay for the work or come back and pick up the car"....We picked up the car. A few days later I contacted the service department again and inquired about the recall and reviewed the situation with a different service representative. This person told me the abs system was not part of the recall but if the abs light was on the repairs were required by the NTSB. He said the cost could range between $300 up to $1500. I then posted the following in our neighborhood Paper: My wife took her 09 Ford Fusion to Sunset Ford this morning to get 2 NTSB recall issues repaired that we have been waiting for over a year for them to get the parts needed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2020
Nov 2021

This vehicle had a recall on the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit it was taken to the dealer Champion Ford in Erie, PA June 14, 2021 to have it taken care of where they flushed it and put new cap on but did not replace the Hydraulic Control Unit. Shortly after that ABS light went on on the dash and car sat for awhile ( I bought car recently from coworker). After we purchased light was still on so we took it back to Champion Ford in Erie, PA and they said the Hydraulic Control Unit is bad and needs replaced and that is back ordered and it will be $813 because Ford will not pay for the recall because it is not a reasonable time for subsequent failure. The car only has 1000 miles on it since it was in for recall in June 2021. I called Ford 800 number and they cannot tell me what a reasonable time is and how long the recall is good for. Any help I could get would be appreciated. I have a new 16 year old driver driving this car so this is an extreme safety issue. PLEASE HELP. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2021
Nov 2021

The Recall #19V-904 was performed on May 03,2021 by Walt Sweeney Ford. Mileage 61610. On 11/03 Brake Pedal went to floor and never came back. Called Ford dealer Walt Sweeney and schedule a inspection for 11/11/2021. Mileage 64630. Upon inspection it was found the same issue HCU ABS Failure. Ford will not pay for fix stating recall expired. The recall #19v-904 has not fixed brake pedal issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2021
Oct 2021

RECALL FOR REPAIR OF HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT VALVE WAS IN DEC. 2019. BRAKE FUNCTION IS AFFECTED. MFG RECALL #19S54; NHTSA RECALL #19V904 REMEDY WAS ANTICIPATED IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2020. AS OF 3/10/2021 "RECALL INCOMPLETE; REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE." I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND NORMALLY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2021
Sep 2021

BEGINNING IN 2017, MY 2009 FORD FUSION BEGAN EXPERIENCING DECREASED BRAKING FOLLOWING ENGAGEMENT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. ON 20DEC2019, FORD ISSUED RECALL 19S54/NHTSA RECALL 19V904. ON 04 MAY 2021, I DELIVERED THE VEHICLE TO SUNTRUP FORD WESTPORT AND REVIEWED THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED WITH SERVICE ADVISOR JL INCLUDING REPAIRS FOR RECALL 19-S54 AND OTHER SERVICES. I RECEIVED A CALL MR. JL WHO ADVISED THE REPAIRS FOR RECALL COULD NOT BE COMPLETED WITHOUT ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC WORK RELATING TO NOT BEING ABLE TO BLEED THE FRONT BRAKES. WHEN ASKED IF THERE WOULD BE CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC WORK, I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD BE AN $80 CHARGE FOR 30 MINUTES OF TECHNICIAN TIME BUT WAS ALSO TOLD ITS LIKELY THE BRAKE LINES COLLAPSED AND THERE MIGHT BE CALIPER ISSUE. I VERBALLY AUTHORIZED THE ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC WORK ON 05MAY2021. I RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE FROM MR. J.L. STATING TO COMPLETE RECALL 19-S54 I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $820 +TAX TO REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES AND THAT THERE MAY STILL BE A CALIPER ISSUE THAT MAY NEED ADDRESSED AS WELL PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE RECALL WORK. I CALLED MR. JL BACK TO DECLINE THE WORK AND TO PREPARE THE CAR FOR PICK UP SO I COULD GET A 2ND OPINION. ON 06 MAY 2021, I DELIVERED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REQUESTING A 2ND OPINION SPECIFICALLY REQUESTING INSPECTION THE BRAKE HOSES AND CALIPERS AND TEST IF THE BRAKES WOULD BLEED BRAKE FLUID. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH BLEEDING ANY OF THE 4 BRAKES AND NO SIGNS OF CALIPERS STICKING. I CONTACTED A DIFFERENT ST. LOUIS AREA DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT THEM AGAIN IN APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AS THE PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE. AS OF 08 MAY 2021, I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AS FIRST EXPERIENCED IN 2017 AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2021
Sep 2021

FORD SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 19S54 / NHTSA RECALL 19V-904. FORD FIRST NOTIFIED ME ABOUT THIS RECALL OVER A YEAR AGO, IN JANUARY 2020. THEY CLAIMED PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE "LATE FIRST QUARTER 2020." SINCE THEN I HAVE REPEATEDLY CONTACTED THEM AND THEY HAVE ALTERNATED BETWEEN TELLING ME THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE AND GIVING ME BOGUS DATES WHICH WERE THEN MISSED; NOTE THAT MOST OF THESE CONTACTS WERE ME CONTACTING THEM, NOT THE REVERSE, EVEN AFTER DEADLINES PROMISED IN WRITING HAD PASSED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT FROM THEM. THEY SENT ANOTHER LETTER FOR THE SAME RECALL IN OCTOBER 2020, THIS TIME CLAIMING THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE "1ST QUARTER 2021." THAT DEADLINE, TOO, HAS PASSED, WITH NO FURTHER CONTACT FROM FORD. THE RECALL NOTICE CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE IS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT IT ALSO SAYS THAT THE RECALL IS FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS DOES NOT SOUND SAFE! WHILE I AM SYMPATHETIC TO SUPPLIER DELAYS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC, THE FACTS THAT (A) THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY, EVEN FAR AFTER THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, GIVEN BOGUS DATES FOR WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THIS RECALL, (B) NOT BEEN PROACTIVE ABOUT COMMUNICATING DELAYS EVEN AFTER PROMISED DEADLINES HAD PASSED, AND (C) NOT OFFERED SUBSTITUTE TRANSPORTATION, ARE SIMPLY NOT OK. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2020
Sep 2021

BRAKING ISSUE WHEN ABS ENGAGES BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES SOFT AND GOES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR DIFFICULTY IN STOPPING.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD FUSION, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2020

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2009 Ford Fusion has 429 Brakes complaints on file. 32 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.