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2008 Ford Fusion

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Ford Fusion
Pictured: 2019 Ford Fusion Titanium Energi, front 2.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
Se/Sel 4dr Sedan 2.3l V4, Sel V6 4dr Sedan 3.0l V6
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
Length
190.2 in
Curb weight
3,150 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,182 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 126 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Ford Fusion is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,150 lb (Se/Sel 4dr Sedan 2.3l V4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 9% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1182 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Fusion — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Fusion →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Se/Sel 4dr Sedan 2.3l V4190.2 in71.7 in57.1 in107.5 in60.6 / 61.4 in3,150 lb61/39
Sel V6 4dr Sedan 3.0l V6190.2 in71.7 in57.1 in107.5 in60.6 / 61.4 in3,150 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Fusion2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+9%$2,900386
Fusion2.3L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23+9%$2,900386
Fusion3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 210%$3,200423
Fusion AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-5%$3,350444
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2008 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Fusion under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Ford Fusion (this car)23 MPGNot rated5
2008 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated6
2008 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Dodge Challenger15 MPGNot rated2
2008 Chevrolet Malibu27 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V158000 · 2,602,668 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 16, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V081000 · 1,067 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Dec 18, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V904000 · 600,166 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
Risk
If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 10, 2017 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 17V024000 · 654,695 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 31, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V384000 · 1,892,343 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Ford Fusion is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,182Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
39Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
99,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags592
Service Brakes463
Service Brakes, Hydraulic62
Unknown Or Other35
Structure › Body26
Power Train21
Engine19
Electrical System13
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/12: 322/01: 422/02: 222/04: 222/06: 122/07: 222/10: 222/11: 122/12: 223/01: 123/02: 223/03: 223/04: 123/06: 223/09: 124/01: 224/03: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 225/02: 125/07: 125/08: 126/07: 121/1222/0422/1023/0123/0424/0124/0925/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Ford Fusion buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 592 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Service Brakes — 463 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 62 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 99,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Fusion. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Fusion years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★3235
2019 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★4473
2018 Fusion42191.7 in★★★★★2509
2017 Fusion42191.7 inNot rated41,204
2016 Fusion41191.7 inNot rated131,731
2015 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated141,065
2014 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated201,376
2013 Fusion41192.1 inNot rated201,803
2012 Fusion38190.2 inNot rated52,196
2011 Fusion38190.2 inNot rated72,065
2010 Fusion39190.2 inNot rated113,483
2009 Fusion23190.2 inNot rated6931

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →