Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Ford Fusion
The 2006 Ford Fusion has significant issues with air bags, which have been the subject of recalls and numerous complaints. Complaints also highlight potential problems with the power train, structure, and electrical systems, though evidence remains limited. Buyers should be cautious and perform thorough checks during inspections, especially regarding safety-related components.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Ford Fusion has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 730 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V158000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V904000 ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V024000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E028000 Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat may Trap Pedal NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 319 complaints
- Power Train 150 complaints
- Structure 74 complaints
- Electrical System 71 complaints
- Engine 47 complaints
- Latches/Locks/Linkages 37 complaints
Of the 730 complaints on file, 38 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 730 complaints, owners report 33 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Exploding airbag inflator
How to check: Check for any airbag recalls and repair records.
ABS hydraulic valve malfunctions
How to check: Ensure ABS light is off and brakes feel firm.
General electrical system issues
How to check: Test all electrical functions for reliability.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for smooth idle without shaking.
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
- 03
Low-speed drive
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and ABS light.
Red flag: Soft brakes or ABS light on
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check power train for smooth shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or clunky shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure stable acceleration without vibration.
Red flag: Vibration or lack of power
- 06
Braking from speed
What to check: Observe for vibrations or pulling.
Red flag: Steering wheel shakes while braking
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ensure transmission shifts smoothly into park.
Red flag: Rough transition to park
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any past issues with the electrical system?
- Has the ABS system been serviced?
- Any structural repairs or modifications?
- Service history for engine and transmission?
- Have regular maintenance checks been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair receipts
- Service history records
- Title and registration
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Maintenance records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Ford Fusion? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.