Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2008 Ford Fusion
The 2008 Ford Fusion has notable issues primarily related to the airbag inflator and ABS units. These issues are well-documented in recalls, posing potential safety risks. Buyers should check for completed recalls and ensure parts are up-to-date.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2008 Ford Fusion has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,353 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 #21V081000 Frontal 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 638 complaints
- Service Brakes 479 complaints
- Structure 82 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 74 complaints
- Power Train 47 complaints
- Engine 39 complaints
Of the 1,353 complaints on file, 53 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 1,353 complaints, owners report 29 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Explosive airbag inflators
How to check: Ensure recall completion for airbag inflators.
ABS unit valve malfunction
How to check: Test ABS function and verify recalls completed.
Moving driver floor mats
How to check: Inspect mats for secure placement and interference.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts during acceleration.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure stable power delivery and throttle response.
Red flag: Car hesitates or lags
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Observe ABS function and pedal pressure consistency.
Red flag: Spongy pedal or skidding
- 06
Turning at low speed
What to check: Listen for clunking or grinding noises.
Red flag: Unusual steering noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been completed?
- Is there a history of airbag issues?
- Has the ABS unit been checked recently?
- Are the floor mats secured properly?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- Did you notice any engine issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion documents
- Full service history
- Accident history report
- ABS service records
- Airbag replacement records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2008 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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