Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Ford Fusion
The 2009 Ford Fusion has notable recalls primarily related to airbags and braking. The ongoing airbag inflator recall poses a serious safety hazard. Additionally, issues with the ABS could be concerning depending on their resolution. Given these recalls and reported complaints, a thorough inspection is recommended, particularly for airbag and brake functionality.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Ford Fusion has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,023 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 #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode 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
- Service Brakes 473 complaints
- Air Bags 359 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 61 complaints
- Structure 42 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 33 complaints
- Engine 30 complaints
Of the 1,023 complaints on file, 65 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 1,023 complaints, owners report 40 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator can explode
How to check: Ensure airbags were replaced or serviced according to recall.
ABS valves may not close
How to check: Test brake pedal feel and function during inspection.
Hydraulic brake issues reported
How to check: Examine brake lines for corrosion, check brake fluid condition.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or tapping
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check if the airbag warning light stays on.
Red flag: Airbag light doesn't turn off
- 03
City driving
What to check: Brake gently; ensure smooth stopping.
Red flag: Vibration or grinding when braking
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe if acceleration is smooth and consistent.
Red flag: Hesitation or sputtering
- 05
Cruising
What to check: Monitor steering wheel stability for vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive vibration at stable speed
- 06
Braking from speed
What to check: Check for even, controlled braking without pulls.
Red flag: Pulls to one side or spongy pedal
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any history of brake system repairs?
- Are there regular maintenance records?
- Has the vehicle experienced any accidents?
- Has the ABS module been serviced?
- Any known electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Title and registration
- Recalls service history
- Maintenance records
- Previous accident report
- ABS module service records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 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.