FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Ford Fusion powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Ford Fusion we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (19).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report catastrophic powertrain failures occurring without warning—engines shutting down completely at highway speeds, with power brakes and steering locking up simultaneously. Wrench and check engine lights come on only *after* the stall; restart takes 5+ minutes. One owner experienced this twice and brought Ford's own internal document (CSP 13N03) to the dealership showing the issue was recognized for 2010 models, but was refused service because he owns a 2009.
Throttle body and throttle control actuator failures trigger limp-home mode, capping acceleration at 20 mph while the vehicle is moving at 55–70 mph in traffic. Transmissions slip erratically, fail to respond to the pedal, then jerk into drive. One transmission failed on a left turn at 51,649 miles; replacement cost quoted at $6,422. Another owner's vehicle rolled down the driveway while parked in gear; a dealership service manager confirmed seeing the same problem on another Fusion.
A bad catalytic converter caused sudden loss of power during freeway merge, but Ford denied a loaner vehicle despite an 8-week parts shortage and told the owner to keep driving it anyway. Diagnostic codes detected include P0607, P0772, P0735, P0122, P0223, and P0110. Unexpected acceleration at near-stop speeds has occurred in parking lots. Overall, these are safety-critical failures with no warning, and dealer responses range from dismissive to unhelpful.
Same Ford Fusion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine stall/loss of power while driving
Engine shuts down without warning while at speed or during normal driving. Vehicle loses all electrical power—power brakes fail, steering wheel locks. Wrench and check engine lights illuminate after stall. Vehicle requires 5+ minutes to restart and will restart normally with check engine light remaining on.
When: At various speeds (40–70 mph), in traffic and highway conditions. One owner reported issues at 90,000 miles; another at 16,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power brakes and steering assist; Steering wheel locks; Wrench and check engine lights come on after stall; Long restart delay (5+ minutes)
Codes mentioned: P0607, P060A, P1674, P2105
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported powertrain control unit (PCU) and ignition coil failure requiring replacement; another reported powertrain control module failure repaired at dealership. Owner cited Ford CSP 13N03 as recognized fix available only for 2010 model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Service department (Narrative #1) refused to honor fix under CSP 13N03 because vehicle is 2009 model year, despite owner providing documentation of the same symptoms. Ford acknowledged failure in powertrain control module but provided no further assistance in some cases (Narrative #5).
Throttle body/throttle control actuator failure causing limp-home mode
Faulty throttle body or throttle control actuator triggers limp-home mode, restricting engine power output to 20 mph maximum. Wrench and check engine lights illuminate. Occurs during normal driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph) and in traffic, creating serious safety hazard.
When: Occurs randomly during normal highway and city driving. One owner reported increasing frequency over weeks, another during highway merge.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and wrench symbol on dashboard; Abrupt entry into limp-home mode (max 20 mph acceleration); Vehicle loses power during acceleration; Inability to maintain speed; Idle drops quickly, forcing driver to stop and restart
Codes mentioned: P0122, P0223, P0110
Repairs/costs cited: Independent auto care centers and dealerships unable or unwilling to address; owners report high repair costs. One owner noted codes P0122, P0223, P0110 from diagnostic testing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership staff reported unfamiliarity with the issue. Owner found online evidence of widespread complaints among Ford Fusion owners but no recall issued.
Transmission failure and irregular shifting
Transmission shifts erratically, going in and out of gear. When accelerating, gas pedal does not respond then vehicle jerks into drive. One case reports transmission shifted unexpectedly during a left turn. Another reports vehicle rolling downhill while parked in gear. Shift solenoid detected as stuck, with damaged transmission bands identified.
When: One case at 51,649 miles with proper maintenance history. One case reports service manager noting another vehicle with identical problem in shop, and car rental employee reporting multiple Fusions requiring transmission replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Irregular, jerky shifting; Vehicle goes in and out of gear; Gas pedal unresponsive then jerks into drive; Check engine light and wrench symbol; Vehicle rolls while parked in gear; Transmission cannot be repaired, requires complete replacement
Codes mentioned: P0772, P0735
Repairs/costs cited: Shift solenoid found defective with damaged transmission bands. One dealer quote for transmission replacement: $6,422.45. Dealer stated transmission cannot be repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially claimed warranty had expired despite 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Ford refused to cover replacement cost in one case, implying faulty transmission and liability issues.
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails, causing sudden loss of power while driving. Check engine light illuminates. Dealer advised vehicle unsafe to drive long-term without repair but still drivable short-term. Parts unavailable; extended wait times for replacement.
When: During freeway merge. Parts shortage extended wait from 4 weeks to additional 4–8 weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while merging onto freeway; Check engine light comes on; Excessive fuel consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Bad catalytic converter identified by dealership. Part finally arrived after approximately 8 weeks total delay.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied loaner vehicle during extended part shortage. Ford denied compensation for excess fuel consumption. Only provided part after owner contacted local news station, which escalated complaint to Ford executive offices.
Unexpected acceleration while parking
Vehicle unexpectedly and violently accelerates forward while parking at very low speeds (under 10 mph, nearly stopped). Occurs twice for same owner. One case involved sudden acceleration in reverse gear with no codes detected. Brake pedal pressure ineffective in preventing acceleration.
When: While parking at 4–10 mph, nearly at complete stop.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent unexpected acceleration while parking; Vehicle lurches forward despite brake pedal pressure; No diagnostic codes detected in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One owner hit tree while parking with two children in car seats. Owner deemed vehicle undrivable until issue fixed.
Powertrain control module failure
Powertrain control module fails, causing loss of power and illumination of wrench warning light. Vehicle stalls while entering parking lot or loses acceleration capability. Codes P0607, P060A, P1674, P2105 detected. One owner claims vehicle should have been included in recall.
When: One case at 16,000 miles. Another case at 129,000 miles with multiple start attempts required.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power; Wrench warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls or fails to accelerate; Difficulty starting (multiple attempts to start)
Codes mentioned: P0607, P060A, P1674, P2105, P2104
Repairs/costs cited: Powertrain control module repaired at dealership in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states vehicle should have been included in recall. Ford made aware of failures in some cases but provided no assistance in others.
TAC (throttle actuator control) system failure
TAC system malfunctions, causing vehicle to sputter and jolt as if brakes are being slammed repeatedly. Engine stops completely during driving. Vehicle starts and idles briefly but then dies while driving without warning, creating hazardous situation.
When: While driving on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Sputtering and jolting sensation like aggressive braking; Abrupt motor shutdown; Intermittent starting followed by sudden stalling while driving; Vehicle scared to drive due to fear of further damage
Codes mentioned: P0122, P0223, P0110
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requested limited warranty coverage for repair but no response documented.
Brake failure with transmission grinding
Loss of brakes while driving. Brake light and service light illuminate. Constant grinding noise audible when driving in low gear. Vehicle has only 40,000 miles.
When: At 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brakes while driving; Brake light and service light illuminate; Constant grinding noise in low gear
Repairs/costs cited: Owner mentions waiting for Takata airbag replacement through Ford, indicating multiple issues on same vehicle.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 23,742 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,742; a quarter make it past 91,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.