2014 Ford Fusion cruise control problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Ford Fusion has a documented pattern of unintended acceleration and brake/power loss issues that have caused collisions. Critical drivetrain and engine control failures occur without warning across various mileages, and dealers often cannot diagnose or repair them.
The most serious complaints center on unintended acceleration while stopped or at low speed. Multiple owners report the vehicle suddenly revving and lurching forward while idling at stop signs or during parking, even with the brake pedal pressed. Two collisions resulted from this: one at 3,700 miles and another at 31,000 miles. One owner crashed into a parked vehicle while attempting to turn; dealers inspected but found no cause and made no repairs.
A separate group reports sudden brake failure and power loss at highway speeds. One owner experienced near-total brake failure at 70 mph while on the interstate; a Ford dealership diagnosed a faulty vacuum pump and replaced it under warranty. Within three weeks, the identical failure occurred again. When the owner tried to get a warranty replacement, Ford told them the vacuum pump part was on national backorder with no estimated availability.
Other failures include throttle response delay (one owner had an independent mechanic identify a faulty throttle body at 54,000 miles), cruise control malfunction at 50,000 miles, hesitation and jerking during acceleration, and one case of an accelerator pedal breaking completely off during driving in heavy traffic. Multiple owners report dealerships unable to diagnose or fix these issues despite repeated service visits.
Same Ford Fusion cruise control reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration while stopped or at low speed
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input, typically while idling at stop signs or during parking maneuvers. Owners report the engine revving and the vehicle lunging forward despite brake pedal being depressed. In at least two incidents, this led to collisions.
When: Variable; reported at 3,700 miles and 31,000 miles on different vehicles; occurred multiple times for some owners
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs without driver input; Vehicle accelerates forward while foot on brake; Loud sound before acceleration; Vehicle continues to accelerate even with full brake pressure; Happens while idling at stop signs or parking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or repair; one owner reports vehicle was not repaired despite multiple service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in at least one case (case number CAS-25288711 noted); no recalls or TSBs mentioned
Brake and power loss during highway driving
While driving at highway speeds, brakes lose function making the vehicle nearly impossible to stop, accompanied by extreme loss of engine power. One owner had vacuum pump replaced under warranty but the same failure recurred within 3 weeks.
When: Approximately 70 mph on interstate; failure occurred again within 3 weeks of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes stop functioning normally; Extreme loss of power; Difficult to reach 35 mph with accelerator fully depressed; Required emergency brake or towing to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership diagnosed and replaced vacuum pump; vacuum pump part went on national backorder after second failure; owner questions warranty validity
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vacuum pump replacement performed under warranty (initially); national backorder issued on replacement part; owner suggests recall needed
Throttle response delay and hesitation
Vehicle hesitates or fails to immediately accelerate when pedal is depressed. Some owners report jerking and hesitation while accelerating, particularly when going down hills. RPM drops during these incidents.
When: Reported across multiple years of ownership; one case at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not immediately accelerate when depressing accelerator pedal; Hesitation when going downhill; Jerking when attempting to accelerate; RPM drops during hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed faulty throttle body needing replacement; vehicle not repaired by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted (case number CAS-25288711); no TSB or recall mentioned
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control fails to function while driving at various speeds. Dealer was unable to assist with diagnosis or repair.
When: At 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control failed to function while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no resolution reported
Gas pedal mechanical failure
Accelerator pedal completely broke off while vehicle was being driven in heavy traffic and rainy conditions. Owner reports neither Ford nor dealership shows interest in replacement or investigation.
When: While driving in heavy traffic on a rainy morning; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal broke off completely; Occurred while driving in heavy traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic gas pedal defective; owner states dealership not replacing it
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No interest shown by Ford or dealership in replacement; treated as normal malfunction per owner
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2014 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 31,000 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 74,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.