2007 Ford Fusion Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Ford Fusion has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Hydraulic control unit leak causing loss of braking.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Ford Fusion.

Reported to NHTSA

Hydraulic control unit leak causing loss of braking

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

24 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2023-08

“In January of 2020 and again in October of 2020, I received recall notices regarding the recall of the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) per the 19S54 / 19V-904 recall notice. Once the part was available, I scheduled the work and brought my Fusion to DCH Ford of Eatontown 764. The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441965
“ABS and WRENCH icon are flashing on dashboard. Car making a terrible noise from underneath . I try to drive the car but it loses power and goes into LIMP mode. I have read many problems with the ABS control module valves sticking open due to the wrong type of brake fluid put in”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539889
“This vehicle was totaled in May 2020. I had numerous and constant brake issues with this car and had much of the brake system (brake pads, rotors, and calipers I believe) replaced within a year of the accident. The accident occurred when I tried to apply the brakes, causing me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507897

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Wrench light illuminates with rough shifting and power loss

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2022-06

“WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPECTED, SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECREASED IN SPEED FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO BARELY BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEEDS OF 20MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11143862
“MY ISSUE IS WHAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY COMPLAINED ABOUT - THE SHIFTING IS EXTREMELY ROUGH, TO THE POINT IT'S NOW UNDRIVABLE AND UNSAFE. THE 'WRENCH' LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAVE JUST COME ON, ALTHOUGH THE SLIPPING OF GEARS HAS GONE ON FOR QUITE A WHILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218012
“WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY, PAVED ROAD, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED WHILE PASSING AND THE VEHICLE'S RPMS FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 500 AND 2000 WITH BARELY ANY ENGINE POWER. VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF, TURNED BACK ON AGAIN, AND APPEARED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156379

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Takata air bag recall parts unavailable or delayed

AIR BAGS

106 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2024-04

“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475952
“The contact owns a 2007 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V024000 (Air Bags) however, the failure recurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522307
“The contact owned a 2007 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, and merging into the slow lane, he crashed into a vehicle that stopped abruptly. Additionally, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver air bag exploded. The contact was able to exit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534070

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Seat weight sensor fault triggers air bag warning light

AIR BAGS, SEATS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-08

“Took my car on to check why seat belt light was on after bag replaced. Told there is a sensor under passenger seat that reflects weight in seat that is not working that is used in case accident airbag pressure would be deployed. Light will not turn off on dash and told me out of”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492773
“MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON 2 DAYS AFTER DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. DEALER WANTED $129.50 TO TELL ME THE REASON. AFTER CHECKING I WAS TOLD IT IS SOMEWHERE IN THE WIRING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT WILL COST ME $500. TO REMOVE THE SEAT AND THE SEAT COVERS AND AN ESTIMATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573752
“Drivers seat moved back while driving and now won't move forward I am only 4ft 8 inch tall and driving my car is very difficult I have seen a lot of other people complaining of the same thing and something needs to be done”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678640

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Brake pedal travels to floor with reduced stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

34 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2022-06

“The contact owns a 2007 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N11 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact had to apply”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449777
“I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I WENT TO BRAKE AND THEY ALL THE SUDDEN WOULDN'T WORK AND WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THIS WAS CAUSED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL ON THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373225
“THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2011WITH 68,000 MILES AT TIME OF PURCHASE. IT WAS PURCHASED AT TOM MOSANOS IN BERKS COUNTY, PA . IT WAS PAID OFF AT THE END OF 2017, THEN NOW ALL THE RECALLS 4 OR 5 DIFFERENT RECALLS AND SERIOUS RECALLS . I HAVE ABSOLUTLEY NO BRAKES ALL WAS TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11386137

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

251 crashes 1990–2024

How the 251 occupant deaths break down

190

driver deaths

61

passenger deaths

251

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

58

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Ford Fusion reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.