2008 Ford Fusion: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Ford Fusion?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Ford Fusion than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Ford Fusion

  22.9% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2.5× usual
  Ford Fusion

  11% All 2008 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake lights2.2× usual
  Ford Fusion

  11.9% All 2008 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 4.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Rear fog light5.5× usual
  Ford Fusion

  5.5% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Ford Fusion

  5.1% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2008 Ford Fusion MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Ford Fusion MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2008 Ford Fusion

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Water leaking into the cabin

  All engines

  Faulty pollen filter seals can let water into the cabin.

  At the viewing: Feel the front carpets for damp.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Fusion (2002-2012) reliability

• Diesel pipework faults

  Diesel

  Some turbodiesels have had faulty pipework.

  At the viewing: Look for leaks and check for lost power.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Fusion (2002-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Ford Fusion

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Ford Fusion as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Ford Fusion as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Ford Fusion as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?