This study proposes a novel fault detection (FD) filter design approach for switched systems with unstable modes and intermittent measurement; the FD filter design approach considers asynchronous switching and ensures finite-time stability (FTS). First, a model of switched systems with undesirable communication and unstable modes is established. The FD filter is developed using the observer technique, and the conditions of FTS and H ∞ performance for the above systems are proposed and verified. The multiple discontinuous Lyapunov function (MDLF) method and the mode-dependent average dwell time (DT) method are used to obtain the switching strategy, which includes fast and slow switching to address the stability of unstable and stable modes, respectively. Compared with conventional approaches, the proposed method can realize less conservative stability conditions and a more flexible design framework, providing an efficient approach for improving system performance. Finally, based on the determined FTS criteria and H ∞ performance, the FD filter for switched systems is presented. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.