2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on December 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the hydraulic control unit (HCU) for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The petition alleges that an illuminated ABS MIL is associated with a failure of the ABS HCU, resulting in ABS malfunction, loss of traction and electronic stability control functions, and reduced braking performance, particularly on slippery road surfaces. A defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11647929.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.  During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning.  Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.  It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure.  This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.  At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following:  testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified.  Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed.  See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.

SUBJECT: Fraudulent Recall Completion / Incomplete Remedy resulting in Component Failure (Recall 19S54 / NHTSA 19V904) I am writing to file an emergency safety complaint regarding a fraudulently cleared safety recall on my 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. According to Ford's internal OASIS database, Safety Recall 19S54 (NHTSA Campaign 19V904) was marked as "completed" under a previous owner. However, physical inspection of the vehicle proves that the mandatory federal remedy was never executed. The master cylinder still retains the original factory DOT 3 cap, and the system was never upgraded to DOT 4 fluid. Because the servicing dealership falsified the repair documentation and left the corrosive DOT 3 fluid in the system, my vehicle has now suffered the exact catastrophic safety failure the recall was meant to prevent. The ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) internal valves have seized. The brake pedal is heavily compromised, and the vehicle is an active, severe safety hazard to drive. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I unknowingly purchased a car with a fraudulently cleared safety defect. Because this failure is a direct result of an incomplete federal safety recall remedy, I demand that Ford Corporate reopen this VIN file under "Related Damage / Incomplete Remedy." I require Ford to: 1. Arrange a complimentary tow to a certified Ford dealership. 2. Replace the ruined ABS/HCU module entirely free of charge. 3. Perform the mandatory DOT 4 pressure flush and install the correct reservoir cap. 4. Provide a complimentary rental car while this safety hazard is being resolved. I have taken photographic and video evidence of the DOT 3 cap and the failed braking system to support my legal claims. Fairway Ford of Yorba Claimed it had already been done when clearly it hasn't and pushed it off like nothing.

NHTSA ID

11753024

Incident

May 18, 2026

Abs module failed

NHTSA ID

11748073

Incident

May 5, 2026

There have been many recalls on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, according to Ford mine has already had the repairs done yet the issues I’ve been having all match recalls. I’ve had issues with my passenger seat, the air bag system light is always on and the seat controls no longer work. The clockspring system is pure trash, there is no reason I’ve had to replace it twice now in the 2 months I’ve had this car. My ABS system keeps going in and out and says service advancetrac system. My hybrid battery rarely goes into hybrid anymore causing my mpg to drop. There were a few other things but that’s what’s coming out mind now.

NHTSA ID

11744392

Incident

May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal suddenly depressed all the way to the floorboard. The contact became aware that the brakes were no longer functioning properly. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11653520

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space at 2 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to turn. The contact could not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Tire Kingdom, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 15S18. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11651967

Incident

Mar 21, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake system, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message "Brake System Failure" was displayed. The contact drove with caution to the residence, and then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that further diagnostic testing was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

NHTSA ID

11648973

Incident

Mar 16, 2025

Mileage

162,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "ABS fault Detected" was displayed, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000. See DP26004 for potential Defect Petition DP26004

NHTSA ID

11647929

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

Mileage

42,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that it would take three days to receive the diagnostic results. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11645981

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

When performing any transmission fluid change or topoff involving Motorcraft® Premium ATF, MERCON® V has replaced all versions of Motorcraft® Premium ATF and can be used going forward. Mixing Motorcraft® Premium ATF and MERCON® V in the same transmission is acceptable. After 31-Jan-2024, Motorcraft® Premium ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

Some 2010-2012 Fusion/Milan and 2011-2012 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.5L or 3.0L engine and electronic power assist steering (EPAS), a remanufactured replacement steering gear (MU2Z-3V504-ARM) is available which is significantly less expensive than a new replacement gear. When conducting repairs that are customer pay, offer the customer a remanufactured gear when possible. This would include vehicles not included in field service action (FSA) 15N01 (built on or before 7-Sep-2010) or vehicles included in FSA 15N01 that have exceeded the 10 year/150,000 mile terms of the program.

Some 2010-2012 Fusion hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), 2010-2011 Milan HEV and 2011-2012 MKZ HEV vehicles may experience reduced electric vehicle operation and increased gasoline engine operation around 10 years of vehicle age and beyond. This may be due to software in the battery energy control module (BECM) and the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the BECM and PCM.

Certain 2010 – 2012 Model Year Fusion / MKZ / Milan Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid Battery Reduced Electric Vehicle Operation BECM and PCM Software Update In all the affected vehicles, outdated software may result in reduced EV-only mode performance earlier in the life of the vehicle than intended.

Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. This degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, creating high pressure inside the inflator, and in extreme cases causing the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment. A ruptured inflator can send inflator parts toward vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Additional information regarding Takata recalls can be found at www.nhtsa.gov and www.safercar.gov.

This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.