2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering13722.0%
- Airbags13521.7%
- Brakes9515.2%
- Driver assistance599.5%
- Engine477.5%
- Powertrain (other)477.5%
- Fuel system396.3%
- Electrical294.7%
- Body & structure111.8%
- Other / unspecified91.4%
- Suspension81.3%
- Interior & seats30.5%
- Visibility20.3%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or the right, the steering wheel seized. The failure occurred intermittently but had become more pronounced and constant. The vehicle was now only able to be driven in a straight direction, whether going forward or in reverse. The steering assist failure light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who confirmed the diagnostic result. The mechanic informed the contact of an unstated recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or under warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the issue; however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Abs module failed
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SCHEDULE STEERING SERVICE CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. JUST AFTER PULLING OVER THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING AS IT WAS SUDDENLY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH APPARENTLY BOTH FORD AND THE SAFETY BOARD ARE AWARE OF. WHY ON EARTH WOULD THE 2011 MODELS BE RECALLED FOR THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE 2010 MODELS WITH THE SAME PART. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED- WOULD THAT HAVE TRIGGERED A RECALL ?
I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TWO LIGHTS CAME ON THAT SAID SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW AND TRACTION CONTROL. IT BECAME HARDER TO STEER
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE NO LONGER OPERATES IN ELECTRIC MODE, USING THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TO POWER THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THERE IS NO ASSIST FROM THE ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LAG BEFORE THE GASOLINE MOTOR ENGAGES AND PROVIDES ENOUGH POWER TO MOVE THE CAR. THIS IS ESPECIALLY PRONOUNCED WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AGAINST TRAFFIC.
THE VEHICLE NO LONGER ACCELERATES UNDER BATTERY POWER. TIME DELAY IN ACCELERATION DUE TO DECREASED BATTERY POWER, CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AFTER DRIVING ON HIGHWAY FOR 20 MINUTES IN JULY, TYPICAL HEAT CONDITIONS. THE WRENCH LIGHT HAD COME ON FOUR PREVIOUS TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH NO LOSS OF POWER AND WAS TOLD BY FORD IT WAS LIKELY THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE HYBRID BATTERY INDICATING THE BATTERY WAS TOO WARM. THIS TIME THE CAR LOST POWER QUICKLY AND WE HAD TO TURN ON THE FLASHERS AND EXIT THE HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 40 MPH. SHUT DOWN CAR AND RESTARTED BY LOSS OF POWER CONTINUED. ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AT THE END OF THE TRIP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY (FORD GENUINE PART DS7Z-9E926-D). THIS REPAIR IS COVERED AT NO COST FOR NON-HYBRID FUSIONS AS DESCRIBED IN "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03." THIS WAS IN LIEU OF A FULL RECALL (THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THESE SAME ISSUES). THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THIS WASN'T COVERED ON HYBRID FUSIONS BECAUSE THE THROTTLE BODY PARTS WERE DIFFERENT. HOWEVER, THE SAME REPLACEMENT PART IS BEING USED IN BOTH HYBRID AND NON-HYBRID FUSIONS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I POINTED THIS OUT, HE REPLIED, WELL I HAVE'T SEEN MANY 2010 FUSION HYBRIDS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THAT IS PROBABLY TRUE -- THERE WERE ONLY 31,000 SUCH VEHICLES PRODUCED SO ANY ONE REPAIR SHOP WON'T SEE MANY. REGARDLESS, THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE EXACT SAME PART IN VEHICLES FROM THE SAME YEAR AND HERMOSILLO PRODUCTION PLANT. THE REMOVED THROTTLE BODY IS COVERED IN BLACK CARBON, THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY THROTTLE BODIES IN NON-HYBRID VEHICLES. FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO COVER REPAIRS ON HYBRID VEHICLES AS WELL. SURPRISINGLY THE REPAIR COST WAS ONLY $318 AND WAS DONE IN ONE DAY. CAR HAS ONLY 82,000 MILES.
DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM CANNOT ACCEPT AN INDICATION OF MORE THAN ONE DIGIT IN THE "AGE" ENTRY. FOR THIS REASON, THE ELECTRIC HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY STOPS WORKING WHEN THE CAR APPROACHES 10 YEARS OF AGE, CAUSING A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS HESITATION IN THE DRIVE TRAIN WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A CROSS-TRAFFIC TURN. REPEATED REQUESTS FROM MY FORD DEALER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR AN EXPLANATION OF HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. MY LETTERS TO FORD SENIOR MANAGEMENT HAVE GONE UNANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED HOW TO RESET THE "AGE" DATA, AND MY DEALER HAS FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO ELIMINATE THE CONDITION. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR CORRECTION OF THIS KNOWN DESIGN FLAW.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM CANNOT ACCEPT AN INDICATION OF MORE THAN ONE DIGIT IN THE "AGE" ENTRY. FOR THIS REASON, THE ELECTRIC HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY STOPS WORKING WHEN THE CAR APPROACHES 10 YEARS OF AGE, CAUSING A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS HESITATION IN THE DRIVE TRAIN WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A CROSS-TRAFFIC TURN. REPEATED REQUESTS FROM MY FORD DEALER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR AN EXPLANATION OF HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. MY LETTERS TO FORD SENIOR MANAGEMENT HAVE GONE UNANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED HOW TO RESET THE "AGE" DATA, AND MY DEALER HAS FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO ELIMINATE THE CONDITION. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR CORRECTION OF THIS KNOWN DESIGN FLAW.
THE VEHICLE NO LONGER OPERATES IN ELECTRIC MODE, USING THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TO POWER THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THERE IS NO ASSIST FROM THE ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LAG BEFORE THE GASOLINE MOTOR ENGAGES AND PROVIDES ENOUGH POWER TO MOVE THE CAR. THIS IS ESPECIALLY PRONOUNCED WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AGAINST TRAFFIC.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while in traffic on an incline, the hybrid battery was running however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The message to “pull over safely, check charging system” was displayed. The vehicle was pulled off the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced because there was no power going to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACK PASSENGER DOOR HINGE RUSTED AND JUST FELL APART. FORD SAID TO JUST LEAVE IT SINCE WE DON'T USE THAT DOOR VERY MUCH AT ALL.
3 YEARS AGO-BATTERY FAILED AND COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE AT ALL, NO WARNING. 2 YEARS AGO-PLASTIC PIECE IN DOOR WHICH ALLOWS THE MANUAL DOOR OPENER TO WORK BROKE, COULD NOT EXIT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. 3 YEARS AGO - ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING ON HIGHWAY, FINALLY PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED CAR AND IT WORKED - DEALER SAID COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED OUT AFTER 6 YEARS - GARAGED INDOORS. HEATING SYSTEM FAILED - IT TOOK 1.5 MONTHS TO OBTAIN PARTS AND FIX VEHICLE, I WENT TO COLONIAL FORD 5 TIMES (AND HOUR EACH WAY) BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED 5 TIMES IN THE 1.5 MONTHS. 2018-10-25 - CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON - NO BRAKES GOING 65 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY HILL FOR 5 MINUTES. POLICE GUIDED TO A HALT, RESTARTED CAR AND BRAKES WORKED. MADE IT HOME. BRAKES FAILED 3 TIMES THE NEXT DAY. FORD SAID THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT THE VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS BECAUSE THEY WERE SO BUSY SO I HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE. $1750 TO REPLACE BRAKE SENSORS WHICH THEY SAID COULD NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE BRAKES.?? FIRST TIME FORD HAS BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE SYSTEM.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the "Check Brake System" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the brakes failed to engage while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to the floorboard, the vehicle responded as needed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while in traffic on an incline, the hybrid battery was running however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The message to “pull over safely, check charging system” was displayed. The vehicle was pulled off the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced because there was no power going to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING.
TREAD ON TIRES ON LEFT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHRED. DIAGNOSED AS BAD LOWER CONTROL ARMS IN FRONT
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PART OF THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT THE USE OF THE INDOOR HANDLE. THE DOOR HANDLE WAS MADE OF CHEAP, WEAK, POORLY DESIGNED MATERIAL. ALSO, AT 39,155 MILES, ONE OF THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO REPLACED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER SUNROOF TRACK PART (PLASTIC) HAS BROKEN MAKING THE SUNROOF STICK OPEN. THE SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE AS A RESULT OF BROKEN PLASTIC TRACK PIECE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT SELL THE PART THAT HAS BROKEN AND ONLY SELLS ENTIRE TRACK COSTING OVER $1000 TO HAVE REPLACED. REPLACEMENT PART REQUIRED SHOULD BE VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $20. *TR
WHILE ROUTINELY FLIPPING THE VISOR DOWN DURING DRIVING TO BLOCK LATE DAY SUN, THE VISOR CAME UNLATCHED FROM RIGHT SIDE HOLDER BLOCKING MY VIEW WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A TWO HANDED OPERATION TO GET IT BACK INTO THE CLIP. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE SINCE YOU NEED AT LEAST ONE HAND TO DRIVE. IT ALMOST COMPLETELY BLOCKS MY VISION UNTIL I GET IT RE ATTACHED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND UNFORTUNATELY I FORGET THAT IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY. I HAVE BEEN VERY RELUCTANT TO USE MY SUN VISOR. I AM NOT AN ENGINEER BUT THE UPSIDE DOWN U SHAPED CLIP THAT HOLDS THE VISOR IN PLACE JUST DOES NOT WORK. THE SAME THING HAPPENS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MY OTHER CARS DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED UNEVEN WEAR PATTERNS INDICATIVE OF SEVERE TOE-IN CONDITION THROUGH 3 SETS OF TIRES. CONDITION IS EVIDENT ONLY ON REAR TIRES, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2010 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *LD CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO AN INTERSECTION VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ACCENTS AUTO (WILLIAMSBURG, VA) WHERE DIAGNOSTICS WERE RAN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WILLIAMSBURG FORD (WILLIAMSBURG, VA). IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSAXLE HAD FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *DL
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .