What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Fusion?

Steering has the most complaints with 1,800, followed by power train with 942 and engine with 840.

Does the 2010 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA shows 11 recalls for this model year. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.

How many complaints has the 2010 Ford Fusion received?

NHTSA has 5,639 owner complaints on file. They are unverified reports and one complaint can name several parts.

What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Ford Fusion?

See the fuel economy section on this page, which is built from EPA data.

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion a reliable car?

The complaint record is large, with steering the biggest group. Read the problems and recalls sections and the by-year comparison to judge for yourself.

2010 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 5,639 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Ford Fusion^[1]. Steering leads the list with 1,800 complaints^[2].

5,639owner complaints^[1]

11recalls^[3]

19–39MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across many parts of this car, and these groups come up most.

Steering. 1,800 complaints^[2]. Owners describe power steering assist warnings, a wheel that pulls to one side, and moments when the wheel felt heavy at low speed. The median mileage at failure is 101,000^[2].
Power Train. 942 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe rough or jerky shifting, hesitation when they press the pedal, and a car that rolled back on a hill. The median mileage at failure is 52,000^[5].
Engine. 840 complaints^[6]. Owners describe stalling without warning, trouble starting, and a sloshing sound from the dash area in cold weather. The median mileage at failure is 56,000^[6].
Speed Control. 838 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a pedal that stayed down, a car that surged forward while parking, and brakes that were slow to take hold. The median mileage at failure is 53,950^[7].
Air Bags. 726 complaints^[8].
Brakes. 639 complaints^[9].
Fuel/Propulsion System. 522 complaints^[10].
Electrical System. 354 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2010 Fusion is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (21V158), March 2021. About 2,602,668 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V081), February 2021. About 1,067 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module (19V904), December 2019. About 600,166 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V001), January 2019. About 782,384 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V775), November 2018. About 215 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V046), January 2018. About 327,796 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Remedy pending
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V384), May 2016. About 1,892,343 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. The remedy was not yet available when this record was filed.^[18]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank (15V793), November 2015. About 411,205 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs (11V574), December 2011. About 128,616 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash.^[20]
Power Train › Automatic Transmission (10V222), May 2010. About 19 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner (10V161), April 2010. About 33,256 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Fusion AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[23]	17 / 24 / 19	$3,550
Fusion AWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,200
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[25]	22 / 31 / 25	$2,700
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[26]	22 / 29 / 24	$2,800
Fusion FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	18 / 27 / 21	$3,200
Fusion FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[28]	19 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	41 / 36 / 39	$1,700
Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[29]	23 / 34 / 27	$2,500
Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[30]	22 / 31 / 25	$2,700

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR FWD/AWD^[31]	n/a	n/a	n/a	5	9.2%
4 DR FWD/AWD^[32]	n/a	n/a	n/a	5	9.2%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2010 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[33]	173 hp
2010 Ford Fusion with 3.0L 6-cylinder^[34]	223 hp

How 2010 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fusion model year. The 2010 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2006	730	4
2007	1,064	4
2008	1,353	5
2009	1,023	6
2010	5,639	11
2011	2,926	7
2012	2,617	5
2013	1,957	20
2014	1,432	20
2015	1,066	14
2016	1,724	13
2017	1,202	4
2018	508	2
2019	473	4
2020	235	3

NHTSA's counts for the Fusion show 5,639 complaints and 11 recalls for 2010^[3]. Among the 15 model years listed, 14 have fewer complaints than 2010 and 0 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2020 (235) and the most are for 2010 (5,639)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2010 Fusion?

The complaint record for this model year is large, at 5,639 complaints^[1]. Steering is the biggest group at 1,800 complaints^[2], and power train and engine follow with 942^[5] and 840^[6]. Some complaints mention crashes, with 131 naming one^[1], so these reports deserve attention. Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide and not a verdict. Check the Recalls section and the by-year comparison on this page before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Fusion?: Steering has the most complaints with 1,800^[2], followed by power train with 942^[5] and engine with 840^[6].
Does the 2010 Ford Fusion have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA shows 11 recalls for this model year^[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.
How many complaints has the 2010 Ford Fusion received?: NHTSA has 5,639 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified reports and one complaint can name several parts.
What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Ford Fusion?: See the fuel economy section on this page, which is built from EPA data.
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion a reliable car?: The complaint record is large^[1], with steering the biggest group^[2]. Read the problems and recalls sections and the by-year comparison to judge for yourself.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Fusion

2010 this page
2011 2,926 complaints, 7 recalls
2012 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls
2013 1,957 complaints, 20 recalls
2014 1,432 complaints, 20 recalls
2015 1,066 complaints, 14 recalls
2016 1,724 complaints, 13 recalls
2017 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Fusion

Other Ford models from 2010

2010 Ford Edge 673 complaints, 6 recalls
2010 Ford Flex 139 complaints, 1 recall
2010 Ford Focus 287 complaints, 0 recalls
2010 Ford Mustang 261 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 Ford Ranger 156 complaints, 8 recalls
2010 Ford Transit Connect 42 complaints, 2 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2010: midsize cars

2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1,365 complaints, 3 recalls
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 252 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 Mercury Milan 1,062 complaints, 11 recalls
2010 Toyota Prius 2,829 complaints, 10 recalls
2010 Volvo S80 27 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 Acura TL 64 complaints, 3 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 5,639 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Ford Fusion (131 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 76 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
1,800 complaints name the steering component group (35 crashes, 1 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fusion model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 36 highway / 39 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
942 complaints name the power train component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
840 complaints name the engine component group (8 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
838 complaints name the speed control component group (23 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,950). NHTSA vehicle records
726 complaints name the air bags component group (29 crashes, 1 fires, 28 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
639 complaints name the brakes component group (37 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 110,000). NHTSA vehicle records
522 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
354 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 21V158, filed March 10, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V904, filed December 18, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V001, filed January 7, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V775, filed November 1, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V046, filed January 11, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V384, filed May 31, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V793, filed November 24, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V574, filed December 7, 2011: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V222, filed May 24, 2010: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V161, filed April 20, 2010: Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion AWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2010 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 173 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2010 Ford Fusion with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 223 hp. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2010 Ford Fusion: problems, recalls and fuel economy