2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 641 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 7.2× the Fusion Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated). It is one of the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (137), airbags (135), and brakes (97), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

641

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Fusion Hybrid years?

Fusion Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fusion Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	137	21%	new
Airbags	135	21%	new
Brakes	97	15%	new
Transmission	48	7%	new
Engine	47	7%	new
Electrical System	45	7%	new
Speed Control	45	7%	new
Fuel System	40	6%	new
Other	16	2%	new
Body & Structure	11	2%	new
Suspension	8	1%	new
Tires & Wheels	7	1%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	0%	new
Seats	2	0%	new
Latches & Locks	1	0%	new

Open NHTSA investigations

DP26004

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. AS A RESULT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, A SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW WARNING LIGHT AND A SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THIS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 29, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE VEHICLE'S REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS UNSURE OF HER INJURIES AND SUFFERED MILD CHEST PAIN. THE DRIVER DID…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 14, 2017 · crash

“DRIVER WAS IN SMALL LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER, HE TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE, APPLIED BRAKE, WHEN CAR ACCELERATED OVER CURB ONTO SIDEWALK AND THROUGH FRONT OF BUILDING. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 25, 2012 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL IF I SLOWED DOWN. WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE A TURN THE CAR WOULD STILL NOT ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON AND THEY INDICATE IT IS NOT INCLUDED SINCE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 30, 2014

“THE CAR WAS MOVING AT 40 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A FLAT ROAD AND THE RTT LIGHT AND TWO WRENCHES CAME ON AND SPEED DROPPED TO 30 MPH AND NO MATTER WHAT, SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE. STOPPING AND TURNING THE KEY ON AND OFF SOLVED PROBLEM FOR A SHORT TIME THEN HAPPEN AGAIN. FORD HAS RECALL FOR THROTTLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 29, 2017

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 641 complaints put the 2010 model at #1 of 11 Fusion Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Fusion Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (137 complaints), airbags (135 complaints), brakes (97 complaints).

Does the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion Hybrid years belongs to 2020.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.