Owner complaint record
2010 Ford Fusion Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2010 Ford Fusion owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 5,126 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
All Ford Fusion years · 2011 Ford Fusion →
NHTSA owner complaints Checked Oct 2, 20265,126 complaints Federal file of Aug 25, 2026
, most of any Fusion year
1,640 complaints, 32% of the total
half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before this
62 mention an injury, 9 a fire
The steering leads the 2010 Ford Fusion record at 32%, with powertrain next at 16%. Of the steering reports that give a mileage, half came before 101,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the electric power steering rack, $514 to $1,222 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Throttle trouble shows up in three systems here: speed control, engine and fuel. The two codes owners name most, P2111 and P2112, are both throttle codes.
2010 Ford Fusion overview
The 2010 Fusion came with a 2.5-liter four and two V6 engines: a 3.0-liter that can also run on high-ethanol flex fuel, and a 3.5-liter in the Sport.
The 2011 drew 2,783, with steering named most.
In plain terms: the 2.5-liter four is the economy engine, the 3.0-liter V6 is the step up, and the Sport's 3.5-liter V6 is the strongest. The throttle and steering checks below apply to every engine.
SPORT
- Power
- 263 hp
- Torque
- 249 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 240 hp
- Torque
- 223 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 175 hp
- Torque
- 172 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from MotorTrend's 2010 Fusion review.
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2010 Ford Fusion than about any other Fusion year, and the steering draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1st Compared with other Fusion years 5,126 complaints, the most of 11 model years (next is 2011 with 2,783). By model year
- 32% The system named most Steering, in 1,640 complaints. Half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before 101,000 miles. Problems by system
- 13Recalls 13 recall campaigns cover the 2010 Ford Fusion. Recalls
- 122Crashes, injuries, fires 122 complaints mention a crash, 62 an injury and 9 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2010 Ford Fusion problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 5,126 complaints about the 2010 Ford Fusion that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Steering 32% 1,640 complaints Steering that locks or loses assist, often past high mileage
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
On starting the car, the steering column was locked up and would not turn. Towed to Ford dealership, they assessed that the whole steering column had to be replaced. Cost me $2000. This is a common problem and I am surprised that Ford has not issued a recall.
1. The power steering went bad in dec. 2014/ cost $1600 to fix. Done at crossroads Ford in kearney ne. 2. Less than 1 month later in jan. 2015, the transmission started leaking fluid and had other issues with shifting. Looks like now I'll have to put in a new transmission. 2010 Ford fusion se with 109,000 miles.
MIMIPAILRead 4 more owner reports+4
The power steering on the Ford fusion 2010 went out and while parked and the steering was locked. The steering wheel stopped moving totally. Then it came back for a little and went out again.
After starting the vehicle, power steering assist fault displays and steering is "locked" I.e. Can not be turned. Cycled the ignition a number of times and eventually the steering functioned. This has occurred twice. Dealer wants $1600 for this repair.
My car suddenly popped up a message saying service power steering now. There was no warning and the steering just locked up. Safely towed it to the dealer and the sterering rack needs replaced for 2,000. This is a rip off for a part that could have killed me
Power steering locked up at very low speed when making turn; dash went dark, power assist failure displayed. Turned off ignition, then back on and power restored. Repair shop, for the second time in 3 years, replaced power steering rack and pinion unit. 70k miles on this car. Ford recalled 2011 for this but not 2010 yet is very dangerous. Ford refuses to acknowledge problem with 2010 fusion steering.
When it starts
Usually starts around 101,011 miles. Half of owners reported it between 74,000 and 130,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and watch for a steering warning.
Powertrain 16% 810 complaints Transmission fluid leaking at the axle seal, harsh shifts
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
Ford 6f35 transmission has "dead spots", jerkiness and hard shifting since I owned the car. At 56,500 miles, transmission fluid was found to be leaking from the drive shaft axle and that had to be replaced under warranty. The transmission in this car is defective and should be replaced.
There was a pool of oil on floor, under car ( left front side) coming from the bushing of the half shaft axel assembly. The leaking was from the half shaft seal. Repair was performed by Ford per tsb 12-11-6 Ford replaced half shaft seal and bushing. Also joint and stub shaft assembly.
INGAMINERead 4 more owner reports+4
Driving down the highway going to work and the engine kept loosing power took it to Ford once and they said it was a bad fuse got it back and drove it to work again and the engine stalled out 7 times within 2 miles I had to have it towed back to Ford and they said my throttle body broke and needed replaced.
Transmission fluid leaks seal at left cv joint. I took it to have it serviced due to slipping/ jerking when changing gears. Total of repairs cost me over $500.00, 4 days later, seal is broken again and needs to be replaced again. Ford needs to recall this vehicle...after seeing hundreds of exact same issue!
Well I previously had a problem with the transmission shifting gears and jerking. Well come to find out it was from a low fluid level caused by a leaking drive shaft. One of more than 2000 known to have this problem. Ford needs to take care of this or I am going back to imports again.
1. The power steering went bad in dec. 2014/ cost $1600 to fix. Done at crossroads Ford in kearney ne. 2. Less than 1 month later in jan. 2015, the transmission started leaking fluid and had other issues with shifting. Looks like now I'll have to put in a new transmission. 2010 Ford fusion se with 109,000 miles.
When it starts
Usually starts around 51,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 36,000 and 70,969.
What to do
Look under the front for red fluid at the axle seals, and feel for harsh shifts.
Our guide Transmission Leak Repair Cost: Cheap Fix or Big Job?Throttle and speed control 15% 789 complaints Won't accelerate, stalls, throttle body replaced
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
Came off the highway and was waiting at a red light. Went to accelerate and the car would not go. The car did not stall but would not accelerate. Took to mike bass Ford in sheffield oh and they diagnosed that it was the throttle body. Took approx 12 days to fix. The dealership claimed that Ford had run out of the part.
While driving down the highway during rush hour, the car shuddered and stalled, kept oscillating around 1000 rpm, would not accelerate. Almost crashed trying to get to the shoulder. Called dealership from side of the road, they said it's probably the throttle body.
OHTXNYINRead 4 more owner reports+4
Call stalled in the middle of driving 2 xs in the worst part of the city. Would restart but stall after a few more minutes of driving...had to coast into parking lot and get towed to downtown Ford in canton ohio to be repaired. Downtown Ford said throttle body...over $600 to repair on a vehicle with only 39000 miles.
My 2010 Ford fusion has stalled several times while driving and while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position. Several times it has almost caused me to stall in the middle of a busy intersection when turning left, stop while driving on a busy freeway, and quickly accelerate when my foot has been on the brake peddle.
The throttle body on my 2010 Ford fusion se failed. My car lost power and stalled out four times while driving in traffic. I have replaced the part and would certainly like to see Ford recall this part.
When our vehicle a 10'Ford fusion sel sedan started this the vehicle would start to shake and die when the speed would exceed forty mph then after a couple days of not bein able to drive over forty mph the vehicle would not go at all it would start and jerk and die to the point that the vehicle could not be driven.
When it starts
Usually starts around 53,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 40,000 and 67,300.
What to do
Accelerate from a stop and on the highway; a sudden loss of power means a throttle check.
Our guide Engine Power Reduced: Meaning, Causes and How to FixMore: Jerks when accelerating
Engine 14% 700 complaints Stalling in traffic, throttle body replaced, computer reprogrammed
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
While driving engine cut out causing the car to stall in traffic. I brought the car to the Ford dealership and it was diagnosed as a faulty fuel injector #2. Same issue happened approximately 5000 miles later then again 10000 miles later. Each time the vehicle was brought to a Ford dealership.
Driving down the highway going to work and the engine kept loosing power took it to Ford once and they said it was a bad fuse got it back and drove it to work again and the engine stalled out 7 times within 2 miles I had to have it towed back to Ford and they said my throttle body broke and needed replaced.
OKOHRead 2 more owner reports+2
Vehicle stalled while driving at 45 mph. Second occurrence. First was approximately 1 year earlier. Immediately restarts as if nothing happened. Each time, took to dealer, who read code and reprogrammed.
Came off the highway and was waiting at a red light. Went to accelerate and the car would not go. The car did not stall but would not accelerate. Took to mike bass Ford in sheffield oh and they diagnosed that it was the throttle body. Took approx 12 days to fix. The dealership claimed that Ford had run out of the part.
When it starts
Usually starts around 56,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,000 and 74,050.
What to do
Ask whether the throttle body or engine computer was replaced or updated.
Our guide Car Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoAirbag system 12% 590 complaints Takata inflator recalls, long waits for parts
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
I've called Ford and they say the recall is not dangerous; however, the recall note says that my airbag could be deady. In addition, the car has been on the road for 7 years and I live in a very humid state (florida). I've asked for a complimentary loaner car so that I am not injured or killed.
Takata recall at november 4, 2017 Ford dealership said it is unable to get a takata replacement for airbags recalled. I asked dealership, autonation in fort lauderdale, fl if it would replace recalled airbags at my expense. I offered to pay for new airbags and their installation. Autonation stated that there are no airbags available that fit my auto. Can I do anything to make the auto safe to use?
KSTXRead 2 more owner reports+2
The occupant weight sensor failed in the passenger side seat, responsible for air bag deployment. The canister purge valve got stuck causing stalls when starting after refueling and stalls off the line starts putting the car/passengers at risks during turns crossing oncoming traffic, started at 56,000 miles.
Takata recall, Ford notified me june 1, 2016, but has still not provided a repair and it is march 16, 2017. This is my primary form of transportation. Additionally, I am married with two children and cannot in good conscious have someone ride in the passenger seat in the event the air bag would deploy.
When it starts
Usually starts around 85,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 55,240 and 120,000.
What to do
Run the VIN: the airbag recalls should show as done.
Fuel and power delivery 9% 484 complaints Stalling, gas smell, a leaking fuel tank
Show details Hide details
What owners describe
Call stalled in the middle of driving 2 xs in the worst part of the city. Would restart but stall after a few more minutes of driving...had to coast into parking lot and get towed to downtown Ford in canton ohio to be repaired. Downtown Ford said throttle body...over $600 to repair on a vehicle with only 39000 miles.
My 2010 Ford fusion has stalled several times while driving and while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position. Several times it has almost caused me to stall in the middle of a busy intersection when turning left, stop while driving on a busy freeway, and quickly accelerate when my foot has been on the brake peddle.
OHGARead 2 more owner reports+2
Smell of gas on passenger side of car took it into body shop said it was a leak at the seam of the fuel tank talked to Ford said since we were out of warranty would not replace fuel tank...car is only 5 years old this is crazy for something to happen to fuel tank in just 5 years.
Gas tank is leaking. Per Ford- a recall fix was done in 2016 on the purge valve, but not the tank itself. The tank itself is leaking. Per Ford since the recall fix was donr in some capacity, it doesn't qualify for the remaining portion being fixed.
When it starts
Usually starts around 59,996 miles. Half of owners reported it between 44,418 and 83,625.
What to do
Smell around the tank after filling up.
What repairs cost on the 2010 Ford Fusion
Part prices for the problems 2010 Fusion owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
For the 2.5L, 3.0L and hybrid: a remanufactured AAE rack up to a new Motorcraft one, plus a core deposit of up to $400. The 3.5L uses a hydraulic rack, $247 to $269 remanufactured from Terrepower or Cardone.
Check steering racks18 brands, from ProSpec up to Motorcraft, with Bosch and Power Stop between them. Priced per rotor.
Check brake rotorsPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
83 owners name P2111 (throttle actuator stuck open) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Powertrain complaints start earliest, typically around 51,000 miles. Steering complaints start latest, around 101,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Ford Fusion complaints by model year
2010 has the most complaints of any Fusion year. The steering is named most in 3 other Fusion years.
Show chart Hide chart
2010 has the most complaints of any Fusion year. The steering is named most in 3 other Fusion years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2010 Ford Fusion have kept arriving since 2009, with peaks in 2013 and 2018. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
Show chart Hide chart
2010 Ford Fusion recalls
13 recall campaigns cover the 2010 Ford Fusion. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2010 Ford Fusion crash tests and investigations
NHTSA has no overall star rating on file for the 2010 Ford Fusion, only the single tests below. Its defect office has opened nine investigations into eight problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2010 Ford Fusion’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 9%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2010 Ford Fusion
These checks follow what 2010 Fusion owners reported most: steering that locks or loses power assist, throttle trouble that cuts power, and transmission leaks. Run the VIN before you pay, because this car is covered by several airbag recalls.
- 1Run the VIN for airbag recalls
Several campaigns cover this car's front airbags; only the VIN shows the fix.
- 2Turn the wheel lock to lock
Steering complaints describe a wheel that locks or loses power assist, often past high mileage.
- 3Accelerate hard from a stop
Throttle complaints describe a car that suddenly won't speed up.
- 4Check under the front for red fluid
Transmission leaks at the axle seals are a common powertrain complaint.
- 5Ask for the throttle body record
Throttle codes are the ones owners name most for this car.
Oil and service for the 2010 Ford Fusion
This is what Ford's manual says the 2010 Fusion needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The jobs and their timing come from Ford's separate Scheduled Maintenance Guide, which says to change the oil every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 5.5 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- 6-speed Aisin F21: Motorcraft Premium ATF; 6-speed 6F35: Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Premium Gold
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 6.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- 6-speed Aisin F21: Motorcraft Premium ATF; 6-speed 6F35: Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Premium Gold
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 5.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- 6-speed Aisin F21: Motorcraft Premium ATF; 6-speed 6F35: Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Premium Gold
Service schedule
From the Ford 2010 Fusion Owner's Guide and Ford 2010 Scheduled Maintenance Guide, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Fusion?
Owners name the steering most (1,640 complaints), then powertrain (810) and throttle and speed control (789).
Is 2010 a good year for the Ford Fusion?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the steering complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2010 Ford Fusion?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2010 Ford Fusion: airbags (7), brakes, fuel tank, equipment, wheels, seats, power train. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Fusion problems start?
Powertrain complaints start earliest, around 51,000 miles. Steering complaints come later, around 101,000 miles.
Which Fusion years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2010 and 2011 model years have the most in the file, and the 2020 and 2019 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2010 sedans to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 6 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.