NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
This page covers 11 recalls, 5621 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Fusion.
19–39 mpg combined
6–12.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
Steering complaints dominate the 2010 Ford Fusion's complaint record by a wide margin, with owners frequently describing the electric power steering losing assist unexpectedly, the wheel goes heavy or unresponsive, sometimes while moving at speed. Many describe having to apply significant force to steer and report the condition recurring even after service. The powertrain is the second most-reported system, with owners noting hesitation, rough shifting, and transmission engagement problems. Airbag complaints form the third major cluster, where owners describe the system failing to deploy in collisions, along with related concerns about seatbelt pretensioners not engaging as expected during impacts. A recurring sub-theme in the steering complaints involves the warning light cycling on and off alongside the power assist loss, suggesting the fault doesn't always trigger a consistent dashboard alert before the steering feel changes.
5,621
Total Complaints
131
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
64
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Ford Fusion has 11 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue spans multiple filings covering both sides of the vehicle. On the driver's side, the inflator can degrade over time and rupture. On the passenger side, several overlapping recalls address the same rupture risk, including one that applies specifically to vehicles that already received a replacement passenger airbag under a prior repair, where the replacement inflator may not deploy correctly in a crash. There are also two fuel system recalls that describe the same underlying problem: a faulty canister purge valve can allow abnormal pressure to build inside the fuel tank, causing the tank to crack and leak fuel, which raises the risk of fire near an ignition source. On the wheel side, certain 17-inch steel wheels can lose clamping force at the wheel studs, allowing a wheel to separate from the vehicle and cause a crash. Rounding out the list, the anti-lock brake control unit can react with certain brake fluids, causing internal valves to stick open and requiring more pedal travel to stop the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid additives can react with valves in the ABS hydraulic control unit, preventing them from closing properly and affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealer will flush brake system with DOT 4 fluid, install new reservoir cap, test the control unit, and replace it if a stuck valve is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket holding the passenger air bag inflator to the module housing may bend during a crash, causing the inflation gas to escape instead of deploying the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire passenger air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel vapor canister's purge valve may not work correctly, causing abnormal pressure changes inside the fuel tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software, test the purge valve, inspect the fuel tank for cracks, and replace parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The canister purge valve may fail to work correctly, causing pressure changes in the fuel tank that can crack the tank's upper surface, leading to fuel or fuel vapor seepage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the canister purge valve and fuel tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 17-inch steel wheels may lose clamping force on the wheel studs, causing stud failure and potential wheel separation from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Replace lug nuts on all four wheels and inspect rear brake rotors, replacing them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
