Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Fusion?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Cruise-control: 494 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–67,000 mi
Brakes: 477 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 80,000–148,397 mi
Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2010 Ford Fusion? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 1657 owner reports
· tends to show around 105,968 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 774 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,759 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 548 owner reports
· tends to show around 81,793 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
cruise control — 494 owner reports
· tends to show around 55,600 mi · ~$600 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 81,793 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2010 Fusion· steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the messages "Tract Off" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet…
Went to crank it one day after changing a tire on the front and the power steering quit working when I got back in it and cranked it up and hasn't worked since.
2010 fusion hybrid lost power then shut down. A warning on the instrument panel said to pull over safely and stop. I have done research and found other drivers of the same make and model are having the same problem. If this were to happen in heavy traffic it could cause an…
Had a problem with your 2010 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, milan, and escape vehicles manufactured from february 27, through march 26, 2010
A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 28, 2010. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 and for the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (tdd). Representatives are available monday through friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, explorer, explorer sport trac, and mercury milan and mountaineer vehicles manufactured between december 15, 2009 through february 3, 2010 equipped with front seat manual recliners
In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before april 30, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles
If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S54.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 5,122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Ford Fusion has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2010 Ford Fusion?
The 2010 Ford Fusion is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Cruise-control: 494 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–67,000 mi; Brakes: 477 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 80,000–148,397 mi; Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Ford Fusion?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,657 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,968 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 5,122 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 105,968 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2010 Ford Fusion?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 1,657 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,968 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 105,968 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Fusion has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Ford Fusion?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 5,122 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Ford/Fusion.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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