Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT ⢠Updated Ranger Technical Information to include images of a pass and fail airbag inflator inspection for 2007-2011 model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Ford Fusion airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion have filed 548 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
548
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Fusion | 311 |
| 2007 Fusion | 602 |
| 2008 Fusion | 623 |
| 2009 Fusion | 346 |
| 2010 Fusion (this page) | 548 |
| 2011 Fusion | 293 |
| 2012 Fusion | 395 |
| 2013 Fusion | 91 |
| 2014 Fusion | 35 |
23crashes
22injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 548 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 15 model years of Ford Fusion in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. This degradation can cause the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The Takata passenger airbag recall dominates complaints. Owners received recall notices starting June 2016, told the inflator could rupture and spray metal fragments, and instructed not to let passengers sit in the front seat. The problem: replacement parts were unavailable for years. Owners called dealers repeatedly and were told "no parts," "maybe spring 2018," "maybe a month," or simply added to a waiting list. By 2019–2021, some still hadn't gotten repairs. Ford offered a $30/day rental allowance, but actual rental cars cost $35–$50/day; owners had to cover the gap or park the vehicle. Dealerships gave conflicting information and some refused to order parts or provide loaner cars. The situation left families unable to use one of their vehicles or stuck paying out of pocket.
Beyond the recall, owners reported airbags that didn't deploy in real crashes—drivers hit windshields and steering wheels, sustaining fractured necks, strokes, and concussions at 25–40 mph impacts that should have triggered deployment. Airbag warning lights also stayed on continuously after service or due to defective housing, with dealers saying parts weren't available and repairs weren't covered.
A separate but troubling pattern: unintended acceleration. At least two owners reported the car accelerating on its own while stopped, reaching 35 mph with neither pedal pressed, leading to crashes with airbags that failed to fire.
This cluster paints a picture of a model with systemic restraint and throttle reliability problems compounded by a multi-year recall debacle.
Same Ford Fusion airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk
Passenger frontal airbag inflator can rupture during crash deployment, projecting metal fragments at occupant. Recall issued mid-2016 with multiple follow-up notices (16S26, 16V384000, 18V046000, 21S12/21V158) but replacement parts unavailable for years. Owners instructed not to allow passengers in front seat; some told only front passenger seat unsafe while others expressed concern metal fragments pose risk to entire cabin.
When: Recall notices issued June 2016 onward; complaints span 2016–2021
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning indicator illuminated; Passenger front seat unusable per recall guidance; Defective Takata inflator assembly
Codes mentioned: 16V384000, 18V046000, 16S26, 21S12, 21V158, 16E-042, 16E-043, 16E-044
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement inflator/airbag assembly required; no dealer parts available during majority of recall window (2016–2019+). Ford offered rental vehicle reimbursement up to $30/day (short of actual $35+ daily rates at rental agencies), and then discontinued rental support after months of waiting. Dealers inconsistent on timelines; some stated availability 'spring 2018,' 'Q2–Q3 2018,' end of year, or 'maybe a month'—no firm dates given.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16S26 (NHTSA 16V384000), recall 18V046000, recall 21S12 (NHTSA 21V158). Ford issued multiple notices (June 2016, July 2016, February 2019, and later) stating remedy parts unavailable and owners should not occupy front passenger seat. Ford offered partial rental reimbursement ($30/day). TK Holdings (Takata) filed bankruptcy; legal notices sent to owners attempting to limit liability. Ford later coordinated with dealerships for rental vehicle provision but delays persisted. As of 2021, recall still incomplete for affected vehicles.
Airbag Failure to Deploy in Frontal Crash
Front airbags (driver and/or passenger side) failed to deploy in frontal or near-frontal collisions, leaving occupants unprotected. Multiple complaints report significant injuries (fractured neck, paralysis, stroke, fractured toe, bruised sternum, head trauma, concussion, injuries to neck/back/limbs) sustained when airbags did not activate. Severity of impacts suggests deployment was expected.
When: Mileage range 36,000 to 130,000; crashes occurred during active driving; one incident during unintended acceleration event
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment on driver side frontal impact; No airbag deployment on passenger side impact; No warning lights or sensor activation prior to crash; Occupant struck steering wheel, windshield, or sustained blunt trauma
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to dealers or collision centers but diagnosis inconclusive in some cases. Police inspected vehicles but could not determine cause. Engineers dispatched by Ford in at least one case but no repair outcome documented. No cost cited—these are post-crash failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford made aware of failures in some cases; no recall issued specifically for airbag non-deployment. Manufacturer advised engineer inspection in one incident but outcome not stated.
Airbag Warning Indicator Stays Illuminated
Airbag warning light remains on continuously or comes on automatically after routine service (e.g., oil changes). One complaint notes housing around metal device in airbag system is defective. Light does not extinguish and indicates potential airbag system malfunction independent of Takata inflator recall.
When: Occurs periodically or recurring after service; documented at 103,000 miles and other mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Light remains on after oil change or other service; Light comes on automatically and does not extinguish
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer told owner recall parts unavailable and owner would have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Suggests non-recall airbag system issue requiring diagnosis and repair (possible sensor, wiring, or control module fault). Parts and costs not specified.
Unintended Acceleration Followed by Airbag Non-Deployment
Vehicle accelerated on its own while at a traffic light or during normal driving, reaching speeds of 35 mph with no brake or throttle input. Vehicle would not decelerate despite operator input. In one incident, crash occurred and airbags failed to deploy. In another, vehicle sped up and then lost acceleration intermittently. Prior technician recalibration of computer did not resolve issue; possible electronic throttle body malfunction cited by one owner.
When: Incidents at 36,000 miles and other mileages; surging issues occurred before major unintended acceleration events
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Vehicle will not respond to brake or accelerator input; Loss of steering control reported; Check engine light illuminated; Slight surging noticed prior to full acceleration event
Repairs/costs cited: One owner speculated electronic throttle body motor responsible. Dealer recalibration of powertrain control module performed in one case but did not resolve surging/acceleration issue. Vehicle crashed; front end demolished. Owner requested return to prior condition but outcome not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in at least one case; no recall issued. Referred to larger Ford service organization. Engineer inspection for airbag failure mentioned but throttle issue not addressed.
Synthesized from 548 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I was sent a letter that I would be contacted when the replacements were available
Takata recall
Had airbags trouble with your 2010 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2010 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 548 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 102 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 51,000 and 107,232 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,000; a quarter make it past 107,232. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.