On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Ford Fusion powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion have filed 775 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 50,300 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
775
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Fusion | 144 |
| 2007 Fusion | 70 |
| 2008 Fusion | 44 |
| 2009 Fusion | 19 |
| 2010 Fusion (this page) | 775 |
| 2011 Fusion | 232 |
| 2012 Fusion | 131 |
| 2013 Fusion | 287 |
| 2014 Fusion | 233 |
6crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 775 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Ford Fusion we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 775.
Owners have filed 775 powertrain 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission may exhibit a fluid leak from the left hand (LH) transmission halfshaft seal due to wear on the transmission case bushing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗6F35 Transmission - Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal - built on or before 10/14/2013
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Ford Fusion powertrain complaints cluster around two primary failure modes: chronic 6F35 transmission defects and electronic throttle body failure. Transmission issues manifest as slipping gears, shift flares, harsh lurches, and complete loss of drive at highway speeds. Owners report that even dealer overhauls—replacing valve bodies, clutches, pistons, and seals—often fail to resolve problems, with some describing internal components as "melted" or "burned." One owner documented multiple dealership visits and PCM reflashes before the transmission was finally overhauled at 9,181 miles, yet continued to experience erratic shifting.
Throttle body failures are far more prevalent, striking owners between 2,100 and 50,000 miles with sudden, complete loss of throttle response. The wrench light appears, the vehicle drops to rough idle and cannot accelerate despite full pedal input. Owners must turn the engine off, wait, and restart to regain power. No warning precedes these events, and they occur at traffic lights, highway merges, and uphill grades. Many dealers initially cannot replicate the problem or retrieve diagnostic codes because the light clears when the engine is restarted. Owners report finding online forums with hundreds of similar complaints and learned the issue was triggered by throttle body contamination or electronic failure. Replacement parts have been on national back order, and costs range from $185 to $600 depending on dealer and labor. One owner's throttle body was replaced three separate times without resolving the underlying defect. Ford's response included field service actions, warranty extensions, and a customer satisfaction program that reimbursed some out-of-warranty repairs—but only within a narrow deadline. Transmission leaks at seals have occurred during repairs and months afterward. One catastrophic case involved a transmission "self-destructing" while towing at 62 MPH, with metal particles indicating melted internal components.
Same Ford Fusion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
6F35 transmission valve body and internal component failure
Chronic shifting defects including slipping gears, shift flares, harsh shifting, uncontrollable forward lurches, and catastrophic internal degradation. Owners report melted bolts, damaged valve bodies, and burned clutches even after dealer repairs. Multiple repair attempts worsen performance.
When: Starting as early as 3,744 miles; recurring through 9,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift flaring and erratic shifting; Violent downshift slams; Uncontrollable forward lurches; Delayed shifting and struggles on takeoff; Transmission feels worn and degraded after repairs; Burned clutch material in fluid
Codes mentioned: Transmission codes on scan; dealer bench tests show internal damage
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement, solenoid assembly replacement, forward clutch, overdrive clutch, piston, seals, and gaskets installed; problem persists after overhaul
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10B15 (PCM reprogramming); multiple PCM reflashes performed; dealers claim normal operation despite ongoing failures
Electronic throttle body failure causing power loss
Widespread sudden loss of engine power at highway and city speeds, with wrench light illumination. Owners lose all throttle response and must turn engine off and restart to regain power. Occurs unpredictably with no warning, creating severe traffic hazards.
When: Typically 30,000–50,000 miles; some instances as early as 2,100 miles or within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration response; Wrench light illumination (and sometimes check engine light); Engine idles roughly but will not respond to gas pedal; Rapid RPM drops or surges; Forced into 'limp home' mode at very low speed (1–20 MPH); Vehicle shakes and vibrates during episodes; No warning before failure occurs
Codes mentioned: P2111 (Throttle Actuator Control stuck open), Often no code stored if engine shut off before restart
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement cost $185–$600+ depending on dealer; multiple replacements required for some owners; parts frequently on national back order; cleaning throttle body does not resolve issue; updated part number DS7Z 9E926 D noted as modification
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field Service Action 13B17 (replace throttle body and reflash PCM); extended warranty on throttle body; warranty extension program 09-20-13 TSB; Customer Satisfaction Program offered reimbursement (deadline 07/31/2014) for out-of-warranty repairs
Transmission fluid leakage and seal failure
Transaxle seals and pan seals fail, causing transmission fluid loss during and after repairs. Owners discover fluid pooling under vehicle or seeping from transmission pan area.
When: Occurring during towing (recreational and highway travel); also observed months after dealer transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leaking from transmission pan area or axle seal; Dark, scorched-smelling transmission fluid; Fluid level dropping despite recent service; Transmission losing power while towing or at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Transaxle seal replacement; pan re-sealing required after initial repair; cost covered under warranty when seal is factory defect, but owner responsible if warranty expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform seal repairs; TSB 09-20-13 addresses towing issues; remanufactured transmission units offered with modifications for flat towing
Transmission disengagement at highway speed
Transmission completely loses drive engagement (acts as if shifted into neutral) at highway speeds, leaving vehicle coasting and unresponsive to accelerator. Occurs without warning.
When: At 55–62 MPH during highway driving; recurring after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power/drive at highway speed; Vehicle coasts to stop; Engine continues running but no forward propulsion; Check engine, maintenance required, and transmission service lights display but dealer reports no error code recorded
Repairs/costs cited: Transaxle seal replacement on back order; vehicle out of service 11+ days waiting for parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10B15 PCM reprogramming performed; remanufactured transmissions with modifications offered
Wiring harness damage inside transmission
Wiring harness shaved/damaged within transmission assembly, preventing proper electronic control and causing loss of power during driving.
When: Discovered around 50,000 miles during diagnostic following power loss event
Symptoms owners cite: Advanced Trac light illumination; Engine light and wrench light; Loss of acceleration and inability to exceed 20 MPH; Vehicle will not accelerate higher than threshold speed
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pan removed for inspection; wiring harness repair required; cost $500+ not covered under warranty or extended warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage; owners advised to pay out of pocket
Unintended acceleration and electronic throttle body combined failure
Rare but severe instances of unintended backward acceleration in park, or sudden high-RPM revving without throttle input, combined with throttle body electronic failure. One owner experienced vehicle accelerating backward at 30 MPH in a parking lot with foot on brake and transmission in park.
When: Occurring after start-up or while at rest
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden high-RPM engine revving without driver input; Unintended acceleration (forward or backward) with foot on brake; Brake pedal ineffective; Vehicle moves on its own at high speed
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic Throttle Body suspected as root cause; brake override not present on 2010 models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19S54 for Anti-Lock Brake Systems (stuck open valve); Ford has installed brake override on post-2010 vehicles only
Power steering assist failure (EPAS)
Electric Power Assist System failure causing steering wheel to lock or become extremely difficult to turn during normal driving maneuvers.
When: During normal driving and parking operations
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Loss of power steering assist mid-maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: TRW EPAS unit replacement; estimated cost $1,600; non-serviceable unit requiring manufacturer service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified; dealers refer to manufacturer for complex electronic steering repairs
Synthesized from 775 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Was driving about 40 miles per hour when the car started to stall as if it was running out of gas and wrench light (check engine) came on. Pulled over to side of road and car began to violently shake. Turned the car off, waited a minute, turned it back on and was able to drive it. Two days later, driving about 25 miles per hour, exact same thing happened. Four days later, 55 MPH, same thing. It…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Ford Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 775 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 704 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 36,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 50,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.