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2010 Ford Fusion brakes problems

548 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 110,000. 34 crashes reported.

owner complaints
548
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
110,000
crashes
34
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock: ABS warning light
    5
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring
    2
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    2
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    1
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    1
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fusion brakes problems in other years

2006201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Ford Fusion brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 271Brake failure 128Spongy pedal 30Grinding brakes 26Premature wear 7

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported December 18, 2019 · 600,166 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
Risk
If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V904000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminatedOpened April 9, 2026, closed October 23, 2026

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on December 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the hydraulic control unit (HCU) for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The petition alleges that an illuminated ABS MIL is associated with a failure of the ABS HCU, resulting in ABS malfunction, loss of traction and electronic stability control functions, and reduced braking performance, particularly on slippery road surfaces. ODI conducted an analysis of complaints submitted to ODI for the subject vehicle population along with data submitted by Ford. The Petitioner alleged that the condition in the subject vehicles was comparable to the defect addressed by the federal safety agency recall No. 19V904, which covered certain MY 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The population of this recall consisted of the non-hybrid variants of these models. The recall addressed a defect where the ABS valves in the HCU could remain stuck open due to a chemical reaction with aged DOT 3 brake fluid, potentially causing extended brake pedal travel and increasing the risk of a crash.  DOT 3 brake fluid is a conventional, glycol-ether-based hydraulic fluid used to transfer force from the brake pedal to a vehicle's brakes. No visual or audible warning was presented to the driver in this scenario. The MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a different brake apply system in which the traditional hydraulic (friction) brakes are blended with the hybrid regenerative brake system. In this system, the brake master cylinder is electrically activated and provides force feedback through the brake pedal to the driver. Unlike the recalled models, Petitioner’s 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid would not experience the same defect, as a stuck-open normally closed valve within its ABS HCU does not result in increased brake pedal travel. This condition is further supported by the relative complaint rates in the two populations: ODI found the complaint rate of the recalled MY 2010 Fusion vehicles was six times higher than that of the subject MY 2010 Fusion Hybrid vehicles, which supports a significant difference in the design and performance of the brake system and components. As the Petitioner stated, most of the subject hybrid vehicle VOQs cited an illuminated ABS MIL. The vehicles in 19V904 did not present the driver with an illuminated MIL or associated diagnostic trouble code (DTC). Since the MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid presented with a brake MIL, the failure mode differs from that of the non-hybrid population, which did not trigger an illuminated warning light. Additionally, given the age of the subject vehicles (MY 2010), the low complaint volume is consistent with expected wear and tear rather than an actionable safety defect trend. For the above reasons, ODI is denying this Defect Petition as it has not found an unreasonable risk to highway safety. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

DP26004

What 2010 Ford Fusion owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic replaced the ABS sensors; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5-10 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressing the brake pedal, causing the stopping distance to be significantly extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS pump failure, which resulted in the rear calipers freezing. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Brakes · CT

My brakes felt mushy for a couple days. Next day br a ke fluid dash light came on. brake fluid was so low couldn't see it. Went to autozone bought brake fluid .dot 3 per internet. Internet went on to share the fact thi s p r oblem was recalled. I h a v e none open says major safety problem tow xar immediately.im on s t at e assistance i can't pay to fix

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · GA

We have had multiple issues with the ABS and HCU since we bought this car used a couple years ago. We've replaced the ABS Module and HCU and had Ford reprogram it and are still having issues. The brakes go out fully and I went through a red light. The ABS and Traction control and check brake system lights come on. We've spent a couple thousand dollars trying to fix this issue. The brakes have gone out before this incident as well around 95k miles and intermittently since. If needed, contact for invoices.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Brakes · TX

The ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failed internally due to a stuck valve. The component remains on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. While braking normally on a public road, the vehicle hit a minor road bump, causing the ABS to momentarily engage. Immediately following the bump, the brake pedal lost all hydraulic resistance and dropped severely to the floorboard. The vehicle experienced an immediate, drastic reduction in stopping power and an extended braking distance, nearly causing a collision. This sudden loss of braking capability puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at immediate risk of a severe accident. There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, or symptoms prior to hitting the road bump. The braking system functioned completely normally until the exact moment the ABS was triggered by the uneven road surface. The vehicle and its components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. This identical safety-compromising failure mode (loss of pedal pressure immediately following ABS activation on a bump) is a thoroughly documented defect covered by Ford under Safety Recall 19S54 and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N11. However, because this specific vehicle has a production date falling just outside of Ford's arbitrary manufacturing window (which cut off on July 15, 2009), the vehicle is barred from receiving the safety remedy. This vehicle uses the exact same layout and suffers from the exact same dangerous safety defect. the federal safety agency needs to investigate and force an expansion of the vehicle build dates for this recall before this known defect causes a fatal crash.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Brakes · 53,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer made two attempts to replace the part with an aftermarket part. The ABS module was shipped out for the repair; however, the dealer was informed that the part could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Brakes · VA

My 2010 Ford Fusion has been having issues with the ABS system/module showing the fault code, Service Advance Track System. After checking the recalls on this issue, I learned that Ford did have a recall for this make/model, recall # 19S54, BUT only from cars out of a certain plant during a certain time. I was told by the local Ford dealer as well as Ford Motor Co. that my vehicle was not included even though a recall was released on the same make, model, and year Fusion. I was told by the local Ford dealership that I was free to make a service appointment for the issue. I feel like this is a known issue that Ford is aware of and is using any means necessary to avoid taking the proper responsibility to service a vehicle under a recall for the exact same issue.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Brakes · TX

The vehicle turns on the traction control and ABS lights, automatically makes a bell sound as a warning, and stops braking, regardless of your speed at that moment.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Brakes · CA

The brakes went almost completely out- having to push the pedal all the way to the floor. All ABS and braking lights illuminated in the dash. There is limited stopping power. The car has become undriveable, even after replacing the HCU and abs system. The dealership has been unable to reprogram the brakes. This exact issue falls under recall 19s54, but Ford claims my problem does not meet the requirements- despite my vehicle having been assembled at the same facility (Hermosilla) and within the same date range as the recalled vehicles. I have receipts and documents to show all attempts at fixing the issue.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Brakes · FL

The brakes completely failed pressed pedal all the way down! My son almost died! The brake pads are new!

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while at a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and travelled down to the floorboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and a dealer was contacted. The dealer made the contact aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Questions about the 2010 Ford Fusion brakes

Does the 2010 Ford Fusion have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 548 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Ford Fusion, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2010 Ford Fusion brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 110,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Ford Fusion brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 19V904000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Fusion have bad brakes?

The Ford Fusion model years with the most brakes complaints are 2010 (548 complaints), 2008 (542 complaints) and 2009 (531 complaints).

Other 2010 Ford Fusion problems

Steering 1,662Transmission 894Acceleration 793Engine 793Fuel system 705Airbags 591Electrical 324Driver assistance 167Wheels 143Body 87Seats 34Suspension 34Visibility 25Locks 19Tires 18Lights 13Seat belts 9

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