Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a significant number of complaints, particularly in steering, airbags, and brakes. While unable to verify recall details, these areas warrant close inspection due to substantial owner feedback. Be cautious and thoroughly check those components before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 510 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 138 complaints
- Air Bags 135 complaints
- Service Brakes 80 complaints
- Power Train 48 complaints
- Engine 46 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 45 complaints
Of the 510 complaints on file, 9 report a crash; across all 510 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
steering failure
How to check: Test steering responsiveness at low and high speeds.
airbag deployment failure
How to check: Verify airbag light is off on the dashboard.
brake malfunction
How to check: Inspect brake pedal feel and response.
transmission slip
How to check: Check for unusual sounds or shifts while driving.
engine stalling
How to check: Notice any hesitations or stalls during idle.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or persistent noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for engine stalling or rough idle.
Red flag: Engine stalls or idles rough
- 03
City driving
What to check: Brake responsiveness and any noises when pressed.
Red flag: Delayed braking or abnormal sounds
- 04
Accelerating at low speed
What to check: Transmission smoothness and prompt gear shifts.
Red flag: Delayed or rough gear changes
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Steering control and vibration in the wheel.
Red flag: Excessive vibration or play
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Stability and straight-line stopping power.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 07
Parking
What to check: Listen for any creaks while steering sharply.
Red flag: Creaking or heavy resistance
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering system been serviced?
- Have the airbags ever been replaced?
- Any issues with brake performance recently?
- Are there any transmission repair records?
- Has the engine stalled unexpectedly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full maintenance records
- Steering system repair receipts
- Airbag replacement history
- Brake service documentation
- Transmission repair records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.