Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Ford Fusion
The 2010 Ford Fusion has significant issues related to airbag recalls and brake system concerns. While it offers solid performance, potential buyers should actively address these safety recalls and examine any braking system problems. Overall, some caution is recommended due to these safety recalls.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Ford Fusion has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5,130 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V158000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V904000 ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V775000 Air Bag may not Fully Inflate during Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V046000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V793000 Fuel Tank May Crack NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E028000 Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat may Trap Pedal NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V574000 FRACTURE WHEEL STUDS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V222000 PARK ROD GUIDE RETENSION PIN NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V161000 FRONT DRIVER & PASSENGER SEATS MANUAL RECLINERS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 1,661 complaints
- Power Train 894 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 793 complaints
- Engine 700 complaints
- Air Bags 591 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 484 complaints
Of the 5,130 complaints on file, 122 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 5,130 complaints, owners report 74 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator can explode
How to check: Verify if airbag recalls have been addressed and fixed.
ABS module valve issues
How to check: Check brake effectiveness and inspect for leak or corrosion.
Floor mats may interfere with pedal
How to check: Ensure correct mats are installed and secured properly.
Faulty park rod guide pin
How to check: Test shift lever to ensure smooth transitions.
Wheel stud fractures
How to check: Inspect wheels for any damage or missing studs.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for long cranking or unusual noises.
Red flag: Unusual engine noise at start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any warning lights or error messages.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Pay attention to brake response and feel.
Red flag: Spongy or ineffective brakes
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration without hesitations.
Red flag: Hesitation during acceleration
- 05
Steering check
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and alignment.
Red flag: Loose or misaligned steering
- 06
Braking from highway speed
What to check: Monitor for vibrations and stopping power.
Red flag: Vibrations when braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Are there any current brake issues?
- Have the wheel studs ever been replaced?
- Was there any transmission work done?
- Do you have a history of recall repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Brake service records
- Transmission maintenance history
- Official vehicle history report
- Warranty documentation, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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