135 of the
1,591 complaints filed about the Ford Fusion Hybrid
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
While driving my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]), the braking system suddenly failed. When applying the brake pedal, there was completely zero brake resistance, and the vehicle failed to engage proper braking power, creating an extremely hazardous driving condition. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Lithia), which officially documented that the vehicle is "UNSAFE TO DRIVE due to having no brake resistance." The diagnostics confirmed that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), the ABS module, and the Brake Master Cylinder have failed and require total replacement. The dealership also noted that the necessary braking parts are currently completely unavailable (backordered/no parts available). This is the exact same safety defect covered under Ford's previous Safety Recall 19S54 (NHTSA Campaign 19V904) for older Fusion models. However, the recall was never expanded to include the 2012 models, despite them using the same problematic braking infrastructure and experiencing identical catastrophic failures. NHTSA needs to investigate and force Ford to expand the recall to 2011-2012 models before this braking defect causes fatal accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and am reporting a recurring and serious braking problem. On XXX, while driving to pick up my mom and my [XXX] son, I pressed the brake pedal to stop, but the vehicle did not stop normally. I repeatedly tried to brake, but the vehicle took much longer to stop than it should have. The brake pedal became spongy and did not have normal resistance. The BRAKE, ABS, and AdvanceTrac warning lights appeared. The vehicle’s computer/system was reset afterward, and the vehicle drove normally for several days. On XXX, the same braking problem happened again while i was driving to go pick up my [XXX] son from school. The brake pedal became spongy, and repeatedly pumping the brakes did not properly stop the vehicle. This time I had to use the emergency/parking brake to help bring the vehicle to a stop. The same BRAKE, ABS, and AdvanceTrac warning lights appeared.After this incident, the rear brakes were replaced and a new ABS Anti-Lock Brake Pump (part number 9E58-2C555-AF) was installed. The computer/system was also reset again. On XXX, the BRAKE, ABS, and AdvanceTrac warning lights came back on again despite the new brake components and computer reset. The mechanic who performed the repairs has been unable to determine the cause, so the vehicle is being taken to another repair shop for further diagnosis. I am concerned that this may be a safety defect involving the braking/ABS system of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The vehicle has experienced an actual loss of braking ability, including an incident where I had to use the emergency/parking brake to stop. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint regarding an unrepaired safety recall on my 2016 Ford Fusion, Ford Recall 25SA9 / NHTSA Recall 25V695, involving the rear-view camera. The recall concerns a condition where the rear-view camera may display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This can reduce the driver's ability to see what is behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in October 2025. I have been waiting for the recall remedy to become available, but Ford and the dealership have been unable to complete the repair because the necessary parts are not available. As of August 11, 2026, my vehicle's NHTSA recall status still states: "Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available." This means that approximately 10 months after the recall was issued, I still do not have access to the recall repair for a known safety defect. I understand that parts shortages can occur; however, I am concerned that such a significant amount of time has passed without Ford providing a remedy. The recall information indicates that the remedy was expected to become available, yet my vehicle remains unrepaired. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's handling of this recall and determine: Why the recall remedy remains unavailable approximately 10 months after the recall was issued. When Ford expects the required repair parts to actually become available. Whether Ford is taking adequate steps to provide affected vehicle owners with a timely and effective remedy. Whether Ford has provided an adequate interim solution for owners while they wait for the repair. I have contacted the dealership regarding the recall and have been advised that they cannot complete the repair because the necessary parts are unavailable. I am requesting NHTSA's assistance and review because this is a safety recall that remains unresolved many months after being issued. Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fusion Manufacturer Recall: 25SA9 NHTSA Recall: 25V695 Defect: Re
NHTSA complaint #11756279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE. Vehicle experienced a “Stop Safely Now” warning with hybrid system shutdown, occurring both while driving and while parked/idling, causing jerking symptoms. This puts driver and other roadway users at risk, as loss of power/propulsion can occur without warning while in motion. Vehicle also set a P0073 (ambient air temperature sensor circuit high) fault code. The ambient air temperature sensor was replaced (Ford part numbers AU5Z-12A647-B / FC4Z-12A647-A) but the underlying issue has not been fully resolved and diagnostics are ongoing. Vehicle also had a prior transmission replacement (January 2023). Vehicle has also had extreme, unresolved electrical issues: fuses repeatedly burning out, lights burning out, two horns replaced due to failure, backup camera display turning blue/failing, and dashboard warning lights randomly illuminating. The dealership has confirmed electrical issues are occurring but has not been able to identify the root cause despite inspection. Issue has been confirmed/reproduced by a dealer. Vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. Exact onset date of symptoms is UNKNOWN, but warning lamps and jerking preceded the “Stop Safely Now” shutdown events.* problems have been ongoing since purchase of the vehicle in 2019. Ongoing still in 2016
NHTSA complaint #11752200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There have been many recalls on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, according to Ford mine has already had the repairs done yet the issues I’ve been having all match recalls. I’ve had issues with my passenger seat, the air bag system light is always on and the seat controls no longer work. The clockspring system is pure trash, there is no reason I’ve had to replace it twice now in the 2 months I’ve had this car. My ABS system keeps going in and out and says service advancetrac system. My hybrid battery rarely goes into hybrid anymore causing my mpg to drop. There were a few other things but that’s what’s coming out mind now.
NHTSA complaint #11744392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The factory-installed rearview backup camera on my 2013 Ford Fusion fails intermittently. When shifting into reverse, the display screen frequently goes black, shows a distorted or flickering image with multicolored lines, or displays an error message stating the camera is unavailable. The failure is unpredictable but occurs more often in hot weather or after rain, suggesting a hardware defect. The component that has failed is the rearview camera system, likely the camera module itself, which is available for inspection. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard by eliminating rear visibility, substantially increasing the risk of a back-over collision with pedestrians, children, or other objects. The failure to display a rearview image is a non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer due to its intermittent nature, making it difficult to reproduce on demand. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or other parties regarding this issue. The symptoms first appeared several months ago and have become progressively more frequent. The primary warnings are the on-screen error messages and the loss of the video feed itself.
NHTSA complaint #11696672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to protect the safety of drivers nationwide.
NHTSA complaint #11682612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's granddaughter owned a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver looked in the rearview mirror and noticed black smoke coming from the rear seats of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's sons were in car seats in the rear seats of the vehicle. The driver immediately pulled over to the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and took her sons out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the entire vehicle then caught on fire. The contact stated that the driver's side of the vehicle was more burned than the rest of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department, who informed the contact's granddaughter that the fire might have originated from the trunk of the vehicle. It was unknown whether a Police report or a Fire Department report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed and could be totaled. The driver's mother transported the driver and her sons to the emergency room due to smoke inhalation. It was unknown whether injuries were sustained. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11664680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving roughly 5mph leaving from being parked for over 1.5 hours the hybrid battery caught/ control module caught on fire. Causing part of the truck carpet to catch fire. Since there was someone in the backseat that quickly felt the heat they turned the car off and stopped. The fire was put out. We end having it towed to the ford dealership that could not identify the reason it caught on fire. This is a known issue but the recall only affected 2 days of production.
NHTSA complaint #11661325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car dies and needs jumped everytime I shut it off. There's an odd clicking sound coming from the front floor of the trunk behind the drivers side back seat. This has been happening for 2 days now. I think I can smell something burning, but I've only had that smell once today.
NHTSA complaint #11656256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while using the key fob to start the vehicle, the heat on the front driver's seat and steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The contact manually depressed the button to turn on the heat. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed that the instrument cluster and APIM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, White Bear Lincoln, Inc. (3425 Hwy 61 N, St Paul, MN 55110) who diagnosed that the instrument cluster and APIM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 11,768.
NHTSA complaint #11648737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds there was a humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that intermittently the vehicle hesitated to start. The tire pressure warning light illuminated; however, the tires were new, and the air pressure was correct. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. Approximately three days later, the vehicle began making a clicking and vibrating sound while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds. While attempting to pull out of the garage the vehicle began making a clicking sound as if the engine was failing and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred once the temperature outside was colder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the hybrid system failed, and the contact inquired about trading the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle a second time and determined that there was no failure found. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on a slushy road and it was snowing. I received a warning that the pre-collision assist was unavailable. Another light also lit up saying there was no traction. The car veered toward the concrete barrier next to me and I couldn't turn the wheel. The brakes also did not work. I slammed into the concrete barrier at about 55 mph and began spinning back across the interstate and stopped next to a guardrail. When I hit the concrete barrier, my seatbelt didn't catch and my whole body slid forward into the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. My face hit the windshield. The airbags never inflated.
NHTSA complaint #11642377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that immediately after her husband had left the dealer after an oil change, the "Stop Safely Now" and "Check Engine" messages appeared on the instrument panel after an attempt to start the vehicle. Several attempts were made to restart the vehicle; after the vehicle was started, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was scanned; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the DTC code received on the scanner. The battery was reset, and the messages were cleared off the vehicle. The contact stated that several days later, the contact's husband received a "Battery Preserve Mode" message through the Ford App about the vehicle. The following day, the contact's husband experienced the failure that had occurred after the oil change. The contact stated that after a successful restart of the vehicle, the messages disappeared. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) which the agent linked to the vehicle failure; however, the contact was then informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11618423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact’s son owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while decelerating and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that after approximately 5 - 10 minutes the vehicle would independently restart with the A/C unit on high. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11616405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the low battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the 12-volt battery had been replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,256.
NHTSA complaint #11606842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has intermittent electrical issue that causes ECUs to reboot often times disabling safety systems such as ABS, Airbags, Collision Avoidance, Adaptive Cruise Control, power steering and power brakes. Ford dealer believes that it's a short in a wiring harness. They claim this issue has been seen in several vehicles like mine. Ford was able to reproduce the problem and recommends replacement of a wiring harness ($4k). To date, I have not had an accident, but do not feel safe driving the vehicle if the airbags and other safety systems become inoperable. Yes, all of the dashboard lights come on when this issue occurs - technician states that the whole computer system gets taken down. That's very uncomfortable when you are traveling at highway speed and no longer have safety system. Steering and braking do get impacted but are not inoperable. I can provide videos of the dashboard when these events occur.
NHTSA complaint #11574928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.