The 2010 Ford Fusion only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious power steering, engine, and transmission problems. At $5,700 to $6,750, it’s cheaper than other midsize sedans, but not worth it when you’ll spend a fortune to keep it running.
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – 2010 is a bad year for the Ford Fusion since there are widespread mechanical problems, giving it a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about expensive repair bills, broken interiors, along with noisy brakes.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than average, the seats are reasonably comfortable, cargo space in the trunk is also larger than other sedans.
- Reliability 3/10 – There are a lot of serious problems on the 2010 Fusion which are expensive to fix. Avoid models from 2010–2014 since they have engine issues. We recommend 2015–2020, which are more reliable
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is average from the 4-cylinder engine while both of the V6 choices offer good power for a midsize sedan.
- Safety 7/10 – The Fusion is reasonably safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in all government crash tests. Optional safety technology includes blind spot monitoring as well as a rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 27 MPG giving 445 miles of range from the 16.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $3 lower than average at $215 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2010 Fusion is cheaper than other midsize sedans, but the high repair costs make it a bad long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Fusion?
- Consumer Reports says the Fusion falls short of the competition with lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Fusion a 4.3/5 praising the spacious cabin, but doesn’t like the numb electric power steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Fusion 4.6/5 enjoying the fuel efficient engines available, however, owners don’t like the high ownership costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Ford Fusion Have?
Common problems found on the 2010 Ford Fusion include power steering issues, a sudden loss of power, as well as transmission failures. Overall, these problems are significantly worse than other midsize sedans, leading to higher repair costs as well.
Power steering issues are a widespread complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. The entire steering rack wears out as the car ages leading to a heavy steering feel. Replacing the steering rack is the only way to fix the problem, which costs around $1,600 depending on local labor rates.
A sudden loss of power is reported by a lot of owners in the first 80,000 miles as well. The main source of the problem is a broken throttle body on the engine. Changing out the throttle body costs around $400. There are also some owners that have had to replace the ignition coils, which are another $350.
Transmission failures are a very serious problem mentioned by owners at roughly 70,000 miles. Gears and rings throughout the transmission break down as the car gets older, needing to be replaced. Rebuilding the transmission costs around $1,800, while a complete replacement is nearly $4,000.
There are 13 serious recalls, which is much worse than other midsize cars from 2010. The most severe recall covers the fuel tank which can crack, leading to a fire. Ford will replace the fuel tank on affected models. Other recalls cover air bags, wheel studs, and some transmission components, which all break.
How Long Will the 2010 Ford Fusion Last?
A properly maintained 2010 Ford Fusion should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as the top-rated Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average for a midsize sedan, according to data from Repair Pal, at $523 per year.
Since nearly all 2010 Fusion models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the clutch for $1,200, radiator fan assembly costing $580, and the front cover gasket, which costs $1,000.
Yes, it is very reliable. I have had mine for three years, and have only had to make maintenance kind of repairs. I definitely do not have to worry about taking it for longer trips.
No engine problems but I have had a few problems with the power steering a few times. It is never broken down on the side of the road or anything.
There have been no serious problems. The only issues have been minor (tire pressure sensors failing, etc).
It has a few problems here and there but overall it has been a reliable car with very few problems. All of the problems have been fixed pretty easily and have been fairly inexpensive.
Seems too low to the ground, like my butt is dragging the ground when I drive. General computer issues. It seems to be trying to do too much, making it difficult to do the things it needs to do.
This car is very reliable in my opinion. The 2010 fusion has been a very good car for me over the year that I have owned it.
No problems, I had the car for over 3 years now and I never had a mechanical issue never broke down on me. Only take it to get serviced like oil change etc.
It is reliable. Only problem I've inexperienced is the gas mileage readout sometimes does not work right.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in the 2010 Ford Fusion, with an optional touchscreen navigation system available on top-of-the-line models. Safety technology is average, featuring an optional rearview camera and blind spot monitoring system.
Is the 2010 Ford Fusion a Good Value?
No, the 2010 Ford Fusion is not a good value since there are a lot of expensive problems. Blue book prices range from $5,700 to $6,750, making it cheaper than a Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. When new, the price range was $19,695 to $28,355. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Fusion?
There are four models of the Ford Fusion offered in 2010, from the base S to the well-equipped SEL.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
SE is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels With Alloy Covers
- Fog Lamps
- Dual Exhaust Tips
- Power Driver’s Seat
- 6-Speaker Stereo System With Satellite Radio
Sport is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Larger V6 engine
- Unique Leather Seating
- Sport Suspension
SEL is the most luxurious model which has:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Exterior Keypad
- 12-Speaker Sony Stereo System
- Navigation System
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
What Engines Come In the Ford Fusion?
- The standard engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower at up to 27 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.0L V6, which generates 240 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG.
- Found on the Sport model is the powerful 3.5L V6 offering 263 horsepower at up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Fusion Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Fusion?
The 2010 Ford Fusion is a very comfortable midsize sedan with room for up to 5 passengers. Seats are nice throughout the cabin with plenty of cushioning for larger adults.
Passenger room is good with enough legroom in the back seats for taller adults, however, headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Fusion Have?
Cargo space is better than other midsize sedans with enough room in the trunk to fit 5-6 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Ford Fusion was introduced in 2006 and replaced by the second generation in 2013.
2008: Standard antilock brakes & keyless entry keypad added.
2009: Optional stability control, ambient lighting, and satellite radio.
2010: New 4-cylinder engine, updated 6-speed transmission, minor exterior changes.
2011: Ford MyKey added to all models, luxury package added.
2012: No major changes.
2013: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2014: New 1.5L 4-cylinder engine added, optional heated & ventilated front seats.
How Does the Ford Fusion Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Fusion is one of the worst midsize cars you can buy from 2010 since there are so many mechanical problems.
The Toyota Camry is another midsize sedan which costs around $2,500 more. Reliability ratings are much better in the Toyota Camry, although the Ford Fusion has a more upscale interior. We recommend the Toyota Camry since it will last longer, and cost significantly less to keep running.
The Chevy Malibu is another competitor costing about $1,500 more. Technology is more up-to-date in the Chevy Malibu, while interior materials are softer in the Ford Fusion. We recommend avoiding both cars for the 2010 model year since they suffer from expensive transmission problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Fusion?
Yes. It is very reliable, gets decent mileage, and even looks good. It is comfortable and made from quality parts.
Yes. I have red and black leather seats and I love the backup camera. It is a pretty sturdy car too. Never breaks down.
Yes, it has not required a lot of maintenance other than general routine maintenance. We have used it for traveling long distances for several years.
Yes, it has gotten me from point a to point b efficiently. I haven't had very many problems with it, other than some lights turning on occasionally, but all has been a fairly easy fix.
Yes, I love the way it drives and all the driver assist options it has. It is fun to drive and has plenty of room for 5 people. It is very lightweight, but it accelerated. Seems to go fast when needed. It is very driveable.
Yes the 2010 fusion is a great vehicle. It is small enough to be easy to handle and park. Yet it is large enough to be comfortable and provide a pleasant ride.
Yes it is. It drives smoothly it is my primary car drives me to work and school. No mechanical issues, no leaks. No bad sounds when driving. No sound when started. I love my fusion.
Yes it is a great vehicle. It has good gas mileage. Drives smoothly. Great family car with child safety doors and windows.