Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line on the output of the ABS pump had failed. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake hose had previously ruptured and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed is the vacuum pump in a ford hybrid car model 2017. Yes is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Is a big risk for me and others because is related to the brake system Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the problem was diagnosed and confirmed by Ford car agency in SLP Mexico Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No only by the Ford agency in SLP Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? …
While traveling down the road, suddenly the steering gets hard to turn and the antilock brake system goes out. Usually, you can correct the problem by stomping on the brake or turning the car off and back on. Several warnings come up including Advancetrac failure. It's a very dangerous situation when your power steering goes out while traveling down the road. This same issue has occurred more than 5 times.
This car is the second Fusion Hybrid I have. The 2015 and 2016 Hybrid titanium had the same issues. I changed one for the other in hope the problem would be gone. Almost everytime I drive in low speeds, circa 15mph up to 30mph on unleveled pavement with setts the following lights turn on: advance trac, ABS, hill assistant control. Whilst those lights are on, none of those functions works. As it happened in 2015 and still happens in my 2016. Ive complaint to Ford, but they never gave me a solution. I believe it is software problems in ABS module. But no up to date calibration files have resolved this issue. It happens frequently, so I will input the first time it happened with the older car (2015). I know that NHTSA have been investigating a similar issue with 2009 to 2011 fusions. …
Our brake light came on spontaneously for several seconds while car sat idle with parking brake off (my spouse was in the car and saw this happen). We turned the parking brake on and off, but the light remained on. It went off after about minute by itself. We took the car into the dealer service center to check that issue and do an oil change. They did a "vehicle check-up" (we have the paperwork) and said there was no problem found. Three days later the brakes failed. I was driving on a surface street, crossing straight through an intersection with a green light at around 10mph (I am guessing), and went to slow the car because traffic had slowed. The brake pedal went soft to the floor, yet the brakes barely had any force (I am guessing 10% stopping power). The brake light came on and a beep sounded. I was able to navigate safely to the side of the road and slow the car to a stop. …
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 22-25 mph in heavy traffic, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The driver continuously depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of unknown Honda. The vehicle continued to travel and seemed to idle. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was a police report filed. The air bag deployed. There was no report of a fire. The driver sustained a quarter size burn on her right arm but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact was unsure if the local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA hotline. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately at 70 MPH and turning slightly into the right lane, the steering began to shudder. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. Additionally, when the contact applied the brake pedal, it traveled to the floorboard. The contact lost control and went off the highway, crashing into a ditch. The contact had the vehicle towed to a collision repair shop. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired for collision damage only. A recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was received however the contact was uncertain if his failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA investigations
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
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…
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (97), 2011 (24), 2012 (17), 2013 (11) and 2014 (11) model years. Brake complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Ford Fusion Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion Hybrid brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › wheel speed sensor/tone ring (1 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.