Home · 2011 Ford Fusion Hev · Complaints

What 2,781 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Fusion Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,781)Crash / fire / injury (99)Steering (1,425)Airbags (330)Engine (276)Transmission & drivetrain (268)Speed control (255)Fuel system (235)Electrical system (201)Brakes (193)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (93)Body & structure (61)

193 of 2,781 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters · page 2 of 8

Jul 26, 2023Brakes

The master cylinder has gone out 3 times within 6mo of repair and warranty repair. Yes, it was confirmed and repaired by Goodyear Auto Service Center both previous times. I have the receipt to the warranty repair. The third time just happened last night. The vehicle has a current state inspection sticker. No warning light or symptoms at all. When driving without warning the brakes go to the floor and it’s harder to stop when driving. Yes the vehicle can be inspected upon request. Last night I was approving the corner of an intersection. My destination was a store on the corner. My speed was approximately 40-45 and I began to slow down by not accelerating. As I became closer to the driveway I began braking at which point almost immediately I felt what I can best describe as a disconnect, almost a pop of release like. At this point the brakes immediately went to the floor and I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to stop. I pumped the brakes and was able to slow the car down and turn in.

NHTSA ODI 11534514

Jun 1, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact pumped the brake pedal several times and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11524839

May 24, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and descending a slight grade and slowing for a traffic sign, the contact drove over a slight bump in the roadway and felt the brake pedal go almost to the floorboard. The contact stated that he pumped the brake pedal and felt the brakes starting to respond and was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he stopped and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the braking functionality returned to normal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11523720

May 14, 2023Brakes

The 3rd time that an abs event has caused the brake peddle to go extremely soft. Eventually pressure in the peddle will regain after several weeks. The issue I'm experiencing is identical to Ford's Safety Recall 19S54 which states an issue with sticky abs valves and a loss of pressure in the braking system. I'm not sure why this vin is not included in the recall but I would really appreciate an NHTSA ordered recall as this can be an highly expensive fix that should have been included in Ford's recall, in my opinion. Thank you for considering.

NHTSA ODI 11521886

Apr 24, 2023AirbagsBrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45-50 MPH, she depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to engage. The ABS warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that she applied pressure to the brake pedal and the pedal went to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact swerved around another vehicle however, the contact’s front driver’s side crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

NHTSA ODI 11518668

Mar 28, 2023Brakes

While driving at 25-30 mph I stepped on the brakes to stop and alarm went off and warning of ABS system failure. I had to press brake pedal extremely hard to slow down to rolling stop, completed stop with parking brake. I took to independent mechanic who was unable to get the car to repeat the problem. After I picked up my car from mechanic it happened again, but when I turned the ignition off and opened the door the warning stops. I don't know what caused the brakes to fail and can't predict when it will happen again. This is very unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11514250

Mar 28, 2023Brakes

About 6 months ago, while driving, my car hit a bump in the road and the brakes went all the way to the floor when I tried to stop. I pulled to the side of the road, turned car off and restarted and brakes returned to normal. Two days ago for no reason the brakes became non-responsive again. I turned the car off and restarted and they began to work again. Shortly after that incident, on the same day, the warning lights came on and the brakes became unresponsive. After turning the car off, opening the door and restarting the brakes still were unresponsive and the warning lights are still on. I cannot drive the car safely because the brakes are not working and the warning lights are on non-stop.

NHTSA ODI 11514283

Mar 24, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving over 45 mph there was a scrubbing noise originating from the driver front wheel. The contact stated that smoke was occasionally witnessed coming from the front driver side wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on numerous occasions and at various speeds, the brake was inadvertently applied without being depressed causing the vehicle to lose speed. The brake system safety warning light was illuminated each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown failure and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer has been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,420.

NHTSA ODI 11513566

Mar 20, 2023BrakesEngine

The contact's son owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the check engine, "Service Advance Trac" and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11512776

Mar 1, 2023Brakes

While driving on the street, my car’s brakes were suddenly inoperative. The parking brake light and a brake system warning light were illuminated on my dash just as I went to use the pedal. (“Check brake system”). Despite pressing the pedal to the floor, I was unable to get the car to slow down at all. I was approaching a red light and had to shift the car into neutral, then use my parking brake to bring the car to a complete stop to narrowly avoid hitting the car in front of me. After turning the car off, then on again, the indicating lights disappeared and the car, from what I could see, acted as usual. The incident was completely spontaneous and posed a huge threat for not only myself, but drivers around me. After towing the car to my nearby mechanic I was told it was a possible problem with the Hydraulic brake/control assembly and ABS system. The estimate for repairs was nearly $3,000. My car is available for inspection upon request. After research, it appears it is a relatively common problem with my car’s make and model. Ford models of years previous to mine have seemingly had a similar issue, as well as others that were the same as mine. The damage possible with this manufacturing error is inexcusable. Completely spontaneous and at an exorbitant price for repair.

NHTSA ODI 11509724

Feb 24, 2023Brakes

ABS Module and HCU Failure Additional brake pedal travel that feels jarring and decreased stopping power Brake Module Failure confirmed at Ford dealership - Garnet Ford requiring ABS Module and HCU replacement No, the vehicle was not inspected by Ford Corporate, police or insurance Service Advancetrack Now message with numerous dashboard lights quickly appeared and disappeared about 3 times before car was serviced February 2023

NHTSA ODI 11508982

Jan 17, 2023Brakes

When braking on a low traction surface, ABS activated pulsing the pedal. After this brake event, the brake pedal feels significantly soft and can be pushed nearly to the floor with ease. The braking distance has greatly extended and is unsafe to drive. The event closely matches the ABS valve issue in NTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000. This vehicle has not yet been taken for inspection nor repaired. This vehicle will be repaired soon but is currently available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11502134

Jan 2, 2023BrakesDriver assistance

The brakes in my car suddenly went very soft. Took to the mechanic and they initiated diagnosed it as a master cylinder issue. The have changed the Master cylinder about 3 times and still no brakes. The problem is the HCU or the ABS system. My vehicle has been worked for a month and still have not been able to fix. This nearly cause me to crash my vehicle as the brakes nearly failed on me. If I was on a highway, the situation would have been fatal.

NHTSA ODI 11499806

Nov 17, 2022Brakes

Brakes became extremely soft after an ABS event. No warning lights and brake pressure has not returned to normal

NHTSA ODI 11493957

Oct 23, 2022Brakes

Had a catastrophic brake failure a couple days ago. Had a Christmas tree of lights from traction control, brakes and the wrench. The brakes had about 15% power effectiveness and went down nearly to the floor. Was forced to have a significant car gap when driving, downshift gears and use the emergency brake when slowing down and stopping. This is the worst hazard situation I have had in over 40 years of driving. Brake fluid was full. No leaks on the lines, calipers are fine, brakes were recently replaced(within past 2 months) and are fine. I have a picture of the warning lights documenting problem. I have not had any previous errors or problems like this.

NHTSA ODI 11490455

Oct 10, 2022Brakes

after hitting some fairly harsh bumps, the next application of the brake pedal went almost to the floor and i had almost no brakes. there were no warning lamps, the brakes are good and the fluid level is ok.

NHTSA ODI 11488620

Aug 9, 2022Brakes

The car was shaking at a low speed. When taken to the shop it was determined that the rotor was damaging the break lines which caused a need for a rotor, break pad , & break fluid lines. Once that work was done the brake pedal was soft & would not depress correctly. It is looking like a defective ABS module, which is what was recalled on the 2010 & below. His IS a problem with the 2011 too. It needs to be rectified! Ford, do the right thing.

NHTSA ODI 11478477

Jul 15, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH on a bumpy road, the brake pedal was depressed while making a turn however, the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The contact stated that the vehicle stop time was increased and the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was not able to diagnose a failure cause but flushed the brake lines. The vehicle was able to operate for several months without a failure until the contact was driving over a speed bump. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who stated that he received a failure code for the ABS system. The mechanic stated that the hydraulic control unit pump or ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she researched the online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, neither the year, make, nor model was included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

NHTSA ODI 11474108

Jul 15, 2022Brakes

This is a 2011 Ford Fusion HYBRID sedan. This happened to me on 2 separate occasions several months apart. Was driving at a moderate speed about 20 mph and applied the brakes to slow down but upon depressing the brake pedal the dashboard suddenly lit up with Service lights and the brake pedal sank to the floor with no power assist at all. It was difficult to bring the vehicle to a full stop. Put vehicle in park, turned the ignition off and back on again , and it seems to operate normally again as if nothing went wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11474167

Jun 11, 2022SteeringElectrical systemBrakesCrash1 injury

Advance Trac light abs traction control light came on next thing I know car goes out of control and now my car is totaled total loss smashed right into side of the road brakes failed steering failed and all this popped up moments before and then q truck ran into me my mom went to hospital but is ok I'm fine

NHTSA ODI 11468789

Jun 8, 2022Brakes

Brake peddle goes to the floor without any warning near accident. Replaced master cylinder and fluid. Continues still.

NHTSA ODI 11468152

Jun 6, 2022Brakes

HAS A SOFT BRAKE, GOES DOWN HALF WAY AND KEEPS GOING DOWN TO BOTTOM IF PUSHED HARD!!!! THIS COULD CAUSE A COLLISION TO MY FAMILY OR WITH OTHER!!! THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS AND IS EXTREMELY DANGERS AS IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE!!!! I CHECKED WITH FORD COMPANY AND FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL!!! I INVESTIGATED MYSELF ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE RECALLS ON ABS SYSTEM TO FIX FROM 2001-2010 BUT STOPPED AFTER THAT!!!! I BOUGHT A ABS TESTER AND OPERATED THE ABS CHECK MYSELF AND THE MASTER CYLINDER PUMPS UP, BUT AFTER THE TEST THE BRAKE GO RIGHT BACK DOWN!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11467767

Apr 18, 2022Electrical systemBrakes

Advancetrac light started turning on, then about the 3rd time the light flashed electric brakes went away and was left with extremely hard to press hydraulic brakes. Just to SCAN the car ford wants $200 because they have a proprietary system...

NHTSA ODI 11461193

Apr 15, 2022Brakes

During winter driving conditions, the antilock brake system engaged. Following the engagement of the antilock brake system, the brake pedal would press all the way to the floor and very little braking was available from the brake system. Distances to stop the car were extremely long and the car was inherently unsafe to drive on the road. There were no warning indications on the car. It was determined by a Ford dealer that the hydraulic control unit failed and needed to be replaced. Upon repair, the braking system returned to normal function. I have the failed HCU in my possession.

NHTSA ODI 11460952

Apr 14, 2022Brakes

My 2011 Ford Fusion SE is experiencing a brake system failure similar to the one noted in NHTSA Recall 19V-904. The recall pursuant to NHTSA Recall 19V-904 only applies to model years up to 2010. I contend the brake system failure continues to be prevalent but Ford is refusing to acknowledge the failure as applicable to the recall simply due to the model year. No warning indicator appeared.

NHTSA ODI 11460814

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Ford Fusion Hev verdict →