PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated June 2026
169
complaints filed for the 2010 model year
2007–2012
Model years affected
$240 – $550
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →engine shimmy at red lights
Check engine light: Off
One documented upper engine mount shimmy at $300 at 78,120 miles. We've widened it into a $240-$330 range. An engine mount issue is mechanical and doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
a check engine light traced to the engine/transmission computer module
Check engine light: On
Two separate reports: a check engine light from a bad signal at 79,000 miles (cost bundled into another repair, not separately itemized), and a separate case requiring computer reprogramming at just 1,000 miles — essentially a day-one software issue. By definition, this problem involves a check-engine light.
The 1,000-mile case is essentially a day-one software issue, likely resolved under new-car warranty.
a gas smell from the ventilation system
Check engine light: Off
One documented report of the ventilation system producing a gas smell, tied to the PTU (power transfer unit) line, at 66,000 miles. Worth taking seriously given the safety implications of a gas smell inside the cabin, though it was not described as a fire/explosion risk in this report. This is not the kind of fault that triggers a check-engine light.
Not described as a fire/explosion risk, but a gas smell inside the cabin is worth taking seriously.
corrosion buildup on the battery cable
Check engine light: Off
One documented report of battery cable corrosion buildup at 39,000 miles. A corroded battery cable typically doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
an incorrect fuel mixture from a MAF sensor vacuum line issue
Check engine light: On
One documented mass airflow sensor vacuum line issue causing an incorrect fuel mixture, at $500 at 41,000 miles. We've widened it into a $400 - $550 range. A sensor fault like this triggers a check-engine light.
Automatic transmission shifts harshly or with a delay
Check engine light: On
Automatic transmission shifts harshly or with a delay. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 243 owner reports on file.
Key gets stuck in the ignition lock cylinder, with shifting or electrical issues
Check engine light: Off
Key gets stuck in the ignition lock cylinder, with shifting or electrical issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.
Power steering fluid leaks from the pump, hose, or steering gear
Check engine light: Off
Power steering fluid leaks from the pump, hose, or steering gear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 28 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed brake hydraulic control unit / ABS recall (Campaign 19V904000) — the same recall found on the Ford Fusion, confirming both vehicles share this defect via Ford's CD3/Fusion platform. One NHTSA complaint (ODI 11608299) describes the brake pedal remaining on the floorboard on multiple occasions, with the vehicle reportedly left unrepaired despite the ABS/HECU needing replacement. This generation also has extensive Takata airbag recalls (Campaigns 16V384000, 16V385000, 18V046000, 21V158000) — roughly 85 of 169 sampled complaints relate to these. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
NHTSA data for this generation is dominated by recalls: roughly 50 of 169 sampled complaints are tied to Campaign 19V904000 — a brake hydraulic control unit / ABS recall shared with the Ford Fusion, which is built on the same platform. One complaint describes the brake pedal remaining on the floorboard on multiple occasions, with the vehicle reportedly left unrepaired.