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According to reliable sources, the software for the regenerative braking system on the already-delivered 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrids and 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrids, will be "updated" by the company. Though not labeling it as a recall, Ford has termed this update as part of their "customer satisfaction program."
An electronic notification will be sent to each of the 17,600 owners of Fusion and Milan hybrids. A Ford’s spokesman stated that the company has received complaints about drivers getting a different brake feel when switching from the hybrid's unique regenerative brakes to the conventional hydraulic braking. He further explained that while customers may believe it to be loss of brakes, the car actually maintains its full braking capabilities.
This information was disclosed on the same day the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officially started an investigation on the 2010 Toyota Prius to find out if it suffers from momentary loss of braking capabilities.
Ford dealers will install the updated software in the vehicles at no charge to the customer.
The Fusion Hybrid's regenerative braking system is able to retrieve kinetic energy by having the electric motors use the braking force to regenerate its electricity. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is reported to be able to return up to 94% of its battery energy, that would normally be just wasted as heat and friction.
