Ford Forums

Ugh, this P0420 code is the bane of my existence. It keeps coming back no matter what I do! I’ve already replaced the O2 sensor (twice), and the catalytic converter seems fine. Any other ideas on what could be causing it to pop up again? I really don’t want to keep throwing money at this thing without knowing what’s really wrong.

Brake rotors warping is a pretty common issue that comes up for Fusion owners, especially on older models or those that see a lot of stop-and-go driving. I’ve seen this question pop up countless times on the forum, so I wanted to share a more detailed breakdown of why this happens and how you can avoid it.

1. Heat Buildup from Hard Braking

The most common cause of warped brake rotors is excessive heat. When you brake, friction is created between the brake pads and the rotors, and this friction generates a ton of heat. Now, in normal driving conditions, this heat is dispersed evenly, but if you’re constantly braking hard—like during city driving or downhill runs—the heat can build up faster than it can dissipate. Over time, the extreme heat can cause the metal in the rotors to warp slightly, especially if the rotors are already worn down.

Try to avoid slamming on the brakes from high speeds unless you absolutely need to. Gradually slowing down gives the rotors a chance to cool off and can help prevent warping.

2. Sudden Cooling (Thermal Shock)

Another culprit behind warped rotors is rapid cooling. Imagine your rotors are super hot from heavy braking, and suddenly, you drive through a puddle or hit a wet road. The cold water causes the hot metal to cool down too quickly, which can lead to uneven contraction and, you guessed it, warping.

If you’ve just been driving hard and your brakes are hot, try to avoid water or puddles until the brakes have had a chance to cool off a bit.

3. Uneven Pad Deposits

This is a sneaky cause that people often overlook. When brake pads press against the rotors, small amounts of material can transfer from the pad to the rotor surface. If this transfer isn’t even (like from pressing too hard on the brake while the rotor is hot), it can create high spots on the rotor that lead to a pulsing feeling when you brake, similar to the feeling of warped rotors.

 Try to avoid heavy braking immediately after a new set of brake pads are installed. Give them a chance to "bed in" properly to create an even surface.

4. Low-Quality Rotors

Sometimes, it’s not your driving habits—it’s just bad rotors. Cheaper rotors can be made from lower-quality materials that don’t handle heat as well, making them more prone to warping. If you’ve gone through a few sets of rotors in a short amount of time, it might be worth investing in higher-quality ones.

If you’re replacing your rotors, go for a reputable brand that’s known for durability, even if it costs a little more upfront. It’ll save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

5. Driving Style

Aggressive driving with lots of sudden stops can wreak havoc on your brakes. If you’re the type that’s constantly speeding up and slamming on the brakes, you’re putting a lot of extra stress on your rotors. Over time, that kind of wear and tear will cause them to warp faster.
If you’re doing a lot of city driving or commuting in heavy traffic, try to maintain a smoother driving style. It’s not just good for your brakes; your fuel efficiency will thank you too!

6. Misaligned or Stuck Calipers

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the rotors themselves but the brake calipers. If a caliper is misaligned or gets stuck, it can cause uneven pressure on the rotors, which leads to uneven wear and, eventually, warping. This can be trickier to spot, but if you notice one brake pad wearing down faster than the others, it’s worth getting your calipers checked.

Have your calipers inspected regularly, especially if you notice uneven brake pad wear.

7. Long-Term Wear and Tear

Let’s be honest—nothing lasts forever, and that includes your brake rotors. Over time, with regular use, even the best rotors can start to warp just from the normal wear and tear of driving. If your Fusion is getting older and you’ve already replaced the rotors a couple of times, it might just be time for another set.

Hey Fusion fam, anyone else’s car belt start making an awful squeal when it rains? It sounds like a dying cat every time I drive through a puddle 😂. What could be causing it? Should I be worried, or is it one of those things that’s more annoying than serious? Any cheap fixes, or do I just have to live with it until summer?

Alright, so here’s the deal. My SRS airbag light just came on, and it’s been bugging me. I drive a 2010 Fusion, and I have no clue what’s causing it. The airbags have never been deployed, and I didn’t mess with any wiring (at least I think I didn’t, haha). Anyone else had this issue?

Hey guys, so I’ve had my fair share of overheating scares with my Fusion, and I thought I’d share what I’ve learned to help anyone else who’s panicking over a rising temp gauge. Here’s a little guide based on my experience and some advice from fellow Fusion owners.

1. Temperature Gauge Going Crazy

This one’s obvious, but if your temp gauge starts climbing past the halfway mark and heads into the red zone, it’s a huge sign something’s wrong. Keep an eye on it while driving—especially in traffic or on a hot day.

2. Weird Smells

Ever notice a sweet, almost syrupy smell after driving? That’s probably coolant leaking. If your Fusion starts to smell funky, like burnt rubber or something chemical, there’s a good chance you’ve got an overheating issue brewing.

3. Steam Coming from the Hood

If you see steam or what looks like smoke coming from under the hood, it’s likely your coolant boiling off. It’s a classic sign of overheating and means you need to pull over ASAP. Trust me, you don’t want to keep driving when this happens!

4. Poor Engine Performance

Overheating can make your Fusion feel sluggish. If you notice a drop in power or the engine feels like it’s struggling, that might be a sign it’s too hot. Your engine could start misfiring or, worst case, just shut down altogether.

5. Coolant Warning Light

This little light on your dashboard is your friend. If it pops up, it means your coolant level is low, which often goes hand in hand with overheating. It’s easy to ignore, but don’t! Check the coolant level immediately.

6. Noisy Radiator Fan

Sometimes your radiator fan will go into overdrive when your engine’s getting too hot. If it’s constantly running at full blast even after the car cools down, your system might be struggling to keep things cool.

If your Fusion starts showing these signs, don’t push it. Pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool down. You can open the hood (carefully!) to let some heat out, but DO NOT open the radiator cap until it’s cooled off—unless you like getting sprayed with boiling coolant!

So, I’ve got the dreaded SRS airbag light on my Ford Escape. Should I be freaking out, or is this something simple? I’ve heard it could just be a loose connection under the seat, but I’m not sure where to start. Should I check the seatbelt pretensioner or the wiring under the seats first? If that’s not it, would I need to get the system scanned? I know airbags are kinda important, so I don’t want to ignore it, but any advice on what to try before taking it to the shop?

Okay, so here’s the deal – my Escape’s AC has a mind of its own. Sometimes it’s ice cold, and other times it feels like I’m in a sauna. What gives? 😅 Anyone else had this issue? Could it be low refrigerant, or maybe something with the blower motor? I’m not sure where to start, and the summer heat isn’t helping!

Hey, does anyone know the common signs of overheating in a Ford Escape? I noticed my temperature gauge is creeping up, and I’m not sure if it's serious. Should I be worried if I start smelling coolant or if steam is coming from under the hood? Also, my AC has been blowing hot air recently, and I’ve spotted some puddles under the car. Could these be related to overheating? What should I check first – coolant levels, radiator, thermostat? I don’t want to ignore this and make things worse. Any advice?

Hey, does anyone know the common signs of overheating in a Ford Escape? I noticed my temperature gauge is creeping up, and I’m not sure if it's serious. 😅 Should I be worried if I start smelling coolant or if steam is coming from under the hood? Also, my AC has been blowing hot air recently, and I’ve spotted some puddles under the car. Could these be related to overheating? What should I check first – coolant levels, radiator, thermostat? I don’t want to ignore this and make things worse. Any advice?

So, my Escape’s wireless charger decided to take a vacation. I put my phone on it, and… nada. No charging, no lights, just nothing. Anyone else run into this issue? Is there something obvious I’m missing, or did my wireless charging just give up on life? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.