Tail Light Switch problems of the 2010 Ford Fusion

Tail lights do not turn on when daylight running lights are on. Per owner's manual there are 3 positions (off, parking, low beams). The drl is on when: the ignition is on, the headlamp control is not in the low beam position, and the trasmission is in out of the park position. The warning in the manual states: "always remember to turn on your headlamp at dusk or during inclement weather. The drl system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide adequete lighting during these conditions during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision. " I noticed a healthy, alert, driver of the Ford Fusion forgetting to turn on the headlamp to low beam. He said they were on, but in fact the drl was on, because if the low beam is not on, the drl is usually on. When driving, we noticed many Fusion moving cars at night time without their tail lights on. We believe it is because the drl comes on automatically and people forget to turn their low beam lights on because the drl makes it seem like low beam is already on. I noticed this several months ago when we were almost rear-ended and I discovered the low beams were not on (but the drl was on). See attached owner manual. Per owner manual, this is by design. Repair is not needed. We took this to a mechanic who advised is a design issue and not a repair issue. We contacted the manufacturer who stated to contact the dealer.

Tail lights are too hot causing burning of tail light sockets, exploding bulbs and melting of tail light assembly. Toxic fumes are being generated by the melting plastic. The tail light/head lights were on and we were in heavy traffic. While driving we smelled burning plastic. Upon inspection I found that the right tail light bulb was burned and melted into the tail light assembly, the light socket was black from burning. Now there is no way to secure the tail light bulb into the tail light assembly due to the melted plastic. See photos.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the tail lights failed. The contact stated that the only way that the tail light would operate would be if he manually turned on the light switch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 38,234.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle is turned on the headlights come on but the tail lights do not come on unless you turn the switch for the lights. The contact stated that they drove without tail lights and got a ticket. The contact had not spoken to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 12,260 and the current mileage was 37,148.

2010 Ford Fusion se, head lights and dash board lights are on at all times but the tail lights are not, this model does not have automatic on switch. First night I drove the car a neighbor told me I had no tail lights, I had strong running lights that I was driving by that I though were automatically switched head lights. My husband drove the car and assumed the same. We did figure it out. On 4/24 I was issued a warning for no tail lights. I spoke to other owners and they too have been pulled over for no taillights. Also was following a Fusion last week that did not have tail lights. This is dangerous, the tail lights should be part of the running light circuit or the running lights should not be sufficient to drive by. I just wanted to be on the record before I get rear ended at dusk after I realize that I have not turned on my tail lights.