When having a Remco Transmission pump installed they had to drain the tranny fluid. It appeared burnt. I subsequently had it checked at a dealer.
Ford changed the fluid being used.
Oasis Special Service Message Number 21138 entitled Auto Trans - Mercon LV Fluid Color (date unknown) was provided after they looked at it. It applies to Escape, Fusion, Mariner, Milan. Focus, Crown Vic, Expedition, E series, Explorer, F- Series incl Motorhomes, Grand Marquis, Mountaineer, Navigator and Town Car.
"Some 2008-2010 vehicles equipped with automatic transmission factory filled with Mercon LV Fluid (part#XT-10-QLV) may exhibit dark colored trans fluid that may look burnt in appearance. This is a normal characteristic of this fluid..."
I find it interesting that they would deliberately change to a fluid that appears burnt, in transmissions that have been known to fry when being towed.