2020 Ford Fusion problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Fusion, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
183
Recalls
3
Crashes
10
Fires
3
Injuries
5
Median mileage
71,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 67 of 183 complaints (37%).
  • Engine (57) and electrical system (38) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 71,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries.
  • The 2020 Ford Fusion has 3 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 12th of 15 Ford Fusion model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 40% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (307).

2020 Ford Fusion problems by category

  • 67 complaints
  • 57 complaints
  • 38 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    27 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    16 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    12 complaints
  • Steering · 3 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    10 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train64
Engine52
Electrical system37
Unknown or other27
Fuel/propulsion system11
Steering10
Service brakes10
Engine and engine cooling7

When problems happen (mileage)

5Under 10k810k–30k530k–60k2460k–100k13100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Ford Fusion complaints that list mileage.

2020 Ford Fusion recalls (3)

  • Recall 25V685000Oct 10, 202559,006 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

  • Recall 25V442000Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

  • Recall 23V440000Jun 23, 202314,452 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.

    Risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the fuse block and a software update as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). As an alternative remedy, Ford is offering a vehicle refund. Please see Ford's owner notification letter or contact Ford for full details. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S33.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2020 Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2020 Ford Fusion complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 28, 202672,000 miOHEngine
    The contact's brother owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the owner was driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated and there was misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was fluid leaking into the engine. An independent mechanic was contacted by phone. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11767353 · source
  2. Filed Sep 22, 2026NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    2020 Fusion SEL with 41,000 miles. While driving at 65 mph with adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly jerked on two separate occasions during a three-hour drive.
    NHTSA complaint #11766198 · source
  3. Filed Sep 20, 2026AZOther / Unknown
    I recently acquired this vehicle from a dealer after the previous owner traded it in and after reviewing the Carfax I did some deeper digging into this vehicle and discovered that there are 3 recalls that have not been serviced. I am hoping that there wasn't any secondary damage due to the recalled items as I haven't noticed anything necessarily wrong with the car but I figured I'd take it in to be safe. I also want a quote for a transmission drain and fill, NOT A FLUSH. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11765718 · source
  4. Filed Sep 17, 2026INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Coolant Intrusion. Started with thick white exhaust when starting up in morning. Turned into acceleration lags, car shutting engine off when parked, and exhaust smell coming inside of car. 2014-2019 models have a recall for cracked engine block allowing cooling to leak inside, but 2020 models do not although there is an increased problem with this year and model of car.
    NHTSA complaint #11764867 · source
  5. Filed Sep 16, 2026NJElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.
    NHTSA complaint #11764621 · source
  6. Filed Aug 15, 2026MIEngine
    COMPONENT THAT FAILED: The engine cooling fan on my 2020 Ford Fusion SEL (1.5L, non-hybrid) became inoperable and blew three fuses. With the fans not operating, the engine overheated, destroying the head gasket and engine, requiring complete replacement. Failure occurred 07/08/2026 at 49,118 miles. WARNING SYMPTOMS: The A/C began blowing warm air roughly 2 days earlier. The engine temperature lamp illuminated on 07/08/2026 — the first and only time it ever came on. No prior…
    NHTSA complaint #11757150 · source
  7. Filed Jul 31, 2026ALSteering
    I was backing out of my drive way when a shift system fault message appeared on my dashboard. When I went to change gears the rotary dial locked up and shifted to park. My safety as well as other people’s safety was put at risk because my car stopped in the middle of the street with little warning. My problem was confirmed by an independent service center with a obd scanner.
    NHTSA complaint #11753905 · source
  8. Filed Jul 12, 2026AZEngine
    While driving at 75mph on the freeway, my 2020 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden, catastrophic EcoBoost engine coolant failure. The vehicle instantly lost power and dropped to 35mph in active traffic, creating an extreme highway collision hazard. A mechanic has confirmed internal coolant intrusion in the engine block.
    NHTSA complaint #11749830 · source

Compare the 2020 Ford Fusion with another vehicle →

Other 2020 Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology