VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford Fusion problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Ford Fusion is among the quieter years of the Fusion on NHTSA's books: 257 complaints (81% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 65 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

257

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Fusion years?

Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted7,021 complaints2006: 919 complaints2007: 1,277 complaints2008: 1,532 complaints2009: 1,165 complaints2010: 7,021 complaints2011: 3,650 complaints2012: 3,046 complaints2013: 2,357 complaints2014: 1,751 complaints2015: 1,266 complaints2016: 2,032 complaints2017: 1,369 complaints2018: 564 complaints2019: 396 complaints2020: 257 complaints
Fusion NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fusion years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford Fusion problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6525%
Engine5220%
Electrical System3815%
Other2610%
Driver Assistance177%
Fuel System125%
Steering114%
Brakes104%
Suspension52%
Body & Structure52%
Airbags42%
Speed Control42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Lighting10%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2020 Ford Fusion have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V685000Electrical SystemOctober 10, 2025 · 59,006 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

25V442000Driver AssistanceJune 27, 2025 · 200,237 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V440000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2023 · 14,452 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was in park(P) on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled forward…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 19, 2022 · crash

“The check engine light came on. The car was regularly losing coolant but none was leaking out. I topped it off but the coolant level lowered again. My mechanic suspects it is a problem with the Ecoboost engine where the coolant leaks into the cylinders. I know there is currently a class action…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2025

“"The incident occurred immediately after shifting the vehicle into reverse and starting to move. The engine suddenly shut down with a 'System Performance' alert, and cooling fans engaged at maximum speed. Moments later, a thermal runaway event began in the high-voltage Li-ion battery pack, leading…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 4, 2025 · fire

“In 2024 on Black Friday while driving home from work my car all of a sudden was starting to lose speed. Even when I'm hitting the gas it would not accelerate and I could push it all the way down to the floor or nothing. And all of a sudden I start to see a whole bunch of monitors go off on my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 29, 2024 · fire

“APIM is faulty per the ford dealer ship. (Rusty Eck Ford) They state that it is a known issue but there has not been a recall. This affects the SYNC, navigation, instrument panel, connectivity to ford connect app, etc. In order for some things to be used temporarily, it has to be hard reset on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 5, 2023

2020 Ford Fusion — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 257 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Fusion year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Fusion problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (65 complaints), engine (52 complaints), electrical system (38 complaints).

Does the 2020 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Ford Fusion. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Fusion years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2020 Ford Fusion?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Ford Fusion earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.