Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford Fusion Energi owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while operating the A/C, the fan motor started to increase in speed and the battery became hot. The contact stated that she unplugged the battery to allow for the battery to cool down before reconnecting the battery. The vehicle was taken to an undisclosed dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, after the electrical charge had diminished, the vehicle lost automotive and electrical power instead of switching over to fuel. The contact was informed not to charge the vehicle making the vehicle undriveable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact was unable to charge the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Ford of Smithtown (440 Middle Country Rd., St. James, NY 11780). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer offered a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 45,541. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was not responsive. The contact attempted to recharge the battery despite the recall instructions and was unable to start the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I am filing a complaint regarding Ford Safety Recall 23S33 (NHTSA Campaign 23V440) for my 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. I brought my freshly purchased vehicle to my local authorized dealer, Sheehy Ford, to fix the high-voltage battery replacement recall. The dealership told me they had to order the part before they could schedule the repair. They have since stated that Ford corporate is experiencing low stock and is not allocating the necessary remedy parts to the dealer network, and referred me to call Ford corporate. Purchased this vehicle on 21 March 2026; took it to dealer to get the recall fixed on 23 March. Dealer said it would be delayed due to the recall being started in [redacted] (where the vehicle was shipped from via carmax, and sold to me in [redacted]). After a month, the dealer opened a case with Ford corporate ([redacted]). …
The center console display unit acts as though "ghost fingers" (internet term) are continuously exercising the display, since at least December 2023. If on climate, it will turn the climate controls on and off, and if on phone, it will attempt to delete phone contacts. The only screen that is safe to leave the display at, is navigation, so that it continually flickers and moves the map around the state, country and world. I cannot turn off the steering heater, or change climate direction to vent or floor without accessing the climate screen while driving. I have had to unpair my phone, and so 911-assist is no longer available. Periodically while driving, the screen will switch over to climate controls, and then I have to switch it back, pressing navigation multiple times until it responds, while driving. These actions make driving the vehicle UNSAFE. …
In my 2020 plug-in Fusion, Stop Safely Now appeared on the screen as I drove on the freeway. While driving 70 mph, I suddenly had difficulty accelerating, and my air conditioner stopped working and began blowing hot air. By using hazard lights, I was able to slowly exit the freeway. The system disabled the engine and prevented the vehicle from starting. After being stranded on the off ramp, we were towed home. The cost of which exceeded $100. Without displaying any warning messages when we arrived home, the car started right up. After letting it sit for a few days, I tried to drive it again. In my attempt to accelerate, I reached 50 mph, but again the same warning appeared and I was unable to accelerate. It is ridiculous to not be able to trust a car that is less than five years old to drive safely and confidently. …
This is a PHEV Fusion. Prior to the recall I noticed a red light coming from the "box" that is part of the charging cord. I disconnected the charging cord from the wall outlet. Upon a closer inspection I found that there had been a fire inside the receptacle box that had burnt a hole in the box and destroyed the receptacle. I replaced the receptacle and box and continued charging the battery and suspected that there had been a fault in the receptacle. However, I received recall 23S33 in July 2023 and now think the fire I experienced might have been due to the Battery Energy Control Module as referenced in the recall. I no longer am charging the battery as suggested in the recall. It has been 8 months since I received the recall and the only thing I have heard from Ford is a check for $250.00 to help with the added fuel cost due to not being able to use the plug in capability.
I am aware of the recall on the ford fusion plug in hybrid and for that reason I do not plug it in. We are supposed to use this as a regular hybrid until the fix comes out. That said, my car turns off randomly in traffic. All the warning lights turn on and the car fully shuts down and has to restart. This happens without warning, while in traffic. Last week it happened 3 times on one single drive home from picking up the kids from school. This is not supposed to happen if we aren't plugging it in, but it's happening and ford said they think it's related to the recall (they're holding on to it for the next five days and I'm on my own for car rental fees). Totally unsafe to just stop working in traffic, even when not using EV mode. This is going to hurt someone.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that his vehicle was also not included in Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21B09 for 4G Program Upgrade. The contact stated that his vehicle was still in 3G configuration with no chance to be upgraded by the manufacturer to 4G.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Electrical complaints in other Fusion Energi years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi, 88% of the model year's 43 complaints. The component named most often is propulsion system › traction battery › management system/energy control module (bms/becm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford Fusion Energi electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Fusion Energi electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.