2020 Ford Fusion Problems & Complaints

Better than average67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Fusion at the same age

Owners have filed 184 complaints about the 2020 Ford Fusion with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 67% fewer than a typical Fusion model year at the same age, making the 2020 one of the better Fusion years. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (67 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

184complaints
3recalls
10crashes
3fires
5injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 Ford Fusion problems

  • 6736%
  • Engine & cooling~85,000 miles
    5731%
  • Electrical system~4,000 miles
    3821%
  • Other / not specified~23,000 miles
    2815%
  • Driver assistance
    158%
  • Steering~81,000 miles
    127%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~102,000 miles
    127%
  • Brakes~39,000 miles
    105%
  • Body & structure~4,000 miles
    53%
  • Suspension
    53%
  • Wheels & tires~28,000 miles
    42%
  • Air bags~67,000 miles
    42%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    42%
  • Locks & latches~103,000 miles
    11%
  • Lights~53,000 miles
    11%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~80,000 miles
    11%
  • Stability & traction control~81,000 miles
    11%
  • Seat belts
    11%

Share of the 184 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Fusion complaints by model year

’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’207301.1k1.4k1.0k5.1k2.8k2.5k1.8k1.3k9971.6k1.1k442316184
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Fusion. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Fusion years: 2006, 2007, 2020. Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012. Compare all years →

2020 Ford Fusion recalls (3)

Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater

NHTSA recall 25V-685 · Oct 10, 2025 · 59,006 vehicles

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.

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.

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles

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…

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.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (BMS/becm)

NHTSA recall 23V-440 · Jun 23, 2023 · 14,452 vehicles

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.

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.

What 2020 Ford Fusion owners say

Transmission & drivetrain all 67 →

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 without warning and crashed into a home. No injuries and damages were reported; the contact was able to resume normal driving operation after the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 16,270.

16,000 miles · Feb 2022 · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the fuel door would randomly disconnect from the vehicle. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle the vehicle jerked and hesitated while shifting gear before accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure because there was no warning light illuminated. The fuel door had been replaced; however, the vehicle still experienced the failure with the START/STOP function. The contact stated that the failure became a persistent failure. The contact stated that approximately 6 to 8 months after the first failure, while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact used the App to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …

25,000 miles · Feb 2021

Engine & cooling all 57 →

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the fuel door would randomly disconnect from the vehicle. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle the vehicle jerked and hesitated while shifting gear before accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure because there was no warning light illuminated. The fuel door had been replaced; however, the vehicle still experienced the failure with the START/STOP function. The contact stated that the failure became a persistent failure. The contact stated that approximately 6 to 8 months after the first failure, while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact used the App to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …

25,000 miles · Feb 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a rattling noise coming from the front end near the driver's side close to the transmission. The vehicle would start moments after the failure had occurred. The rattling was more pronounced while the A/C system was running. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the rattling sound was noticeable. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission felt as though it was slipping while changing gear. The contact stated that while inspecting the engine, underneath the hood was hotter than normal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission flex plate had failed. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10218899 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been repaired. …

117,000 miles · Apr 2024

Electrical system all 38 →

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the parking brake activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The contact was turned off and then restarted the vehicle. Approximately 3 miles later while driving, the failure reoccurred. The odometer lights began flickering, the gear shift indicator (PRNDL) light started to change, the location of the gear shifter started to switch gears, and the radio malfunctioned. The shift sensor malfunction and fault warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred a total of 5 times. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who reset the vehicle to remove of all the codes however, the failure reoccurred. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. …

39,000 miles · Oct 2022

"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 to a catastrophic fire. This is directly related to Recall 23V440 / 23S33 (BECM failure). The fire was extinguished by the local fire department in Telavi, Georgia (Country)."

Dec 2025 · fire

2020 Ford Fusion engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD43 / 41 / 42
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybridCVTFWD43 / 40 / 42
1.5L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD23 / 34 / 27
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD21 / 31 / 25
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD21 / 31 / 24
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD20 / 29 / 23

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion a good car?

Based on 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Fusion rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Fusion at the same age. It is one of the best Fusion years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ford Fusion?

The transmission & drivetrain — 67 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › torque converter. Next are the engine & cooling (57) and electrical system (38).

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Fusion have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2020 Ford Fusion, the most recent from October 10, 2025 (engine block heater). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford Fusion?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2007 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2011 and 2012. See the full Ford Fusion years comparison.

At what mileage do 2020 Ford Fusion problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.