Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon rolling to a stop, the vehicle started shuddering while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Not in Park" was displayed. The gear shifter then unexpectedly shifted to several positions independently. The contact discovered a YouTube video that assisted with correcting the issue. The contact used a screwdriver to manually shift the gear shifter back to park(P). The contact was forced to maneuver the shifter back and forth until the gear shifter engaged and resumed normal operation. The contact stated while his wife was driving the vehicle on one occasion, the failure recurred, and the driver was forced to tow the vehicle to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound, and the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised to flush the transmission fluid. The contact stated that after flushing the transmission fluid, the failure ceased but later returned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that after researching the failure, the contact discovered TSB: 22N12. The contact informed the dealer of TSB: 22N12 and the contact was informed that the repair was not eligible to be covered under TSB: 22N12. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing from the residence, the vehicle suddenly stopped and shifted into park. The contact shifted to reverse, but the gear shifter independently shifted back to park. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift to the intended gear. The transmission shifter and the see the owner's manual messages were displayed. There was a WRENCH symbol displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,127.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to drive forward after reversing the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move. The wrench symbol displayed stating there was a system malfunction however, the contact was unsure of the system failure. The contact stated that the diagnostic App linked to the vehicle stated that there was power train malfunction causing reduced power. The contact stated that someone mechanically inclined inspected the vehicle and informed her that the cable shifter bushing had detached causing the gear shifter to move from drive to park. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a rattling sound coming from the transmission bell housing area, and the flex plate was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 22N12. The manufacturer assisted the contact in scheduling an appointment with the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer also referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,755.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start the following day and was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flywheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 22N12 because the campaign had exceeded the required mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,251.
Transmission complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2020 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2020 Ford Fusion, 36% of the model year's 184 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford Fusion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2020 Ford Fusion, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.