2020 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls & Reliability
262 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2020 Ford Fusion, alongside 3 recall campaigns and 0 defect investigations. It scores 4/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Transmission & drivetrain leads the reports, typically around 77,065 miles.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2020 Ford Fusion has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2020 sits among all Fusion years
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the battery had failed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission flex plate had failed. The vehicle was…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2020 Fusion
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated the vehicle was started and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, and the engine needed…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2020 Fusion
“(same fleet vehicle from before) Electrical system concern again; battery issue. Battery was already replaced on 2/02/21. Dealer had to replace battery again.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2020 Fusion
“Multiple vehicles of the same year make and model had the shifter cable fail within a short amount of time. Car would not change gears properly. Problem confirmed and fixed by local mechanic shop. No inspections. No warning lights or messages prior to failure.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2020 Fusion
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 65 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 71,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 30,000 and 102,495 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (3)
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…
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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…
Technical service bulletins
94 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and transmission & drivetrain — are on file for the 2020 Ford Fusion. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
See the 2020 Fusion TSB list →
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion reliable?
The 2020 Ford Fusion drew 262 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 4/100, scored against the model's worst year (2010).
What are the most common 2020 Ford Fusion problems?
The top reported problems for the 2020 Ford Fusion are transmission & drivetrain (66 complaints), engine (55), and electrical (38).
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Fusion problems show up?
Owners most often report 2020 Ford Fusion problems around 71,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 30,000 and 102,495 miles.
Does the 2020 Ford Fusion have recalls?
3 recall campaigns apply to the 2020 Ford Fusion. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.