2020 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 182 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 10 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery, management system/energy control module (bms/becm)Jun 23, 2023
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.
A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V440000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
67 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the flex plate was cracked and needed to be replaced along with the torque converter, the transmission fluid pump, and seals. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer eligible for a Customer Satisfaction Campaign related to the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Power train, Apr 18, 2025
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Component or system that failed: Flex plate, engine electrical system, and alternator (possible related failures). The issue has been diagnosed by a licensed mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Incident Description: On April 15, 2025, while driving my 2020 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Turbo, the vehicle suddenly experienced a total power failure. The check engine light began flashing, and the battery light blinked rapidly. Within seconds, the engine shut down completely while I was mid-drive in traffic, leaving me stuck and unable to move for over 20 seconds. This was a terrifying and dangerous situation that nearly put my life at risk. I was eventually able to restart the vehicle, but it began shaking and rumbling violently — worse than ever before. This issue was never present before my car was involved in two separate collisions, where both other drivers were found 100% at fault. The vehicle was repaired at Fix Auto Santee (a USAA-assigned body shop), but they failed to inspect internal components. A licensed mechanic at J&L Auto Care later confirmed a broken flex plate and advised it was unsafe to drive. This problem has not been addressed or fixed by the responsible insurers (USAA and AAA) or the body shop. It has progressively worsened and now created a life-threatening situation. Warning lamps or symptoms before failure: A rattling and vibrating noise began immediately after I picked up the car from the body shop in March 2025. No lights were initially present. The electrical and engine lights only appeared on April 15 when the engine shut down mid-drive. Inspected by: •Independent service center (J&L Auto Care, diagnosed flex plate failure) •USAA and AAA were informed but refused to cover or further inspect the damage •Fix Auto Santee heard the issue but refused to inspect, citing body-only service Problem available for inspection: Yes — vehicle is currently undrivable and available for full inspection.
Power train, Mar 31, 2025
My flex plate is cracked making the car unsafe to drive there are recalls on other years and vehicles with the same engine and power train and same flex plate as mine but my vin# says no recall I find it interesting that they can justify not replacing a known faulty part. The campaign 22N12 covers other 2020 ford fusions
Power train, Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was more evident while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a fractured flex plate. The contact was informed that the flex plate needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 6, 2025
My vehicle was in service with my dealer for several months 3 separate occasions for powertrain issues which werent resolved and now the alignment in my steering wheel is really off. My spouse and I believe the PCM is messed up but have had no progress with our dealership and suspect them of committing consumer fraud and selling us a lemon. The vehicle in question is around 70,000 and started messing up at 60,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 4, 2025
Began to hear loud rattling noise under hood. Brought to Ford dealer who determined the cause is a failed Flex Plate. Car is operable but was warned this could result in catastrophic failure of the transmission. Vehicle has approximately 62,000 miles, just 2,000 miles out of warranty. Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12 address the issue with an extended warranty for certain model variants (Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine and 6F35 Transmission). My vehicle has suffered the same failure but has a 1.5L engine so has been excluded.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2025
The steering cable is connected to the transmission hub, and the fitting that connects the two has a gasket that wears away and falls out. This is a recall with vehicles that are made from one of the two plants that assemble fusions, however my vehicle is not covered under the recall even though it is the very same issue as the recall from the other plant. it makes no sense, why is one assembly plant offering a recall for this issue while the other does not? For the same issue of the steering cable coming off the transmission, and not allowing the vehicle to go into gear. I have had to fix this car on the side of the highway before, it will not go into gear on the road. This is not safe at all. You cannot have vehicles just not going into gear while your driving down the highway, or road, street, etc.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 25, 2025
Hard shifting when accelerating/decerating, jerking of the car due to transmission issues (80k miles), ABS/Braking issues due to engine components not being in sync, etc
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2024
Car shifts into 1st gear when traveling at higher speeds (45+mph), causing a significant jerk and almost causing a rear end collision to myself. Car also loses power and jerks significantly hardwhen shifting to reverse and drive from Park. Afraid to travel over 45mph due to the downshifting.
Power train, Engine, Dec 4, 2024
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 vehicle was returned to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer rebuilt the transmission, clutch, and axle; however, the failure persisted after the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer 22 times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Power train, Oct 31, 2024
On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at around 5AM I was sitting in the Starbucks parking lot outside of the Detroit Metro (DTW) airport when this issue began. I had just started my car and could feel it was sluggish and was making a significant amount of noise, which was present in park and neutral, but not so much while in gear, unless I was stopped at a stop sign or stationary. After getting home, and each day after when I started the vehicle to go to work, I could hear that the noise was progressively getting worse. So, I determined that it was not a fluke and took my car into a Ford dealership to have the oil changed and a full inspection done. They explained to me that the water pump had failed and was leaking, very slowly, but externally through the "weep hole". They were going to charge me $1,300 to repair. So, I called a local shop that I know is reputable and they confirmed the water pump leak but determined that the noise I was hearing was not the water pump, but actually a cracked flexplate. The noise originated near the starter, and the shop ran a camera through the inspection hole confirming this. After I found that the flexplate was cracked, I did not continue to drive it, but scheduled a repair to begin on Thursday, October 24th at the reputable shop I mentioned above. To complete the repair, they needed to drop the cradle, remove the transmission and support the engine. This in total cost me $1,729.60. The flexplate has not been inspected by the mfg., police, insurance, etc., as there was no need. I did not have an extended warranty and though my car is only 4 years old, it was beyond the warranty in miles. No lights appeared on the dash, and there were no error codes present. The flexplate cracking could have resulted in catastrophic failure of the engine or transmission, and I could have very well lost control of my vehicle. If I was driving on the highway during a failure, my safety as well as others would have been put in serious danger.
Power train, Sep 19, 2024
On [XXX] I backed my 2020 Ford Fusion out of my driveway. I stopped and tried to shift from reverse to drive and the transmission locked up in Park, the engine died and the parking brake was engaged. I was sitting across the street with no way to move the car. I had the car towed to a Ford dealer and they replaced the transmission cable bushing and cover. These parts are the same as those used in Fords recall 22S43. Ford continued to use inferior parts on cars built after the dates mentioned in the recall. This is a safety issue as it could happen at any time. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Aug 26, 2024
Flex plate is cracked , confirmed by bore scope dealership is quoting 14 business days to diagnose. It is known issue with this make, model, and year and CSP was issued for dealerships to fix but only select VIN numbers. This car is at 91000 miles and meets all criteria for the CSP 22N12. The car makes an ungodly rattling sound and if it fails could be very dangerous
Power train, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The engine is “eating” the coolant causing the vehicle to overheat and break down.
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2024
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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Power train, Apr 30, 2024
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 not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,864.
Power train, Engine, Apr 29, 2024
Cracked flexplate
Power train, Apr 24, 2024
Rattling and lost of power
Power train, Mar 5, 2024
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.
Power train, Feb 28, 2024
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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
The vehicle has 87390 miles and the shifter grommet broke just like recall 19s16. 2020 fustion with a 1.5l engine.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
The flexplate was cracking and rusted which caused starting and acceleration problems. Yes, it's available per request. It's currently with the transmission shop that fixed my vehicle. There was a rattling noise found in neutral and park by the transmission shop I took it to. My safety was put at risk because my ability to control my car's power was affected. I was at risk of a loss of power to the wheels which could have caused a major accident, especially because most of my driving happens on the interstate at speeds of 65-7 mph. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Yes, they inspected by the techs at the transmission shop. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The symptoms were a rattling noise and reduced power. This issue is well documented online and is known to happen in the 60-90k mile range which I can confirm based on my personal experience and others. References: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the gear was shifted, and the vehicle reverted to park. The vehicle was restarted approximately five to ten times on all but one occasion, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,200.
Power train, Dec 4, 2023
The flex plate is bad and ford won’t fix it. It needs recalled before it kills someone. Flex plate is the plate that puts power from engine to transmission