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
182 reports, newest first.
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
Steering, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started pulling and veering to the right, while driving on uneven pavement. The power steering assist warning light illuminated while driving over 35 MPH. On another occasion, the steering wheel failed to respond, and the vehicle spun out and the vehicle came to a stop in the right lane. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure, and the vehicle was aligned. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a steering assist sensor fault. The brakes were calibrated; however, when the contact depressed the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond, and the contact stopped depressing on the accelerator pedal to have the vehicle slow down to stop the vehicle. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,361.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" was displayed, and the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after 20 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 19, 2025
I have had 2 transmissions within the last year, making this the third Transmission on my vehicle. I had to have another common issue with the car replaced, which is a purge valve. My ABS light goes off often causing difficulty to steer the car and warning lights are activated showing that the safety features are not available. Lastly, there is a crack in the engine block caused by coolant in the spark plug due to overheating. This engine issue is one with the engines that Ford is aware of but I do NOT see a recall. The engine is blown due to this design and the warranties do NOT cover it. Case number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and unknown repairs were performed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test determined that the flex plate was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2025
The manufacturer is using the wrong material for the parts on my car. Currently, the right-side lower control bushing is bulging out because a steel bushing was used instead of the aluminum one specified on the website. This issue is causing my car to pull to the right, making steering difficult. I've also experienced the same problem on the left side in the past. I request a recall to fix this and ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.
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
Visibility, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, water entered through the closed sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the sunroof drain needed to be cleaned. The sunroof drain was cleaned, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and instructed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the sunroof replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic discovered a failure with the flex plate. The contact was initially informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty; however, the contact was later informed that the engine repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 23, 2024
The alternator was producing too many volts, which would short circuit the battery and electrical components in the car. This would cause the car to lose power and not be able to accelerate. My car would randomly lose power on the highway, with no warning, resulting in my car suddenly slowing down. This was dangerous for the cars around me who are going 60+ and then my car quickly drops to 40 or less mph. In addition, to solve the issue I would have to pull off onto a shoulder to shut the car off and back on. This issue started around 3-4 yrs ago and has gotten worse as time passed. The problem was identified and resolved by Firestone when they ran a diagnostic. No check engine light was on in the car to alert me of any issues. I replaced both parts on the car.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2024
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 to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side low beam headlight assembly wiring harness was burnt, and there was light smoke coming from the wiring harness. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low beam headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a ticking and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the issue was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Engine, Nov 17, 2024
There was a recall on 2020 Ford Fusions in 2022 on flex plate. My car miles at 90,000 and I started to hear the ticking noise. I did my research and I seen that it has the same noise that my car is making now. I called the dealership and the dealership said that I had no active recalls on my car and that the recall was specific to certain cars. Even though my car wasn’t apart of the specific VIN. I had a mechanic check it out and it was the flex plate. I’m still having issues with my flex plate but they want me to come out of pocket , I never had a engine light or anything come on I just started hearing this loud noise and it progressively has gotten worse.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the hood latch was no longer functioning and the hood was not able to be raised. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to repair the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Engine, Oct 7, 2024
THE COMPONENT THAT HAS FAILED IS THE FLEXPLATE, TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP, AND TORQUE CONVERTER. IT WAS EVALUATED BY FORD AND CONFIRMED THAT IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS A PREVIOUS CSP THAT FORD ISSUED IN 2022/23, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE ISSUE. IT BECAME NOTICEABLE ON OR AROUND 9/20/24.