Car Yearsto Avoid

2020 Ford Fusion Problems

What owners have reported about the 2020 Ford Fusion, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Fusion. Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.

183 complaints 3 recalls, 2 fire risk 13th worst of 13 Fusion years

Top 2020 Ford Fusion problems

1

Transmission problems

67 complaints (37%) name the transmission, most often the torque converter and bearings / bushings.

Complaints 67 · Usually at 59,000–103,000 miles

2

Engine problems

57 complaints (31%) name the engine.

Complaints 57 · Usually at 69,000–115,000 miles

3

Electrical problems

38 complaints (21%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring.

Complaints 38 · Usually at 3,000–24,000 miles · Recall 23V440000

4

Steering problems

12 complaints (7%) name the steering, most often the steering control module and rack and pinion.

Complaints 12 · Usually at 74,000–84,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Transmission 37%
Engine 31%
Electrical 21%
Unknown or Other 15%
Steering 7%
Fuel System 7%
Brakes 6%
Emergency Braking 5%
Body 3%
Suspension 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (56 of 183). The amber line is the middle value, about 72,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2020 Ford Fusion recalls

Engine block heater can crack and short out

Fire risk

The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.

Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.

Recall 25V685000 · Oct 2025

Rearview camera may show blank or stuck image

Crash risk

A software error can make the rearview camera display a blank picture, or keep showing the image after you have shifted out of reverse. A blank or lingering image can reduce your view behind the vehicle and distract you, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the rearview camera software free of charge.

Recall 25V442000 · Jun 2025

Management system / energy control module (BMS / BECM)

Fire risk

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.

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.

Recall 23V440000 · Jun 2023
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2020 Ford Fusion gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Ford Fusion, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Fusion years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2010 Fusion 5,130
2011 Fusion 2,793
2012 Fusion 2,516
2013 Fusion 1,792
2016 Fusion 1,641
2008 Fusion 1,353
2014 Fusion 1,331
2017 Fusion 1,112
2009 Fusion 1,023
2020 Fusion 183

Common questions

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Fusion. Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 13 Fusion model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.

What are the most common 2020 Ford Fusion problems?

Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system and steering. 67 complaints (37%) name the transmission, most often the torque converter and bearings / bushings.

At what mileage do 2020 Ford Fusion transmission problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 59,000–103,000 miles, with a middle value near 77,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Fusion have?

3. Engine block heater can crack and short out (25V685000); Rearview camera may show blank or stuck image (25V442000); Management system / energy control module (BMS / BECM) (23V440000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2020 Ford Fusion?

Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2020, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.