Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Ford Fusion
RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2020 Ford Fusion Reliability Report

The 2020 Ford Fusion scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

176

Complaint Rate

15.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$581

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,200–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity56/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (63)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)
  • ENGINE (20)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

  • Year 8 in the Second generation (2013) (2013–2023).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation Fusion (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2013: Second generation (2013) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2020 Ford Fusion?

At 71/100, the 2020 Ford Fusion lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Owners log 176 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (63). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

See also the 2019 Ford Fusion for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Moderate recall count
  • POWER TRAIN: Transmission failures and flexplate cracks (63 complaints)

Compare 2020 Ford Fusion With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (63)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Fusion. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

15.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.8

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

10

Crashes

3

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Ford Fusion Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ford Fusion. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V6850002025-10-10

EQUIPMENT

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.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

25V4420002025-06-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

23V4400002023-06-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Ford Fusion? Check its history first

Every 2020 Ford Fusion has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Ford Fusion NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 3/5

Rollover risk: 10.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford FusionRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$581

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Fusion
$581
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Ford Fusion Resale Value

The Ford Fusion is estimated to retain about 47.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Ford Fusion model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.

Value Retained
47.4%

after 5 years

Depreciation
52.6%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
486

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Ford Fusion depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–27 MPG

Running cost: $2,800–$3,200/yr

Fuel + repair

20–23 city / 29–34 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

41–42 MPG

Running cost: $2,050/yr

Fuel + repair

43 city / 40–41 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Fusion FWD 1.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)233427$2,200
Fusion FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)213125$2,400
Fusion FWD 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd213124$2,500
Fusion AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)202923$2,600
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)434042$1,450
Fusion Special Service PHEV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)434042$1,450

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Ford Fusion.

  • Inspect transmission for leaks and shifting issues

  • Listen for engine knocking or rattling noises

  • Check for coolant leaks or engine overheating

  • Test infotainment system for screen freezing or blackouts

  • Verify recall completion for known issues

  • Check for any unusual vibrations during idle or acceleration

2020 Ford Fusion Common Problems by Component

176 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

63
27
20
18
21
POWER TRAIN (63)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)ENGINE (20)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18)STEERING (11)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5)SERVICE BRAKES (5)Other (21)

POWER TRAIN

63 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the powertrain of the 2020 Ford Fusion, particularly involving transmission failures and flexplate cracks. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as loud noises, vibrations, and difficulties shifting gears, with some vehicles unexpectedly reverting to park or losing propulsion. These issues often occur at mileage as low as 25,000 miles, with several reports around 90,000 to 150,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by the risk of sudden loss of power, which could pose a crash hazard, though only one incident involving a crash is noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for significant repair costs and the lack of warning signs preceding these failures.

63 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Fusion frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and battery-related problems. Common symptoms include the touchscreen display turning black or freezing, backup cameras malfunctioning, and the vehicle failing to hold a charge, often requiring jump-starts. Some complaints indicate occurrences of spontaneous fires linked to the high-voltage battery pack, with two incidents involving fires and one injury reported. The issues appear to occur across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Buyers should be aware of potential safety risks, particularly related to the battery fires and the inability to start the vehicle consistently.

27 complaints total2 fires1 injury

ENGINE

20 complaints

Owners report recurring issues with the engine of the 2020 Ford Fusion, primarily involving coolant intrusion and flex plate failures. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of power, engine knocking, and abnormal engine sounds, often without warning lights. Many of these problems, such as engine block failure and cracked flex plates, occur around 40,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of engine power at high speeds, creating potential collision hazards. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially regarding the EcoBoost engine's susceptibility to internal coolant leaks and the flex plate cracking around the specified mileage range.

20 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Fusion report several recurring issues, notably with the transmission and gear shifting, often describing problems such as harsh shifting, failure to engage gears, and the vehicle unexpectedly moving forward. These issues commonly occur around 23,000 to 24,000 miles, with some complaints involving the shifter cable and bushing failures. Additionally, multiple reports highlight concerns with the vehicle's electronic systems, including backup camera and touchscreen malfunctions. Safety-related incidents include one fire and one crash, with the latter resulting in an injury, underscoring potential risks associated with these mechanical failures. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used 2020 Ford Fusion.

18 complaints total1 crash1 fire1 injury
STEERING (11 complaints)

STEERING

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2020 Ford Fusion, including failures of the lower control arm, power steering malfunctions, and steering control module faults. Complaints frequently mention the lower control arm snapping, leading to crashes, as well as power steering warnings and loss of steering control, often accompanied by various warning lights. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from approximately 60,000 to 87,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes due to steering failures, highlighting a potential risk for loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially if the vehicle has accumulated mileage within the reported range.

11 complaints total3 crashes
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

Owners report that the 2020 Ford Fusion experiences engine issues primarily related to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, often leading to the need for engine replacement. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine stalling, white smoke from the exhaust, and "Engine Coolant Over-Temperature" warnings. These issues typically arise at mileages ranging from approximately 68,000 to 132,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the engine stalling and overheating could pose potential safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly the need for significant repairs like engine replacement.

6 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Fusion report frequent issues with the fuel and propulsion system, primarily involving the purge valve and emissions system. Symptoms commonly described include persistent check engine lights related to evap emissions, difficulty starting the vehicle after fueling, and sluggish performance. Some owners mention replacing components such as the purge valve, gas tank inlet, and solenoid without resolving the issue, suggesting recurring problems. A few reports also highlight fuel pump and injector failures, which are associated with fuel leakage and pose a potential fire risk. These problems often emerge shortly after purchase, with some owners experiencing them within months of ownership, and parts availability issues are noted, which could delay repairs.

5 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Fusion report issues with the braking system, including instances where the brake pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle fails to stop, leading to crashes. Complaints frequently mention problems with brake fluid levels, with one owner questioning why the brake fluid was completely empty. Another common symptom is the sudden activation of multiple alerts related to the speed sensor, affecting antilock brakes, pre-collision assist, and steering. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one owner specifically mentioning 57,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of vehicle control and crashes, as described in two of the complaints.

5 complaints total2 crashes
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Fusion report multiple instances where airbags fail to deploy during crashes, with three out of four complaints involving collisions and injuries. Typical symptoms include significant damage to the vehicle's front or side without airbag deployment, resulting in injuries such as neck pain, head lacerations, and rib injuries. Complaints are noted at mileages of 13,942 and 67,343, suggesting issues may arise at various stages of vehicle use. One complaint also mentions a concern about the steering wheel airbag moving too easily, potentially affecting its performance. These reports highlight potential safety implications for buyers considering this model, particularly regarding airbag reliability during collisions.

4 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Ford Fusion, specifically noting an incident where the accelerator pedal broke off while merging into traffic, resulting in an immediate loss of speed control. This incident highlights a significant safety concern related to loss of control. While another complaint mentions the tire pressure monitoring system, it does not directly relate to vehicle speed control issues. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges or timelines, limiting the ability to identify patterns based on vehicle age or usage. These reports suggest potential safety implications for buyers to consider, particularly regarding the integrity of the accelerator pedal.

2 complaints total

When Do 2020 Ford Fusion Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

40,000–100,000 milesTransmission failures
40,000–90,000 milesFlexplate failures
68,000–100,000 milesCoolant intrusion

Best & Worst Ford Fusion Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Fusion Years to Buy

The best Ford Fusion year is 2020 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2019 (68/100) and 2018 (68/100).

Top Pick
71
Good

2020

(Current Model)

3Recalls
176Complaints
68
Good

2019

3Recalls
370Complaints
68
Good

2018

2Recalls
429Complaints

Ford Fusion Years to Avoid

No Ford Fusion years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Ford Fusion maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

Ford Fusion Reliability Score Trend

Ford Fusion reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Fusion reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
201968/100Good
202071/100Good

Ford Fusion Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
2020(selected)71/100+3Good3176
201968/1000Good3370
201868/100Good2429

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion reliable?
The 2020 Ford Fusion has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Fusion?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Ford Fusion include: POWER TRAIN (63 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27 complaints), ENGINE (20 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints), STEERING (11 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Fusion have?
The 2020 Ford Fusion has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Ford Fusion has estimated annual repair costs of $581/year, which is $55 more than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Ford Fusion without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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