Last updated: 2026-07-25

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (63)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)
- ENGINE (20)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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

2020 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 75/100

2020 Honda Accord
Reliability: 73/100

2020 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 62/100

2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (63)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)
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 soldSegment avg: 17.8
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Ford Fusion NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.9%
Safety Technologies
Ford FusionRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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%
- Depreciation
- 52.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 486
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion FWD 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Fusion FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Fusion FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Fusion AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,600 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 43 | 40 | 42 | $1,450 |
| Fusion Special Service PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 43 | 40 | 42 | $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.
POWER TRAIN
63 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
27 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE
20 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (11 complaints)
STEERING
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2020 Ford Fusion Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Fusion Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Fusion Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2020
(Current Model)
2019
2018
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.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
Ford Fusion Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Fusion?
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Fusion have?
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Ford Fusion without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ford Fusion.
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