NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 185 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Fusion. Most complaints involve power train (67) and engine (53). The EPA rates it 23–42 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Fusion model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 730 |
| 2007 | 1,064 |
| 2008 | 1,353 |
| 2009 | 1,023 |
| 2010 | 5,129 |
| 2011 | 2,795 |
| 2012 | 2,617 |
| 2013 | 1,957 |
| 2014 | 1,433 |
| 2015 | 1,066 |
| 2016 | 1,737 |
| 2017 | 1,114 |
| 2018 | 444 |
| 2019 | 378 |
| 2020 | 185 |
“Coolant Intrusion. Started with thick white exhaust when starting up in morning. Turned into acceleration lags, car shutting engine off when parked, and exhaust smell coming inside of car. 2014-2019 models have a recall for cracked engine block allowing cooling to leak inside, but 2020 models do not although there is an increased problem with this year and model of car.”
“COMPONENT/SYSTEM: Gasoline vapor entering the occupied passenger cabin through the HVAC vents during and after rain with the A/C or heat on. Root cause unidentified, not because it cannot be found, but because Ford Motor Company has not once tested the vehicle under the condition in which the defect occurs, and has refused in writing to assign an engineer who would. Suspected fuel system / evaporative emissions / cowl-to-HVAC intake pathway. Vehicle available to NHTSA for inspection on request. SAFETY RISK: The driver and passengers breathe gasoline vapor inside a closed, moving vehicle. Fuel vapor in an occupied cabin is an inhalation hazard and an ignition hazard. The owner drives with the windows open to vent it. Ford’s own agent acknowledged in writing on 09/24/2026: “I understand that your vehicle currently has a gas odor and you do not feel safe driving it.” Ford has since returned the vehicle to the owner unrepaired four times, has never stated it is safe to drive, and has stated in writing that it is closing the case. The vehicle is on the road today with the defect present. If this condition exists on other Fusions, those owners cannot rely on Ford’s…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion Special Service PHEV Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 43 | 40 | 42 | $1,550 | 101 |
| Fusion FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,400 | 327 |
| Fusion FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Fusion FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,700 | 364 |
| Fusion AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 384 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (67), engine (53), electrical system (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Ford Fusion at 23–42 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Ford Fusion 5 out of 5 stars overall.