This page covers 3 recalls, 180 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Ford Fusion.
23–42 mpg combined
5.6–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
The 2017 to 2020 Ford Fusion received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The sedan earned 4 stars in frontal crash protection and 4 stars in rollover resistance. It achieved 5 stars in both side crash and side pole crash tests. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2017 to 2020 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2020 Ford Fusion complaints centers on the powertrain and engine. Transmission failures draw the most reports, with owners describing complete transmission loss on vehicles with moderate mileage. On the engine side, a recurring theme involves coolant intrusion into the 1.5L EcoBoost cylinders, owners report engine failure they attribute to coolant reaching areas it shouldn't, sometimes resulting in total engine loss. The electrical system rounds out the top three reported categories, though the specific symptoms owners describe there are less concentrated around a single failure mode. A smaller but notable cluster of reports describes front lower control arms snapping during low-speed turns, causing the vehicle to veer sharply; these reports share a consistent detail, the break occurring while turning, not under aggressive driving conditions.
180
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Ford Fusion has 3 recalls, the most serious affecting plug-in hybrid models, where the battery management system can be damaged by excess voltage and either cut drive power or start a fire.
The plug-in hybrid concern is joined by a second fire risk that applies more broadly: the engine block heater, when plugged into an outlet, can develop a crack that leaks coolant onto the heater's electrical components and causes a short circuit. The third recall involves the rearview camera, which can display a blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, leaving the driver without a view of what is behind them. Note that two of the three recalls only affect specific configurations: the battery management issue is exclusive to plug-in hybrid models, while the block heater recall applies only to vehicles equipped with that optional accessory.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery energy control module can be damaged by excessive voltage and current flow, potentially affecting the vehicle's hybrid battery system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery, update the control module software, or replace the fuse block and software as an interim repair at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
