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2020 Ford Fusion Problems & Owner Complaints

177 NHTSA owner complaints
10 crash 3 fire 5 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~25.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 3 of 3 Ford Fusion years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Ford Fusion, cited in 66 of 177 filed complaints (37%).

Engine is next (48 complaints, 27%), followed by Electrical System (37), Steering (12), Fuel/Propulsion System (11).

Across all complaints, 10 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 5 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 3 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Fusion, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 177.

Power Train 66 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was in park(P) on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled forward without warning and crashed into a home. No injuries and damages were reported; the contact was able to resume normal driving operation after the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic; however, the dealer was unable to dupl…”
NHTSA complaint #11470245, 2022 · crash

“A failed transmission cooling line caused the transmission fluid to leak. At no point did the vehicle display a check engine light, transmission warning, or any other indication that there was a problem. According to the Ford dealership, the transmission fluid had been leaking for some time. Because the transmission pan is wrapped in a fabric-like insulating material, the leaking fluid was absorbed rather than dripping onto the ground, making the leak virtually impossible for an owner to detect during normal use. The dealership also advised that this condition could have created a potential f…”
NHTSA complaint #11748773, 2026

“I have had this car for 6 years and the transmission has gone out on top of the purge valve, I have seen many people have the same issues with this model and year of this car. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADRESSED. I also see that there is a lawsuit against this issue with the transmission model 6F35”
NHTSA complaint #11735599, 2026

Engine 48

“While driving at 75mph on the freeway, my 2020 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden, catastrophic EcoBoost engine coolant failure. The vehicle instantly lost power and dropped to 35mph in active traffic, creating an extreme highway collision hazard. A mechanic has confirmed internal coolant intrusion in the engine block.”
NHTSA complaint #11749830, 2026

“I have had this car for 6 years and the transmission has gone out on top of the purge valve, I have seen many people have the same issues with this model and year of this car. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADRESSED. I also see that there is a lawsuit against this issue with the transmission model 6F35”
NHTSA complaint #11735599, 2026

“2020 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost engine completely failed. Ford dealership diagnosed need for complete engine and turbo replacement at $13,475. Believed to be related to known EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11733486, 2026

Electrical System 37 2 fire 1 injury

“I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI auction in September 2023 without disclosing the active, critical safety recall (NHTSA 23V440 / Ford 23S33) issued in June 2023. This non-disclosure placed my family in extreme danger. When the fire starte…”
NHTSA complaint #11725471, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“"The incident occurred immediately after shifting the vehicle into reverse and starting to move. The engine suddenly shut down with a 'System Performance' alert, and cooling fans engaged at maximum speed. Moments later, a thermal runaway event began in the high-voltage Li-ion battery pack, leading to a catastrophic fire. This is directly related to Recall 23V440 / 23S33 (BECM failure). The fire was extinguished by the local fire department in Telavi, Georgia (Country)."”
NHTSA complaint #11717716, 2025 · fire

“I don't know if this qualifies as an immediate safety issue, however, if the vehicle is stopped and placed into park on a busy freeway, or in traffic in any way, then this absolutely is a safety issue after the fact because the vehicle cannot be moved due to not being able to get it into gear. This involves the shift linkage component and not being able to get the car out of park and into any other gear. It's already an active recall but it's VIN specific and my VIN was not included. It really needs to be though. It should be all Fusions at this point. I drive a 2020 Ford Fusion and the shift…”
NHTSA complaint #11730018, 2026

Unknown Or Other 26 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 FORD FUSION FROM HERTZ CAR RENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON A INCLINE HILL, A STRANGE SOUND OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATION PEDAL , HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. NO WARNING LIGHTS WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND THE BACK LIGHT WAS DENTED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND LOWER BACK PAIN; NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS. A POL…”
NHTSA complaint #11399332, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“In 2024 on Black Friday while driving home from work my car all of a sudden was starting to lose speed. Even when I'm hitting the gas it would not accelerate and I could push it all the way down to the floor or nothing. And all of a sudden I start to see a whole bunch of monitors go off on my dashboard animal League to the government off and then all of a sudden I started see this underneath my core board pulled over and all sudden those planes coming from my engine and within minutes the whole car was destroyed. Fire department came to drop the fire and everything but the trunk was left essen…”
NHTSA complaint #11712192, 2024 · fire

“purge solenoid unplugged, several times for years, which causes the vehicle not to start up after getting fuel. Check engine light come on often due to this. When I bring vehicle to Mecanic shop they plug it right back. P0443 evap purge control valve “a” circuit”
NHTSA complaint #11725076, 2026

Steering 12 3 crash

“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk because the breakage forced the car to turn sharply to the left. Because of this, the vehicle struck a utility pole. The pole had very little damage, but damage was done to the car. The policeman at the scene inspected the damage, as well as the insurance adjuster in the days following the accident. No warning lights or messages wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11734895, 2025 · crash

“While turning into a parking lot the lower control arm snapped (broke in half, approximately). The picture I sent is of a front lower control arm, however it is not a picture of the actual control arm that broke. After it broke, the car was forced into a sharp left turn, resulting in the car crashing into a telephone pole. The pole was not damaged but there was damage to the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11732267, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a turn in either left or right direction, the Traction Control warning light had displayed, and the vehicle had reduced speed independently. During failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a mailbox. During the crash, no injuries were reported. No police report was filed and the vehicle was driven home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11666224, 2025 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 11 2 fire 1 injury

“I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI auction in September 2023 without disclosing the active, critical safety recall (NHTSA 23V440 / Ford 23S33) issued in June 2023. This non-disclosure placed my family in extreme danger. When the fire starte…”
NHTSA complaint #11725471, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“"The incident occurred immediately after shifting the vehicle into reverse and starting to move. The engine suddenly shut down with a 'System Performance' alert, and cooling fans engaged at maximum speed. Moments later, a thermal runaway event began in the high-voltage Li-ion battery pack, leading to a catastrophic fire. This is directly related to Recall 23V440 / 23S33 (BECM failure). The fire was extinguished by the local fire department in Telavi, Georgia (Country)."”
NHTSA complaint #11717716, 2025 · fire

“purge solenoid unplugged, several times for years, which causes the vehicle not to start up after getting fuel. Check engine light come on often due to this. When I bring vehicle to Mecanic shop they plug it right back. P0443 evap purge control valve “a” circuit”
NHTSA complaint #11725076, 2026

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Service Brakes 10 2 crash

“I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT STOP AND HIT A VEHICLE BRHIND ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11487834, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that their husband was coming to a stop light at approximately 5 mph, he attempted to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. In order to avoid a crash, the driver veered to the right where they went over a curb, into a bush, and eventually came to a stop by crashing into a guard wire. The driver then drove the vehicle in a parking lot nearby and when attempting to stop the vehicle again, the vehicle failed to stop again. The driver had to place the vehicle in neutral and shut it off. There were…”
NHTSA complaint #11470252, 2022 · crash

“When these problems started it was only 6 months after purchase and I was already having issues with power train malfunctions and it didnt want to switch gears. I purchased this at roughly 47,000 miles and it didnt make it to 70,000 miles before I ultimately decided it was not the safe vehicle that was advertised to my family and I. It was taken to the dealership over 3 times in under a year and for some reason the problem never got resolved. I have been sued for the remaining balance now despite that toward the end of my time owning it the vehicle was reving out with barely any pressure on th…”
NHTSA complaint #11705924, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 8

“I have had this car for 6 years and the transmission has gone out on top of the purge valve, I have seen many people have the same issues with this model and year of this car. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADRESSED. I also see that there is a lawsuit against this issue with the transmission model 6F35”
NHTSA complaint #11735599, 2026

“While driving down the road I start getting warning lights about lane assist, adaptive cruise control, power steering and so forth not working. The steering wheel jerks hard out of my hands and the brakes will automatically apply. I’ve tried talking to the dealership I bought it from and I never get a response. They told me that ford bought it back from the original owner cause it was a great car but this seems to not be the case. Seems more like it’s because of its very dangerous drivability features. I’m extremely concerned about my wife driving the car and I’m constantly getting alerts thro…”
NHTSA complaint #11695548, 2025

“I have had 2 transmissions within the last year, making this the third Transmission on my vehicle. I had to have another common issue with the car replaced, which is a purge valve. My ABS light goes off often causing difficulty to steer the car and warning lights are activated showing that the safety features are not available. Lastly, there is a crack in the engine block caused by coolant in the spark plug due to overheating. This engine issue is one with the engines that Ford is aware of but I do NOT see a recall. The engine is blown due to this design and the warranties do NOT cover it. Cas…”
NHTSA complaint #11649219, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 6

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinders 3 and 4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,127.”
NHTSA complaint #11748487, 2026

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion into the cylinder had caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112, 000.”
NHTSA complaint #11677234, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, her husband noticed white smoke coming out of the mufflers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11660649, 2025

Structure 5 1 fire 1 injury

“I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI auction in September 2023 without disclosing the active, critical safety recall (NHTSA 23V440 / Ford 23S33) issued in June 2023. This non-disclosure placed my family in extreme danger. When the fire starte…”
NHTSA complaint #11725471, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On hot days the Forward Collision will show as unavailable, but there is no notification saying when it will be available again. This is dangerous in that a safety feature on the vehicle is unavailable when it is hot outside and has been sitting in the sun. Outer door panel skins are becoming unattached from the door frame, which could cause an issue if the skin fails elsewhere that it would be totally unattached to the door frame and fall off when driving. The rear package tray trim (carpeted trim piece behind the rear seats covering the speakers) disintegrates when it is touched due to it…”
NHTSA complaint #11555899, 2023

“Water is leaking into the trunk of our vehicle through the tail light assembly and soaking all the electrical wiring in the base of the trunk. The wheel well is becoming flooded with water. All the wiring going in and out of the trunk is soaking wet. If you Google this issue. Other Ford Fusion owners with older model vehicles and the same tail light assembly are having the exact same issue where water is coming into the trunk from the tail light assembly. This is clearly a design flaw and with water coming inside and covering the electrical system I want to believe this is major safety conce…”
NHTSA complaint #11494404, 2022

Suspension 5 1 crash

“While turning into a parking lot the lower control arm snapped (broke in half, approximately). The picture I sent is of a front lower control arm, however it is not a picture of the actual control arm that broke. After it broke, the car was forced into a sharp left turn, resulting in the car crashing into a telephone pole. The pole was not damaged but there was damage to the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11732267, 2025 · crash

“Vehicle Make/Model/Year: Ford Fusion, 20XX (replace with your year) Component Affected: Suspension – lower control arm bushing or mount Summary of the problem: I am reporting a recurring and well-known issue with the lower control arm bushings on Ford Fusion models from 2013 and newer. In my case, the bushing wore prematurely, causing a clunking or cranking noise when turning, especially at low speeds. The bushing or bolt appears to shift even when torqued properly. This problem has been acknowledged by many other owners as well. Safety risk: This affects the vehicle’s handling and stabilit…”
NHTSA complaint #11675220, 2025

“The ball joint broke off while driving and the car only has 44,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11673586, 2025

Air Bags 4 3 crash 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle. As a result, he collided with the center guard rail on the drivers side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, which he held responsible for his resulting injuries. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total lost by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for neck pain, back pain, and l…”
NHTSA complaint #11694128, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“As I was crossing an intersection, a vehicle ran through a red light and hit the front of my vehicle. There was significant damage to the whole front end and my vehicle was shifted to the left due to the impact. My air bags did not deploy. I injured my head and neck by striking the sun visor which cause a laceration and a cervical strain. My vehicle has been maintained well and there was no indication of air bag malfunction prior to the crash. Insurance adjuster has not inspected the vehicle yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11549741, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after stopping to make a left turn; while in the middle of completing the turn, another vehicle approaching from the rear crashed into the driver’s side front and rear doors, dragging the vehicle for several feet before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the driver’s front and rear doors were completely destroyed however, none of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that she received some medical assistance at the scene but was then transported from the scene by an ambulance to the hospital. The contact sustained injuries…”
NHTSA complaint #11449556, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 4

“The accelerator pedal broke off while merging into traffic resulting in the immediate loss of speed control.”
NHTSA complaint #11668125, 2025

“The steering cable is connected to the transmission hub, and the fitting that connects the two has a gasket that wears away and falls out. This is a recall with vehicles that are made from one of the two plants that assemble fusions, however my vehicle is not covered under the recall even though it is the very same issue as the recall from the other plant. it makes no sense, why is one assembly plant offering a recall for this issue while the other does not? For the same issue of the steering cable coming off the transmission, and not allowing the vehicle to go into gear. I have had to fix…”
NHTSA complaint #11639731, 2025

“Tire Pressure Monitor System Warning Action Now Issue Since 09-22-2024 The tire pressure monitoring system has detected one or more tires are significantly under-inflated. Suggested Actions: Check the tire pressure to ensure the tires are properly inflated. WARNING: The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge. See Inflating Your Tires in the Wheels and Tires chapter of your Owner's Guide. Failure to properly maintain your tire pressure could increase the r…”
NHTSA complaint #11674798, 2024

Wheels 4 1 crash

“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk because the breakage forced the car to turn sharply to the left. Because of this, the vehicle struck a utility pole. The pole had very little damage, but damage was done to the car. The policeman at the scene inspected the damage, as well as the insurance adjuster in the days following the accident. No warning lights or messages wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11734895, 2025 · crash

“Finish on inside of wheels flacking off and rusting”
NHTSA complaint #11499118, 2022

“Constantly with this specific vehicle, especially with the lane assist. The vehicle continuously jerks either left or right even within the green parameters of the lane, especially when doing a slight turn on the highway. When it is raining the vehicle smart as go offline an cannot read the lane or the vehicle in front of it. When I first purchased the vehicle after driving for less than a year I had to take the vehicle in because the engine was warped. Constantly when I’m the vehicle the Apple car play system would either freeze or the screen would go black.”
NHTSA complaint #11485409, 2022

Back Over Prevention 3

“The entire media display gets stuck off or will freeze up, when I place the vehicle in reverse the rear camera comes on but parking assist, the rear sensors and cross traffic sensors won't work. Once I place the car in drive the display will either stay all blue or shut completely off. I cannot adjust the climate control, use GPS, or use the media. I have to shut the car off and then after about 10 minutes there is a bunch of clicking noise under the dash and after it stops clicking I can restart the car, the display will sometimes begin to work and if it dossent then I have to shut off the c…”
NHTSA complaint #11585519, 2024

“The contact owns a 2022 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse, the proximity warning alert did not sound as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11548383, 2023

“Issues with Ford Sync Infotainment system have been occurring for over a year now, with the latest being on May 25th. Backup camera stays on when in drive, and then turns to a blue or black screen that says contact dealer. GPS will fail randomly and will show my vehicle driving off roads and not following the route I am driving. A/C will randomly stop working and show a Fan Speed of 0 no matter how many times you try to increase the fan speed, then once you are able to adjust the fan speed after restarting the car it will only blow very hot air at any temperature setting except in Max A/C. Whi…”
NHTSA complaint #11530920, 2023

Lane Departure 3

“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)/Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) has detected a fault and may not function. What Should I Do? If either BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL is in the information display, the system may not function. Check the exterior vehicle sensors for damage or debris cover…”
NHTSA complaint #11740965, 2025

“RANDOMLY 'SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC', 'PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', LANE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', POWER ASSIST STEERING NOT AVAILABLE', HILL ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE', WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR. WHEN THEY DO I COMPLETELY LOSE POWER STEERING. WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. MOST THE TIME I CAN TURN OFF AND RESTART THE CAR AND IT GOES AWAY. HOWEVER, NOW IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND HAS STARTED LOSING COMPLETE POWER OF THE CAR TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I ALMOST DIED ON THE INTERSTATE. FORD DEALERSHIPS ONLY RECOMMENDATION WAS A NEW CIRCUIT BOARD THAT WAS LIKE $5K, MORE THAN THE CAR IS WOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11675920, 2025

“Constantly with this specific vehicle, especially with the lane assist. The vehicle continuously jerks either left or right even within the green parameters of the lane, especially when doing a slight turn on the highway. When it is raining the vehicle smart as go offline an cannot read the lane or the vehicle in front of it. When I first purchased the vehicle after driving for less than a year I had to take the vehicle in because the engine was warped. Constantly when I’m the vehicle the Apple car play system would either freeze or the screen would go black.”
NHTSA complaint #11485409, 2022

Exterior Lighting 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side low beam headlight assembly wiring harness was burnt, and there was light smoke coming from the wiring harness. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low beam headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided.…”
NHTSA complaint #11627671, 2024

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three other times. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the tube assembly fuel vapor separator (9D289) needed to be replaced. The vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11554045, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the hood latch was no longer functioning and the hood was not able to be raised. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to repair the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11619927, 2024

Seat Belts 1

“The locking mechanism that keeps the seat belt safely locked into place is malfunctioning. I have to ensure the belt is firmly in place and will not tug out of the lock before going anywhere. The seatbelt will not lock in place properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11716377, 2026

Traction Control System 1 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a turn in either left or right direction, the Traction Control warning light had displayed, and the vehicle had reduced speed independently. During failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a mailbox. During the crash, no injuries were reported. No police report was filed and the vehicle was driven home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11666224, 2025 · crash

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, water entered through the closed sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the sunroof drain needed to be cleaned. The sunroof drain was cleaned, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and instructed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the sunroof r…”
NHTSA complaint #11635933, 2024

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Ford Fusion draws about 25.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 3 of 3 among the Ford Fusion model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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