2020 Ford Fusion Problems

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 77,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
• Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
• Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
• If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon rolling to a stop, the vehicle started shuddering while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Not in Park" was displayed. The gear shifter then unexpectedly shifted to several positions independently. The contact discovered a YouTube…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 150,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 85,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
• Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
• Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
• Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact's brother owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the owner was driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated and there was misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was fluid leaking into the engine. An independent mechanic was contacted by phone. The vehicle was taken to…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 72,000 miles

COMPONENT THAT FAILED: The engine cooling fan on my 2020 Ford Fusion SEL (1.5L, non-hybrid) became inoperable and blew three fuses. With the fans not operating, the engine overheated, destroying the head gasket and engine, requiring complete replacement. Failure occurred 07/08/2026 at 49,118 miles. WARNING SYMPTOMS: The A/C began blowing…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
• Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
• Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

I keep getting SHIFT SYS FAULT error. My car will not move out of P (park). I towed my car to repair shop on 2/11/2026 - 02/13/2026 the mechanic told me he replaced the bushing kit and the gear dial. Less than a week later on 02/26/2026 I got the same error and was able to drive my car to Village Ford Dealership (my car is still there) I…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Parts named most: Warnings (7).

What to check before you buy

• Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
• Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
• Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

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.Owner complaint, filed 2023

"Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" shows on dash every time when starting the car now. Started in October intermittently.Owner complaint, filed 2021

What to check before you buy

• Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
• On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
• Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

I have a check engine light on due to an issue in the emissions system. The issue is that the purge valve is stuck open. I know that this is an issue that you had a recall on for older models of the ford focus for this same reason. All the systems of a stuck purge valve are the issues I am having with the vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2026

Check engine light keeps coming on saying evap emissions. Have replaced purge valve, gas tank inlet and solenoid. This is the 6th time for check engine lightOwner complaint, filed 2025

What to check before you buy

• Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
• On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
• A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

I was backing out of my drive way when a shift system fault message appeared on my dashboard. When I went to change gears the rotary dial locked up and shifted to park. My safety as well as other people’s safety was put at risk because my car stopped in the middle of the street with little warning. My problem was confirmed by an…Owner complaint, filed 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started pulling and veering to the right, while driving on uneven pavement. The power steering assist warning light illuminated while driving over 35 MPH. On another occasion, the steering wheel failed to respond, and the vehicle spun out and the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 87,361 miles

What to check before you buy

• The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
• The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
• Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

Speed sensor radar on right front tire sending alerts to car all at once, Antilock Brake Fault, Pre Collision Assist not available, Hill start assist. Steering wheel gets heavy randomly. And brakes start slipping. This is a safety hazard I have a baby. My car is only 5 years old problems like this shouldn’t be happening. Ford checked it…Owner complaint, filed 2025

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…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Parts named most: Body (5).

What to check before you buy

• Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
• Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
• Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 103,000 miles

I purchased this vehicle on Mar 4 2020 at Al Spitzer Ford in Cuyahoga Falls, OH with only 11,800 miles.I am getting the run around with their service department. The vehicle does not have a hoodliner insulator installed. It's needed to control temperature, protect paint and reduce engine fires. This is Ford's way along with the…Owner complaint, filed 2022

What to check before you buy

• Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
• Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2025

At approximately 99,900 miles, my 2020 Ford Fusion began experiencing serious transmission issues, including rough shifting, hesitation, jerking, and difficulty accelerating, especially at low speeds or while merging onto highways. These symptoms created an unsafe driving situation, particularly in traffic and intersections. I took the…Owner complaint, filed 2025

What to check before you buy

• On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
• Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2025

What to check before you buy

• The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
• Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 67,343 miles

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…Owner complaint, filed 2023

What to check before you buy

• Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
• Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
• The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

Wheel bearing had to be replaced, heard sound while in motion and slowed down car. Car one year old and less then 30k milesOwner complaint, filed 2021, at 28,000 miles

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

What to check before you buy

• Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
• Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

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.…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 80,000 miles

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…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 53,000 miles

What to check before you buy

• Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
• Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

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.Owner complaint, filed 2026