2020 Ford Fusion Engine Problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2020 Ford Fusion, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 79,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “flex plate” (23% of reports).
- 52engine complaints
- 79,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Flex plate: mentioned in 12 of 52 complaints (23%)
- Ecoboost engine: mentioned in 5 of 52 complaints (10%)
- Rattling sound: mentioned in 5 of 52 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 15 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 52 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Ford Fusion engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 52 | 28% | 79,000 |
| 2019 Fusion | 153 | 48% | 78,000 |
| 2018 Fusion | 205 | 46% | 90,000 |
| 2017 Fusion | 395 | 36% | 76,000 |
| 2016 Fusion | 443 | 27% | 78,000 |
| 2015 Fusion | 271 | 27% | 79,000 |
| 2014 Fusion | 204 | 15% | 76,000 |
| 2013 Fusion | 386 | 22% | 83,005 |
| 2012 Fusion | 111 | 4% | 52,389 |
| 2011 Fusion | 276 | 10% | 45,000 |
| 2010 Fusion | 700 | 14% | 56,000 |
| 2009 Fusion | 30 | 3% | 98,000 |
| 2008 Fusion | 39 | 3% | 89,500 |
| 2007 Fusion | 56 | 5% | 100,000 |
| 2006 Fusion | 47 | 6% | 98,375 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
2020 Fusion SEL with 41,000 miles. While driving at 65 mph with adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly jerked on two separate occasions during a three-hour drive.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2020 Ford Fusions have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints about engine for the 2020 Ford Fusion (28% of the 183 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Ford Fusion engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 79,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2020 Ford Fusion?
The most frequent phrase is “flex plate”, in 12 of 52 complaints, followed by “ecoboost engine” (5).
Other 2020 Ford Fusion problems
- Power Train problems (67)
See all 2020 Ford Fusion problems or engine problems across all Fusion years.