2020 Ford Fusion engine problems
50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Ford Fusion — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model…
25B51 · Other · issued May 9, 2026
Engine problems in other Fusion years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Fusion | 153 | 49% |
| 2018 Fusion | 201 | 46% |
| 2017 Fusion | 394 | 36% |
| 2016 Fusion | 441 | 27% |
| 2015 Fusion | 271 | 27% |
| 2014 Fusion | 204 | 15% |
| 2013 Fusion | 384 | 21% |
| 2012 Fusion | 111 | 4% |
| 2011 Fusion | 276 | 10% |
| 2010 Fusion | 700 | 14% |
| 2009 Fusion | 30 | 3% |
| 2008 Fusion | 39 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Ford Fusion
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.