MODEL
Ford Fusion
NHTSA safety across every Ford Fusion model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Ford Fusion we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 82 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 6 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan that served as one of Ford's core family and commuter vehicles through its final model years of 2019 and 2020. Aimed at buyers who wanted a practical, road-trip-capable four-door with a refined demeanor, the Fusion competed in a shrinking but still meaningful segment against rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. These late-production years represent the model at its most mature.
The 2019 and 2020 Ford Fusion wraps up its production run with a safety profile that is solid but not exceptional. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded across these model years is 82 out of 100 for the 2019 model, placing it in the Strong band. Crash-test results tell a nuanced story: the Fusion earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact test, which is genuinely reassuring for occupant protection in the most statistically dangerous collision type. However, frontal and rollover scores settle at 4 out of 5 stars each, meaning there is measurable room for improvement in those categories compared to segment leaders. The recall count of 6 across these two model years is worth noting. For a vehicle in its final production cycle, that number suggests Ford was still issuing corrections on a platform that had been around since 2013. Shoppers should verify all open recalls are resolved before purchase. Owner complaints total 537 across the covered years, with 15 alleged crashes, 5 fire-related reports, and 12 reported injuries documented. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular deserve attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The Fusion is a capable commuter sedan with genuine strengths in side protection, but buyers should go in clear-eyed about its recall history and complaint volume.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford Fusion as a comfortable, well-rounded midsize sedan with a composed ride and an interior that punches above its price point. Most praise its driving manners and cabin refinement for the segment, though many note that by these final model years, some rivals had pulled ahead in technology and powertrain modernity. It is broadly considered a sensible, driver-friendly choice.
- The 2019 Fusion earned an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, but its 4-star frontal and rollover scores mean it does not top the segment in overall crash protection.
- Side-impact crash protection is the Fusion's clearest safety strength, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is meaningful given how frequently side collisions result in serious occupant injury.
- Six recalls were issued across the 2019 and 2020 model years. Since these are late-production vehicles often found on the used market, shoppers must confirm all recall repairs have been completed using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before buying.
- Owner complaints across these years include 5 fire-related allegations and 15 reported crashes. While these are unverified, the fire reports in particular make a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the engine bay and fuel system a smart precaution.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Ford Fusion with 3 recalls.