NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford Fusion scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 173 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2020 Ford Fusion, the most notable safety concern centers on its three active recall campaigns, which contribute to a defect record subscore of 11 out of 20. This particular metric impacts what is otherwise a well-rated sedan. The 2020 Fusion earns an overall NHTSA Safety Index score of 82 out of 100, positioning it within the Strong band. Prospective owners should confirm that all recall remedies have been applied via VIN verification to ensure the vehicle's full safety profile.
The 2020 Ford Fusion AWD earned a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford Fusion ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 173 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford Fusion?
The 2020 Ford Fusion AWD carries forward the same 82/100 Safety Index score as its 2019 predecessor. Its crash protection remains strong, earning 61 out of a possible 70 points, and avoidance technology is a perfect 10/10, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The vehicle achieved an overall 5-star NHTSA rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result. The primary factor preventing a higher Safety Index is the defect record subscore of 11/20. This score reflects three recall campaigns initiated after the vehicle's production. While two of these were broad, multi-model actions, one specifically targeted the Fusion PHEV's battery energy control module. This specificity is a key consideration for hybrid buyers. Further, 173 owner complaints were filed, with a notable concentration in drivetrain and electrical categories, aligning with the nature of the PHEV recall. For used-market shoppers, the defect record is the critical element to evaluate.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford Fusion perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ford Fusion AWD demonstrates a robust safety profile, earning an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection is particularly strong, achieving a 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance are rated at 4 stars each. The vehicle presents an 11 percent rollover risk, and the dynamic tip-test concluded with no tip. All safety categories are fully rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14923
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford Fusion have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Fusion. The first targets engine block heater wiring across a broad Ford lineup including this model year. The second involves back-over prevention software affecting multiple Ford and Lincoln models. The third, specific to 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles, addresses a battery energy control module that may become damaged, a powertrain-level concern worth prioritizing. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but PHEV owners should confirm remedy status.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2025-10-10
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)23V440000
Risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the fuse block and a software update as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This
Reported 2023-06-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has received 173 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Fusion. Alleged issues center on the Power Train (65 reports), Engine (47), and Electrical System (37). Smaller clusters involve Steering and Fuel/Propulsion System concerns. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
173 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford Fusion?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old Fusion should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All three recall campaigns may still have open remedies, and the PHEV battery module recall in particular should be confirmed as completed. Verify remedy status, not just recall existence.
- The 2020 Fusion PHEV is subject to a model-specific recall targeting the battery energy control module, a component unique to the plug-in hybrid variant and not shared with the broader multi-model recall campaigns.
- The defect record subscore of 11/20 is the weakest pillar of the 82/100 Safety Index for this model year, driven by three recall campaigns that all originated after production ended.
- NHTSA recorded 173 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Power Train allegations (65) leading all categories, followed by Engine (47) and Electrical System (37).
- The Safety Index held flat at 82/100 from the 2019 to the 2020 model year, meaning the strong crash scores and perfect avoidance-tech subscore were offset by the same level of defect-record drag, producing no net safety improvement year over year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford Fusion places
The 2020 Ford Fusion qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford Fusion safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford Fusion crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford Fusion, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford Fusion crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford Fusion earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Fusion have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Fusion. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford Fusion?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 173 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford Fusion. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Fusion years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14923), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Fusion 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 73 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.