EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
2020 Ford F-150
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 727 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Ford F-150, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 245 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2021 | 2 | 106 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 108 |
| Dec 2021 | 4 | 112 |
| Jan 2022 | 8 | 120 |
| Feb 2022 | 3 | 123 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 124 |
| Apr 2022 | 4 | 128 |
| May 2022 | 3 | 131 |
| Jun 2022 | 9 | 140 |
| Jul 2022 | 3 | 143 |
| Aug 2022 | 8 | 151 |
| Sep 2022 | 4 | 155 |
| Oct 2022 | 9 | 164 |
| Nov 2022 | 4 | 168 |
| Dec 2022 | 6 | 174 |
| Jan 2023 | 6 | 180 |
| Feb 2023 | 10 | 190 |
| Mar 2023 | 6 | 196 |
| Apr 2023 | 5 | 201 |
| May 2023 | 7 | 208 |
| Jun 2023 | 5 | 213 |
| Jul 2023 | 6 | 219 |
| Aug 2023 | 12 | 231 |
| Sep 2023 | 10 | 241 |
| Oct 2023 | 6 | 247 |
| Nov 2023 | 4 | 251 |
| Dec 2023 | 14 | 265 |
| Jan 2024 | 6 | 271 |
| Feb 2024 | 4 | 275 |
| Mar 2024 | 8 | 283 |
| Apr 2024 | 12 | 295 |
| May 2024 | 12 | 307 |
| Jun 2024 | 15 | 322 |
| Jul 2024 | 11 | 333 |
| Aug 2024 | 12 | 345 |
| Sep 2024 | 16 | 361 |
| Oct 2024 | 8 | 369 |
| Nov 2024 | 13 | 382 |
| Dec 2024 | 13 | 395 |
| Jan 2025 | 12 | 407 |
| Feb 2025 | 18 | 425 |
| Mar 2025 | 25 | 450 |
| Apr 2025 | 21 | 471 |
| May 2025 | 13 | 484 |
| Jun 2025 | 16 | 500 |
| Jul 2025 | 31 | 531 |
| Aug 2025 | 9 | 540 |
| Sep 2025 | 11 | 551 |
| Oct 2025 | 12 | 563 |
| Nov 2025 | 8 | 571 |
| Dec 2025 | 9 | 580 |
| Jan 2026 | 9 | 589 |
| Feb 2026 | 28 | 617 |
| Mar 2026 | 11 | 628 |
| Apr 2026 | 15 | 643 |
| May 2026 | 11 | 654 |
| Jun 2026 | 18 | 672 |
| Jul 2026 | 23 | 695 |
| Aug 2026 | 22 | 717 |
| Sep 2026 | 10 | 727 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)34843.0%
- Engine13616.8%
- Electrical8610.6%
- Visibility627.7%
- Driver assistance566.9%
- Brakes222.7%
- Body & structure222.7%
- Interior & seats151.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
11 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govBACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera operation. The supplier of the cameras was Magna Electronics.According to Ford's chronology in the Part 573, during the period February-April 2020, Ford identified and monitored warranty claims pertaining to intermittent or inoperative rearview cameras. Ford reviewed supplier product changes, focusing on changes introduced by the supplier in the October-November 2019 time frame. The Part 573 stated that the issue was brought to Ford's Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) for review on May 12, 2020.On July 7, 2020, NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC) informed the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a trend of MY 2020 Escape vehicles with rearview camera malfunctions. ODI contacted Ford the next day, providing five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging inoperative rearview cameras. On July 15, 2020, Ford met with NHTSA to discuss the rearview camera issue. In a subsequent August 24, 2020 meeting, ODI and NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) met with Ford to discuss the recall status and additional VOQs. Ford presented rate and scope data for many of its MY 2020 products during the August 2020 meeting indicating high failure rates for certain models.This RQ is being opened to investigate both the timeliness and scope of Ford's rearview camera recall (20V-575), and Ford's compliance with reporting requirements.The subject reports referenced in the opening resume are identified by the following ODI reference numbers which can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov: 11349813, 11344126, 11342696, 11341486, 11340254, 11337274, 11331444, 11330875, 11329235, 11316960, 11343521, 11341884, 11337226, 11344018, and 11339573.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a delay in the transmission shifting, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed, and the vehicle jolted. The engine revved to 7,000-8,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 25-2301 (Harsh/Delayed Engagement and/or Harsh/Delayed Shift) and Technical Service Bulletin 25-2475(Harsh/Delayed Engagement and/or Harsh/Delayed Shift). The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766091
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
- Mileage
- 88,000 mi
Truck suddenly shifted from gear 8 to gear 2 then 4 reducing my speed suddenly causing other vehicles to almost hit me at around 40 mph. I drove home with the transmission erratically shifting up and down Even though I kept my speed under 30 mph. That was about 10 days ago and I made an attempt to drive it a few days ago after researching and in the same result happened. It seems I have been victimized by the CDF drum crawling out of its space leading to an imbalance of transmission fluid pressure. About 2 miles after the initial problem. A wrench symbol appeared on the instrument cluster with a message under it that says see manual. Just as every time I've tried to find something in the manual. After spending several minutes of frustration, I still never found the wrench symbol or what it means.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765595
- Incident
- Sep 6, 2026
The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's spouse, who was seated in the front passenger seat, saw smoke coming from under the dashboard. The contact's spouse exited the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to open the front driver's door, the front passenger's side of the dashboard and the windshield caught on fire. Additionally, the front passenger's door was on fire. The contact's two dogs were seated in the rear seat. The contact entered the vehicle through the fire and removed the dogs from the vehicle. The contact used a neighboring building's water hose and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that within two minutes, the vehicle was engulfed in fire. The fire department later arrived. The Fire Chief inspected the vehicle, and the contact was informed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact was transported by ambulance and received medical treatment. The contact sustained second-degree burns on the left and right legs and left and right elbows and forearms. In addition, the contact sustained second-degree burns on the left and right hands. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. A Police report was filed, but the information was unavailable. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765056
- Incident
- Sep 20, 2023
- Mileage
- 9,000 mi
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle jerked abnormally, experienced a transmission shifting delay between gears, and occasionally slipped out of gear. The contact stated that after slipping out of gear, the transmission failed to re-engage gear and slipped continuously. The vehicle was inspected by a transmission specialist, who confirmed the failure and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764544
- Incident
- Sep 15, 2026
Transmission slips gears and sometimes shifts violently. I took the truck to a Ford dealership for an assessment and was told I need to replace the whole transmission. I also have a problem with oil consumption from the engine. I was told by the same dealership that this was a known problem with the 5.0 engines built from 2019 to, I believe 2023 and that it would require an engine replacement. I bought this truck from an individual and now I am stuck with it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763163
- Incident
- Sep 9, 2026
The 10R80 transmission failed internally due to the defective CDF clutch drum assembly. Vehicle experienced dangerous gear dropping/slipping. Forced to pay out of pocket at an independent shop for a total rebuild. I have not seen anything from dealer. It was inspected by an independent shop. There was no warning prior to the failure. This happened right over 100,000 miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762986
- Incident
- Feb 15, 2026
My 2020 Ford F-150 (5.0L V8) experienced a sudden loss of engine power and stalled completely while I was driving. In the days leading up to this, the check engine light had illuminated, and I later discovered the vehicle had consumed a severe amount of engine oil — the dipstick read below the "add" line. Critically, no low oil pressure warning light or audible chime alerted me to the oil loss before the stall occurred. After the initial stall, the engine continued to struggle to maintain idle and stalled repeatedly whenever RPM dropped to approximately 1,000, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. I had the vehicle towed to a Ford dealership for diagnosis. The dealership's estimate confirmed the need for a full engine (long block) replacement, at a cost of approximately $19,824.56 (total estimate $21,491.04). I am aware that Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2365, which acknowledges that 2018-2020 F-150 trucks with the 5.0L engine may experience excessive oil consumption exceeding one quart per 3,000 miles with no visible external leaks, attributed to oil being drawn into the engine during deceleration fuel shut-off events. I believe this defect directly caused my vehicle's stalling and oil starvation, and that the lack of any dashboard warning prior to the failure is a separate and significant safety concern, since a driver has no way to know the engine is being damaged or that a stall is imminent.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762811
- Incident
- Sep 2, 2026
2020 Ford F-150 Raptor supercab with 47,500 miles. Front right coil spring broke into several pieces while sitting in the driveway. Rust on one half of the piece that fell on the driveway indicates rust coating failed and caused the initial break in the coil spring. The way the coil spring broke and the vehicle lost ride height could have killed me if I were underneath changing the oil. If it had broke while driving, it would have caused an accident from loss of control endangering vehicle passengers and others on the road.I will keep all parts and have available for inspection. In hindsight, the only sign this was a problem was noise while driving over speed bumps and it was inspected by several different shops (Ford, VA inspection, two auto body shops) over the last year while it presented the noise. The truck has not been inspected since the coil spring broke.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762506
- Incident
- Sep 5, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror assembly. Use part number SC3Z-14A411-B to resolve the concern.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
POWER TRAIN
For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 9 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 104 | 13 | 0 | 62.8 |
| 2024 | 188 | 11 | 0 | 67.6 |
| 2023 | 408 | 13 | 0 | 60.8 |
| 2022 | 594 | 23 | 2 | 68.3 |
| 2021 | 1,012 | 29 | 1 | 62.7 |
| 2020Viewing | 727 | 11 | 1 | 64.3 |
| 2019 | 1,327 | 9 | 1 | 63.5 |
| 2018 | 2,308 | 19 | 2 | 65.9 |
| 2017 | 1,437 | 18 | 3 | 69.9 |
| 2016 | 2,053 | 14 | 4 | 67.6 |
| 2015 | 1,710 | 14 | 5 | 68.6 |
| 2014 | 1,533 | 8 | 2 | 62.4 |
| 2013 | 2,981 | 3 | 3 | 60.7 |
| 2012 | 1,781 | 4 | 4 | 58.4 |
| 2011 | 2,189 | 6 | 4 | 58.7 |
| 2010 | 843 | 1 | 0 | 42.6 |
| 2009 | 324 | 2 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2008 | 369 | 1 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2007 | 488 | 7 | 1 | 59.1 |
| 2006 | 585 | 14 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 14 | 3 | 61.8 |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 16 | 4 | 60.7 |
| 2003 | 423 | 11 | 3 | 66.9 |
| 2002 | 821 | 10 | 3 | 66.2 |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 19 | 6 | 70.9 |
| 2000 | 1,074 | 17 | 4 | 74.2 |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 18 | 5 | 65.6 |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 18 | 11 | 65.5 |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 26 | 18 | 66.9 |
| 1996 | 324 | 7 | 2 | 67.6 |
| 1995 | 626 | 7 | 1 | 64.4 |
| 1994 | 676 | 13 | 2 | 66.4 |
| 1993 | 586 | 13 | 2 | 60.0 |
| 1992 | 470 | 9 | 8 | 67.2 |
| 1991 | 304 | 6 | 12 | 68.8 |
| 1990 | 275 | 5 | 11 | 68.3 |
| 1989 | 224 | 4 | 5 | 67.8 |
| 1988 | 139 | 2 | 6 | 70.4 |
| 1987 | 91 | 3 | 2 | 71.1 |
| 1986 | 61 | 1 | 4 | 61.0 |
| 1985 | 28 | 1 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 1984 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 55.9 |
| 1983 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 1982 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 3 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 4 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 3 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1955 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.