RoadVitals

2020 Ford F-250 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
260
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
15
Latest Mar 17, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
3
2 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 260 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), fuel system and steering categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 298 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

15 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.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Mar 17, 2026
9,839 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
The risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S17View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Oct 10, 2025
291,901 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free charge.nThis will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25SA8View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:COLUMN

Sep 19, 2025
115,539 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S94View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE24014OpenPreliminary Evaluation

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

Opened May 9, 2024

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
RQ21002OpenRecall Query

Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

Opened Aug 3, 2021

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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
RQ21001ClosedRecall Query

Power Tailgate Release Systems

Opened Jan 15, 2021
Closed Jan 10, 2024

In January 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ21-001) to assess allegations of post-recall remedy uncommanded tailgate openings in model year (MY) 2017-2019 F-250/350/450 Ford trucks. Besides the recall remedy launched in January 2020, Ford also implemented a production update in November 2019.  At the time of the RQ opening, ODI had received eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Ford in February 2021. In numerous meetings after receiving their IR response, Ford highlighted the drop in claims since the recall and production update and communicated how they were unable to verify the owners’ complaints or replicate the concern. Despite this, Ford began developing ways to prevent uncommanded tailgate openings from various human, mechanical or electrical causes. Based on testing, Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction program, 21M05-S1/S2/S3, to further address the potential of unintended tailgate openings. This work was applied to vehicles being produced as of December 20, 2021.  The program began for already delivered vehicles on July 22, 2022. The covered models include 2017-2022 F-250, 350, 450, 550, 650 and 750 Super Duty and 2020-2022 F-600 Super Duty trucks. ODI has received 39 VOQs between February 24, 2020, and December 15, 2023, alleging uncommanded tailgate openings.  In a detailed analysis, none of the vehicles in the VOQs were found to have received the Customer Satisfaction update. Since ODI has not received any complaints of post-Customer Satisfaction program tailgate openings, this office is closing this Recall Query. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, while driving 40 MPH approximately two months later, the vehicle was running rough and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a high-pressure fuel pump failure, causing the fuel system to become contaminated. The dealer determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted a diagnostic report to the manufacturer. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired and was pending the manufacturer's decision regarding the coverage of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID
11756201
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
Mileage
103,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 28, 2026

DEF heater failure will cause increased emissions. The warning light flashes. I have seen details where there are issues with the wiring harness for the DEF heater.

NHTSA ID
11753244
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 23, 2026

10r140 paired with 6.7 powerstroke in a 2020 f250 build date 11/19 at the Kentucky plant. My truck specs and build date and location is in the timeframe of the planetary gear recall, ford has also issued tsb’s about the cdf bushing that should have been a recall because it is a design flaw on every 2020-2022 model truck. It’s not fair that we should have to pay for a tsb bc we don’t have warranty left. My truck has 84,000 miles but is out of the 5 years warranty period. Symptoms I am having with my transmission are: Harsh engaging to drive and reverse Flair shifts bad sometimes almost like it goes into neutral between changing gears Has shifted from 4th to 1st instead of 4th to 5th or 6th, then it started shifting normal right after. Had my factory 3250rpm limiter not been moved to 4500rpm the truck would have locked the rear wheels up and possible caused driveline damage or other damaged. Also had a car been behind me when this happened I would have been in a wreck because it slammed to a low speed and the car would have rear ended me. Slips in 4th and 7th gear the most but sometimes in other gears Bumps when it shifts a lot of the gears Sometimes shudders and shakes and will almost make like a pop noise Will clunk on downshift from 5-3 Sometimes clunks when upshifting 3-5 I have had the truck looked at by an independent diesel mechanic I use and he said there is a problem somewhere in the transmission, it’s either planetary gear or cdf bushing has moved or the drum itself has cracked. The component itself has not been inspected because the only was to inspect this is to tear the transmission down. The pan has been dropped and had a lot of metal material on the magnet. No codes on the dash but my mechanic said I had dtcs stored for the transmission. I have created a case claim with Ford trying to see if they will extend the recall for the known issue but I have had zero luck with them. I have videos of the issues but can’t upload them on here.

NHTSA ID
11752304
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair could not be completed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a thrust washer was missing from the output planetary assembly and had disintegrated, contaminating the transmission case, transfer case, torque converter, cooling lines, and radiator. The missing washer caused the planetary gear to shift and damage the transmission case. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 80,256.

NHTSA ID
11749392
Incident
May 27, 2026
Mileage
80,256 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Jun 13, 2026

Left rear seat belt buckle or system failed causing a fault in the Airbag/Restraint system. The fault initially happened in June of 2025 with about 50k miles on the vehicle. I took it to a dealer who told me the buckle was not available and the whole system needed to be replaced for over $1500. Vehicle seldom has anyone in the back seat but that is where my children sit. Looking at posts on the internet, this seems to be a common enough problem that this should be taken care of under recall or customer service warranty.

NHTSA ID
11743890
Incident
Jun 15, 2025
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had become inoperable due to a transmission failure. The contact associated the transmission failure with the recall; however, the dealer advised that the transmission repair would be at the owner's expense. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11743767
Incident
Jun 25, 2025
Mileage
60,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 FORD F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (25V626000 (STEERING) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11741499
Incident
Sep 23, 2025
Fuel system
Filed May 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that he received NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The local dealer was contact who confirmed there were metal shaving in the fuel injectors. The vehilce was not repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11737777
Incident
May 14, 2026
Mileage
30,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25M01

ENGINE

Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Reference: Emissions Recalls 22E02, 22E04, 23E01, and 25E09

TSB 26-2256

ENGINE

This article supersedes TSB 25-2572 to update the Parts List to correct the part number LC3Z-6006-L to LC3Z-6781-A, remove the flex plate bolts AL3Z-6379-BA from the parts list as these bolts are in kit LC3Z-6781-A, update the claim quantity of the part number W709771-S440 to 9 pieces (F-650/F750-Engine Replacement), W706447-S437 and W715068-S437 to 4 pieces, W712861-S439 to 8 pieces(F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Engine Replacement) / 8 pieces (F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Stripped Chassis Cab/F-650,F750 Engine Replacement) / W714286-S442 to 4 pieces (F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Camshaft and Tappet Repair / F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Engine Replacement), include LC3Z-6020-A for the Engine replacement lists, include 1 fuel injector seal kit to the Camshaft and Tappet repair lists, include 4 pieces of W520114-S440 to the E Series-Camshaft and Tappet Repair list, and update the engine oil part numbers XO-5W30-Q1SP and CXO-5W30-LSP6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an upper engine ticking or tapping noise at idle. Customers may also report experiencing ro

TSB 26-2216

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 25-2549. Reason for update: To add 2020 model year chassis cab vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an incorrectly illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. This condition does not affect vehicle drivability or durability.

SSM 54720

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.

25N17

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

TSB 26-2088

POWER TRAIN

This article supersedes TSB 24-2249 to update the claim quantity of the torque converter nuts, part number and claim quantity of the front support assembly bolt washers, and part number change of the fluid pan from the Parts List. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a harsh reverse to drive engagements with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or damaged input shaft seals (F9), and the output shaft seals (F10). Additional model information:  Built On Or Before 13-Dec-2021  10R140 Automatic Transmission

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

Ford F-250 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026750
2025157062.4
2024374059.5
20234316061.0
202211917059.8
202116213159.8
2020Viewing26015364.7
20191,16012359.6
201839710358.4
20171,15515359.2
20162874156.6
20152963254.4
2014261146.2
2013211139.5
2012571138.2
20111221144.4
2010321038.1
2009231039.7
20081412150.3
2007543252.3
20062743253.8
20052955255.6
20042544360.9
20031786561.4
20022455463.5
20012884862.9
20002334564.9
19992495563.4
1998113
1997392360.7
1996111149.5
1995911
1994211
1993410
1992300
1991100

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.