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.
272
+7 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 272 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 302 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 of charge.This 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: CAMERALed to recall 26V104
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

Fuel systemSteering
Filed Nov 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle continued driving straight with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was parked. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the steering shaft and bearing had detached. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering shaft failure. The contact was notified of the failure inside the steering column. The contact was informed that the steering shaft had detached. The dealer confirmed that the detached bearings were part of the steering column. The contact was informed that the repairs of the bearing inside the steering column were not covered under a recall for the steering shaft. The steering column was repaired. The contact stated that later, while driving, the low-pressure fuel pump warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed high pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that because there was no evidence of metal fragments, the repair was not covered under a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID
11776165
Incident
Sep 18, 2026
Mileage
50,000 mi
Filed Nov 4, 2026

Door lock actuators on multiple Super Duty’s from similar years are going bad. From the key fob or inside lock button doors will not lock or unlock. Ford is aware of the issue and doing nothing. This is 100% a safety related issue as you think your doors are locking upon taking off driving with your kids in the back seat and they are not. As well as if there were an accident and emergency exit was needed you cannot unlock your vehicle to recover a child. Not to mention the possibility of theft thinking your doors are locking when leaving the vehicle and they’re actually not. I’ve spent over $1000 dollars to have both passenger door lock actuators replaced. Labor alone is $500 as it’s a pretty intricate job. Ford should absolutely be covering this in an active recall.

NHTSA ID
11775629
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2020 Ford F-250. The engine experienced low oil pressure due to a failure involving the camshaft (cam). The failure resulted in damage severe enough that the entire engine had to be replaced. Component or System Failure: The component that failed was the camshaft within the engine. The failure resulted in low oil pressure and subsequent internal engine damage, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. The failed engine and/or components may be available for inspection upon request, subject to confirmation of their current location and availability. Safety Risk: This failure created a significant safety concern. A sudden loss of engine oil pressure can result in catastrophic engine failure, loss of engine power, and potentially an unexpected vehicle shutdown while driving. Losing engine power while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could put the driver, passengers, and other motorists at serious risk of an accident. The possibility of sudden engine failure without adequate warning is particularly concerning in a heavy-duty pickup truck that may be used for towing or hauling. Dealer or Independent Service Confirmation: The engine failure was serious enough that the entire engine required replacement. The low oil pressure and resulting engine damage were identified as the cause of the failure. The repair and diagnosis were handled through a ford dealer. Specific diagnostic findings and documentation can be provided if requested. Inspection by Manufacturer or Other Parties: The vehicle was serviced due to the engine failure and underwent evaluation as part of the repair process. Whether the failed components were independently inspected by Ford Motor Company or other parties is UNKNOWN. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to Failure: The primary symptom associated with the failure was low oil pressure. No lights were on at the time of service.

NHTSA ID
11774724
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026

The engine started misfiring and running rough while driving down the highway. Without any notice or symptoms, power was lost, and the truck was unable to accelerate. After pulling over and parking, it would not restart. Step one Ford in Crestview Florida diagnosed the engine as having lifter/cam failure. Remedy is engine replacement. This truck has the same engine and failure that NHTSA opened an investigation into (NBTSA dp26011) Truck has the 7.3L gas engine.

NHTSA ID
11774308
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026

Mechanical Failure Description: The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine knock and rattling under load at approximately 87,594 miles due to a catastrophic valvetrain failure. Dealership diagnostics at Randall Ford confirmed a loss of compression on cylinder 4 and extensive metal shaving contamination throughout the engine oil filter assembly. This severe internal damage resulted from an apparent mechanical failure of the hydraulic lifters and camshaft lobes, requiring a mandatory and complete replacement of the longblock engine assembly. This failure mirrors the exact lubrication and valvetrain degradation mechanisms currently being evaluated under active NHTSA Defect Petition DP26011, demonstrating that the structural defect impacts the initial 2020 model year production run of the 7.3L Godzilla platform.

NHTSA ID
11774305
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Oct 17, 2026

Ford F-250 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX]) eastbound on [XXX], preparing to turn right (south) onto [XXX]. Accelerated, turned on the right blinker, and attempted to turn the steering wheel right, but the vehicle continued straight into the active intersection, almost t-boning another vehicle. The dashboard brake warnings illuminated, the instrument cluster lit up, and steering control was completely lost. We managed to safely bring the truck home and parked it. [XXX] 520 PM Brought the truck to Fairway Ford in Placentia, CA (Advisor: [XXX], RO #[XXX]). FDRS diagnostic scan revealed DTC C0051 (Steering Wheel Position Sensor) along with network communication faults (U0415 / U0418). [XXX]Text message from dealership offering to sale me another vehicle. [XXX] Advisor called and left message that the vehicle was ready for pick up. 1141am -1207pm CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE 1800 392-3673 Andrea Ref # [XXX] Our vehicle was brought in on [XXX] for the 25S94/25V626 Steering Recall Campaign that was mailed out to us. We then took to Fairway Ford in Placentia, California. Tech 525 spent 0.7 units of time on the vehicle and the Steeling column upper shaft inspection replacement FSA 25S94 for cause of concern. Correction according to [XXX] Staked upper steering colum shaft, length and feel gauge inspected – passed per FSA 25S94C •Part FMC W720796 S439 BOLT •Part FMC W714409 S439 BOLT •Part FMC W705132 S439 SCREW •Tech 525 Facio Jr, Gilbe Because of that initial recall inspection passing on May 14, 2026, we have serious safety concerns. On [XXX], we contacted Ford Customer Care at 1-800-392-3673, spoke with representative Andrea, and opened Reference Case #[XXX]. As consumers, we need full assurance regarding the vehicle's structural and electronic steering integrity before we can comfortably accept the vehicle back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11771841
Incident
Oct 14, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 15, 2026

Pulled into my driveway, put vehicle in park and vehicle rolled away. Dealer says transmission needs to be replaced. NHTSA bulletin 22s22 is a roll away risk for 2020 F-250 but my VIN is not included in this recall but I fear more vehicles were affected by this then what ford reported

NHTSA ID
11771505
Incident
Oct 9, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 6, 2026

The transmission can remain in 7 gear and not downshift when stopped. The only fix is putting it in park. The transmission also has intermittent rough gear changes and problems downshifting while stopping. Dealership updated the TCM which only made the issue worse. Ford stated that I should go to another dealer to see if they could replicate the issue (local dealer said they couldn’t replicate the problem)

NHTSA ID
11769407
Incident
Oct 5, 2026

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--Owner Letter 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

SSM 55218

POWER TRAIN

For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement.

22M03-S2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer Satisfaction Program 22M03 – Supplement #2 Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy

TSB 26-2088 v2

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 24-2249. Reason for update: 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. Reissued 01-Oct-2026 - Added LC3Z-7G091-B to the part list

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

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
2026980—
2025178065.9
2024414058.8
20234416058.5
202213017058.9
202117113159.9
2020Viewing27215364.0
20191,16612359.3
201840010358.7
20171,15515358.6
20162914155.9
20152963253.8
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.