2020 Ford F-350 Sd Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford F-350 Sd, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)5022.7%
- Fuel system4620.9%
- Steering3515.9%
- Engine146.4%
- Body & structure125.5%
- Driver assistance115.0%
- Suspension115.0%
- Electrical104.5%
- Visibility83.6%
- Brakes73.2%
- Exterior lighting52.3%
- Other / unspecified41.8%
- Interior & seats41.8%
- Transmission31.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The transmission began malfunctioning by having hard shifting issues and losing power in some gears. An indicator on the dash lit up resembling a mechanics open-end wrench. Research online showed that the vehicle should not be driven and taken immediately to a mechanic or dealership. If driven especially pulling a heavy load like the fifth wheel that I bought the truck to tow the transmission could fail causing a serious safety issue. I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership. At the dealership they informed me that parts in the transmission had failed and that it was the same exact condition as shown in recall 20S33. The noted recall was for trucks manufactured in January and February of 2020. My truck was manufactured March of 2020. The time warranty had expired for the vehicle but the mileage warranty was for 60,000 mi and the truck failed at $29,800. The transmission failed due to a manufacturing defect but I was billed over $9,800 for the repair. I have attached photos of the work order and receipt.
This is a supplemental complaint to ODI Number 11730675 filed on April 16 2026. I am adding the following critical information: I am filing this complaint in relation to Ford's NHTSA Consent Order regarding recall compliance. My 2020 F-350 VIN [XXX] was built at Kentucky Truck Plant in March 2020 — within the exact production window of Safety Recall 22S22. My transmission has failed with the exact defect mechanism described in 22S22. My VIN was excluded from the recall FSA list despite matching build date, plant, and identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be reviewed in the context of Ford's consent order obligations regarding proper recall scope. Ford Customer Care Case Number: XXX-XXX." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. High Pressure Fuel Pump 2. All safety is good 3. It has been taken to the dealership and blaming it on the water separator (water/rust in fuel) The codes thrown are towards the High Pressure Fuel Pump 4. No there were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. 5. Dealership did not provide the inspection report
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and towing a dump trailer, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's storage yard, where an independent diesel mechanic performed a diagnostic scan and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a fuel system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was disassembled and diagnosed with a CP4 pump failure resulting from a water separator failure. The contact was informed that the CP4 pump replacement was not covered and needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer, but no further assistance or information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and driving around a curve, the steering wheel was turned; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a guardrail. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering). There was extreme damage to the underbody of the vehicle, and several parts were separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Company. The contact sustained a concussion and neck injury and was taken to the hospital for medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 25V626000 (Steering), and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for two of the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the recalls and confirmed that parts for two of the recalls were not yet available; however, parts for the steering column recall were available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it remained for two months. The contact was then informed that parts to repair the vehicle were unavailable, and the contact was informed to retrieve the vehicle. 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 and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 FORD F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he had a loss of motive power and check engine warning light was illuminated when driving, almost causing an accident due to not being able to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have metal shavings in the combustion system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the SSSC (Special Service Center assistance request) was declined by Ford agency (SSSC), due to the issue not having metal shavings although the dealer technician stated there were shavings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,136.
The component/system that failed or malfunctioned is the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) NOx Catalyst Efficiency system, triggering DTC P20EE – SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). This issue began immediately after Ford Recall 24S78 (PCM software update) was performed on April 29, 2026 at Ferman Ford of Countryside. The truck had zero emissions or check-engine issues prior to the recall flash and was perfectly maintained to Ford standards with Howes diesel treatment every tank. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by the dealer: After the May 4 PCM reprogram per TSB 21-2248 After replacement of both NOx sensors on May 5 (code returned in under 17 miles) After replacement of the DEF injector (code returned again) The dealer only performed one manual DPF regeneration instead of the two required by Ford SSM 49202 and pinpoint test RD15, and they did not complete the SCR Parameter Reset. They are now quoting an additional ~$2,000 out-of-pocket for a DPF replacement after partial goodwill assistance was approved. The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected and repaired by Ferman Ford. No independent inspection yet. Ford Customer Service has been contacted and partial goodwill was approved, but significant out-of-pocket costs remain. Warning lamps/messages (Service Engine Soon light + “exhaust emission control system is not operating as expected”) first appeared immediately after the April 29 recall PCM flash and have continued ever since. Safety risk: A loss of motive power, entry into limp mode, or reduced power while driving could result in a crash or inability to maintain highway speed. This appears to be a direct consequence of the Recall 24S78 PCM software update tightening emissions monitoring. All repair orders, photos of warnings, and supporting documents are attached for your review. There is 12. I was not able to upload the last of the documents.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Box Separation from the box side to the box rear. box integrity compromised. Truck has always been used under the capacity ratings. I have 2 ford doing the same thing.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the grill, 350 emblem, and driver’s side mirror had melted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 25V626000 (Steering), and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for two of the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the recalls and confirmed that parts for two of the recalls were not yet available; however, parts for the steering column recall were available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it remained for two months. The contact was then informed that parts to repair the vehicle were unavailable, and the contact was informed to retrieve the vehicle. 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 and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 had not experienced a failure.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
This has occured multiple times. While driving on freeway at speeds between 65 and 75 MPH and hitting rough asphalt, the vehicle begins shaking violently, almost to the point of losing control. It will only stop if I slow down to under 40 mph or stopping altogether. This has been very frightening when it occurs in traffic on freeways. It seems to occur mainly when on a curve.
Death wobble experienced in 2023 at 64 k miles. Had to purchase stabilizer bar from dealer. Had another death wobble incident in April 2024. Dealer replaced same stabilizer bar again. This design is very dangerous empty but when pulling a bid horse trailer loaded with 3 horses could be catastrophic.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While towing any trailer with electric brakes it appears the integrated trailer brake controller is briefly applying trailer brakes unexpectedly. Very brief but very hard, resulting in an extreme rearward pull on the truck. It happens at exactly 60 minute intervals, at any speed, uphill, downhill and level flat road. I've had the trailer 7 way plug and wire inspected, no problem found. Next step will be to have Ford dealer inspect truck electronics.
I am the issues as the recalls for the 2023 f350 The Problem: The Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM/ITM) may lose communication with the vehicle when it starts up, resulting in a loss of trailer brake function, turn signals, and stop lamps.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger, right side door mirror has failed in that while driving, regardless of speed, the mirror no longer stays outright and provides rear and blind spot view capabilities, therefore making lane changes hazardous with a high potential for crash probability. The internal mechanism(s) have failed and while driving the side mirror folds inward and collapses towards the door making it impossible to see what is next to you in an adjacent lane as well as what may be approaching from the right rear and right lane. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by a Ford dealership tomorrow (8/1/2025) to be assessed and see if they will replace the mirror. The mirror in question is pristine and has not been subjected to harsh treatment or been struck by any outside forces that would cause internal damage. No crash reports are associated with this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the passenger's side rearview mirror turned inward unintendedly, which prevented the driver from seeing the roadway. The contact stated that the mirror failed to remain in the correct position, which required the front passenger's side seat occupant to manually hold the rearview mirror at the correct angle for the driver to see the roadway. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While towing any trailer with electric brakes it appears the integrated trailer brake controller is briefly applying trailer brakes unexpectedly. Very brief but very hard, resulting in an extreme rearward pull on the truck. It happens at exactly 60 minute intervals, at any speed, uphill, downhill and level flat road. I've had the trailer 7 way plug and wire inspected, no problem found. Next step will be to have Ford dealer inspect truck electronics.
I am the issues as the recalls for the 2023 f350 The Problem: The Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM/ITM) may lose communication with the vehicle when it starts up, resulting in a loss of trailer brake function, turn signals, and stop lamps.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am the issues as the recalls for the 2023 f350 The Problem: The Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM/ITM) may lose communication with the vehicle when it starts up, resulting in a loss of trailer brake function, turn signals, and stop lamps.
Vehicle produced symptoms over time: Loss of Ford Pass connectivity, Inconsistent turn signal function, occasional dashboard alarm for Open Driver Door while driving, unwarranted security alarm triggers when still at home. Second to last incident was an unwarranted security alarm that triggered, and was unable to be stopped by use of the security controls (lock/unlock, alarm key button). Horn "wore out" as if fuse burned. Disconnected battery to stop. Two days later, after reconnecting the battery I drove the vehicle, Horn was not functional, and I was unable to stop the engine. Once started, the vehicle did not turn off, even with key completely removed from ignition switch. This was repeatable, every ignition cycle, thereafter. I drove to the dealer, that morning. The dealer mechanic was required to shut off the engine. Dealer mechanic diagnosed failed Battery Junction Box. After Repair, Mechanic diagnosed faulty Body Control Module. Dealer mechanic also recommended replacement of full "Main" wiring harness, interconnecting the two. The cause for all failures was corrosion and electrical shorts due to water ingress. I am aware Ford has issued numerous TSBs and recalls for faulty BCMs, in the same age range as this vehicle. Also, TSBs for water intrusion into the BCM. The mechanic took photos of corrosion on both the BCM and main wiring harness. My prior vehicle was a 2011 Ford F-150, with the same 6.2L engine. No such faults were experienced up to Nov. 2023 sale. Photos of the corrosion on main wiring harness and BCM attached. Dealer has possession of the vehicle. Repairs in progress. Ford has declined support for faulty components; Recalls not associated with this vehicle. Estimated repairs to date on 6 year old vehicle on critical electronics in excess of $7,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING FORWARD APPROX 5 MPH AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT MOVING THE FRONT TIRES AT ALL. THERE WAS NO WARNING, AND INDICATION THAT THE STEERING WAS GOING BAD. THE TRUCK IS 2020 WITH APPROX 80,0000 MILES. NOT LIFTED, NO OFF ROADING. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JUST SPIN NO STOP TO IT IN EITHER DIRECTION. MY UNDERSTANING WITH THIS TRUCK IS THERE IS NO INTERMIDATED SHAFT SO IT DIDNT SLOWLY GO OUT. THE NIGHT BEFORE MY FAMILY AND I WERE COMING DOWN FROM LAKE TAHOE WITH A BOAT ATTACHED. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT THAT SPPED WITH A TRAILER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT OUTCOME.
Our 2020 Ford F-350 experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in motion. The driveline disconnected, the rear axle locked up, and the transmission bellhousing was destroyed—leaving the truck completely immobile and blocking traffic. This occurred with no prior warning and posed a significant crash risk. At the time, Ford Safety Recall 22S22 (related to a known defect in the transmission’s output planetary four assembly) was open and had not yet been completed. The symptoms and failure we experienced match the failure scenario described in Ford's own bulletin for 22S22: driveline separation, internal transmission damage, and loss of control or Park function. Ford has denied coverage, stating the failure was due to a "loose pinion flange nut" and unrelated to the recall. However, they have not provided any inspection documentation, photos, or evidence that the recalled components were properly inspected or ruled out as the root cause. We have repeatedly requested this documentation from both Ford and the dealership, but neither has provided it. We are concerned that the failure was caused by the exact defect identified in Recall 22S22, and that Ford is failing to take responsibility or follow full recall procedures—including post-failure inspection and transparency. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate this case as a potential mishandling of a known safety defect and failure to comply with recall responsibilities.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the tailgate lowered unexpectedly. Additionally, during the summer, the door latch system failed to open from outside while the doors were unlocked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the latching spring and the latching system needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been exposed to an extremely cold weather, he attempted to open the front passenger's side door to let his friend in the vehicle. The contact stated that while using the key fob and the door lock switch to attempt to open the door, the front passenger's side door failed to unlock. The contact stated that he was able to open the door by using the interior door handle. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 20M04. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 10th to 1st gear, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate in the middle of the road. Additionally, on several occasions, the transmission unintendedly shifted out of gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the transmission, but the failures persisted. No further information was available. The vehicle was later taken to a different dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission required a complete overhaul. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 72,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the transmission was slipping and unintendedly downshifting. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled with the transmission stuck in 10th gear, nearly causing a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed upon depressing the accelerator pedal a second time. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the earliest appointment for a diagnostic test would be approximately 6 weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .