2020 Ford F-150
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 44 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 F-150 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Campaign 26V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, linkagesApr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Campaign 22V250000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 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. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Campaign 20V575000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, starter assemblyAug 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S40.
Campaign 20V467000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Apr 3, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
Campaign 20V197000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsFeb 21, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
Campaign 20V097000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, beadDec 18, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires. The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.
The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare tire, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S55.
Campaign 19V903000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 12, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
Campaign 19V805000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
44 reports, newest first.
Power train, Aug 11, 2026
Harsh shifting in between gears. Jerky shifting and shudders while shifting as well
Power train, Aug 10, 2026
Transmission issues that are in line with what seems to be a well known 10R80 issue with a poorly engineered CDF drum. Transmission will randomly shift from a high gear down to first generating a ton of noise and impacting the handling. It has not become a permanant failure yet but is an extremely well known issue that always results in a transmission rebuild with updated/correctly engineered components at MY expense. I am worried it will cause a rear wheel lockup or a damaging amount of engine rpm one of these days. It is sporadic and isn't something that has been duplicated by a technician due to it being isolated and completely random in occurrence. It definitely seems to do it more often when it is cold out.
Power train, Aug 10, 2026
Transmission shifting issues. Have taken it to the dealerships and they stated it is "normal". Hard shifting and sometimes stalling out when trying to shift into first. The hard shifting on interstates is hazardous because it feels like the whole truck is about to lock up at highway speeds. Stalling is a hazard as well for my and surrounding traffic when it revs but suddenly wont move. No warning lights or messages displayed. Dealer is aware of the same issue affecting multiple vehicles with the same Transmission. They refuse to properly fix the issue stating its normal. It is not normal. Its concerning for my and my families safety. As well as the safety of others around me when driving on the highway.
Power train, Aug 10, 2026
Transmission started "clunking" and shifting erratically over a two week period before warning light came on that said "powertrain needs attention...contact dealer" Took the car to Monticello Ford in Monticello NY and they tested it based on diagnostic code and replaced filter and fluid. They reset the computer and told me to drive it for a week so computer could "relearn" driving habits. Drove truck for 4 days and once again transmission started clunking and shifting hard with loud thunks when transmission gears engaged. Had my [XXX] grandaughter in the truck with me on the highway when the transmission started to slip and would not engage. Other vehicles had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting me. Had to pull over and restart truck to get the transmission to re engage. Transmission issues have been a known problem with the Ford F 150 trucks since 2017 and yet Ford has done nothing to correct the problems with their customers.....there are currently three outstanding class action lawsuits against them regarding the faulty transmissions.....this is a SAFETY issue that Ford must be held accountable for and fix these trucks at NO COST to the customers who own these trucks immediately!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 7, 2026
Camshaft had to be replaced a couple years ago, followed by cam shaft sensor. Then another $6,300 of "critical" issu3s to be fixed. The vehicle is 5 1/2 y/o. Absolutely ridiculous that this amount of money is required for such a young vehicle.
Power train, Aug 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the message on “Powertrain Malfunction – Reduced Engine Power” was displayed on the Ford App. After the message was displayed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. A certified mechanic was contacted and stated that the failure was associated with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2026
Our 2020 Ford F150 transmission failed at 80k miles. Ford USA offered to pay half of the repair cost but is not willing to take full accountability on a transmission that was never was put under stress. Our truck never towed anything and was only use to drive from the shop to the job site and with only 1 up to 2 passenger only max. Per google research: The 2020 Ford F-150, equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, commonly experiences harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting, sudden jerking or lunging between gears, and gear slippage. These issues stem from software calibration flaws in the adaptive learning system or mechanical wear on internal components. Common Symptoms and Issues Rough Shifting: Hard, delayed, or clunking engagement when shifting between lower gears, especially on cold starts. Lunging or Hesitation: Sudden forward surges or hesitation when trying to accelerate from a rolling stop. Gear Slippage: Temporary loss of power delivery or failure to catch the next proper gear cleanly. Shift Cable Clip Recall: A limited recall addressed a faulty shift cable lock clip where the gear indicator might show a different gear than what was actually selected, increasing rollaway risks
Power train, Aug 4, 2026
Transmission failed. Truck jerks at stop. Transmission went out at 68,000 miles. My dad has a 2019 with same problem and went out at 72,000 miles. Someone needs to hold ford accountable for this. Extended warranty didn't want to pay the full price. Now I am out of pocket $1,800. Going to file a lawsuit against Ford and the extended warranty company
Power train, Aug 1, 2026
Transmission….very hard shifting and unexpected downshifting at random times. Needs to be a recall and fix on transmission.
Power train, Aug 1, 2026
While driving truck down highway with cruise set at 68mph . I was in a bit of incline( not towing) vehicle violently downshifted from 10th to 1st . Service powertrain wrench came up on dash . Vehicle was derated . I came to a stop and shut down key off restarted . Vehicle operated normally again. Took vehicle to ford dealership where they could not find any issue . They also installed a pcm update at that time. Since then the vehicle has a harsh 3-4,5,6 shift and flaring in 7,8,9&10. I am convinced and concerned that the transmission is hurt due to what happened. Ford quoted 13,000.00 to install a new transmission. The truck has never been abused. I don’t wish what is happening to me on anyone as a inexperienced driver in winter conditions would have caused a major accident.
Power train, Jul 30, 2026
The transmission would not shift out of second gear turning onto a busy highway and my pregnant wife and I were almost rear ended. It then went to first and hard shifted out of gear putting excessive pressure on our midsections. The cause most likely is a well known issue that ford engineers knew about and negligently ignored for several years with the faulty 10r80 transmission. It is not known whether it was a valve solenoid issue or the cdf drum issue but both are very common issues. My wife could have had issues from the stress of the incident and maybe the pressure from the seatbelt. The probelm has not been confirmed or inspected but i cant not afford testing since transmission doagnostics are extremely expensive. I have attched a summary from my own diagnostics of similiar events as the problem still exists. The system is available for inspection upon request.
Power train, Engine, Jul 27, 2026
I. Vehicle Purchase and Maintenance History In September 2020, I purchased this 2020 Ford F-150 new. II. Chronology of Defect and Repair Attempts Around 33,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting severe excessive oil consumption, an audible engine noise, and visible blue/gray smoke puffs emitting from the exhaust system. The following timeline outlines my exhaustive efforts to have Ford remedy this under warranty: • March 14, 2025 (36,370 miles): First formally reported the noise and exhaust smoke to Service Advisor Shelby Ray. The dealership initiated an official Ford Oil Consumption Test. I was instructed to drive 1,000-mile increments and return for unrecorded level checks. • May 21, 2025 (38,200 miles): Second formal report. The dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 192365 CP:6006, an established protocol recognizing inherent oil consumption flaws in this specific 5.0L engine. • August 7, 2025 – September 11, 2025 (41,119 miles): Third formal report. The vehicle was left at Tony Serra Ford for over a month (RO # 6034434) to perform engine repairs mandated by Ford tech lines. A loaner vehicle was provided. • December 9, 2025 (44,144 miles): Fourth formal report. The defect was noted as unresolved and still present between oil changes. The engine was found to be 2 quarts low on oil upon arrival. A new tech line case was opened. • May 7, 2026 – Present (48,086 miles): Fifth formal report. The engine noise and exhaust smoke. Truck has been at dealer for 3 months with no resolution.
Power train, Jul 26, 2026
My transmission hard shifts from 1st to 3rd. It really switches in 2nd gear. It also hard shifts into 5th and 8th gear. Sometimes it misses the gear almost like I’m in neutral. This happens when I’m in 7th or 8th gear. Plus, if I’m on the highway and I need to accelerate, I feel a hard clunk while changing gears. This started in May.
Back over prevention, Jul 21, 2026
This vehicle has occasional issues where the vehicle camera freezes and blacks out when backing up. This vehicle has a similar issue to another recall that was issued on a newer vehicle in our fleet, which was a 2022 Ford F-150 and was included in the NHTSA Recall 25V315/Safety Recall Notice 25S49. This vehicle has been regularly serviced and inspected by the Dublin City Shop.
Power train, Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard, jerking, and downshifting unexpectedly and randomly switching gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions over the years for the recurring transmission failure. The transmission software updates were performed but the failures persisted. The vehicle later stalled and was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission CDF drum had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local transmission specialist who confirmed the failure and replaced the CDF drum and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2026
The skid plate came off. It’s fabric screwed in by metal so it rips off over time. I know and have seen many other Ford owners who have experienced this same problem. It’s a hazard and a concern that will keep occurring if you replace it with the same fabric and it’s costly to replace with a metal skid plate. It’s a manufacturing problem that should be recalled.
Power train, Jul 16, 2026
the 10 speed transmission at low transmission temps shifts extremley hard to the point where it will down shift in a slow acceleration back to first gear and chirp the tires, in the rain this could cause me to lose traction in adverse weather conditions. Somtimes it will shift into to neutral and not accelerate at all for a few seconds before shifting back into first gear, making it dangerous if I im trying to cross a road and the truck essentially stalls for a few seconds blocking the road way. The last full service oil change i had said the transmission fluid was correct. on online forums i have seen a lot of the same issues with other owners. I asked ford dealership about it and they told me to drive it until a warning light comes on. this sounds like some issue with the transmission itself and not a wear and tear issue as i have 100,000 miles on the truck and do very little towing with it.
Power train, Jun 19, 2026
Transmission failed Transmission locks up slamming vehicle to a stop. transmission sometimes will not change gears and go into neutral when driving down highway. Dealer has confirmed problem and stated that ford knows that it has a faulty CDF drum in transmission. there were not any warning lights before this started occurring.
Power train, Jun 14, 2026
2020 Ford F-150 custom-built in Sept 2020 developed severe, textbook warning signs of rear-end failure while traveling—specifically severe low-speed metallic clanging and high-pitched whirring from the rear wheels. Recognizing the potential danger, we safely exited the highway and sought an immediate diagnostic from an independent shop. The diagnostic confirmed the defect mechanism detailed in NHTSA Campaign 23V896000: fractured axle hub bolts, disintegrated pinion gears, and metal shaving contamination throughout the 9.75-inch axle housing. While we avoided a high-speed highway shutdown by proactively seeking repairs, the underlying structural manufacturing defect is identical to the active recall. My truck's build date sits squarely inside the part production window specified by Ford in that campaign (starting Jan 28, 2020), but my VIN is excluded due to a generation cutoff. Note: We have retained the full replaced axle assembly fully intact and available for physical inspection by NHTSA investigators.