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Model year record

2020 Ford F-150 recalls & problems

The 2020 Ford F-150 has 11 safety recalls and 742 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (360 complaints).

Recalls11safety recalls
Complaints742filed by owners
Crashes · fires21 · 4reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4–5 ★crash-test stars
2020 Ford F-150 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingJun 9, 2026

Headlights

Recall 26V37300091,198 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
,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.
Back over preventionJun 27, 2025

Software

Recall 25V442000200,237 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
EquipmentNov 8, 2024

Other › Labels

Recall 24V85200027,678 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
VisibilityApr 14, 2022

Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

Recall 22V250000652,996 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Back over preventionSep 23, 2020

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 20V575000620,246 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical systemAug 10, 2020

Starter assembly

Recall 20V467000431 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Power trainApr 3, 2020

Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 20V19700055,158 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Exterior lightingFeb 21, 2020

Headlights

Recall 20V097000166,196 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
TiresDec 18, 2019

Temporary/emergency spare tire

Recall 19V90300033 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.

Components: Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire; Tires › Bead

Electrical systemNov 12, 2019

12v/24v/48v battery › Cables

Recall 19V805000135,725 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
SeatsAug 28, 2019

Mid/rear assembly

Recall 19V633000639,137 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Seats › Mid/rear assembly; Seats › Front assembly › Recliner

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2020 Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew Diesel PU/CC 4WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew Diesel PU/CC 2WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel PU/EC 4WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel PU/EC 2WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Ford F-150 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2020 Ford F-150 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

F150 Pickup 2WD Diesel

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelDiesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel

F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE Diesel

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelDiesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD XL/XLT Diesel

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelDiesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,000/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD Diesel

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 25 mpg
FuelDiesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD Limited

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD Limited

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)36081259,000 mi
Engine13003246,340 mi
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator › Integrated starter(other than propulsion); Starter assembly891123,500 mi
Unknown or other863146,000 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Glass, side/rear3900138,000 mi
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Adaptive cruise control322003,200 mi
Visibility/wiper250004,732 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door › Handle › Exterior222027,800 mi
Service brakes186013,700 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal1720023,000 mi
Back over preventionWarnings; Rearview system braking1600046,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system12000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations