Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford F-150, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train358
- Engine130
- Electrical system88
- Unknown or other86
- Visibility38
- Visibility/wiper25
- Forward collision avoidance24
- Structure22
- Service brakes18
- Vehicle speed control17
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 18 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 217 2020 F-150 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 75 people died inside them, and 18 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2020 Ford F-150 failed the safety check 0.77% of the time — 34% less often than the average 2020 passenger car (1.18%). Median odometer at inspection: 39,029 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 22 variants: combined 9.8–18.0 L/100 km (about 13–24 mpg US), CO₂ 245–336 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Diesel | 11.1 | 8.3 | 9.8 |
| F-150 (LT Tire Pkg) · Pickup truck: Standard · Diesel | 11.1 | 8.3 | 9.8 |
| F-150 4X4 XL/XLT · Pickup truck: Standard · Diesel | 11.3 | 8.5 | 10.0 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.0 | 8.9 | 10.6 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Diesel | 11.9 | 9.4 | 10.8 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.1 | 9.3 | 10.8 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.9 | 10.2 | 11.7 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.1 | 10.2 | 11.8 |
| F-150 4X4 Limited · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.8 | 11.2 | 12.6 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.3 | 10.6 | 12.6 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.3 | 10.7 | 12.7 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.6 | 10.9 | 13.0 |
| F-150 FFV (LT Tire Pkg) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.4 | 11.2 | 13.0 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.1 | 11.6 | 13.5 |
| F-150 FFV (Payload Pkg) · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.1 | 11.8 | 13.6 |
| F-150 Raptor 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.3 | 13.1 | 14.3 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 16.6 | 12.6 | 14.8 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 17.6 | 13.8 | 15.9 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.0 | 14.8 | 17.6 |
| F-150 FFV (LT Tire Pkg) · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.0 | 14.9 | 17.7 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.3 | 14.7 | 17.8 |
| F-150 FFV (Payload Pkg) · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 19.9 | 15.8 | 18.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
10 Transport Canada recalls for the 2020 Ford F-150.
| 2026288 10 Jun 2026 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 20C03 (Transport Canada recall no. 2020-071) may not have been done corr… |
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2024779 20 Dec 2024 | Visual System Issue: On certain trucks, the windshield wiper linkage could corrode and seize. If this happens, the windshield wipers may not work. Safety Risk: Windsh… |
| 2022197 14 Apr 2022 | Visual System Issue: On certain trucks, the windshield wiper arms may not have been manufactured correctly. As a result, the wiper arms could slip and they may not wipe the… |
| 2020454 24 Sept 2020 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical problem with the rearview camera could cause it not to work properly. As a result, the rearview image may be distort… |
| 2020144 6 Apr 2020 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. As a resu… |
| 2020071 21 Feb 2020 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, there may be a problem with the software that controls the daytime running lights (DRLs). When the DRLs are on and the master lighti… |
| 2019666 20 Dec 2019 | Tires Issue: On certain trucks, the bead area of the spare tire may have been damaged when it was mounted onto the rim. Over time, this could cause the bead wire to… |
| 2019568 12 Nov 2019 | Electrical Issue: On certain trucks, a connection on the battery positive terminal could come loose. This can result in a loss of instrument panel displays, braking or s… |
| 2019437 29 Aug 2019 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, seats with a manual recliner may not meet the strength requirements of Canadian regulations. A seatback with reduced strength may … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2020 Ford F-150: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010950 | Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. |
| 11009827 | The affected vehicles have a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration that could, over time, reduce the effectiveness of the emissions control system and the monitoring accuracy of the catalytic converters efficiency. As a result, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate for low catalyst efficiency even though a catalytic converter repair may not be necessary. |
| 11009445 | Some 2018-2024 F150/Edge, 2018 MKX, 2019-2023 Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator, 2021-2024 Bronco, and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11007943 | 018-2024 F-150/F-Super Duty - Tailgate Step Binds/Will Not Open Or Opens/Pops Up While Driving |
| 11006476 | Some 2017-2020 F-150 and 2017-2019 F-Super Duty vehicles may not successfully complete the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN procedure using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool. This may be due to the IDS not being at the latest software level |
| 11006443 | Some 2020-2024 F-150, 2021-2024 Bronco, and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a stuck internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11005305 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001582 | This article supersedes TSB 24-2115 to update the Service Procedure. Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to calibration and controls sensitivity. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to perform the catalyst stabilization drive cycle. |
| 11000297 | Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required. |
| 10254166 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2260 to update the vehicle applications. Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to calibration and controls sensitivity. |
| 10254142 | Some 2018-2019 Explorer and 2018-2024 Transit/F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking for an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Confirm FPCM connector (Explorer - C3239, Transit - C433, F-150 - C460/C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433/C4033) is fully seated and inspec |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10254122 | Some 2020-2024 F-150 and 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a stuck internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, replace all 4 of the VCT units following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01. For claiming, use causal part 6C525 and applicable labor operations in Section 6 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual |
| 10253552 | Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the diagnostics tab and search for related symptoms,DTCs and keywords. The search results will be shown in the search results pane. Read and follow allTechnical Service Bulletins (TSB), Special Service Message (SSM)s or General Service Bulletin (GSB) first if abulletin specifically addresses the vehicle concern. If there are no messages, run the |
| 10252674 | This article supersedes TSB 24-2046 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cyli |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10251951 | Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster |
| 10251934 | During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure. |
| 10251469 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2350 to update the Issue statement and the Service Procedure. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation