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2020 Ford F-150

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Ford F-150 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 676.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

230 reports with mileage · 494 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 352 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Power Train complaints

352 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2023
Power Train

When putting vehicle in gear transmission makes a loud clunk when shifted from Park to Drive. Vehicle also makes loud banging noise when shifting, followed by a harsh jerk. When coming to slow stops does the same thing. Vehicle has 40,000 miles. It has been going on from the day I bought it. Was told this is normal which does no…

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When putting vehicle in gear transmission makes a loud clunk when shifted from Park to Drive. Vehicle also makes loud banging noise when shifting, followed by a harsh jerk. When coming to slow stops does the same thing. Vehicle has 40,000 miles. It has been going on from the day I bought it. Was told this is normal which does not seem right. I have owned another 2018 F150 with 6 speed transmission and had no issues.

NHTSA ODI #11517952

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2023
Power Train

The truck has the 10 speed automatic transmission that doesn’t shift correctly it sticks in a gear to a high rpm then shifts really hard

NHTSA ODI #11511645

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2023
Power Train

Ten Speed transmission shifts very roughly and often has a loud cluck accompanied by vibration when shifting in the mid-range gears. Also will "lurch" when shifting gears under light acceleration

NHTSA ODI #11511129

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2023
Power Train

Gear shifting is harsh and erratic. Seems to be lower gears more than higher. Seems to occur more frequently when cold or recent start but is happening more frequently each passing week. Often shifting from P or R to D does not shift to 1st gear and when pressing accelerator engine revs like in N and then will Jenk into gea…

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Gear shifting is harsh and erratic. Seems to be lower gears more than higher. Seems to occur more frequently when cold or recent start but is happening more frequently each passing week. Often shifting from P or R to D does not shift to 1st gear and when pressing accelerator engine revs like in N and then will Jenk into gear. Occasionally when at drive speeds will feel the gears not engage like in a passing or acceleration shifts very hard or misses gear with no forward acceleration.

NHTSA ODI #11510059

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2023
Power Train

Transmission failure. This truck has been at the local dealership since December 30, 2022 and had 3 transmissions installed. These are the 10 speed transmissions. The truck was shifting hard, accelerating on its own and sometimes had no power then started leaking transmission fluid to the amount of blowing white smoke from th…

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Transmission failure. This truck has been at the local dealership since December 30, 2022 and had 3 transmissions installed. These are the 10 speed transmissions. The truck was shifting hard, accelerating on its own and sometimes had no power then started leaking transmission fluid to the amount of blowing white smoke from the rear of the vehicle. They have replaced the transmission, torque converter, and pump. The latest attempt to fix it is to replace the transmission cooler. Unknown at this time if that repair will resolve the issues.

NHTSA ODI #11507188

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2023
Power Train

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems Rough Shifting, sluggish gear changes, shifted gears randomly, and into neutral. Its a safety concern especially on freeways and highways.

NHTSA ODI #11507059

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2023
Power Train

The vehicle has an automated 10 speed transmission that hesitates, bangs, and, at times, jerks as it is shifting. On Jan 2, 2023, the vehicle paused in an intersection as if it shifted into neutral. While intermittent, the hesitation and bangs are more frequently noticeable while shifting occurs from 7th to 8th gear. I have a…

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The vehicle has an automated 10 speed transmission that hesitates, bangs, and, at times, jerks as it is shifting. On Jan 2, 2023, the vehicle paused in an intersection as if it shifted into neutral. While intermittent, the hesitation and bangs are more frequently noticeable while shifting occurs from 7th to 8th gear. I have also noticed hesitation and banging when the vehicle shifts from 4th to 3rd gear, but not as often as 7th to 8th. There have been no indicator lights or messages from the dashboard display indicating a problem. There are several articles, and some class actions suits regarding the same issues with respect to Ford's 10-speed transmission. My vehicle has not been recalled for this issue. I have called the dealership on Jan 4, 2023 to make arrangements for them to analyze the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11500090

40,000 miles · Dec 19, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and shifting between gears, the vehicle experienced hard shifts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact st…

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and shifting between gears, the vehicle experienced hard shifts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission downshifted independently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11498044

79,600 miles · Dec 5, 2022
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine was knocking, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the f…

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine was knocking, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be updated and the failure was related to an unknown Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number. The unknown software update was completed at the contact's expense. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 79,600.

NHTSA ODI #11496041

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2022
Power Train

The 10-speed automatic transmission started to hard downshift into 3rd gear causing the truck to lunge forward, and then shutter in 7th gear causing the truck to slow down while driving without warning. That progressed to lunging forward while the truck was being started, and then finally began to shift from 10th to 1st gear wit…

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The 10-speed automatic transmission started to hard downshift into 3rd gear causing the truck to lunge forward, and then shutter in 7th gear causing the truck to slow down while driving without warning. That progressed to lunging forward while the truck was being started, and then finally began to shift from 10th to 1st gear without warning while driving both at typical street speeds and also highway speeds. Until this week, while driving on the highway the transmission went into neutral and would no longer engage. This is after a dealer reprogrammed to the computer and an "overhaul" of several components in the transmission. My safety was really put at risk when the transmission would shift from 10th to 1st randomly, and when the transmission stopped working completely while I was driving on the highway. The problem was reproduced while driving with the dealer shop foreman, and he confirmed with the service advisor that all gear and gear shifting was messed up and the transmission needed immediate repair. No dealers within a 40mile radius (South Houston) were available to perform the work, and I was advised to keep driving the truck until an appointment was available in several weeks. No warnings were present until the transmission finally stopped working. All previous paperwork for repairs completed to date are in the truck, which is currently being repaired again. When I get the truck back I can upload repair documents.

NHTSA ODI #11492033

Official recalls

11

26V373000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: ,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.

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

24V852000 · Equipment:other:labels

Nov 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

22V250000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V575000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V467000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly

Aug 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

20V197000 · 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

20V097000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Feb 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V903000 · Tires:bead; Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Tires:bead

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

19V805000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

19V633000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Aug 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ21002 · Rearview Camera Fmvss 111 Noncompliance

Opened Aug 3, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

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.