2020 Ford F-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
45/100
#12 most-complained of 21 F-150 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Ford F-150 has 727 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 45 out of 100 — #12 highest of 21 F-150 model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (354 complaints, 49% of the total). Complaints report 19 crashes, 4 fires, and 17 injuries.
- Complaints
- 727
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 19 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 23 hwy
Top 2020 Ford F-150 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain354 (49%)
- Engine150 (21%)
- Electrical System90 (12%)
- Other87 (12%)
- Visibility & Wipers61 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras38 (5%)
- Structure & Body34 (5%)
- Brakes22 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (2%)
- Fuel System14 (2%)
2020 Ford F-150 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V373000Jun 9, 2026Electrical System91,198 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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.
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.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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.
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.
- NHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 2024Other27,678 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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.
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.
2020 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford F-150 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Ford F-150 ranks #12 of 21 among F-150 model years (Complaint Index 45/100, verdict: Good). It has 727 complaints and 11 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford F-150?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (354 complaints), engine (150 complaints), and electrical system (90 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 37,500 miles.
- Does the 2020 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford F-150, most recently reported 2026, covering electrical system, collision avoidance & cameras, other, and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Ford F-150?
- EPA rates the 2020 Ford F-150 at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.