2020 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Ford F-250 has a Complaint Index of 85, the 4th-worst of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 263 complaints and 14 recall campaigns, led by transmission/powertrain and fuel system problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 85/100
- #4 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 263
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
Top 2020 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain74 (28%)
- Fuel System64 (24%)
- Steering45 (17%)
- Engine33 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires33 (13%)
- Electrical System30 (11%)
- Other26 (10%)
- Structure & Body15 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras11 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel system failures have triggered burning odors and under-hood smoke or flames, sometimes while towing up an incline.
- Some owners report the steering wheel suddenly seizing or a traction control failure alert right before losing directional control.
- Trucks exhibit a pronounced steering wobble at highway speed over bumps, described as feeling loose even at low speeds.
- The power tailgate has opened on its own while towing, striking trailer jacks and causing damage to the tailgate and trailer.
- A lower engine cooling hose has come loose while towing, causing sudden power loss and forcing the vehicle to slow sharply on the highway.
- An emergency brake cable was found installed with excess length, forming a loop near the leaf springs on a truck with very low mileage.
2020 Ford F-250 recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V158000Mar 17, 2026Fuel System9,839 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V686000Oct 10, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras291,901 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
- NHTSA 25V626000Sep 19, 2025Steering115,539 vehicles
Steering:column
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
2020 compared with other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2020 F-250 with a Complaint Index of 85, ranked 4th-worst among 21 model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other F-250 years.
- What are the most common 2020 F-250 problems?
- Transmission and powertrain issues account for 28% of complaints, followed by fuel system problems at 24% and steering complaints at 17%, according to NHTSA.
- Does the 2020 Ford F-250 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2020 F-250, covering areas including fuel system, steering, collision-avoidance cameras, and windshield wipers. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Was there a steering recall on the 2020 F-250?
- Yes, campaign 25V626000 covers 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks where the steering column upper shaft may detach and cause loss of steering control.
- How does the 2020 F-250 compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 85, the 2020 model ranks worse than most F-250 years; only 2019 (100), 2017 (95), and 2018 (90) score higher on the index.