2020 Ford F-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Ford F-350 has a complaint index of 90, the third-worst among 21 model years, with 188 complaints and 15 recalls. Transmission & Powertrain (28% of complaints) and Fuel System (26%) are the top problem areas, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other F-350 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 F-350 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 188
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 15
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
Top 2020 Ford F-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain53 (28%)
- Fuel System48 (26%)
- Steering35 (19%)
- Other19 (10%)
- Structure & Body16 (9%)
- Engine15 (8%)
- Electrical System14 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers8 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some vehicles rolled backward while shifted into park, in one case rolling into another vehicle.
- Owners describe the steering column upper shaft detaching or separating from the steering wheel, causing a total loss of steering control, sometimes at low speed.
- One owner reported smoke and a burning odor at highway speed followed by brakes that failed to respond normally.
- A loud popping noise and locked rear wheels were reported while towing, leading to a skid and collision with a guardrail.
- A parked, powered-off truck reportedly caught fire and was engulfed in flames after an explosion-like noise was heard.
- The tailgate reportedly opened on its own while driving, including once while towing a trailer.
2020 Ford F-350 recalls
15 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-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford F-350 reliable?
- Compared to other F-350 model years, the 2020 ranks poorly, with a complaint index of 90 and the third-worst rank out of 21 years covered by NHTSA data. Transmission and fuel system problems make up more than half of its complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford F-350?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 28% of complaints and Fuel System issues account for 26%. Steering problems make up another 19% of complaints and are linked to crashes.
- Does the 2020 Ford F-350 have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 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 many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-350 have?
- NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford F-350, covering fuel system, steering, collision-avoidance cameras, transmission, and wiper components.
- What year Ford F-350 should I avoid?
- Among F-350 years, 2017 and 2019 have the highest complaint indexes at 95 and 100, with 2020 close behind at 90; 2007 and 2014 are the better-rated years.