2020 Ford F-350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 F-350 years
The 2020 Ford F-350 has 188 NHTSA complaints, 15 recalls, and a complaint index of 87, ranking 3rd worst of 16 model years. Top problem areas are Transmission & Powertrain (28%) and Fuel System (26%), earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other F-350 years.
- Complaints
- 188
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2020 Ford F-350 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the steering column upper shaft separating from the steering wheel, causing a total loss of steering control, tied to recall 25V626000.
- Some describe the truck rolling backward out of park and colliding with another vehicle at low mileage.
- Owners report a popping noise from the rear axle while towing, followed by locked rear wheels and a collision with a guard rail at 45,000 miles.
- One owner reported smoke and a burning odor at highway speed, followed by brakes that began to melt before stopping.
- Owners report an electrical fire that started while the truck was parked and turned off, engulfing the front and cabin in flames at 170,000 miles.
- The tailgate reportedly popped open 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?
- NHTSA data shows 188 complaints and a complaint index of 87 for the 2020 F-350, ranking 3rd worst among 16 model years, which places it in the Avoid category relative to other F-350 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2020 Ford F-350?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 28% of complaints and Fuel System issues account for 26%, followed by Steering at 19%. Median mileage at failure for transmission issues is 58,000 miles.
- Does the 2020 Ford F-350 have a steering recall?
- Yes, 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 recalls for the 2020 Ford F-350, covering fuel system, steering, collision-avoidance cameras, wipers, and transmission components.
- Is 2020 a bad year for the Ford F-350 compared to other years?
- Among 16 model years, 2020 ranks 3rd worst with a complaint index of 87, behind 2019 (100) and 2017 (93), both also rated Avoid.