YearToAvoid

2020 Ford F-350 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Structure & Body complaints for the 2020 Ford F-350, 9% of that year's 188 total complaints. The dominant pattern is the tailgate releasing unexpectedly while driving, with median mileage at failure of 4,800. One related recall (22V087000) covers driveshaft insulator contact, not the tailgate issue.

Structure & Body complaints
16
9% of 188
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
4,800 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Tailgate unlatches and swings open while driving, often while towing a trailer or camper, causing damage to both the tailgate and the towed load.
  • Passenger-side door misaligns with the fender and hood, sticking shut or catching on the body panel shortly after purchase.
  • Door locks fail to secure the doors, with owners reporting the doors shake at speed even when latched.
  • Power door lock actuators stop responding to the remote or interior unlock button, leaving the exterior key or interior handle pop as the only way in.
  • Dashboard warnings for pre-collision and steer assist appear intermittently alongside the tailgate opening on its own.

When 2020 Ford F-350 body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 1, 2020, latest Mar 25, 2026.

2020 Ford F-350 structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month1Jun 2020Nov 2020Feb 2021Aug 2021Jul 2022Oct 2023Feb 2024Jan 2025
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2020 to Mar 2026; peak Jun 2020 (1).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2020 Ford F-350

  1. NHTSA 22V087000Feb 16, 2022Structure & Body247,445 vehicles

    Structure:frame and members:underbody shields

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

    Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

Structure & Body complaints by F-350 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20102 (4%)
  2. 20116 (3%)
  3. 20125 (3%)
  4. 20134 (5%)
  5. 20142 (2%)
  6. 20155 (2%)
  7. 20162 (1%)
  8. 201756 (10%)
  9. 201824 (12%)
  10. 201927 (6%)
  11. 202016 (9%)
  12. 20217 (7%)
  13. 20229 (8%)
  14. 20235 (12%)
  15. 20244 (9%)
  16. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does the 2020 Ford F-350 have?
NHTSA lists 16 Structure & Body complaints for the 2020 F-350, which is 9% of the 188 total complaints filed for that model year.
What is the most common structure and body problem on the 2020 F-350?
The most frequently described issue is the tailgate releasing or opening on its own while driving, often while towing, according to sample complaints filed with NHTSA.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Ford F-350 tailgate issue?
No. The related recall, campaign 22V087000, covers underbody heat and noise insulators contacting the aluminum driveshaft, not the tailgate problems described in complaints.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems occur?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 4,800 miles.
Did the tailgate or door issues cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the Structure & Body complaints for the 2020 F-350.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.