2020 Ford F-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid NHTSA lists 24 complaints and 11 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford F-450, giving it a complaint index of 90 and a rank of 3rd worst among 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Fuel System problems account for 38% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 F-450 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 24
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2020 Ford F-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System9 (38%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (21%)
- Other4 (17%)
- Electrical System3 (13%)
- Engine3 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe a fuel smell that develops gradually and later turns into a visible drip from the fuel filter area above the valve cover.
- Some report the truck losing motive power at highway speed, with the dealer finding metal shards in the fuel system requiring a fuel system kit replacement.
- One owner reported an engine compartment fire following a heavy fuel odor.
- A steering wheel reportedly failed to respond at 60 MPH, causing the truck to veer sideways into a ditch and become uncontrollable at 82,000 miles.
- Front tires reportedly wear out or become chopped after only 20,000 miles, and highway-speed vibration is described as worsening from a slight shake to a violent bounce by 45,000 miles.
- One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration while using tow/haul mode and the exhaust brake on a downhill grade.
2020 Ford F-450 recalls
11 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-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford F-450 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 F-450 a complaint index of 90, the 3rd worst among 21 model years of the F-450, and it carries 11 recall campaigns, so it rates Avoid relative to other F-450 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Ford F-450?
- Fuel System issues are the top problem area, making up 38% of complaints (9 of 24), including reports of fuel leaks, fuel odor, and loss of power tied to metal shards in the fuel system. Median mileage at failure for this area is 103,000.
- Does the 2020 Ford F-450 have a steering recall?
- Yes. Recall 25V626000 covers 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks whose steering column upper shaft may detach and cause loss of steering control.
- How many recalls does the 2020 F-450 have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2020 F-450, covering fuel system, camera, steering, transmission, and wiper components, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2020 F-450 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 90, the 2020 F-450 ranks 3rd worst of 21 model years; only 2022 (95) and 2008 (100) score worse, while 2016 (10) and 2015 (15) rate Best.