2020 FORD F-150

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

10RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data3InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠ī¸Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Ford F-150 shows a concerning reliability profile with 10 recalls, particularly affecting critical systems like electrical and safety components. Owners should remain vigilant, especially given the peak failure range immediately after purchase.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls

📋Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls in the 2020 Ford F-150 raises significant concerns regarding passenger safety, especially for families with children in the back seat. Issues affecting the electrical system could lead to critical failures like loss of braking or steering assist, which is particularly alarming for anyone transporting young passengers who rely on these systems for their protection. Moreover, problems related to back over prevention indicate that visual aids designed to protect children during reversing maneuvers may fail to operate correctly, increasing the risk of accidents. As a family safety advocate, these defects highlight how imperative it is for current owners and prospective buyers to be aware of these risks. Families must prioritize vehicles that not only promise performance but also exhibit unwavering commitment to passenger safety through robust engineering practices.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

Reviewing Ford's year-over-year trend in safety recalls for the F-150 indicates a deterioration in reliability as this model year experiences heightened scrutiny due to numerous recalls. This situation is more alarming when considering that important safety features are implicated; it suggests an urgent need for thorough inspections and proactive measures by owners and potential buyers.

Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 FORD F-150

Model Year2020
MakeFORD
ModelF-150
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Aug19
ISSUEFirst Report
Dec19
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar20
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
✅

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 FORD F-150. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

🛠ī¸ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TIRESEXTERIOR LIGHTINGELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONPOWER TRAINSEATSVISIBILITYEQUIPMENT

đŸŽ¯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Loose battery cable fasteners may affect critical vehicle systems.

✅

Have your vehicle's electrical connections inspected immediately by a certified mechanic.

🔍

Request documentation on any completed electrical system inspections or repairs before purchasing.

Campaigns:20V12320V45620V789
2

Back Over Prevention

Issue: 'Back over' alerts may not function properly due to software issues.

✅

'Check software updates during routine maintenance.'

🔍

'Verify that the backup camera system operates correctly before buying.'

Campaign:20V321
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 19V903000

TIRES:BEAD

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires. The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.

Consequence

The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare tire, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S55.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 20V097000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 19V805000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.

Consequence

Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 20V575000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 20V467000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.

Consequence

Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S40.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 20V197000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.

Consequence

If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 19V633000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V250000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 F-150.

INV-2020-1000đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding F-150 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 21,489
INV-2020-1001đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding F-150 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 24,887
INV-2020-1002đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding F-150 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 10,414

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
✓

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are the key recalls affecting the 2020 Ford F-150 and how do they impact family safety?'

'The primary recalls include critical issues related to the electrical system which can affect steering and braking functionality, posing serious risks to family passengers, especially children seated in the back. Other concerns involve back over prevention technologies which help drivers avoid accidents while reversing — essential features when transporting little ones.'

'How can I ensure my family stays safe in a recalled Ford F-150?'

'To maintain your family's safety in a recalled Ford F-150 model, it is essential to stay informed about any known defects through NHTSA updates or recall notifications from Ford. Regularly inspect your vehicle's electrical systems and ensure all software updates are applied promptly. If you have specific concerns about functionality relating to recall notices, consult with a qualified mechanic immediately.'

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official FORD records to ensure no 10 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later F-150 iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
⚖ī¸

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.