VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2020 Ford F-250 carries two red flags at once: 351 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.4× the F-250 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (69), fuel system (59), and steering (44), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

351

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted1,919 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 42 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 85 complaints1989: 141 complaints1990: 134 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 149 complaints1993: 183 complaints1994: 156 complaints1995: 238 complaints1996: 212 complaints1997: 348 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 417 complaints2001: 269 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 151 complaints2004: 201 complaints2005: 207 complaints2006: 332 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 255 complaints2009: 92 complaints2010: 109 complaints2011: 384 complaints2012: 423 complaints2013: 153 complaints2014: 236 complaints2015: 426 complaints2016: 427 complaints2017: 1,718 complaints2018: 616 complaints2019: 1,919 complaints2020: 351 complaints2021: 205 complaints2022: 152 complaints
F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford F-250 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6920%
Fuel System5917%
Steering4413%
Suspension298%
Electrical System288%
Engine288%
Other267%
Visibility & Wipers144%
Driver Assistance144%
Body & Structure123%
Lighting51%
Tires & Wheels51%
Speed Control51%
Airbags41%
Brakes41%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats10%

Does the 2020 Ford F-250 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V633000SeatsAugust 28, 2019 · 639,137 units

Defect

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

PE24014

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT 107,000 I lost 10th gear on the highway while pulling a trailer and was almost involved in a collision. The collar of the f250 10 speed is just as bad as the 2018 10 speed on f150s and they are failing at 100k. Complete new transmission needed. This should be recalled and i should be refunded.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 6, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving up a slight incline and pulling a trailer a burning type odor was suddenly present inside the cabin and the check engine light had flashed on before the vehicle began to lose power and stalled. After lifting the hood smoke…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 13, 2023 · fire

“The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 63 MPH, several warning chimes and alarms began to sound off and the warning message stating, "Traction Control Failure," had illuminated. At the same time, the steering wheel had suddenly seized which caused the vehicle to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 2023 · crash

“As I was driving on the freeway at 65 mph the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. I slowed my speed to 55 mph and it finally stopped. I attempted to return to 65 mph again and it started shaking even worse. I pulled off at the next exit examined the truck and it looked fine. I just drove it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 13, 2024

“I was driving the truck and suddenly smoke came out from behind the radio. I stopped and checked and saw that the truck was on fire. I immediately tried to turn it off with the few water bottles that I had with me. I had no luck and the entire truck burned up.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 23, 2026 · fire

2020 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 351 complaints put the 2020 model at #10 of 55 F-250 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (69 complaints), fuel system (59 complaints), steering (44 complaints).

Does the 2020 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Ford F-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Ford F-250 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford F-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.