VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 234 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median F-350 year — the 2020 model ranks #9 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (51), fuel system (44), and steering (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

234

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other F-350 years?

F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted729 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 2 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 34 complaints1989: 55 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 34 complaints1992: 74 complaints1993: 129 complaints1994: 126 complaints1995: 191 complaints1996: 167 complaints1997: 188 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 531 complaints2000: 367 complaints2001: 181 complaints2002: 140 complaints2003: 100 complaints2004: 216 complaints2005: 170 complaints2006: 206 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 176 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 204 complaints2012: 252 complaints2013: 110 complaints2014: 150 complaints2015: 289 complaints2016: 290 complaints2017: 729 complaints2018: 304 complaints2019: 721 complaints2020: 234 complaints2021: 119 complaints
F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford F-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5122%
Fuel System4419%
Steering3515%
Other209%
Engine146%
Body & Structure125%
Suspension115%
Driver Assistance104%
Electrical System94%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Brakes63%
Lighting52%
Latches & Locks42%
Tires & Wheels31%
Speed Control21%

Does the 2020 Ford F-350 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V599000TransmissionSeptember 30, 2020 · 52 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-350 trucks equipped with 7.3L gas engines and ambulance prep packages. These vehicles were ordered with Wide Track rear axles, but were built with base (narrower) axles. Depending on the body installed by the body builder, the inner tires on the dual wheel rear axle may contact the body.

Consequence

Inner tire contact with the body could result in a tire blowout, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the rear axle as a Wide Track axle on vehicles already built. For remaining vehicles, body builders will be given the option to accept the base axle and build a different second unit body that meets Ford's specifications or have the rear axle rebuilt as a Wide Track axle, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed on October 23, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S57.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into park(P), the vehicle rolled back and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 15, 2021 · crash

“Ford issued recall 24S78 in December of 2024. This recall addresses a known safety issue with the fuel system. It's nearly six months later, and the solution for the recall is still not available. I'm concerned that my 2020 Ford Super Duty is unsafe to drive, especially when towing a heavy load.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 20, 2024

“I was driving when the steering column upper sharft sperated from the steering wheel. i was driving without any control of the steering. They still have not inspected this. I had it towed to Capital Ford of Sept 3rd. This is directly related to recall 25V626. This can happen while driving and is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 2025 · crash

“FIFTH WHEEL ANDERSEN ULTIMATE HITCH SYSTEM FAILED WHILE WE WERE HAULING OUR UNIT. HITCH BROKE AND SAFETY CHAINS ALSO BROKE. UNIT WAS BLOWN OFF THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE BALL TO BREAK SHEAR OFF DETACHING FROM TRUCK. COMPANY IS NOT WANTING TO DEAL WITH OUR INCIDENT. CAUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 9, 2020 · crash

“The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph when the vehicle started emitting a smoke odor. Shortly after smoke started coming from the vents of the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal to pull…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 11, 2022 · fire

2020 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 234 complaints put the 2020 model at #9 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (51 complaints), fuel system (44 complaints), steering (35 complaints).

Does the 2020 Ford F-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Ford F-350. 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-350 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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.