VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford F-550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2020 Ford F-550 carries two red flags at once: 23 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.1× the F-550 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-550 years to avoid.

23

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other F-550 years?

F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted23 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 23 complaints
F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford F-550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System730%
Body & Structure313%
Suspension313%
Transmission313%
Engine313%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Electrical System14%
Other14%
Brakes14%

Does the 2020 Ford F-550 have recalls?

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

20V099000TransmissionFebruary 21, 2020 · 319 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

Consequence

If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

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.

“I had my truck serviced, engine oil and fuel filters replaced, I picked up truck and while driving home, engine loss of power came on screen, truck then stalled, I observed smoke coming from under the hood, I exited vehicle to try and open hood, but flames were already present, I called 911 fire…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 1, 2026 · fire

“Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 16, 2023

“There was a recall on this veh. over a year ago and they still do not have the parts to repair it. My fuel milage went from 13.8 down to 9.6 and still going down. I have called Ford about this and they say they are still waiting on parts. I reminded them it has been over a year now and should have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 30, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unintentionally rolled away while the transmission was in park(P). No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving uphill. The vehicle also jerked violently while…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 12, 2025

“frame crack right behind cab. have two trucks with the same issue second vin ends in [XXX]. ford had a safety program 21B04 that expired which means they are aware of this issue and should issue a recall for it. ford has repeatedly refused to help with this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 17, 2024

2020 Ford F-550 — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford F-550 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 23 complaints put the 2020 model at #1 of 14 F-550 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-550 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 F-550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (7 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Ford F-550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Ford F-550. 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-550 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-550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among F-550 years belongs to 2015.

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.