2020 Ford F-150 problems

General information about Ford-F-150
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

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Common 2020 Ford F-150 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2020 Ford F-150, several common problems have been reported:

Rodents Chewing Soy-Based Wiring: One of the most widespread complaints is rodents chewing on the soy-based wiring of the 2020 Ford F-150. The smell of the coating on the wire attracts rodents, leading to damage. Repairing the wiring harness can cost between $50 to $2,000 depending on severity. Installing an ultrasonic strobe light can help deter rodents if the vehicle is parked outside overnight.
Engine Stalling: Some F-150 models with the 3.5L V6 engine have reported issues with engine stalling. This problem can be attributed to cam phaser issues, although not as widespread as in earlier years. Repairing or replacing the cam phasers can cost between $500 to $1,000, depending on local labor rates.
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Owners have also reported Bluetooth connectivity issues within the first 10,000 miles of owning the 2020 Ford F-150. Software updates are available for the stereo system to improve the reliability of the Bluetooth system. Most dealerships offer these updates for free, while some may charge around $50.
Recalls: The 2020 Ford F-150 has had 8 recalls, including issues with the power supply cable, rearview camera, and lights. The most serious recall involves the power supply cable incorrectly attached to the starter, which Ford will re-install for free on affected models.
Transmission Problems: While not specific to the 2020 model, transmission issues have been a concern for Ford F-150s. Common complaints include lack of overdrive, transmission failure, clunking, and shuddering while driving. The 2004, 2005, and 2010 models have been highlighted as having the most transmission problems.
3.5L EcoBoost Engine Problems: The 3.5L EcoBoost engine in the Ford F-150 has been associated with calibration issues, coolant leaks, and spark plug and ignition coil replacements. Calibration problems have led to updates for ignition, shifting, and vacuum systems. Coolant leaks, if left unresolved, can cause overheating and expensive repairs.

These issues highlight some of the common problems reported by owners of the 2020 Ford F-150, ranging from wiring and engine concerns to connectivity issues and recalls. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

What is the issue with the 2020 Ford F-150?

More than 100,000 Ford F150 trucks produced between Jan. 28, 2020 and Dec. 25, 2022, have been recalled due to a possible defect in the rear axle hub in vehicles, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Is 2020 a good year for F-150?

The 2020 Ford F-150 ranks near the top of the full-size pickup truck class thanks in part to its hearty towing and hauling ability, muscular engine performance, refined handling, and comfy interior.

What are the cons of the 2020 Ford F-150?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Electrical Accessories. ...
Transmission Minor. ...
In-car Electronics. ...
Noises And Leaks. ...
Body Hardware. ...
Steering And Suspension. ...
Climate System. ...
Exhaust.

Is there a recall on the 2020 Ford F-150 transmission?

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18. 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.

What is the issue with the 2020 Ford F-150?

Is 2020 a good year for Ford F-150?

The 2020 Ford F-150 ranks near the top of the full-size pickup truck class thanks in part to its hearty towing and hauling ability, muscular engine performance, refined handling, and comfy interior.

What are the cons of the 2020 Ford F-150?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Electrical Accessories. ...
Transmission Minor. ...
In-car Electronics. ...
Noises And Leaks. ...
Body Hardware. ...
Steering And Suspension. ...
Climate System. ...
Exhaust.

What transmission problems does the 2020 F150 have?

The bulletin read, "Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift." The bulletin went on to specify what service professionals could do to correct the issue(s).

2020 Ford F-150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Ford F-150.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2020 Ford F-150 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2020 Ford F-150.

2022-04-14

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2020-09-23

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
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.

2020-08-10

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2020-04-03

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2020-02-21

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2019-12-18

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2019-11-12

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

2019-08-28

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

Negative 2020 Ford F-150 car reviews

Kaleb Borer 2025-02-19

It's frustrating when the engine lights come on every time you tow 3000lbs. According to Ford, using premium gas can help. However, after almost 90 days in the shop, this solution only worked temporarily. Unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to the car. I hope the next owner has better luck.
Alejandrin Bashirian 2025-01-25

I recently had the chance to drive a 2020 F-150 Lariat as a rental. Overall, it was a good experience, but there were a few quality issues that I noticed. The 10-speed automatic transmission felt clunky at low speeds, and the backup camera stopped working for an evening. Although it worked fine the next day, it's not something you would expect from a brand new truck. Additionally, the backup camera did not switch off a couple of times even after putting the truck in drive and moving forward. The gear indicator in the dash also intermittently stopped working, and the touch screen was slow to respond. However, my biggest issue was with the built-in GPS. It seemed to be scaled for low-speed city driving and did not provide information soon enough for local highways or complex interstate interchanges. Despite these issues, the F-150 Lariat is still a decent truck that could benefit from some improvements in the finer details.
Dell Wehner 2024-09-16

I am sorry to hear about the trouble you have been having with your truck. It must have been frustrating for you and your family to have to find alternative transportation while your truck was being repaired. It is disappointing to hear that Ford did not offer any assistance or compensation for the inconvenience caused. As a loyal customer with a family history of Ford ownership, it is understandable that you feel let down. Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope that Ford can improve their customer service in the future.
Brennan Corkery 2024-07-24

Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to reach out because I'm having a bit of an issue with the fit of the box side and the bed on my new truck. When I spoke to my dealer about it, they mentioned that it's normal to see the pavement through the bottom of the box on my 2020 F-150 due to the large gap between the side of the box and the bottom. Ford suggested that I reach out to another dealer, but I was hoping to get your opinion on whether this is a common issue with this model. If it is, do you think it would be possible for the dealer to throw in a tube of caulk to fix it? Thank you so much for your help!
Gregorio Powlowski 2024-05-19

If you're looking for a reliable truck with great towing capacity, I would recommend considering the F150 V8. While it may come at a higher price point, it's worth the investment for its reliability. If you're on a budget, you can also consider purchasing a used F150 with a detailed quality check. Other good options for a cheaper truck include the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Titan, Volkswagen Amarock NA V6 diesel, and Mercedes Benz X-Class 4.0 NA V6. While the Dodge Ram 1500 is a good V8 truck, it can be expensive to maintain and is more of a luxury car. If you're looking for a rugged truck for towing purposes, it may not be the best fit for you.

Positive 2020 Ford F-150 car reviews

Winfield Krajcik 2025-02-19

I had the pleasure of driving my father's 2019 Lariat and I must say, I really enjoyed it! In comparison to my previous 2017 Explorer Limited with the standard 3.5L V6 and 4WD, the new truck is much quieter and smoother, even with the 20
Gregg Quitzon 2025-02-16

I still own my 1998 Ford Ranger 2x2 with 240k miles and it's still going strong. Sadly, the Ranger is too old to travel up and down the east coast, so we finally decided to upgrade to the 2020 F-150. We opted for the base model with a 3.3 Liter engine, which provides plenty of power for someone who only occasionally tows a small boat. The engine is amazingly quiet at idle, making for a peaceful ride. While the gas mileage isn't great, at 18 around town and 21 on the highway, the ride is nice and smooth on the highway, making it a great long distance vehicle. We got the extended cab 2 door/clamshell with a 6 1/2 ft bed, and I can see why this truck is #1. It's a great all-around vehicle that hauls and drives nicely. While the interior fit and finish could use some improvement, it looks like it will last a long time. There's a lot of plastic that doesn't fit together well, and the dashboard has warped a little, but otherwise, the truck is built well. I especially love the touch screen and Apple Play. Overall, it's a great truck!
Arnulfo Medhurst 2025-02-09

undefinedI am happy with this truck and plan to lease another one next year, as long as the lease prices are similar to my previous leases. It has been 9 months since delivery and I have had some issues with quality control. The rear camera stopped working intermittently, but the dealer was able to replace it before a recall was issued. The radio also stopped working intermittently, but the dealer was able to fix it before a long trip I had planned. While I am not sure why these issues occurred, they have not convinced me to look for another brand. I was extremely satisfied with my 2017 XL Supercab, so I upgraded slightly to an XLT this time and got some great features like heated power front seats, bed lighting, adjustable pedals, and an opening rear window. I shopped around for other brands, but found that Ford offered the best lease prices for comparable trucks. The 2.7 EcoBoost engine has plenty of power and I am not concerned about its long-term durability. It does burn a lot of gas, especially when towing my 4000+ pound boat, but it handles the load with ease. Overall, I am happy with my decision to lease another Ford truck.Unless I was towing greater weight, I don't see the need for either of the bigger engines. The seats are extremely comfortable, even in the base model, making 12-hour drives a breeze. The ride comfort is remarkable for a truck, especially with weight in the bed or when towing. We take a 3000-mile trip with the boat in tow once a year, and it's always a pleasure with this truck. My new one came with a split bench rather than a console, and I'm not sure if I like it as much, although it can be folded down and has lots of storage within it. The rear seats are adequate for adults on shorter trips, but we don't use them often except for the dog, and we prefer the longer bed. I'm not sold on the ten-speed transmission over the six-speed I had in my '17. I haven't seen any improved gas mileage, and it's not smoother either. The automatic dimming high beams were a new feature I hadn't expected. My previous boat was somewhat heavier, so I considered getting a lesser tow vehicle this time around, but I am so pleased with the way my old one towed that I was reluctant to downsize to a vehicle that was approaching maximum towing capacity. Before 2017, I had never owned a pickup. We towed with older Explorers and then Expeditions, but the latter got so expensive. We never carried a lot of passengers, so I was spending money on features I didn't use. It's great to be able to bring home large objects and garden stuff. In summary, I'm very happy with this truck. I have an XLT SuperCab with the 2.7 and a 6.5-foot bed, which unfortunately isn't an option offered in the menu below.
Linwood Barton 2025-01-28

The vehicle drives like a sedan and has a smooth 10-speed transmission. Over the first 1000 miles, it averaged 21 mpg, which was a good experience. After a year and 20,000 miles, it has been trouble-free, and I have only needed to visit the dealer for 2 oil changes. With 2500+- trailer towing, it has an average of about 19.5 mpg, making it the best tow vehicle I have ever owned. I would definitely buy it again.
Ben Cormier 2024-11-17

This truck is fantastic! I love the great gas mileage, the spacious interior, and how it drives like a dream.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Ford F-150 problems:

What are the common problems with 2020 4WD F-150's? - Ford ...

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/what-common-problems-2020-4wd-f-150-s-490833/

Dec 18, 2020 ... The thing people overlook the most is payload. This is often a limiting factor for towing as well as hauling, and a ton of people buy their ...

Should I avoid the 2020 model year F-150? : r/f150

https://www.reddit.com/r/f150/comments/17xj1x3/should_i_avoid_the_2020_model_year_f150/

Nov 17, 2023 ... ... reliability for the 2020 model year vehicles. ... Unfortunately it seems like a common issue. ... f150 powerboost that has none of those issues.

Any problems with 2020 F150 XLTs? - Ford F150 Forum ...

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/any-problems-2020-f150-xlts-489830/

Dec 3, 2020 ... 2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Any problems with 2020 F150 XLTs? - Hey guys, I just purchased a 2020 F150 XLT with the the 302A package.

2020 Ford F-150 Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150/2020/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Electrical Accessories · Transmission Minor · In-car Electronics · Noises And Leaks · Body Hardware · Steering And Suspension.