Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Ford F-150 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Ford F-150 scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 517 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is the last model year of the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020).
Recalls
7
Complaints
517
Complaint Rate
10.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$788
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
15%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
7 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2018).
- 13th generation F-150 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Thirteenth generation (2015–2020)
Should You Buy the 2020 Ford F-150?
The 2020 Ford F-150 scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is the last model year of the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020).
With 517 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (207). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Ford F-150, which scored 9 points lower. See also the 2019 Ford F-150 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $148 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (15%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN: 10-speed transmission (164 complaints)
- ENGINE issues reported (56 complaints)
Compare 2020 Ford F-150 With
2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 67/100
2020 Ram 1500
Score: 65/100
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 63/100
2020 Toyota Tundra
Score: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (203)
- ENGINE (59)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44)
- VISIBILITY (36)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (16)
- STRUCTURE (15)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9)
- AIR BAGS (9)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
- SUSPENSION (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES (8)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (7)
- STEERING (6)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
- WHEELS (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- PARKING BRAKE (3)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- SEATS (2)
- Chest Clip (1)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2020 Ford F-150 has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
17
Fires
3
Injuries
15
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Ford F-150 Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ford F-150. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
VISIBILITY
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
POWER TRAIN
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 Ford F-150 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Diesel / Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Ford F-150 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$788
vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 Ford F-150
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for harsh or erratic shifting
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels
- Inspect catalytic converters for failure or damage
- Verify operation of forward collision avoidance system
- Test door locks for proper function
- Check for any active recalls related to the vehicle
Check Any 2020 Ford F-150's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 F-150 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford F-150 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Ford F-150 Common Problems by Component
517 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
203 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the 10-speed transmission. Common symptoms include harsh shifting, unexpected downshifts, clunking noises, and erratic gear changes, often occurring between 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Some reports indicate unintended acceleration or deceleration, with three incidents involving crashes and one involving a fire due to a rear differential explosion. These issues can lead to potential safety hazards, such as loss of vehicle control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated repair costs often highlighted by owners.
ENGINE
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 frequently report engine failures, with common symptoms including sudden loss of power, engine stalling, and abnormal noises such as rattling or ticking. Issues often involve the cam phasers and excessive oil consumption, with some complaints indicating catastrophic failures like cracked crankshafts or metal shavings in the engine. These problems typically emerge around 80,000 to 137,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of engine shutdowns while driving, posing risks of loss of control. A single complaint mentions an engine fire. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly concerning engine reliability and associated repair costs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
58 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Ford F-150's electrical system, particularly involving the Sync 3 system, door lock actuators, and the APIM module. Complaints frequently mention the Sync 3 system failing to save settings, causing the backup camera and radio to reset or malfunction, often following an update. Door lock issues, especially with the driver’s side, are noted, with actuators failing to lock or unlock doors, sometimes accompanied by panic alarms. The APIM module is also a common failure point, affecting GPS, radio controls, and camera functionality. These problems typically emerge around 25,000 to 50,000 miles and can lead to safety implications, such as distractions from malfunctioning systems and compromised vehicle security due to door lock failures.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
44 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles consuming up to 1 quart every 500 miles, potentially leading to engine damage. Transmission problems are also common, including clunking and shaking during gear shifts, with some owners needing replacements. Additionally, the infotainment system and backup camera often malfunction, with screens freezing or going blank. Safety implications include reports of the vehicle unexpectedly reversing due to park assist malfunction, resulting in a crash, and spontaneous shutdowns at low speeds, posing risks of rear-end collisions. These issues typically arise at various mileage levels, with some occurring as early as 6,255 miles.
VISIBILITY (36 complaints)
VISIBILITY
36 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 commonly report issues with the rear window and sunroof, often describing instances where the rear window shatters unexpectedly, sometimes when the defroster is active. Sunroof complaints frequently involve water leaks, with some owners noting that the sunroof fails to close properly, leading to interior water damage. These problems are typically reported around 3,400 to 57,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience windshield wiper motor failures, which occur around 10,000 miles and result in loss of front visibility during rainstorms. These visibility issues can pose safety risks, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)
AIR BAGS
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 report issues related to the airbag system, with a recurring problem being cracked airbag covers on the steering wheel. Complaints frequently mention that these cracks appear after honking the horn, with no warning lights illuminating. In multiple instances, airbag non-deployment is reported during crashes, resulting in injuries. These incidents occur at varying mileages, with some reports indicating failure around 45,000 miles and others at higher mileages. The safety implications are significant, as three crashes are documented, leading to six injuries, underscoring a critical concern for potential buyers regarding airbag reliability in this model.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
8 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2020 Ford F-150, primarily involving error messages such as "Front Camera Malfunction" and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available." These messages often appear when starting the vehicle and persist without resolution. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring around 31,000 to 115,000 miles, with some owners noting the need for costly repairs not covered under warranty. Additionally, one report describes the adaptive cruise control engaging the brakes unexpectedly, particularly during highway driving, posing a potential safety risk due to sudden braking. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential electronic system malfunctions that may require attention.
SUSPENSION (8 complaints)
SUSPENSION
8 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the front suspension, particularly involving coil springs and shock absorbers. Complaints often describe symptoms such as rattling noises, fractured springs, and misalignment of suspension components, with some incidents occurring at mileages as low as 8,600 and as high as 72,000 miles. Several reports highlight safety concerns, including sudden loss of vehicle control and near-miss accidents due to suspension failures. Notably, one owner experienced a catastrophic failure of the right front upper ball joint, leading to a collapse of the wheel and knuckle. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential suspension issues, especially given their occurrence across a range of mileages.
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the service brakes, with several complaints detailing brake fluid leaks and overheating of the passenger side front brake. Common symptoms include brake pedals going to the floor, difficulty stopping, and in one instance, overheating leading to a stuck caliper piston with corrosion found upon inspection. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, with one instance reported at 60,000 miles and another as early as 12,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, including a reported crash where brakes locked up at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to slide and collide with a guard rail. Buyers should be aware of these potential brake system failures, as they could lead to loss of control or inadequate stopping power.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Ford F-150 report issues with the steering system, primarily involving unexpected steering difficulties. Common symptoms include the vehicle veering to one side and the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, with some instances accompanied by warning lights for power steering and traction systems. These issues are reported at varying mileages, from as low as under 700 miles to around 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one owner questioning the reliability of power steering while driving and another experiencing the vehicle pulling to the side. These reports suggest potential steering system concerns that prospective buyers should be aware of, especially considering the wide range of affected mileages.
When Do 2020 Ford F-150 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford F-150 Years
Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy
The best Ford F-150 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (74/100) and 2023 (68/100).
Ford F-150 Years to Avoid
The worst Ford F-150 year is 2021 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to power train (332) issues. Also avoid 2018 (58/100).
2021
26 recalls · 1021 complaints
2018
15 recalls · 1852 complaints
Ford F-150 Reliability Score Trend
Ford F-150 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Ford F-150 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 67/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 75/100 | +1 | Good | 13 | 64 |
| 2024 | 74/100 | +6 | Good | 9 | 146 |
| 2023 | 68/100 | +6 | Good | 10 | 383 |
| 2022 | 62/100 | +4 | Good | 21 | 657 |
| 2021 | 58/100 | -9 | Mixed | 26 | 1021 |
| 2020(selected) | 67/100 | +2 | Good | 7 | 517 |
| 2019 | 65/100 | +7 | Good | 6 | 972 |
| 2018 | 58/100 | — | Mixed | 15 | 1852 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford F-150?
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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