Last updated: 2026-04-16

2020 Ford F-150 Reliability Report
The 2020 Ford F-150 scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 517 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
7
Complaints
517
Complaint Rate
10.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$788
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700–$3,750
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (203)
- ENGINE (59)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58)
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.
2015: Thirteenth generation (2015–2020) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is the last model year of the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020).
Should You Buy the 2020 Ford F-150?
At 67/100, the 2020 Ford F-150 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is the last model year of the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020).
Owners log 517 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (207). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
Reliability: 67/100

2020 Ram 1500
Reliability: 65/100

2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Reliability: 63/100

2020 Toyota Tundra
Reliability: 74/100

2020 Ram Promaster
Reliability: 62/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (203)
- ENGINE (59)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2020 Ford F-150 has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.9
Safety Incidents
17
Crashes
3
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
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.
Buying a used 2020 Ford F-150? Check its history first
Every 2020 Ford F-150 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
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-150Repair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
16–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,500–$4,550/yr
Fuel + repair
15–21 city / 18–29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD 2.7L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 3.3L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,700 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD 2.7L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 3.3L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Limited 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,150 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Limited 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,150 |
| F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 5.0L 8-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD XL/XLT 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| F150 5.0L 2WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS 5.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,500 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,700 |
| F150 RAPTOR 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 15 | 18 | 16 | $3,750 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Ford F-150.
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
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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
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?
Don’t buy a 2020 Ford F-150 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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