Last updated: 2026-03-04

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good
2020 Ford F-150

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$788

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

15%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
62/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
63/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
81/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (203)ENGINE (59)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58)

7 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

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)

2015redesign
2016
2017
2018refresh
2019
2020selected

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 12.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

22V2500002022-04-14

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.

20V4670002020-08-10

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.

20V1970002020-04-03

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Diesel / Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 19.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Inflatable Seat Belt Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford F-150 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

F-150
$788
Category Avg
$936
All Vehicles
$936

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.

203
59
58
77
POWER TRAIN (203)ENGINE (59)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44)VISIBILITY (36)VISIBILITY/WIPER (16)STRUCTURE (15)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9)Other (77)

POWER TRAIN

203 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

203 complaints total · 164 narratives sampled3 crashes1 fire1 injury

ENGINE

59 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

59 complaints total · 56 narratives sampled1 fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

58 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

58 complaints total · 30 narratives sampled
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

44 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

44 complaints total · 35 narratives sampled2 crashes1 injury
VISIBILITY (36 complaints)

VISIBILITY

36 complaints

Owners 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.

36 complaints total · 32 narratives sampled
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)

AIR BAGS

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total · 6 narratives sampled3 crashes6 injuries
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

8 complaints

Owners 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.

8 complaints total · 7 narratives sampled
SUSPENSION (8 complaints)

SUSPENSION

8 complaints

Owners 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.

8 complaints total · 7 narratives sampled
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total · 5 narratives sampled1 crash
STEERING (6 complaints)

STEERING

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total · 3 narratives sampled

When Do 2020 Ford F-150 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

54,000–86,000 milesTransmission failures
15,000–80,000 milesExcessive oil consumption
80,000–81,000 milesCatalytic converter issues

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).

See full Ford F-150 years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 66
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford F-150 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201858/100Mixed
201965/100Good
202067/100Good
202158/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202368/100Good
202474/100Good
202575/100Good

Ford F-150 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202667/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202575/100+1Good1364
202474/100+6Good9146
202368/100+6Good10383
202262/100+4Good21657
202158/100-9Mixed261021
2020(selected)67/100+2Good7517
201965/100+7Good6972
201858/100Mixed151852

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 2020 Ford F-150 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 67/100. It is reasonably reliable with 7 recalls and 517 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford F-150?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Ford F-150 include: POWER TRAIN (203 complaints), ENGINE (59 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (44 complaints), VISIBILITY (36 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
The 2020 Ford F-150 has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Ford F-150 has estimated annual repair costs of $788/year, which is $148 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. With a reliability score of 67/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue