2020 Ford F150
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 351 of 723 complaints (49%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (9) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 1,318 in 2019 to 723 in 2020.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2020 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–4,050 | 2,850–4,050 | 2,850–4,050 | 2,500–4,150 | 2,500–4,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–25 | 16–25 | 16–24 | 15–25 | 15–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–22 / 18–30 | 14–22 / 18–30 | 15–21 / 18–29 | 14–25 / 16–27 | 14–25 / 16–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 401–546 | 403–555 | 402–540 | 349–596 | 353–596 | |
| Complaints filed | 2,293 | 1,318 | 723 | 1,253 | 800 | |
| Recalls issued | 19 | 9 | 11 | 29 | 23 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 64 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 24 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 33 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 10 | |
| Injuries reported | 52 | 25 | 16 | 13 | 38 | |
| Deaths reported | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 20 | 16 | 9 | 15 | 14 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F150 have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Ford F150?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 351 of 723 NHTSA complaints (49%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford F150 get?
EPA rates it 16–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Ford F150?
EPA estimates $2,850–$4,050 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (17)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 (low) | 409 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 467 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 466 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 2.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 (low) | 402 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S10) | 8 | 5.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 506 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.5L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 488 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.5L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 | 540 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,750 | 420 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | 24 mpg (high) | $3,750 | 424 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 21 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | 24 mpg (high) | $3,750 | 430 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | $4,050 (high) | 466 g/mi |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.5L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 467 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 2.7L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 135 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 351 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 86 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 22 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 13 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 56 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 34 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 66 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 86 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 26V373000 · Jun 9, 2026
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. 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: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V442000 · Jun 30, 2025
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 24V852000 · Nov 12, 2024
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES · Campaign 22V250000 · Apr 14, 2022
Defect: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 20V575000 · Sep 23, 2020
Defect: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · Campaign 20V467000 · Aug 10, 2020
Defect: 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · Campaign 20V197000 · Apr 6, 2020
Defect: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 20V097000 · Feb 21, 2020
Defect: 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.
TIRES:BEAD; TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · Campaign 19V903000 · Dec 18, 2019
Defect: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · Campaign 19V805000 · Nov 12, 2019
Defect: 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.
Show 1 earlier campaign
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER; SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · Campaign 19V633000 · Aug 29, 2019
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.