2020 Ford F-150 electrical system problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
88 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2020 Ford F-150, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 3,500 mi.
- Electrical System complaints
- 88
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 3,500 mi
Specific components reported
Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 85 |
| Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator:integrated starter(other than propulsion) | 1 |
| Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel | 1 |
| Electrical system:starter assembly | 1 |
Electrical System complaints across Ford F-150 years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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.
Risk: 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.
What owners say
- Filed Oct 6, 2026NCElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers
I have noticed that my turn signal lights work sometimes, and sometimes they give me the rapid-fire warning light indicating that one of them is out (front or back). The outage may or may not last the entire duration of when the turn signal is deployed - sometimes it fixes itself, and other times it remains out. Sometimes, it even fixes itself and goes back out in the same signal instance. Additionally, I have noticed that one or both of the headlights will sometimes fail. I…
NHTSA complaint #11769377 · source - Filed Oct 6, 2026FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
It had been raining hard for a few days. Husband was taking truck down hwy 98 to a drs appointment an hour away. Driving 50 when the steering wheel starting going in and out, the seat started moving forward and back, running boards going in and out, lights flashing on and off and horn blaring and the 2020 F150 sputtered, almost stopped in the middle of the road; to name a few things. Frightened he was able to pull into a gas station, wait a bit then try another time when…
NHTSA complaint #11769297 · source - Filed Aug 27, 2026PADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
After starting my 2020 Ford F150 for the last few months on the dash 2 warnings comes up, Front Camera Malfunction Service Required and Pre Collision Assist Not Available. These come on every time I start my truck. I did go to my local Ford dealer and told them these were coming on and they told me they never heard of that. I did have a mechanic do a scan on the truck and he came up with code 4300-49- AF which he said is an internal electronic failure. I have read that…
NHTSA complaint #11759959 · source - Filed Aug 26, 2026SCElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
When driving the vehicle it randomly jumps gears, when taking off it went into limp mode today. My wife almost got slammed by a semi truck! I called ford and they are not interested in hearing my case only wanting me to pay these outrageous fees. The pcm recall fix did not fix the gears jumping
NHTSA complaint #11759870 · source - Filed Aug 22, 2026UTElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
While driving I will get a wrench symbol with a bunch of codes pop up u0121:00:28 u0131:00:28 u0137:00:28 u0164:00:28 u0199:00:28 u0200:00:28 u0212:00:28 u0252:00:28 u0256:00:28 u1012:00:28 p0557:00:28 p1935:00:68 p193e:00:28 I have also had it jerk while driving ( went down into first gear) while having no power to my gauge cluster ac nothing
NHTSA complaint #11758824 · source - Filed Aug 7, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Camshaft had to be replaced a couple years ago, followed by cam shaft sensor. Then another $6,300 of "critical" issu3s to be fixed. The vehicle is 5 1/2 y/o. Absolutely ridiculous that this amount of money is required for such a young vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11755560 · source - Filed Jun 23, 2026176,792 miSCElectrical System
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable, and the audible alerts failed to operate as needed. The start-of-trip and seat belt chime failed to operate while the seat belt was unbuckled. Additionally, there was no chime while the key was in the ignition or while the door was opened. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed Audio Control Module (ACM) failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified…
NHTSA complaint #11745974 · source - Filed Jun 23, 2026WIElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
Windshield seal failure. Water intrusion into the electrical system. The horn does not work and intermittent starting problems. Water intrusion caused mold in numerous components. Truck was checked over at local Ford dealer. Waiting for parts to make repairs. Repair quote available if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11745839 · source - Filed Jun 1, 2026MIElectrical System
Issue Description: The radio/infotainment system intermittently cuts out and produces loud static noises while driving. The issue occurs without warning and happens repeatedly. Safety Concern: The sudden loss of audio and loud static creates a distraction while driving and can interfere with hearing important external sounds (traffic, emergency vehicles, etc.). The unpredictable nature of the problem increases driver distraction and could contribute to unsafe driving…
NHTSA complaint #11741301 · source - Filed May 15, 2026MIElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and discovered that there are numerous incidents of this happening (engine shutting off…
NHTSA complaint #11738077 · source - Filed May 12, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
* This complaint concerns a catastrophic failure of the transmission in my vehicle. This defect was first reported to a Ford dealer while still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (Jan 3, 2023, at 58,679 miles; Invoice #XXX). * The condition worsened. Between July 2024 - Jan. 2026, I received 7 digital "Service Engine Soon" warnings via the Ford App. My dealer advised that the vehicle was "OK to drive" as long as the light (which never stayed on) was not…
NHTSA complaint #11737425 · source - Filed Feb 25, 2026OHElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
My truck down shifted from seventh gear all the way down to first, making rev really high and slow down all the sudden. I was doing 50 mph
NHTSA complaint #11720327 · source
Other 2020 Ford F-150 problem areas
- Transmission & Drivetrain (357)
- Engine (137)
- Other / Unknown (88)
- Visibility & Wipers (63)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (42)
- Body & Structure (31)
- Brakes (22)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (16)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (14)
- Airbags (10)
- Steering (10)
- Suspension (9)
- Seats & Seat Belts (7)
- Wheels & Tires (7)
- Lighting (5)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology