2020 Ford F-350 SD problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 189 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford F-350 SD, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 15 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
189
Recalls
15
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
3
Median mileage
59,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 54 of 189 complaints (29%).
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (48) and steering (35) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 59,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2020 Ford F-350 SD has 15 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 3rd of 19 Ford F-350 SD model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 52% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (397).

2020 Ford F-350 SD problems by category

  • 54 complaints
  • 48 complaints
  • Steering · 4 crashes
    35 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    19 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    16 complaints
  • Engine
    14 complaints
  • Suspension
    11 complaints
  • Electrical System
    11 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    9 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    8 complaints
  • Brakes
    7 complaints
  • Lighting
    5 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train52
Steering34
Fuel system, diesel33
Unknown or other19
Engine14
Fuel/propulsion system13
Electrical system11
Structure:body10

When problems happen (mileage)

19Under 10k710k–30k1630k–60k1060k–100k18100k–150k11150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Ford F-350 SD complaints that list mileage.

2020 Ford F-350 SD recalls (15)

  • Recall 26V158000Mar 17, 20269,839 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

    Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.

  • Recall 25V686000Oct 10, 2025291,901 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.

  • Recall 25V626000Sep 19, 2025115,539 vehicles
    STEERING:COLUMN

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.

    Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.

  • Recall 24V957000Dec 20, 2024295,449 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

    Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

  • Recall 23V420000Jun 9, 2023691,133 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

    Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

  • Recall 22V644000Aug 26, 2022277,040 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.

    Risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.

  • Recall 22V256000Apr 14, 202223,165 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.

    Risk: Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace a gearset within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 19, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S22.

  • Recall 22V250000Apr 14, 2022652,996 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 22V087000Feb 16, 2022247,445 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

    Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

  • Recall 21V536000Jul 15, 202127,604 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.

    Risk: Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 21S31.

  • Recall 21V155000Mar 10, 202115,769 vehicles
    TIRES

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

    Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.

  • Recall 21V087000Feb 18, 20219,979 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-Super Duty F350 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine, single rear wheels (SRW), 4X4 Crew Cab, Long Box, and a 12k or 12.4k Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. These vehicles may display overstated payload capacity values on the Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) Label, overstated Accessory Reserve Capacity (ARC) values on the Safety Certification Label, and overstated weight values on the Truck Camper Loading Documentation. If the vehicle is loaded to the payload stated on the TREAD label, it may exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and overload the vehicle.

    Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire and Loading Information Label, Safety Certification Label, and the Truck Camper Loading Document (if applicable), free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S06.

  • Recall 21V090000Feb 18, 202179,017 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

  • Recall 20V575000Sep 23, 2020620,246 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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."

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 20V365000Jun 23, 202013 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super-Duty F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel pickups. The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle.

    Risk: An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly, free of charge. This recall began July 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S33.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE24014Opened May 9, 2024Open

    Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

    The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that …

  • RQ21002Opened Aug 3, 2021Openled to recall 26V104

    Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

    On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 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 for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera op…

  • RQ21001Opened Jan 15, 2021Closed Jan 10, 2024

    Power Tailgate Release Systems

    In January 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ21-001) to assess allegations of post-recall remedy uncommanded tailgate openings in model year (MY) 2017-2019 F-250/350/450 Ford trucks. Besides the recall remedy launched in January 2020, Ford also implemented a production update in November 2019.  At the time of the RQ opening, ODI had received eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Ford in February 2021. In numerous meetings after receiving their IR response, Ford highlighted the drop in claims since the rec…

Recent 2020 Ford F-350 SD complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026140,000 miILTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched forward, and the brake pedal was depressed with more force for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and downshifted with reduced power. The Forward Collision Avoidance alarm sounded after the vehicle downshifted. The contact pulled over to the side of the road…
    NHTSA complaint #11769582 · source
  2. Filed Aug 26, 2026230,000 miGATowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the ignition key, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); and the VIN was included. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired under NHTSA…
    NHTSA complaint #11759747 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 2026VAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle extended cranking without starting while the vehicle is parked, and once started it was loss of motive power while driving and almost was in accident because of this. Sheehy ford see its a recall and see its exactly what the recall is stating but refusing to fix it and want to charge almost 10k to do so.
    NHTSA complaint #11758218 · source
  4. Filed Aug 16, 2026AZElectrical System
    The backup camera on the tailgate fails about 50% of the time when shifting into reverse. The screen is black. When it fails, I can sometimes get it to work by opening, then slamming the tailgate. I suspect that there is an intermittent open circuit in the camera system. This presents a dangerous situation when trying to back this very large dual rear wheel vehicle. This is not related to the current recall for another issue with the camera when backing into a darkened area.
    NHTSA complaint #11757321 · source
  5. Filed Jul 28, 2026MIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1. High Pressure Fuel Pump 2. All safety is good 3. It has been taken to the dealership and blaming it on the water separator (water/rust in fuel) The codes thrown are towards the High Pressure Fuel Pump 4. No there were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. 5. Dealership did not provide the inspection report
    NHTSA complaint #11753218 · source
  6. Filed Jul 28, 2026180,000 miMITowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and towing a dump trailer, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's storage yard, where an independent diesel mechanic performed a diagnostic scan and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a fuel system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was disassembled and diagnosed with a CP4 pump…
    NHTSA complaint #11753214 · source
  7. Filed Jul 8, 2026AZBrakesElectrical System
    While towing any trailer with electric brakes it appears the integrated trailer brake controller is briefly applying trailer brakes unexpectedly. Very brief but very hard, resulting in an extreme rearward pull on the truck. It happens at exactly 60 minute intervals, at any speed, uphill, downhill and level flat road. I've had the trailer 7 way plug and wire inspected, no problem found. Next step will be to have Ford dealer inspect truck electronics.
    NHTSA complaint #11749135 · source
  8. Filed Jul 1, 2026AZTransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission began malfunctioning by having hard shifting issues and losing power in some gears. An indicator on the dash lit up resembling a mechanics open-end wrench. Research online showed that the vehicle should not be driven and taken immediately to a mechanic or dealership. If driven especially pulling a heavy load like the fifth wheel that I bought the truck to tow the transmission could fail causing a serious safety issue. I immediately took the vehicle to a…
    NHTSA complaint #11747751 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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