2020 Ford F-350 SD: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
188 owner complaints analyzed
15 distinct recall campaigns
58,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 80 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 51 of 188 complaints (27.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 44 | 23.4% |
| Steering behavior | 31 | 16.5% |
| Braking behavior | 22 | 11.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 20 | 10.6% |
| Engine operation | 14 | 7.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 2.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 51 |
| Steering | 34 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 33 |
| Unknown Or Other | 19 |
| Engine | 14 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 |
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Structure:Body | 10 |
Power Train: 51; Steering: 34; Fuel System, Diesel: 33; Unknown Or Other: 19; Engine: 14; Fuel/Propulsion System: 13; Electrical System: 11; Structure:Body: 10
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 24 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 12 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 11 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 17 |
| 150,000 and above | 11 |
Under 25,000: 24; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 17; 150,000 and above: 11
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (24). 108 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2026 | 28 |
2020: 13; 2021: 15; 2022: 22; 2023: 27; 2024: 25; 2025: 58; 2026: 28
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 44 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 31 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11326343 · 2020-05-28 (May 28, 2020)
VEHICLE RPM WILL NOT DROP WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS AND IN GEAR. RPM STAYS AT 1100 AND VEHICLE SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN. NO DIFFERENCE WITH ENGINE BRAKE ON OR OFF. SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN PARKING LOTS OR AT STOP LIGHTS WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE UNLESS BRAKES ARE APPLIED. BRAKES HAVE TO BE APPLIED SOMETIMES VERY HARD TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP AND ENGINE RPM TO DROP. DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALER WITH NO FIX. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONTACTED WITH NO FIX. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11326343 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11326756 · 2020-06-01 (June 1, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE FAILED TO REMAIN LATCHED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TAIL GATE OPENED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS HAULING A TRAILER AND DAMAGE THE TRAILER CAMPER GENERATOR. RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD (19000 EASTEX FREEWAY, HUMBLE, TEXAS 77338, [phone removed]), WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *BF CONSU…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11326756 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11337326 · 2020-07-03 (July 3, 2020)
FIFTH WHEEL ANDERSEN ULTIMATE HITCH SYSTEM FAILED WHILE WE WERE HAULING OUR UNIT. HITCH BROKE AND SAFETY CHAINS ALSO BROKE. UNIT WAS BLOWN OFF THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE BALL TO BREAK SHEAR OFF DETACHING FROM TRUCK. COMPANY IS NOT WANTING TO DEAL WITH OUR INCIDENT. CAUSED OUR FIFTH WHEEL TO DETACH ON THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED OVER. WE WERE HAULING UNDER WEIGHT TO WHAT THERE HITCH RECOMMENDS TO STAND 24,000 LBS OF TORQUE. WERE JUST ASKING FOR SOME HELP. OUR NEW $84,000 UNIT IS A COMPLETE LOSS AND OUR TRUCK IS IN THE COLLISIO…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11337326 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11341396 · 2020-07-24 (July 24, 2020)
NHTSA ID NUMBER 10172952. THIS NOTIFICATION IS NOT BEING APPLIED TO ALL FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS THAT HAVE THE ULTIMATE TRAILER TOW CAMERA SYSTEM W/PRO TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST. WHEN REVIEWING ANY RECALLS ON MY TRUCK, THIS YAW SYSTEM SENSOR REQUIRED TO MAKE THE PRO TRAILER ASSIST WORK THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR TOWING 5TH WHEEL AND GOOSENECK TRAILERS WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE TRUCK. FORD HAS NOT BEEN SUPPLYING THIS ITEM. THE OWNERS MANUAL SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES THIS ITEM FOR OPERATION. I KNOW THIS MEMO IS OUT THERE BUT IS NOT BEING APPLIED TO THE PROPER …
Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 11341396 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11353197 · 2020-09-04 (September 4, 2020)
WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE IN MOTION ELECTRIC TAILGATE SPONTANEOUSLY RELEASED DAMAGING THE TAILGATE AND TOW VEHICLE ON 8/8/2020, 8/20/2020 AND 9/3/2020. TAILGATE RELEASED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE TOWING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11353197 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11354516 · 2020-09-11 (September 11, 2020)
SHIFTING FROM 2 TO 3RD GEAR WHILE LIGHTLY ACCELERATING, IT BANGS SO HARD I THINK TRANSMISSION FELL OUT. IF IT UNDER AGGRESSIVE ACCELERATION, IT'S SMOOTH
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11354516 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11360365 · 2020-09-22 (September 22, 2020)
WHILE NEGOTIATING STEEP GRADES (OVER 8 DEGREES) AT MODERATE SPEEDS (~30MPH) WITH THE ENGINE BRAKE IN AUTOMATIC A 3RD GEAR TO 2ND GEAR OR 2ND GEAR TO FIRST GEAR CHANGE IS PROCEEDED BY A SIGNIFICANT ACCELERATION BY AS MUCH AS 5MPH OR MORE THIS CAN BE SIMULATED ON LESS STEEP INCLINES BY ENGAGING THE ENGINE BRAKE AND MANUALLY SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 2ND.. THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE IN SPEED THAT CAN BE QUITE SIGNIFICANT THERE IS A MINOR REDUCTION IN BRAKING WHEN THE TRUCK PERFORMS A 4TH TO 3RD DOWNSHIFT BUT IT DOESN'T CAUSE ACCELERATION TO THE DEGREE…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11360365 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11361869 · 2020-09-29 (September 29, 2020)
STEERING RETURNABILTY OR "RETURN TO CENTER" IS IMPEDED BY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. ACCORDING TO FORD THE NEW ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC SYSTEM INSTALLED ON SOME SUPER DUTY TRUCKS ASSISTS THE DRIVER DURING CROSS WIND OR HEAVY ROAD CROWN SITUATIONS. BUT WHEN THERE IS NO WIND OR ROAD CROWN THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO "ASSIST" AND HOLDS THE STEERING COLUMN FROM IMMEDIATELY RETURNING TO CENTER. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A "LANE KEEPING' OR "AUTO STEER" SYSTEM. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT LEFT AND RIGHT INPUT TO…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11361869 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
15 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V365000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter | Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2020-06-23 (June 23, 2020)
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.
Consequence: 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 campaign record ↗20V575000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2020-09-23 (September 23, 2020)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V087000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2021-02-18 (February 18, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V090000 · Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | Visibility:Windshield
Reported: 2021-02-18 (February 18, 2021)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V155000 · Tires
Reported: 2021-03-10 (March 10, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V536000 · Power Train:Axle Assembly
Reported: 2021-07-15 (July 15, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V087000 · Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields | Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Reported: 2022-02-16 (February 16, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V250000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Linkages
Reported: 2022-04-14 (April 14, 2022)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V256000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2022-04-14 (April 14, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V644000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2022-08-26 (August 26, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V420000 · Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual
Reported: 2023-06-09 (June 9, 2023)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V957000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2024-12-20 (December 20, 2024)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V626000 · Steering:Column
Reported: 2025-09-19 (September 19, 2025)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V686000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V158000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2026-03-17 (March 17, 2026)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗