Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2397 model-years tracked on this site.
263Complaints
15Recalls
2Crashes
3Fires
2Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Power Train (27% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Power Train complaints here are 3.2× the median for that category across the 2397 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Power Train
71 · 27%
Recalled
Recall 20V365000 · Recall 22V256000
Steering
45 · 17.1%
Recalled
Recall 20E090000 · Recall 25V626000
Fuel System, Diesel
36 · 13.7%
Recalled
Recall 24V957000 · Recall 26V158000
Suspension
28 · 10.6%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
28 · 10.6%
Recalled
Recall 24V957000 · Recall 26V158000
Engine
27 · 10.3%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 263 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lurched forward and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally…”NHTSA complaint 11618838 — filed 10/09/2024 · POWER TRAIN
“THis vehicle was purchased new from Ray Varner Ford, CLinton TN. Ford issued a Safety REcall notice for insulating material contacting the driveshaft. I took…”NHTSA complaint 11617926 — filed 10/03/2024 · POWER TRAIN
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while accelerating, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Upon inspection, it was discovered that…”NHTSA complaint 11604301 — filed 07/24/2024 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford F-250 SD?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 71 of 263 NHTSA complaints (27%), followed by steering (45), fuel system, diesel (36), suspension (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2020 Ford F-250 SD have?
263 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2020 Ford F-250 SD have any recalls?
Yes — 15 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V090000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Ford F-250 SD's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.
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