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Model year

2020 Ford F-450

Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 31, 2021 to Mar 6, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year1639k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints24Below the median 2020 pickup
Severity index16.72020 pickups average 4.6
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Ford F-450 peaked in 2025, with 8 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024682021202220232024202582026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

38% of complaints about the 2020 Ford F-450 name fuel system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Fuel system
9
Powertrain
5
Electrical system
3
Engine and cooling
2
Speed control
2
Driver assistance
1
Latches and locks
1
Steering
1
Structure
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2020 Ford F-450

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford F-450
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-633Aug 28, 2019Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanismsSeats639,137Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Ford F-450

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Mar 6, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2025Aurora, OHFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11722455
  2. Filed Oct 14, 2025Failure Aug 28, 202582,000 milesMontreal, MOSteeringCrash1 injured

    The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had driven independently sideways and then into a deep ditch before coming to a stop. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact was unconscious and transferred to the local hospital. The contact sustained six broken ribs, a punctured left lung and a hematoma in the left leg. In addition, the contact had to have emergency surgery to remove the hematoma. The contact was receiving continued medical treatment due to the injuries. The contact stated a Police report was filed. The contact later received a recall notification: NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering) however the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11693264
  3. Filed Aug 22, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2025Vacaville, CAFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450 The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11682394
  4. Filed Aug 17, 2025Failure Aug 16, 2025Elgin, OKFuel/propulsion systemFire

    Vehicle caught fire. Fire in the engine compartment after heavy fuel smell/odor.

    NHTSA complaint 11681172
  5. Filed May 2, 2025Failure Jan 2, 2025104,717 milesPlymouth, MNFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that while hauling an RV at 65 MPH, with the cruise control feature activated, the message that the "Engine has Stopped - Pull Over Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, and the contact attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was turning over however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer retrieved DTC: P0087. Additionally, there were metal shavings found in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,717.

    NHTSA complaint 11658406
  6. Filed Feb 26, 2025Failure Feb 18, 2025184,000 milesLive Oak, FLFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine ran for several minutes before the vehicle independently shut off. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) as probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11645130
  7. Filed Feb 13, 2025Failure Jan 31, 202540,000 milesFort Myers, FLFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, with the "Reduced Engine Power" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the highway, and the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact was informed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the remedy for the recall was a software update. The contact was informed that due to the fuel pump failure, the vehicle was no longer qualified for the recall repair. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer who offered to cover 50% of the cost for the repair. The contact stated that the recall repair was not a permanent repair and that the recall remedy failed to adequately address the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11642508
  8. Filed Feb 3, 2025Failure Jan 23, 2025103,000 milesWashington, PAFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting, the "Low Fuel Pressure" message was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter had exploded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system was contaminated with metal and that the entire fuel system needed to be flushed and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11640346
  9. Filed Jan 23, 2025Failure Nov 6, 202487,000 milesAlbany, KYEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality once the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power train control module (PCM). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who diagnosed that cylinder #4 had failed, and there was a misfire in cylinders #3 and #5. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11638026
  10. Filed Aug 19, 2024Failure Jul 29, 2024Belleville, ILPower train

    The vehicle is experiencing very erratic shifts between gears. The transmission is slingshot shifting in all gears between 3rd through 6th. If this continues it will undoubtedly blow the transmission out. I work with this truck every day and if it blows it will very likely cause a very big safety hazard as I would very possibly have a load on my trailer and this could force me out of my lane. There is a ford customer satisfaction program number of 21B03 that directly applies to this issue but as of yet they are not approving the fix for it. There is also another safety recall on this truck number 22S22. That also covers this issue we are experiencing.

    NHTSA complaint 11609517
  11. Filed Mar 8, 2024Failure Dec 21, 2023Desert Center, CAAutomatic transmission

    See attached document for complaint

    NHTSA complaint 11576238
  12. Filed Dec 30, 2023Failure Oct 6, 2023Patma, IDElectrical system, Latch, Unknown or other

    My tailgate came open randomly while pulling a trailer. Ford knows about this issue, but is yet to make a recall and not sure they’re going to cover the damage done to my tailgate. The tailgate randomly came open when I had turned a corner, and when I straightened back out made my truck and trailer jumped all over the road because the tailgate contacted the trailer.

    NHTSA complaint 11562737
  13. Filed Dec 30, 2023Failure Dec 8, 2023Patma, IDElectrical system, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

    My horn started going off continuously, I got messages on my digital dash system, saying that my lane assist had a fault, my adaptive speed control was faulty, and other system. Safety features were inactive. Ford has an issue, and they acknowledge the issue of the fuse box under the hood randomly coming off, which allows water to get into the fuse system, and start corroding wires which start sending mixed signals and failures to the system.

    NHTSA complaint 11562735
  14. Filed Oct 17, 2023Failure May 18, 202397,000 milesMarion, INPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the transmission experienced rough shifting. The vehicle then inadvertently decelerated and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact then drove to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03 (Number One Planetary and Ring Gear Assembly). The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was unavailable.

    NHTSA complaint 11550475
  15. Filed Feb 7, 2023Failure Oct 1, 202260,000 milesRuskin, FLPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while shifting into drive, the vehicle jolted forward. The vehicle was hard to shift into gear. There was an abnormal sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11505961
  16. Filed Jul 11, 2022Failure Jul 8, 2022Buford, GAAdaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Unknown or other

    RECALL ON MY F450 with no remedy, Ford will not give me an equivalent replacement - this is putting lives in danger. All of the dash engine lights will come on, no ABS, no traction control, no brakes whatsoever, power loss, will not go over 2k RPM. Then truck will not go into park when it does stop. It is an extreme danger to myself and others to not be able to drive or brake my truck. Ford is “too busy” to even diagnose the problem even though it is clearly because of the recall. This needs to be remedied before someone gets hurt.

    NHTSA complaint 11473337
  17. Filed Jun 29, 2022Failure Jun 17, 2022Wellsville, OHEngine, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    Sudden acceleration while braking. While towing a gooseneck trailer aprox. 25,000 lbs, with the truck in tow/haul mode and the exhaust/engine brake turned on, started down a long winding 8% grade, could feel the engine brake working as normal, holding the truck from gaining speed, as the truck entered the second turn, the truck lunged forward gaining a lot of speed causing me to quickly stab the brakes, the truck continued this type of on/off cycle with quickly acclerating while standing on the brakes to try and control it until I leaned over and swithched the engine brake off, making it necassary to ride the brakes down the grade to maintain a safe speed and not lose control. By the time we reached the bottom, smoke was coming from both the truck and trailer brakes and the stopping power was nearly gone. The truck has done this intermittently without warning and is a major concern for safety. A search on truck forums show a number of people with the same concern. Dealer has been able to reproduce the problem, but does not have a solution. I beleive its a defect in the new 10 speed transmission and tied to the ongoing vibration / shake / hop / bounce we are experiancing.

    NHTSA complaint 11471521
  18. Filed Jun 29, 2022Failure Nov 2, 2021Wellsville, OHSuspension, Unknown or other

    Vibration at highway speeds aprox. 15,000 miles that continues to worsen to a slight vibration at idle and vibration/bounce/hop at aprox. 30,000 miles, to a violent shake at aprox. 45,000 miles, making it very hard to maintain the control needed to stay in your lane and extremely hard to come to a stop in an emergency braking sitiation. When towing or hauling the defect seems to worsen. The vehicle has been to two dealerships that has kept the vehicle over 90 days, replacing or repairing a large list of components, they are always able to reproduce and confirm the defect, but have not been able to repair it.

    NHTSA complaint 11471498
  19. Filed Apr 21, 2022Failure Apr 1, 2022Port Saint Lucie, FLWheels

    Front tires on F450 Super Duty are all chopped up, and needing replacement after only 20,000 miles.

    NHTSA complaint 11461644
  20. Filed Apr 13, 2022Failure Apr 6, 202233,875 milesNew Market, MDFuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with metal shards in the fuel system. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel system kit needed to be replaced but parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 33,875.

    NHTSA complaint 11460687
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • PE24014 Preliminary evaluation, Fuel system
    Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
    Opened May 9, 2024, still open
  • RQ21001 Recall query, Structure
    Power Tailgate Release Systems
    Opened Jan 15, 2021, closed Jan 10, 2024
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

7 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 25N10S1 Jun 23, 2026 · Other
    Certain 2017-2025 F-450 – F-600 Chassis Cab Upfitted with an Aerial Bucket Frame Rail Crack
  • SAN-Vol1 I1 Jun 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and othe…
  • 21B03-S1 Mar 31, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain 2020 Model Year Super Duty F250-F600 Vehicles Equipped with a 10R140 Transmission - Number One Planetary and Ring Gear Assembly- Ref Cust Sat Program 21B03 dated March 3, 2021 In all of the affected vehicles, a distressed No. 1 planetary needle bea…
  • TSB 20-2272 Aug 19, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, 2017-2020 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine built on or after 13-May-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp …
  • 20B15 Apr 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In some of the affected vehicles , a piston oil cooler bracket may have been damaged during engine assembly. A damaged piston oil cooler bracket may allow the piston oil cooler to detach. This can lead to low engine oil pressure and may result in intermitte…
  • SSM 48135 Aug 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function. To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been provided to each U.S. deal…
  • SSM 48130 Aug 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the gl…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.