Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2020 Ford F-450 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 69
Against the median year of the Ford F-450. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Ford F-450
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
927.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 103,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
515.2%
Median failure at 78,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
412.1%
Electrical System
39.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
26.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
26.1%
Engine & Cooling
26.1%
Median failure at 87,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
13.0%
Wheels
13.0%
Tires
13.0%
Suspension
13.0%
Body & Structure
13.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Steering
13.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 82,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
222.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
333.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2021peak 6Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 Ford F-450
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
PE24014Opened 9 May 2024Still openFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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...
RQ21001Opened 15 Jan 2021Closed 10 Jan 2024STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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...
Recalls on the 2020 Ford F-450
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V633000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 82,000 milesMontreal, MOCrash1 injured
STEERING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, OKFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire. Fire in the engine compartment after heavy fuel smell/odor.
NHTSA complaint #11681172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OHCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
On two separate occasions, while towing a 5th wheel trailer, the tailgate opened by itself, coming in contact with the 5th wheel while turning. There was no warning or indication that the tailgate had opened. The tailgate was not opened by a person or by a bumping the keyfob -- it opened completely on its own.
NHTSA complaint #11429194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown. So, on May 30th, 2021 my passenger side main battery blew up for no reason. I took it to Autozone and we checked the system and everything seem fine and had the correct voltage. On July 3, 2021 my truck started smoking. I pulled over, put the truck in park and shut off the truck. I looked around trying to locate the cause of the smoke but couldn’t. I opened all the doors to air out the truck. Everything seemed to be fine at the time so I got back in and started driving. I got about 200 yards and then smoke started to come heavily out of the vents on the left and right side of the stereo. I pulled over again in a safe area away from cars and building, put the the truck in park and shut off the truck. I looked in the vents where the smoke was coming from and noticed flames. I grabbed my keys, ran to my trailer, grabbed a 7 gallon jug of water, ran back, called 911 and proceeded to try and put the fire out. While talking to 911 they asked where I was and address. I didn’t know but they kept insisting. I stopped located a number on a building and told them. Turned around after 30 seconds or so and the entire dash was engulfed in flames. I grabbed my computer, Xbox, and dogs. One dog got scared and ran into the trailer it took me about a min to get her out. I looked back at the truck and the whole truck at that time was engulfed in flames
NHTSA complaint #11424280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Aurora, OH
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMontreal, MOCrash1 injured
STEERING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vacaville, CA
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, OKFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire. Fire in the engine compartment after heavy fuel smell/odor.
NHTSA complaint #11681172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,717 milesPlymouth, MN
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesLive Oak, FL
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesFort Myers, FL
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesWashington, PA
FUEL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesAlbany, KY
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleville, IL
POWER 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Desert Center, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11576238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patma, ID
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMarion, IN
POWER 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesRuskin, FL
POWER 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buford, GA
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buford, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, OH
POWER TRAIN
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, OH
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, OH
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.