Ford F-150 Complaints (2020)

742 consumer complaints on file.

#11663297May 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
At 63mph my transmission started shifting erratically between gears, jumping into 1st gear twice. The transmission is being repaired by Ford at my expense now. There were no warning lights or previous indications. The 10R80 transmission is dangerously flawed and should be recalled by Ford
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662626May 22, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound on cold start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662357May 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2020 Ford F-150 with 62,400 miles and a 10 speed automatic transmission. Transmission has failed! The truck is at Bill Brown Service in Livonia, Michigan. At 62,200, the transmission was not engaging and disengaging when ever it wanted to. This has happened several times and resulting in inability to drive and control the vehicle. This had happened previously over the past few weeks but only in a parking lot or the driveway. Now it is happening every time the vehicle is driven. Ford said the repair would be $3,500 to $4,500. They have offered me a discount and my portion would be $1,600. This truck has never towed a trailer, never had a hitch in the receiver and been offroad or barely on a gravel road. All maintenance has been done to this vehicle and was due for transmission fluid replacement. Ford should bare all of the cost for the transmission repairs and should recall this transmission before someone gets injured. I have the same transmission in a Ford Explorer that has had to be worked on two or three times now. Thank you for your consideration in this matter [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661962May 19, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. After the vehicle reached normal operating temperature, the rattling ceased, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661235May 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Problems started when towing, going down a hill, the truck down shifted as it should. Once the road leveled out, the truck would not upshift until you came almost to a complete stop and started over. Took it to the dealership and was told it needed new software. Paid for software and truck had a shutter after that while going up hills without towing. Took it back and dealer did not follow TSB, but instead put a torque converter in. Picked up truck and less than 20 while driving on the interestate at 70mph, the truck downshifted so hard it chirped the rear tires. Took it back to dealership and transmission was replaced. Picked truck up and drove it for a few hundred miles and started leaking transmission fluid out the vent (accourding to the dealership) Dealership is stating its my fault due to towing a small trailer with around 4k pounds total weights. On interesate at 60MPH, in tow mode, the trunk was running at 1700 RPM and all temp guages normal so no stress at all on the truck. Truck is rated at 13k plus towing. Dealer also stated that hauling horse feed also overheated transmission. The new transmission "clunks" when going from park to reverse. The turck still surges. Some days its fine, other days not so much. In my opinion, poor quality parts caused the failure of the first transmission. Current problems, in my opinion the problems are software. The engine at speed is barely above an idle and not optimized for the engine power or torque curve. The silliness of skipping gears is also part of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661060May 14, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving on Loop 610 with stop and go traffic and after a lot of restarts the engine almost did not restart. If it would have not restart I would have been trapped in traffic in a mid lane which would have resulted in a various dangerous situation. Ford needs to install a switch to allow owners to disconnect the device that kills the engine when you stop. We are getting ready for hurricane season and based on past history if we have to do a mass evaluation we have vehicles with this devise that could result in blocking traffic and not allow people to evacuate result in potentially many lives lost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660325May 12, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the messages "Front Camera Malfunction" and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" were displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660141May 10, 2025
SUSPENSION
After completing a 200-mile highway drive with my family in the vehicle, I performed a routine visual inspection of the undercarriage. During this inspection, I immediately noticed that one of the front coil springs appeared to be off-center in relation to the shock assembly. Upon closer examination, I discovered that both front coil springs had shifted significantly out of position. Even more alarming, the coil spring on the passenger side had a complete fracture—it was fully cracked through. In addition, the misalignment of both springs had caused visible damage to the shock bodies, suggesting metal-on-metal contact had been occurring during operation. This is not a wear-and-tear issue or a cosmetic concern—this is a catastrophic suspension failure on a relatively new and well-maintained vehicle. Coil springs are a critical structural component designed to support the weight of the vehicle, absorb shocks, and maintain proper handling and ride height. A complete failure of one coil spring, coupled with misalignment of both, indicates either a serious design flaw or material defect. Had this failure progressed during our highway drive, especially at speed or during an evasive maneuver, the consequences could have been tragic—not only for my family, but for other drivers on the road. The loss of suspension integrity at highway speeds could lead to sudden loss of vehicle control, steering instability, or even a rollover. The fact that this occurred without any warning signs (no abnormal noises, ride quality changes, or handling issues were noticed prior to inspection) makes it even more concerning. This type of failure should not be happening on a modern pickup truck, especially one marketed for its toughness and reliability. I am filing this complaint in the hope that NHTSA investigates whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader issue affecting other 2020 F-150s. If other vehicles are at risk of similar suspension failures, this poses a serious publ
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659039May 5, 2025
Insert, Padding
The padding on the headrest part of the car seat is broken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658542May 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Ford F150 Mileage when 10R80 Transmission Failed: 66,195 New 10R80 Transmission Replacement of Original Factory 10R80 Transmission installed on September 20, 2024 Original 10R80 Transmission Failure Date: [XXX] Brand New 10R80 Transmission Installed: September 20, 2024 2nd Incident Malfunction of New Replacement 10R80 Transmission: [XXX] 3rd Incident Malfunction of New Replacement 10R80 Transmission: [XXX] My 2020 Ford F150 transmission failed on [XXX], on [XXX]. The truck lost power and the transmission was shifting erratically. Upshifting and downshifting and the engine revved up. A Warning Light came on as a transmission failure. I was driving in a construction zone without shoulders, so the experience was terrifying for my Wife and I when the transmission failed. There was an emergency turn off and I pulled my truck off the highway and looked underneath and saw the entire underside of the truck covered with transmission fluid. When the 10R80 transmission failed, the mileage on my 2020 Ford F150 was 66,195 miles. The powertrain warranty on the vehicle is up to 60,000 miles. Ford Motor Company and the Ford Dealer offered no financial help to replace the factory original failed 10R80 transmission. On September 20, 2024, I paid Front Royal Ford $8,756.13 for a new transmission and installation. My assessment is that the transmission failed when driving up a mountain for several miles at a steep grade. On [XXX], the new transmission installed started acting very erratically and the transmission disconnected from the engine and a total loss of power occurred. The transmission randomly started downshifting and upshifting. Transmission fluid leaked from the new transmission. The 2020 Ford F150 was put in the Service Department of Front Royal Ford, and they could not replicate the problem and told me to pick up the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658060May 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission routinely drops from 4th to 2nd rapidly decreasing speed (~40 to 20 mph) with loud clink. Maybe one day it will lock up. Took it in for warranty: “It will progressively get worse until just outside of warranty, then we’ll replace the transmission.”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657966April 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission is being replaced for a 2nd time due to erratic downshifting at highway speeds. Going from 10th to 1st to 5th and back to 10th gear. Then loss of power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657250April 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jolted into gear, prompting the contact to return to the residence. After arriving at the residence and shifting the vehicle into park, upon releasing the brake pedal the vehicle briefly started to roll away. The contact also heard an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657256April 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shifting erratically between gears, sometimes shifts hard enough to jerk the truck. I have searched Ford owner databases and this is a common problem with the 10R80 transmissions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656259April 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION STALLED INTO FIRST, WOULDNT ALLOW YOU TO PUT VEHICLE INTO GEAR UNLESS YOU TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON. FORD SERVICE CENTER VERIFIED CONCERN IN PARKING LOT. VEHICLE STARTS IN FOURTH GEAR AND LUNGES VERY ROUGH. NO DTC. FLUID LEVEL FULL BUT VERY DARK WITH FINE METAL CONTAMINATION PRESENT. PERFORM CDF TEST. RESULTS FAIL. CDF BUSHING HAS SLIPPED COMPLETLY BLOCKING FLUID PORTS. ALSO SUSPECTED HUB BASKET HAS WORN GROOVED FROM F CLUTCH APPLICATION CAUSING FINE METAL IN FLUID. OVERHAUL NEEDED FOR REPAIR Safety concerns: my truck stalled in an intersection which put me, my pregnant wife, and our [XXX] daughter at risk of being hit by another vehicle. After speaking to multiple services centers (both Ford and 3rd party), I was told by *all* of them that they've been replacing 10-speed Ford transmissions like crazy these past few months. My vehicle is currently at a certified Ford dealership pending repair. Currently contesting a denial in financial assistance considering the vehicle is within the 5 year powertrain warranty (the vehicle had an initial 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty and my truck is at 72,200 miles). No warning lamps or messages occurred until the moment the problem occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656117April 22, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Driving at highway speeds and my truck began to shake violently and very loud banging sound. Slowed down to pull over on the highway. Found driveshaft broken in half with gas dumping out of the fuel tank. Broken driveshaft damaged heat shield for gas tank, punctured gas tank and dented/broke clips on exhaust. Very lucky back driveshaft didn’t hit pot hole and leaking gas didn’t start a fire. Stranded on side of road for hours. Sent my vin to the dealership and they said my was not under the recall #21S56 even tho it was built after known driveshaft issue and clearly the insulator caused the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655433April 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655465April 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door lock stopped work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655011April 16, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654787April 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shifts very hard out of 2nd 3rd and 4th gears up and down. Took for service and was supposedly fixed. After about 3k miles it started again. Ford says fixing is my cost even though they sold me trash
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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