The best F-150 of the last decade
The 2020 F-150 has well under half the model's average complaints per truck sold. It is the most refined year of the aluminum generation, with fewer shifting and engine complaints than earlier trucks.
Updated November 2026 · based on 565 owner complaints and 11 recalls
107 62% below the F-150 average
11 free to fix at a dealer
Every F-150 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2020 F-150
Top problems and what they cost
Clunky shifts
Some owners still report clunks or harsh shifts at low speed.
Fix: Software update $100 to $200.
Transmission
Engine warning lights while towing
A few report check engine lights or power loss when towing.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200.
Engine
Key fob and door locks
Doors not all unlocking from the fob is a small but common gripe.
Fix: Door latch $200 to $400 per door.
Electrical
Recalls
The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, incre...
Show all 11 recalls
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 ...
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Ford F-150
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, including the starter (20V467), camera (20V575) and gear indicator (20V197) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2020 F-150 has 11 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check that every door unlocks from the fob.Doors, liftgates and tailgates use motors, latches and switches that wear. A door that will not latch or shows as open can drain the battery or open while driving.19 of the 565 owner complaints about the 2020 F-150 involve doors and latches (3%).
- Drive through low-speed shifts and feel for clunks.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 165 complaints about 10-speed transmission harsh and erratic shifting on the 2020 F-150.
Questions
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 reliable?
The best F-150 of the last decade. The 2020 F-150 has well under half the model's average complaints per truck sold. It is the most refined year of the aluminum generation, with fewer shifting and engine complaints than earlier trucks.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
11 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Ford F-150 problems?
Clunky shifts; Engine warning lights while towing; Key fob and door locks.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.