The Lemon Index2020 Ford F-150.
The 2020 Ford F-150 is better than average by owner complaints: 461 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 23 recalls, and it gets 17 to 24 mpg combined. The best Ford F-150 year is 2007.
Covers the whole F-Series (F-150 plus the F-250/F-350 Super Duty): Ford reports their sales together.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 95 YouTube videos about the 2015–2020 F-150, 22.7M views. The 2020 is the same truck.
- Transmission & shifter1.3M views
2015-2017 F150: Transmission Fluid and Filter (6R80)MasterJacks · 492K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors636K views
2015 - 2016 Ford F150 P1289 - Overheat Out Of Nowhere - here is the fix - Cylinder Head Temp SensorFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 284K views · 4 videos - Oil changes & service599K views
Ford F150 Oil and Filter Change DIY (2015 - 2020) 5.0L V8Smackey's Garage · 291K views · 3 videos - Lifters, AFM & cam phasers491K views
2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost Startup Rattle Fix: Make Sure You Are Getting The Latest Phasers!FordTechMakuloco · 347K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Oil dilution & oil burning445K views
Oil Consumption Update - 2019 Ford F150 5.0LEliminator Performance · 252K views · 4 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical395K views
2010 - 2015 Ford F150 won't start - the #1 and 2 reason why, " Dash Flickers " Fuel Pump Fuse BlownFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 324K views · 2 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door266K views
2018 F150 Cabin Air Filter InstallSmackey's Garage · 266K views - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4260K views
F150 2015 - 2018 4x4 Hub Lockout to eliminate 4x4 Issues - It's Just this Dang EasyFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 164K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford F-150 Pickup 2015-2020 13th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 268K views
2015-2017 Ford F-150 Top Reliability Issues/ProblemsCamerons Car Reviews · 267K views
FORD Continues to Battle Transmission Problems my 2018 F150 back at the Dealer for the 4thTime LEMONCHUNKY CATS FISHING · 157K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 1,216 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford F-150 year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 7K to 90K miles on the car (428 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 22K–100K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 7K–88K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 1K–40K miles
Recalls 23
- lights 2026
When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended.
- fuel system, diesel 2026
Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
- back over prevention 2025
The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
Show all 23 recalls
- steering 2025
The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
- back over prevention 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- fuel system, diesel 2024
Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
- equipment 2024
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard.
- equipment 2023
The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints.
- back over prevention 2022
Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
- visibility 2022
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.
- body structure 2022
Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
- tires 2021
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
- visibility 2021
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
- steering 2020
The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
- back over prevention 2020
Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
- electrical 2020
An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
- lights 2020
The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these ve…
- tires 2019
The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.
- electrical 2019
The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays …
- seats 2019
Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
What to pay
Typical dealer asking price for a 2020 Ford F-150 by mileage, from 105 dealer listings nationwide (November 2026). Under the great-deal number is about 10% below typical; over the high number is more than 5% above.
| Miles | Great deal at or under | Typical | Too high at or over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50K | $29.4K | $32.7K | $34.3K+ |
| 50K–75K | $33.0K | $36.6K | $38.5K+ |
| 75K–100K | $24.3K | $27.0K | $28.3K+ |
| 100K–125K | $21.6K | $24.0K | $25.2K+ |
Private seller: coming soon. Private sellers often ask less than dealers, but we only publish a number once it's measured.
Salvage or rebuilt title: usually sells for well under a clean title. Estimates run from about 27% less (a matched study of 2,389 cars) to as much as 50% less (Edmunds). This is a guide, not a price; get an inspection.
Asking prices, not sale prices. Trim, engine, 4x4, condition and location move the price. Estimates, not an appraisal.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 441 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This SKU is an Oil Dipstick
- High-pitched whine
- Some 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenSogefi secondary diesel fuel filter leak2024
- OpenRearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance2021
- ClosedPower tailgate release systems2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Shifting from 2 to 3rd gear while lightly accelerating, it bangs so hard I think transmission fell out. If it under aggressive acceleration, it's smooth
2020 Ford F-150 owner · NHTSA complaint 11354516
More owner reports
Intermintedly when placed in park it after engine is turned off rolls. Sometimes very slow sometimes very quickly. Also key gets stuck in the ignition.
NHTSA complaint 11397172
The truck has the 10 speed automatic transmission that doesnât shift correctly it sticks in a gear to a high rpm then shifts really hard
NHTSA complaint 11511645
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford F-150 year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2020 Ford F-150 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (28%), engine (15%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
23 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford F-150 get?
17 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Ford F-150 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford F-150 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,500 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 428 complaints.
Does the 2020 Ford F-150 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 28% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Ford F-150 cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl.
What Ford F-150 year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works