Ford F-250 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Ford F-250 2020 and 267 complaints filed by owners. It has 60% more complaints than the average Ford F-250 from 2016–2025 (167 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Ford F-250 2020

Seats
NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 2019-08-28

What happens

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 19V633000

Complaints from other owners

267 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

2 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 2 injuries

Most reported problems on the Ford F-250 2020

• Powertrain and transmission: 77 (29% of complaints)
• Steering: 45 (17% of complaints)
• Fuel system (diesel): 36 (13% of complaints)
• Suspension: 29 (11% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 28 (10% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Ford F-250 2020

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
• Watch for fuel smell, excess smoke and hard starts.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Ford F-250 recalls by year

• 2016 : 3 recalls · 3 complaints
• 2017 : 2 recalls · 1,155 complaints
• 2018 : 1 recall · 2 complaints
• 2019 : 4 recalls · 8 complaints
• 2020 : 1 recall · 267 complaints
• 2021 : 12 recalls · 8 complaints
• 2022 : 17 recalls · 126 complaints
• 2023 : 16 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2024 : 4 recalls · 40 complaints
• 2025 : 8 recalls · 17 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Ford F-250 2020 have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Ford F-250 2020. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Ford F-250 2020?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (77 of 267 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.