The 2020 F-150 is mid-generation for the 13th-gen platform, with proven bones but some engine-specific gremlins. EcoBoost cam phaser failures and 10-speed transmission shudder dominate repair orders, while the 3.0 diesel has serious bottom-end issues that can grenade motors.
3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle that lasts 3-5 seconds, sounds like marbles in a can, Check engine light with timing-related codes (P0016, P0017, P0018), Loss of power on acceleration, Rough idle that smooths out when warm
Fix: Requires timing chain cover removal to replace both cam phasers and timing chains as a set. 12-16 hours labor depending on 2WD vs 4WD. Often find stretched timing chains and worn guides once you're in there. Some shops recommend doing both VVT solenoids while accessible.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
10-Speed Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during light acceleration at 20-50 mph, Harsh downshifts when slowing to a stop, Transmission hunting between gears on flat highway cruise, Clunking from driveline on 1-2 or 2-3 upshift
Fix: Start with TSB 21-2318 adaptive learning reset and fluid exchange using Mercon ULV only—fixes 40% of cases, 2 hours labor. If that fails, torque converter replacement or full valve body rebuild. Severe cases need new clutch packs. Ford extended warranty covers some through powertrain.
Estimated cost: $400-600 for fluid service, $2,500-4,500 for torque converter
3.0L Power Stroke Diesel Crankshaft and Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud knocking from lower engine that increases with RPM, Metallic debris in oil during changes, Sudden catastrophic loss of oil pressure, Rod through the block in worst cases—you'll know
Fix: Catastrophic failure requires full engine replacement or rebuild with crankshaft, main bearings, rod bearings, and often pistons if debris circulated. 25-35 hours labor for removal, machine work, and reinstall. This is the diesel's Achilles heel—poor oiling to thrust bearing cited in industry bulletins.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000 for rebuild, $12,000-18,000 for Ford reman engine
2.7L EcoBoost Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1 quart every 800-1,200 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Fouled spark plugs on cylinders 2 and 5 especially, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle
Fix: Ring replacement requires full engine disassembly—16-20 hours minimum. Often find scored cylinder walls requiring honing or boring, and walnut blasting intake valves adds 3-4 hours. Some techs recommend short-block replacement if mileage is over 100k to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500 depending on machine work needed
Rear Window Defroster and Blind Spot Monitor Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Rear defroster grid stops working partially or fully, Blind spot warning lights stay on or never activate, Backup camera intermittent or black screen, "Camera/radar blocked" message in dash even when clean
Fix: Often traced to corroded body control module connectors or failed rear glass with integrated antenna/defroster. Camera failures require tailgate handle assembly replacement—2 hours. Glass replacement with all electronics runs 4-6 hours and must be recalibrated.
Estimated cost: $350-800 for camera/handle, $1,200-1,800 for rear glass assembly
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks at Crimped Fittings
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or frame rail, Low fluid warning message, Burnt transmission smell after highway driving, Pink fluid visible on driveway after overnight park
Fix: Factory crimp fittings on cooler lines fail from heat cycles and road salt. Replace both feed and return lines as a set with upgraded double-flare fittings. 3-4 hours labor including fluid refill and purge procedure. TSB 19-2029 covers this—check if warranty applies.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Owner tips
EcoBoost owners: Use Motorcraft oil only and change every 5k miles—not 10k. Cam phasers are sensitive to oil quality and dilution from direct injection.
10-speed trans: Service fluid every 40k miles with Mercon ULV despite "lifetime fill" claim. Cheap insurance against shudder and clutch wear.
3.0 diesel: Send oil samples to Blackstone Labs every other change starting at 50k miles. Bearing wear shows up in iron content before you hear noise.
Check transmission cooler lines at every oil change for seepage—catch it early before you're stranded with empty trans.
The 5.0 V8 is bulletproof; buy that if towing under 8,000 lbs. Skip the 3.0 diesel entirely unless under powertrain warranty. EcoBoosts are solid workhorses if maintained religiously—but budget $3-5k for inevitable cam phaser or transmission work by 100k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: High-output EcoBoost engine requires AGM battery; premium H8 group for enhanced electrical demands
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Control Modules — 2020 Ford F-150
Every control module on the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not a separate module; function within BCM. Key programming requires dealer tool.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V442000
2025-06-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 24V852000
2024-11-08
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V575000
2020-09-23
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · 20V467000
2020-08-10
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S40.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · 20V197000
2020-04-03
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. 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.
Consequence: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 20V097000
2020-02-21
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
TIRES:BEAD · 19V903000
2019-12-18
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires. The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.
Consequence: The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare tire, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S55.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. 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 and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Consequence: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · 19V633000
2019-08-28
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.
Vehicle Info — 2020 Ford F-150
Wiper blades
2015-2020 F-150 (13th gen) continues with symmetrical 22-inch blades and standard hook attachment
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2020 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost HO and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.