Carlexica

2020 Ford F-550: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, diesel; the 2018 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2020

2
recalls
17
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 17 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Fuel System, Diesel (fuel pump, tank, lines)5 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that there was metal deposits inside the system causing the fuel pump failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The dealer was contacted but failed to retrieve the correct diagnostic trouble codes related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Dec 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the fuel injector became inoperable. The check engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) was on back order and that a second notification would be forwarded once parts became available. The failure mileage was approximately 85,172.Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
Show 4 more owner reports
There was a recall on this veh. over a year ago and they still do not have the parts to repair it. My fuel milage went from 13.8 down to 9.6 and still going down. I have called Ford about this and they say they are still waiting on parts. I reminded them it has been over a year now and should have had the parts in a long time ago.Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
frame crack right behind cab. have two trucks with the same issue second vin ends in [XXX]. ford had a safety program 21B04 that expired which means they are aware of this issue and should issue a recall for it. ford has repeatedly refused to help with this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2022
Electronic stability control (esc) light came on and stayed on during normal, straight and level highway driving at 60 mph, indicating an esc system malfunction. The light came on after about 20 miles of highway driving and remained on for the remaining 12 miles of my journey. After being parked overnight the esc light operated normally when the engine was restarted while parked.Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2021

Recalls - 2 campaigns

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT20V099000 · Feb 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000 · Aug 2019

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."

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.

How other years compare

Check your exact F-550 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ford F-550 reliable?

NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Ford F-550. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel.

Does the 2020 Ford F-550 have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:driveshaft. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.