Is the 2020 Ford F-350 reliable?

The 2020 Ford F-350 has 233 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Ford F-350?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (51 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (44 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (34 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Ford F-350?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Ford F-350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Ford F-350 is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Ford F-350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Ford F-350 has 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 252. The most common issue is transmission problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: 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. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 7 crash reports 2 injuries

233

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

51 complaints

22%

• 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
• WHILE NEGOTIATING STEEP GRADES (OVER 8 DEGREES) AT MODERATE SPEEDS (~30MPH) WITH THE ENGINE BRAKE IN AUTOMATIC A 3RD GEAR TO 2ND GEAR OR 2ND GEAR TO FIRST GEAR CHANGE IS PROCEEDED BY A SIGNIFICANT ACCELERATION BY AS MUCH AS 5MPH OR MORE THIS CAN BE SIMULATED ON LESS STEEP INCLINES BY ENGAGING THE E
• THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL IS 20S33. TORGUE CONVERTER DAMPER FRACTURE. THE TRUCK WAS SOLD WITH TECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF THE BACKUP CAMERA, THAT TOTALLY DOESN’T WORK TILL NOW. THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS STARTS ON 07 TH OF OCTOBER 2020, WHEN I NOTICED A HUGE NOISE IN THE CAR ACCORDING TO THE TRANSM

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Ford F-350

Based on 97 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 52K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

High-mileage issuemedian 116K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 113K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER28/08/2019

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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Ford F-350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-350 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2020 F-350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 233 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: The contact stated owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under Manufacturer Campaign Number: 22E04 Reprogram PCM/TCM (Power Train) however, after the repair the fuel economy had become significantly lessened. Prior to the repair the fuel economy was 22 MPG how
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: STEERING RETURNABILTY OR "RETURN TO CENTER" IS IMPEDED BY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. ACCORDING TO FORD THE NEW ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC SYSTEM INSTALLED ON SOME SUPER DUTY TRUCKS ASSISTS THE DRIVER DURING CROSS WIND OR HEAVY ROAD CROWN SITUATIONS. BUT WHEN THERE IS NO WIND OR ROAD CROWN THE SYST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: VEHICLE RPM WILL NOT DROP WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE GAS AND IN GEAR. RPM STAYS AT 1100 AND VEHICLE SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN. NO DIFFERENCE WITH ENGINE BRAKE ON OR OFF. SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN PARKING LOTS OR AT STOP LIGHTS WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE UNLESS B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)