This model year has 60 processed complaint reports; POWER TRAIN is the most frequently classified system at 71.7% of reports.
Federal telemetry verified ● Model-year dossier
2020 FORD F-150
Complaint-pattern analysis from publicly available NHTSA safety records.
9.4Reliability score / 10
System health index
Reliability telemetry
A cohort-relative signal that annualizes documented reports for vehicle age and weights NHTSA crash or fire flags.
Documented incidents60
Reports with crash / fire flags3
Flagged-report share5.00%
Primary reported systemPOWER TRAIN
Scores are relative to the indexed vehicle cohort, not failure rates. Crash and fire flags identify how a complaint was recorded by NHTSA; they do not establish that a reported component caused the event.
Data-based buyer guidance
Research carefully
Review the underlying reports, recall status, and service history before making a vehicle-specific decision.
Available adjacent years span 60–72 reports. It has fewer reports than 2019.
Before you buy
- Check open recalls using the vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Review the linked NHTSA reports for symptoms that match the vehicle you are considering.
- Ask for maintenance records and arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection.
This is a statistical research aid, not a mechanical diagnosis, failure prediction, or recommendation to buy or avoid a vehicle.
Component analysis
Most frequently reported systems.
POWER TRAIN43 documented reports
71.7%ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7 documented reports
11.7%ENGINE7 documented reports
11.7%SUSPENSION2 documented reports
3.3%VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2 documented reports
3.3%STEERING2 documented reports
3.3%OTHER / UNSPECIFIED2 documented reports
3.3%SERVICE BRAKES1 documented reports
1.7%ENGINE / ENGINE COOLING1 documented reports
1.7%EXTERIOR LIGHTING1 documented reports
1.7%Show all 13 reported components
VISIBILITY/WIPER1 documented reports
1.7%FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1 documented reports
1.7%BACK OVER PREVENTION1 documented reports
1.7%Failure intelligence
What to inspect before you buy.
Complaint clusters identify repeated reported symptoms; they are not a diagnosis or defect finding.
POWER TRAIN
Powertrain Transmission Issues
Danger zone mileage72,500–77,500 miMedian: 75,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- hard shifting
- jerking during gear changes
- clunking noise
- transmission slipping out of gear unexpectedly or failing to engage when starting from a stop, particularly between gears 4-5 and 5-6, and 1st gear engagement issues, delayed shifting, loss of power during acceleration
Pre-purchase check
It is recommended to have the transmission inspected by a specialist, including checking for software updates and potential mechanical failures such as issues with the CDF drum or clutch-cylinder/sleeve problems.
POWER TRAIN: 7 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 72500, median 75000, and P75 77500 miles.
ENGINE
Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Stalling
Danger zone mileage18,000–75,500 miMedian: 33,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Excessive engine oil consumption
- Stalling while driving
- Check engine light activation
- Audible engine noise after stalling/idle issues
Pre-purchase check
Inspect oil levels frequently and monitor for any unusual sounds or smoke from the exhaust. Report any issues to the dealership for evaluation under Technical Service Bulletins.
ENGINE: 3 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 18000, median 33000, and P75 75500 miles.
POWER TRAIN
10R80 Transmission Issues
Danger zone mileage100,000–100,000 miMedian: 100,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Internal transmission failure
- Gear dropping/slipping
- Random shifting from high gear to first
- Increased noise during shifting behavior
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the transmission, particularly the CDF clutch drum assembly, for signs of wear or failure, especially if the vehicle mileage approaches or exceeds 100,000 miles.
POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 100000, median 100000, and P75 100000 miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Hard Shifting Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Transmission shifts unexpectedly from higher gears to lower gears
- Hard shifting between multiple gears (e.g., from 1st to 3rd, 2nd to 5th, etc.)
- Missed gear engagement, resembling a neutral state during shifts
- Clunking sounds during acceleration while changing gears
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the transmission control module and associated sensors for faults. Examine transmission fluid levels and condition.
POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Harsh Shifting
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Harsh shifting observed
- Violent slamming into gear while downshifting
- Slipping in 3rd gear
- Intermittent issues with shifting behavior that appears to skip gears by the indicator or jerky shifting
Pre-purchase check
Examine power train components, focusing on transmission fluid levels and condition, as well as possible mechanical wear affecting shifting performance.
POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Transmission Issues
Danger zone mileage70,000–70,000 miMedian: 70,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Transmission shifted from 4th to 1st unexpectedly
- Loss of forward drive
- Transmission slips
- Transmission slams into gear when shifting
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the transmission for signs of failure or faulty components, particularly the CDF drum.
POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 70000, median 70000, and P75 70000 miles.
POWER TRAIN
Powertrain Transmission Issues
Danger zone mileage100,000–100,000 miMedian: 100,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Harsh shifting during gear changes, especially from 3rd to 4th and higher
- Unexpected downshifting from higher gears to 1st
- Loss of acceleration or stalling when shifting into neutral
- Vehicle derating with dashboard warning of service powertrain
Pre-purchase check
Consult with a qualified technician familiar with transmission systems to assess for malfunction or required maintenance despite absence of visible issues during prior inspections.
POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 100000, median 100000, and P75 100000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical System Gear Shifting Issue
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Vehicle randomly jumps gears during driving
- Vehicle goes into limp mode
- Driver feels unsafe due to abrupt gear changes
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the vehicle's electrical system and powertrain control module (PCM) for diagnostic trouble codes and verify recall compliance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical System Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Frequent repairs related to camshaft and camshaft sensor
- High repair costs for electrical system components
Pre-purchase check
Inspect electrical system components, particularly related to camshaft and associated sensors for wear and failure.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical System Malfunction
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Front Camera Malfunction Service Required message on dashboard
- Pre Collision Assist Not Available message on dashboard
- Internal electronic failure code 4300-49-AF
Pre-purchase check
Consider running a comprehensive diagnostic scan on the electrical system and consulting with a specialist familiar with 2020 Ford F150 models.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical System Malfunction
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Wrench symbol displayed on dashboard
- Multiple error codes appearing (e.g., u0121, u0131, u0137, etc.)
- Vehicle jerking while driving
- Loss of power to gauge cluster and air conditioning
Pre-purchase check
Inspect wiring and connectors related to the electrical system; check for fault codes in the system; verify power supply to the gauge cluster and associated components.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
ENGINE
Engine Camshaft Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Camshaft replacement required
- Camshaft sensor replacement required
- High repair costs for engine components
Pre-purchase check
Inspect camshaft and related sensors for wear and potential failures.
ENGINE: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
ENGINE
Engine Fire Incident
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Abnormal sound from the engine
- Smoke coming from under the dashboard
- Fire originating from the dashboard and front passenger door
- Engulfing fire that rapidly spread
Pre-purchase check
Inspect engine and electrical components for potential faults; check for signs of overheating or material degradation.
ENGINE: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 1 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Abrupt Gear Shifting and Grinding Noise
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Hard and sudden shifting
- Grinding noise from gears
- Abrupt change in speed
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission and transfer case for wear and damage; Check for error codes despite no warning indicators present.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Erratic Transmission Shifting
Danger zone mileage2–2 miMedian: 2 mi
Reported symptoms
- Sudden gear shift from gear 8 to gear 2
- Transmission shifting erratically up and down
- Wrench symbol appeared on instrument cluster with see manual message
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission fluid pressure and components associated with gear shifting.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 2, median 2, and P75 2 miles.
POWER TRAIN
Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Noise
Danger zone mileage33,000–33,000 miMedian: 33,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Severe excessive oil consumption
- Audible engine noise
- Visible blue/gray smoke from exhaust
Pre-purchase check
Conduct an oil consumption test following manufacturer protocols and inspect for TSBs related to excessive oil consumption.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 33000, median 33000, and P75 33000 miles.
POWER TRAIN
Harsh Shifting in Power Train
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Harsh shifting from 3rd to 4th gear
- Harsh shifting from 7th to 8th gear
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission components including fluid levels and shift solenoid operation.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Repeated replacement of camshaft
- Camshaft sensor failure
- High repair costs for critical issues
Pre-purchase check
Inspect camshaft and related sensors for wear and failure.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Transmission slips gears
- Transmission shifts violently
- Oil consumption problem
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the transmission for slipping and shifting issues. Assess the engine for oil consumption and potential leaks.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Malfunction
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Wrench symbol displayed on dashboard
- Multiple error codes present
- Jerking motion while driving
- Vehicle unexpectedly downshifts to first gear without driver input
Pre-purchase check
Inspect for power train and electronic control unit (ECU) issues, particularly with error codes. Check wiring and connectors related to the power train.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Power Train Rear-End Failure Symptoms
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- severe low-speed metallic clanging
- high-pitched whirring from rear wheels
- fractured axle hub bolts
- disintegrated pinion gears
Pre-purchase check
Seek immediate diagnostic from a qualified mechanic if noise or performance issues arise in the rear end of the vehicle.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Failure
Danger zone mileage68,000–68,000 miMedian: 68,000 mi
Reported symptoms
- Transmission failed
- Truck jerks at stop
- Transmission went out at 68000 miles
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission for signs of failure and consider checking for patterns in similar models.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 68000, median 68000, and P75 68000 miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- very hard shifting
- unexpected downshifting at random times
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission system for faults and recalibrate if necessary.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Shift Failure
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Transmission stuck in second gear
- Hard shifting to first gear
- Excessive pressure experienced while driving
Pre-purchase check
Inspection of transmission components including valve solenoid and cdf drum recommended.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Shifting Delays
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Severe transmission shifting delays
- Unresponsive when accelerating
- Shutters and skips when coming to a stop
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the transmission system for fluid levels and potential fault codes.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Shifting Issues
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Hard shifting during acceleration
- Stalling when trying to shift into first gear
- Feels like the truck is locking up at highway speeds
Pre-purchase check
Consider having a qualified technician inspect the transmission for shifting abnormalities and perform diagnostic tests to assess functionality.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Slipping
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Slips in lower gears
- No 10th gear engagement
Pre-purchase check
Inspect transmission fluid levels and condition; check for error codes in the transmission control module.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected Downshift in Power Train
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Truck downshifted to first gear unexpectedly at high speed (45 mph) while approaching a ramp
- Loss of power during acceleration when going uphill
Pre-purchase check
Check the powertrain control module and transmission settings for irregularities.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected Gear Downshift in Power Train
Danger zone mileageMileage not reported
Reported symptoms
- Downshifting from 10th gear to 1st gear unexpectedly while driving at high speed
- Loss of power or control during the downshift
Pre-purchase check
Inspect the power train and transmission control module for faults or irregularities that may cause unintended gear shifting.
POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.
What the data says
POWER TRAIN is the most frequently classified component, appearing in 71.7% of complaint reports in this dataset. This 2020 FORD F-150 has 60 complaint reports in the records we have processed. One report can be classified under more than one component, so component shares do not add up to 100%.
Compare model years
These nearby model years have 2019: 72 reports. Complaint totals are not failure rates and should be read with vehicle age, sales volume, and reporting patterns in mind.