2020 Ford F-150: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

A strong, mature 13th-gen year with class-leading capability; the main watch-items are the 10-speed shift quality and 5.0L oil use. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Ford F-150 ranged from $28,745 to $67,735 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Strong track record

A strong, mature 13th-gen year with class-leading capability; the main watch-items are the 10-speed shift quality and 5.0L oil use.

Sources (6)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=F-150&mo…
  • camerasource.comhttps://www.camerasource.com/blogs/industry-news/the-ford-f-150-model-years-t…
  • realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-ford-f150/
  • autoblog.comhttps://www.autoblog.com/features/ford-f-150-reliability
  • motorverso.comhttps://www.motorverso.com/ford-f-150-reliability-by-year/
  • metrofordofokc.comhttps://www.metrofordofokc.com/blogs/3675/pros-and-cons-of-the-ford-f-150

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (6)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=F-150&mo…
  • camerasource.comhttps://www.camerasource.com/blogs/industry-news/the-ford-f-150-model-years-t…
  • realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-ford-f150/
  • autoblog.comhttps://www.autoblog.com/features/ford-f-150-reliability
  • motorverso.comhttps://www.motorverso.com/ford-f-150-reliability-by-year/
  • metrofordofokc.comhttps://www.metrofordofokc.com/blogs/3675/pros-and-cons-of-the-ford-f-150

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Class-leading towing (up to ~13,000 lb) and payload with a broad engine menu including the well-regarded 2.7L EcoBoost.
  • Refined, comfortable ride for a body-on-frame truck with quick, direct steering and a roomy, well-equipped cabin.
  • High-strength aluminum body (new for 2015) resists rust and corrosion, helping these trucks reach very high mileage.
  • Strong resale value and excellent parts and service availability.

Cons

  • Real-world fuel economy, especially towing, often trails the EPA figures.
  • Lower XL/XLT trims use cheaper-feeling interior materials versus rivals like the Ram 1500.
  • The 10-speed automatic (2017.5+) is prone to harsh, hunting shifts and occasional power interruptions.
  • 2018-2020 5.0L V8 trucks can consume oil, and cam-phaser rattle affects several engines.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
XL $28,745 $37,290 — —
XLT $34,760 $45,695 — —
Lariat $43,250 $59,560 — —
King Ranch $52,990 $65,825 — —
Raptor $53,455 $79,005 — —
Platinum $55,520 $68,800 — —
Limited $67,735 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-ford-f__150-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-f-150-price

Depreciation

$10k $20k $30k $40k 202020222024202620282030
2020 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($28,745). Higher trims started higher (up to $67,735), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-f-150/resale-value

Cost to own

Routine maintenance≈ $1,100–1,200/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,400–2,500/yr

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?

Documented issue patterns include: The 10-speed (10R80) automatic, introduced during this generation, draws frequent complaints of harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, and momentary shifts to neutral with loss of power; Engine complaints include 5.0L Coyote excessive oil consumption and cam-phaser rattle or tick on cold start affecting both the 5.0L V8 and 3.5L EcoBoost; A "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message can appear with loss of electric power-steering assist; Early aluminum-body years had body/structure niggles including door-latch and panel concerns addressed by recalls. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2020 Ford F-150 reliable?

A strong, mature 13th-gen year with class-leading capability; the main watch-items are the 10-speed shift quality and 5.0L oil use.

How much did the 2020 Ford F-150 cost new?

Between $28,745 and $67,735 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?

Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,100–1,200/year.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.