2020 Ford F-550 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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,…
What could happen: 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.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2020 F-550.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V633000 (manufacturer code 19C07).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
What could happen: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2020 F-550.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V099000 (manufacturer code 20S09).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2020 Ford F-550 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (8), Diesel (6), Engine (3), Transmission / drivetrain (3), Suspension (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/29/2026 · Fuel system
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 troub…
04/11/2026 · Fuel system · fire
I had my truck serviced, engine oil and fuel filters replaced, I picked up truck and while driving home, engine loss of power came on screen, truck then stalled, I observed smoke coming from under the hood, I exited vehicle to try and open hood, but flames were already present, I called 911 fire department came and put fire out. truck is a total loss. Fire…
04/02/2026 · Fuel system
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…
12/30/2025 · Fuel system
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…
10/08/2025 · Transmission / drivetrain
At ~93,000 miles, my 2020 Ford F-550 (7.3L “Godzilla” V8) suffered catastrophic engine failure due to a roller lifter bearing failure, causing internal valvetrain damage and requiring full engine replacement. Ford dealer stated they recommended 90% coverage of the repair under goodwill through corporate, but later reduced coverage to 40% without explanatio…
05/14/2025 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unintentionally rolled away while the transmission was in park(P). No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving uphill. The vehicle also jerked violently while downshifting from third to second gear. The vehicle was taken t…
04/30/2025 · Engine
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.
03/24/2025 · Fuel system
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw…