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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,832 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Ford F-150 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2020 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Aug 062023

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The infotainment system fails to retain configuration settings whereby accustomed -??conveniences-?? have become unavailable such as cell phone hands free operation, back lighting level (nighttime brightness), volume level, audio source, and station presets. The configuration settings occur randomly with each startup of the vehicle and must be re-set in each time or later discovered by the driver while traveling and often lend to distraction and frustration. In reading the Ford F150 Forum online, this is not unique to my vehicle and there are NUMEROUS complaints of this same problem. It is suggested that the problem is either software (Sync 3.4) or hardware (accessory protocol interface module). Some have taken it upon themselves to hack into the system using a rogue interface known as Forscan to correct the problem since Ford is SLOW TO ACKNOWLEDGE the problem. Forscan has vast capabilities that could cause erroneous configuration of anything on the digital communication buses within the vehicle, things set in that could lead to inopportune malfunctions while the vehicle is in operation. There is a possibility that interfacing to the Apple iPhone has caused configuration file corruption (deliberate or accidental). There is also a possibility of APIM chipset failure (deliberate or poor quality). In either case, Ford should have to own up to the problem. It would behoove the NHTSA to investigate this problem for the sake of all motorists.

- Mahomet, IL, USA

problem #39

Apr 162023

F-150

  • miles
The F150 was in a Park position while running in our driveway and lunged forward hitting our 2022 Toyota Highlander causing over $11,000 in damage on bother vehicles. ($1,428.69 Truck/ $9,000 estimate for Highlander). The vehicle was taken to Mooresville Ford on June 21, 2023 (earliest appointment available for this issue) to evaluate and repaired the transmission and transaxle. (Currently a class-action lawsuit was filed (Orndorff, et al. V Ford Motor Company concerning this same issue). We believe either this malfunction caused the F150 to unexpectedly lunge forward or another malfunction caused the F150 to lunge forward. We called Ford Headquarters and was told to file a claim with our insurance company. Very Unresponsive! We recently discovered a recall "where a partially seated clip may allow the transmission to be in a gear stated different from the gearshift position selected by the driver. this could allow the drive to move the shifter to Park and removed the ignition key, without the transmission gear actually being in Park. The vehicle could move unintentionally. (Article by Jimmy Dinsmore, April 7, 2020 in Torguenews.com). Also, in some cases the complainants have reported the gearbox slip and enter Park from Drive, stalling the engine. This issue has also caused the truck to lunge forward, causing unintended acceleration. (Article in Carhp.com March 9, 2022). We strongly believe one of the above named issues caused our vehicle to lunge forward causing over $11,000 worth of damage and would like to be reimbursed. We have had no luck with Ford and would like help from you.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #38

Jun 012023

F-150

  • miles
The Sync 3 system has been rendered useless by recent software upgrade by Ford. Rear camera sporactically remains on when moving in forward direction. Pop-up messages requiring driver conformation occur after vehicle startup. Navigation, phone, radio are all associated with upgrade. Ford has acknowledged problem and stated that they are working on a software upgrade, none is available at this time. Ford will replace the ATIM which corrects the problem. The ATIM will be replaced under warranty. Vehicles out of warranty can have ATIM replaced at owner expense (+$1000). I find the Sync 3 system's random operation a distraction while driving and a safety hazard.

- Marion, OH, USA

problem #37

May 172023

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Tailgate unexpectedly opens. This has been going on the duration of ownership. Had items blow out. Had the -??fix-?? done on it. 5 days later, tailgate opened again. Again, item blew out. Concerned about this bc it could cause an issue while towing and not allowing vehicle to turn properly due to tailgate hitting trailer.

- Haubstadt, IN, USA

problem #36

May 112023

F-150

  • miles
After heavy rain storms in Colorado water started pouring through the passenger side floorboard of my vehicle. I pulled off the molding by the doors, the wires were buried in water, then I started getting a powertrain error. This is the second time that I have received the power train error, although the dealership is telling me that they cannot find a problem. I am also being told that TSB 19-2345 does not apply to my Vin although it seems to be ant least part of issue. My carpet is now musty and I cannot seem to get it to dry as the leak continues.

- Castle Rock, CO, USA

problem #35

Apr 122023

F-150

  • miles
I was driving my car in the highway and out of the blue the sunroof exploded and shttared glass was all other the vehicle, there was no object causing

- Edinburg, TX, USA

problem #34

May 142021

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Display Screen on the truck goes completely black and resets itself. USB's don't function all the time. I was told when I brought the vehicle in for the first oil change after purchase that no issued were detected. It has continually happened. The screen goes black again, USB works intermittently, speakers are static and cannot get connection to any phone. Finally the dealer reported an issue with the sensor when I brought the truck in again for an oil change. So I waited for the part to arrive. I also stated my wheel locked and I was unable to drive it. They didn't find anything wrong. First time to get it repaired. The new sensor blew and the car didn't start. They had to put the old sensor back in so I had a truck to drive and order another. The second scheduled visit, the dealer couldn't find the part. I was told when I scheduled my 3rd visit, this part has been in demand for the last year because of the issue. I am now here for the 3rd visit, and told I need to pay the extended warranty on a part that basically runs the display of the car but can also cause the car not to function. During this time I have still had an issue with the steering wheel locking and the key doesn't turn. This has happened on 3 different occasions. I've had to try and move the steering wheel continuously and shake it leaving me stuck until I can get it to unlock. Again.... no one can find this issue and says its not the starter. If the truck went completely dead with a damaged sensor then the sensor may also control the steering wheel locking. No dealer has an answer for me. I do not want to be stranded and have this happen again. There have been no messages regarding any failures except for the screen just going black, forcing me to use my phone for navigation etc.

- Twin Lakes, WI, USA

problem #33

Feb 102023

F-150

  • miles
Underbody shield came down and had to be replaced. It-€™s a black piece under truck that would have fallen off truck and could have blown up at another car. The truck has only 28263 miles on it and it should not be coming apart. I was told it is to protect the motor so I had a new one put on but the Dealership said it gets wet and there is cardboard that get heavy and makes it fall down and potentially fall off and litter the roads. I can-€™t believe this part has been put on the trucks and is ok.. VERY DANGEROUS WITH IT FALLING OFF TRUCKS DUE TO WET weather..

- Macomb, MI, USA

problem #32

Dec 062022

F-150

  • miles
Vehicle is subject to Ford Safety Recall 22S26 and the driver side windshield wiper does not work. Vehicle belongs to my daughter who is frustrated attempting to get required dealer repairs near her residence in Truckee, CA where heavy snow currently blankets the area. Corwin Ford in Reno, NV gives a 6 month to 11 month waiting period for the repair. Dealerships from Carson City, NV and west from Truckee, CA to the Sacramento area are unable to make the repair in a reasonable time frame. Vehicle is the only source of transportation for my daughter to work, store, medical appointments, etc..I telephoned Ford Customer Service who told me it's up to dealerships to schedule the repair. I filed a complaint with Ford Motor Company and BBB on my daughter's behalf. Her name is Krista Strecker.

- Redding, CA, USA

problem #31

Nov 092022

F-150

  • miles
I was driving and the engine cutoff auto start stop message popped up had to stop and put the truck in park then turn the key to restart engine.

- Ellenwood, GA, USA

problem #30

Jul 122022

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The drivers side power door lock quit working. With everything I have read it appears to possibly be the power door lock actuator failure. Thank you.

- Morristown, TN, USA

problem #29

Jun 232022

F-150

  • miles
The power tailgate opened and dropped down, on its own, while driving the truck, approximately 45mph.

- Jeffersonton, VA, USA

problem #28

Apr 282022

F-150

  • miles
I was driving and I came to a stop sign when I tried to accelerate the engine turned off and I was turning into traffic thankfully I was able to pull into the middle lane. The screen showed the auto stop start symbol and to put the truck in park and turn the key. When I restarted the truck it was driving fine. I took the truck in to dealer and they found nothing wrong with it very scary.

- Ellenwood, GA, USA

problem #27

Jan 062022

F-150

  • miles
rear window spontaneously burst without impact as i was driving down the freeway. scared the crap out of me and got glass all over the cab. This is a relatively new truck. The dealer I bought it at said they couldnt look at it until Feburary as they are so backed up and even then theres not much they could do about it. They were not at all willing to help.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #26

Jan 032022

F-150

  • miles
4 times this has happened while on the road in traffic: the truck when slowing down around 20mph will shut off and an error message appears on the dash cluster saying "auto startstop shift to p, then restart engine". This put me in major risk of being rear-ended each time as I do not have the ability sometimes to pull off to the side of the road to shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine. Already took it to the ford dealership once and they said that they could not replicate the same condition.

- Moseley, VA, USA

problem #25

Oct 152020

F-150

  • 6,255 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power when the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle shuddered while decelerating. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel injector was faulty and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to local dealer and the fuel injectors and fuel pump were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway the failure recurred. The contact stated that the engine was blown, and oil was spilling from the engine underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. The tow truck driven informed the contact that a rod had gone through the side of the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,255.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #24

Aug 312021

F-150

  • 2,008 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the anti-collision warning was activated with an audio sound, and the message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure had occurred at least six times with no objects around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed him that they saw the warning activated once however, no failure cause was diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer informed him of a manufacturer recall for the anti-collision system however, his VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after he was coming to a complete stop and a noise was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The dealer replaced the driveshaft, fuel tank, and the two straps however, the failure continued. The contact stated that the fuel tank issue had been ongoing since December 2020. The dealer stated that there was no remedy at this time. The dealer information was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was unaware if a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 5,500. The contact stated that the fuel tank failure mileage was 2,008.

- Northampton, MA, USA

problem #23

Jul 142021

F-150

  • miles
We have repeatedly requested the rear camera recall to be done & have been told for over 5 months that the parts are not available. EVERY other truck in our fleet of 600 with this recall has been repaired without issue.

- Rocklake, ND, USA

problem #22

Aug 172021

F-150

  • miles
Clunking noise when shifting when pumping accelerator

- Amherst, NY, USA

problem #21

Mar 202021

F-150

  • miles
Something really disturbing happened while I was driving my truck on 3/20/21. I was pulling into an intersection and the car shut off. Stepping on the gas did nothing and I could barely turn the wheel. There was a message flashing in my dashboard that I can-€™t remember because I panicked. I could have been T boned because there was traffic coming from my right and left, my kids could have been in the car with me because it-€™s the family car. Thank God neither of those happened because it was around 10 am and there wasn-€™t that much traffic. I ended up putting the car in park, shutting off the car, and restarting it, all as fast as I could. It was obviously pretty terrifying. On 4/25/21, a similar incident happened around 10:30 am. I was sitting at a stop sign and a warning message came onto my dashboard with a battery symbol. I can't remember the exact message, but I had to put the car in park and power off/power on the car again like the last time. Again on 6/23/21, the car shut off again while I was driving, my foot was on the gas. I got an error message and had to put the car in park, shut off, then turn it back on. It was extremely scary this time because my daughter was in the car and this happened right outside the school with children crossing the road. What I-€™ve realized is that this only started happening when I left the Auto Start/Stop on. I realized that and have been turning it off. I forgot to do it on this trip and that-€™s when the car shut off. I-€™ve seen a lot of complaints about this online. There must be something your engineers are aware of and can fix this issue.

- Nanuet, NY, USA

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