Total Complaints
20 filings
FORD F-550 · model year
20 NHTSA complaints, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020FORDF-550 carries 20 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 F-550 is power train with 3 filings, followed by suspension (3) and fuel system, diesel (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2020 F-550, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
20 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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.
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 the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.Â
At ~93,000 miles, my 2020 Ford F-550 (7.3L âGodzillaâ 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 explanation. After repairs, Ford corporate recommended a 3-year/36,000-mile PremiumCare warranty, then rescinded it a week later and offered only free oil changes. The 7.3L engine in my truck shares the same design as the F-53/F-59 motorhome chassis, which have multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for lifter bearing failure, overheating of cylinders #2â3, and low oil pressure at idle. My vehicle shows identical symptoms but was excluded from those VIN ranges, suggesting Ford is segmenting related defects to limit recall exposure. Inspection revealed a cracked and arcing spark-plug wire on cylinder #2, matching the motorhome TSBâ
At ~93,000 miles, my 2020 Ford F-550 (7.3L âGodzillaâ 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 explanation. After repairs, Ford corporate recommended a 3-year/36,000-mile PremiumCare warranty, then rescinded it a week later and offered only free oil changes. The 7.3L engine in my truck shares the same design as the F-53/F-59 motorhome chassis, which have multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for lifter bearing failure, overheating of cylinders #2â3, and low oil pressure at idle. My vehicle shows identical symptoms but was excluded from those VIN ranges, suggesting Ford is segmenting related defects to limit recall exposure. Inspection revealed a cracked and arcing spark-plug wire on cylinder #2, matching the motorhome TSBâ
At ~93,000 miles, my 2020 Ford F-550 (7.3L âGodzillaâ 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 explanation. After repairs, Ford corporate recommended a 3-year/36,000-mile PremiumCare warranty, then rescinded it a week later and offered only free oil changes. The 7.3L engine in my truck shares the same design as the F-53/F-59 motorhome chassis, which have multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for lifter bearing failure, overheating of cylinders #2â3, and low oil pressure at idle. My vehicle shows identical symptoms but was excluded from those VIN ranges, suggesting Ford is segmenting related defects to limit recall exposure. Inspection revealed a cracked and arcing spark-plug wire on cylinder #2, matching the motorhome TSBâ
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 to the dealer, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
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.
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.
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 aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 35 MPH a message displayed on the instrument panel which stated "reduced engine power" the contact proceeded to enter into a parking lot where the vehicle was parked, and left idle for a few minutes before attempting to restart, however the engine would start back up again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the fuel pump had failed and that it would need to be replaced by a Ford Dealership, and upon the vehicle arr
Mileage: 38,239
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor. The message "Fuel Pressure Low" was displayed. The contact was driven to the residence. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that approximately 40 gallons of fuel had leaked out of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,704. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 34,704
frame crack right behind cab. have two trucks with the same issue second vin ends in [XXX]. ford had a safety program 21B04 that expired which means they are aware of this issue and should issue a recall for it. ford has repeatedly refused to help with this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to ope
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to ope
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to ope
See attached document for complaint
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle emitted a strong odor of fuel into the cabin. The contact stated that other drivers were pointing at the underside of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and observed fuel leaking from a filter, the underside of the hood and engine compartment on the driver's side were covered in fuel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called a dealer and was advised to change the filter. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a failure a second time and had the vehicle towed to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed that there was rust in the fuel filter which had contaminated the fuel injection system. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had contacted a second dealer and was advised that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V013000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was a
Mileage: 15,000
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Georgetown constructed on a 2020 Ford F53 chassis. The contact stated that the weight of the motorhome was falsely advertised and that the motorhome was over the weight limit for the chassis it was built. The contact stated that the motorhome OCCC (Occupant Carrying Capacity Certificate) advertised for the motorhome was 19,208; however, the contact weighed the motorhome with the motorhome completely empty and the certified weight was 21,080. The contact stated that while driving the motorhome, an abnormal clanking and popping noise was coming from the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would push its way through corners and turns due to the weight of the motorhome. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that they were unable to perform the needed repair. Both the motorhome and chassis manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the chassis manufacturer claimed that the motorhome was overweigh
Mileage: 2,200
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the planetary ring gear needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train). The VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not accommodate the vehicle for the recall repair due to the size of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Northside Ford Truck Sales, Inc. (6221 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97218) who informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his own expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approxim
Mileage: 80,000
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON DURING NORMAL, STRAIGHT AND LEVEL HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 MPH, INDICATING AN ESC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. THE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING AND REMAINED ON FOR THE REMAINING 12 MILES OF MY JOURNEY. AFTER BEING PARKED OVERNIGHT THE ESC LIGHT OPERATED NORMALLY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED WHILE PARKED.
Mileage: 2,393
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.