2020 Ford F-150
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2020 Ford F-150 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford F-150.
For oil changes, the 2020 Ford F-150 takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Ford F-150, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2020 Ford F-150 have reported 5 common issues including "10-Speed Transmission Shift Cable Clip Failure", "Rough Shifting and Transmission Shudder" and "Infotainment Screen Freezing and 911 Prompt Bug". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 10 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2020 Ford F-150. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2020 Ford F-150 uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2020 Ford F-150.
Common problems reported by 2020 Ford F-150 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
10-Speed Transmission Shift Cable Clip Failure
The 10-speed automatic transmission has a faulty shift cable lock clip that can detach, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than what's shown on the gear indicator. Over 55,000 vehicles were affected.
Ford issued recall 21S08 to replace the transmission shift cable bushing and clip. Contact your dealer to check if your VIN is covered. Do not rely solely on the gear indicator — verify the vehicle is in Park before exiting.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallRough Shifting and Transmission Shudder
Many owners report harsh, jerky shifting particularly between 3rd and 5th gears. The transmission may hesitate, shudder during acceleration, or skip gears when braking. Ford has acknowledged this as a known issue with the 10R80 transmission.
A transmission control module (PCM) software update often improves shift quality. Some cases require transmission fluid flush with Mercon ULV fluid. In severe cases, internal seal or drum replacement under warranty may be needed.
Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $300 - $500 for fluid flush; $2,000 - $4,000 for internal repairInfotainment Screen Freezing and 911 Prompt Bug
The SYNC 3 infotainment screen frequently freezes, requiring a hard reset. Additionally, at every startup the system prompts the driver to answer 911 Assist questions even though preferences were previously saved.
Perform a master reset of the SYNC system (Settings > General > Master Reset). Update to the latest SYNC software version via USB or dealer. Ford has released multiple SYNC updates addressing stability. If persistent, the APIM module may need replacement.
Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $500 - $1,200 for APIM replacementTailgate Randomly Opening
Some owners report the power tailgate opening on its own while parked or driving. The issue is often linked to faulty door position sensors or wiring that sends false signals to the tailgate actuator.
Check the key fob for stuck buttons and replace the fob battery. Disable the tailgate proximity sensor in the settings if available. If the problem persists, the tailgate latch assembly or wiring harness may need repair.
Est. Cost: $100 - $500Running Board Motor Failure
Power running boards may retract unexpectedly, fail to deploy when doors open, or make grinding noises. This is often caused by faulty door ajar sensors, corroded wiring, or failed running board motors that are exposed to road debris and moisture.
Inspect the door ajar sensors and wiring connections first. Clean and lubricate the running board pivot points. If the motors are seized, replacement of the running board assembly is needed. Some owners disable the power function as a permanent fix.
Est. Cost: $200 - $800 per side10 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2020 Ford F-150. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S40.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
TIRES:BEAD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires. The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.
The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare tire, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S55.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
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 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."
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.
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.
