NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford F-150 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford F-150 scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 506 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2020 model year, the Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4WD presents a safety profile marked by strong crash-test performance but significantly impacted by its defect record. An overall NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 places this vehicle in the Average band, a score tempered by 11 distinct recall campaigns. The sheer volume of recalls contributed to a low defect-record sub-score of 3 out of 20, preventing a higher overall safety assessment for an otherwise capable truck.
The 2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4WD received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford F-150 ranks 89 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 506 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 89 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford F-150?
The 2020 model year represents a measurable step forward from 2019: the NHTSA Safety Index rose three points, from 75 to 78, while remaining in the Average band. That movement is almost entirely explained by the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, one of the stronger structural results in the full-size pickup segment, combined with a standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control contributing 8.5 out of 10 on the avoidance-tech dimension. What holds the 2020 year back is its defect record, which scores only 3 out of 20, reflecting the weight of 11 recall campaigns. Those campaigns address a notably varied set of systems: lighting, two separate back-over prevention issues involving both software and cameras, wiper linkages, and labeling. The back-over camera recall, issued in September 2020, covered this model year specifically alongside several other Ford and Lincoln products. The headlight recall, issued in 2026, represents a remedy for a prior incorrect repair, meaning some 2020 trucks may still have unresolved headlight work. The 506 unverified complaints, with power-train allegations alone accounting for 203 reports, add further texture to the defect-record penalty. The gap between the excellent crash scores and the weaker defect record defines what is distinctive about this specific year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford F-150 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ford F-150 Super Crew 4WD earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This included 5-star scores in both frontal and side protection. The rollover assessment registered as the singular softer result, at 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 19 percent and a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14943
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include headlights, back-over prevention software, back-over prevention camera systems, windshield wiper linkages, and equipment labels. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN because several campaigns span multiple model years and were issued well after the vehicle left production.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS26V373000
Risk: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-27
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-11-08
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES22V250000
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-04-14
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V575000
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-09-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY20V467000
Risk: Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-08-10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)20V197000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-04-03
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS20V097000
Risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-02-21
TIRES:BEAD19V903000
Risk: The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-12-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES19V805000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-11-12
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2019-08-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has logged 506 unverified owner allegations for this model year, including 17 reported crashes and 15 reported injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train (203 reports), engine (96), and electrical system (65), followed by unspecified issues and visibility concerns. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
506 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford F-150?
Shoppers considering a 2020 F-150 should note its significant recall history. The model year has been subject to 11 recall campaigns, some of which may still be pending remedy. Notably, this includes the 2026 headlight campaign. Prospective buyers are advised to use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and confirm with a Ford dealer that all necessary recall work has been completed and documented prior to purchase.
- The 2020 model year Safety Index of 78/100 is three points higher than the 2019 model year score of 75/100, a year-over-year improvement driven by strong crash-protection scores rather than by any improvement in the defect record.
- Eleven recall campaigns are associated with this specific model year, covering headlights, back-over prevention software, back-over prevention cameras, windshield wiper linkages, and equipment labels, giving the defect-record sub-score a low 3 out of 20.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only crash-test dimension below 5 stars and is the standard trade-off seen in tall-bodied full-size pickups tested by NHTSA.
- 506 unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed against this model year, with power-train allegations (203) and engine allegations (96) comprising the two largest categories, and the most recent report logged as recently as August 2025.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford F-150 places
The 2020 Ford F-150 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford F-150 safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford F-150 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford F-150, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford F-150 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford F-150 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-150 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford F-150. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford F-150?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 506 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford F-150. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-150 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14943), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-150 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 89 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.