NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford F-250 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford F-250 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ford F-250 Regular Cab 4WD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it in the Strong band. One recall and a thin complaint file keep the defect record near-perfect, while a 3-star rollover rating is the one area buyers should weigh honestly.
The 2020 Ford F-250 Regular Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford F-250 ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Trucks tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford F-250?
The 2020 F-250 Regular Cab 4WD earns a NHTSA Safety Index score of 83 out of 100. This places it in the Strong safety band, a marginal decrease from the 2019 model's 84. The crash-test profile presents a mixed picture for the 2020 model year. While the vehicle achieved a 5-star rating in side-impact protection, its 3-star rollover rating and a 29 percent rollover risk are significant considerations for potential owners. The Safety Index breakdown shows crash protection contributing 57 of a possible 70 points. Avoidance technology earned 7 of 10 points, boosted by the inclusion of standard forward collision warning. However, the absence of lane departure warning prevented a higher score in this category. The defect record is strong, with 19 of 20 points. This reflects a single recall concerning a front seat recliner, which also affected other Super Duty and F-150 trucks. Owner complaints remain low, with three reported allegations, primarily related to the fuel system and diesel components.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford F-250 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 F-250 Regular Cab 4WD achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal crash protection also rated 4 out of 5 stars. In side impact tests, the F-250 Regular Cab 4WD earned a 5 out of 5 star rating. The rollover assessment, however, yielded a 3 out of 5 star rating, indicating a 29 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip test not resulting in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14953
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
One recall covers this model year, targeting the front seat recliner assembly. Ford recalled certain 2019-2020 F-250 trucks alongside related Super Duty variants and F-150 models for this seats-front-assembly-recliner defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
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-250?
Three owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The top components flagged are Fuel System and Diesel, each cited twice, followed by Steering and Power Train with one report each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the complaint file.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford F-250?
Any shopper considering a used 2020 F-250 should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the front seat recliner recall has been remedied. Open recall status on a 6-year-old truck is not guaranteed, and remedy completion is the buyer's responsibility to verify before purchase.
- The 2020 model year sits one index point below the 2019 F-250, dropping from 84 to 83, with the defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 reflecting the single seat recliner recall campaign.
- The 5-star side crash result is the strongest individual rating in the 2020 NHTSA test profile, while the 3-star rollover score and 29 percent rollover risk are the figures that most directly affect real-world safety calculus for this truck.
- The front seat recliner recall covers a wide production range including 2019-2020 F-250 trucks, meaning any used example may still carry an unresolved remedy that must be checked by VIN.
- Forward collision warning is standard on this model year, contributing to the avoidance-tech sub-score, but lane departure warning is absent, which limits that sub-score and distinguishes this year's safety-tech package from higher-equipped configurations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford F-250 places
The 2020 Ford F-250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford F-250 safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford F-250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford F-250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford F-250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford F-250 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford F-250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Ford F-250. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford F-250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford F-250. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-250 years
Rivals in Truck (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford F-250 Tremor | 95/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Nissan Titan | 80/100 | 4 of 5 | 5 |
| 2020 Nissan Frontier | 74/100 | 4 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14953), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-250 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 2 of 4 in the Truck 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.