MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Ford F-250

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
3Complaints
3Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD F-250

The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck aimed squarely at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability without compromising on daily usability. Sitting above the half-ton F-150 in Ford's lineup, the F-250 targets contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who demand a workhorse that can also serve as a family vehicle. It is one of the most recognizable and widely sold heavy-duty trucks in the United States.

VERDICT

The 2020 Ford F-250 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Ford F-250 as a benchmark heavy-duty pickup, praising its towing capability, powertrain options, and interior refinement relative to its work-truck roots. Most acknowledge it as a capable, well-rounded choice in the segment. Concerns typically center on its large footprint making everyday driving more demanding, and some reviewers note that the ride can feel stiff when the truck is unladen.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 29.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14953

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsFuel System 2Diesel 2Steering 1Power Train 1

Other F-250 years

Rivals in Truck (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14953), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford F-250 2020. Class rank 2 of 4 in Truck 2020. Methodology · Disclosure