Is the 2020 Ford F-350 SD a bad year?

Keep it, but watch the transmission

The transmission draws 5.4× the complaints of a quiet F-350 SD year, spread over 17k–116k miles, so there's no single mileage to plan around.

The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.

Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump. High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions. A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control. A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump. High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image. Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism. Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash.

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.

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation. Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production. Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

These vehicles may display overstated payload capacity values on the Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) Label, overstated Accessory Reserve Capacity (ARC) values on the Safety Certification Label, and overstated weight values on the Truck Camper Loading Documentation. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up. If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

These vehicles were ordered with Wide Track rear axles, but were built with base (narrower) axles. Depending on the body installed by the body builder, the inner tires on the dual wheel rear axle may contact the body. Inner tire contact with the body could result in a tire blowout, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle. An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. 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.

For 2020 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair…

Some vehicles may exhibit a delayed engagement into drive and/or reverse on initial start-up

Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an upper engine ticking or tapping noise at idle

Some vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

Power Tailgate Release Systems