general problems of the 2020 Ford F-250 - part 1

63 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2020 Ford F-250. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Ford F-250 based on all problems reported for the 2020 F-250.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2025

Driving while pitman arm broke in half lost total control.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2025

Sometime sudden decrease of power , f250 truck rpm goes high while parking with engine on and now pitman arm broke off causing no control of steering . Having it push safely off the road , contact dealership but no parts to fix and timely how long it takes to get part to fix problem. 2020 Ford f250 start but very unsafe to operate with no control of the steering.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2025

2020 Ford f250 with 85,000 miles. We purchased new and all maintenance has been done on time and by Ford service. Transmission began jerking when going from park to drive (or reverse). Noticeable lunging of the vehicle when putting into gear. This began in December 2025. This is a safety concern if anyone is in front of or behind the vehicle when this happens. The truck jumps. Now the transmission is not shifting gears smoothly when the truck is in motion. This is a known problem with trucks manufactured during this time period with 10r80 transmissions. Ford has been less than helpful in helping me come to a resolution. They tell me there was a TSB sent out. They attempted to reprogram software (at a cost of $424 to me). I will upload the invoice from Ford. This only made the problem worse. They quoted me a "special price" of $8,500 to replace the transmission, however their service department is six weeks out. For this reason we have chosen to have the transmission replaced at a local transmission shop. Their price is $9,932. 41. I have attached that invoice. Ford needs to take accountability for this safety problem and attempt to make these vehicles safe. They should absorb at least some of the cost to fix this design problem. We paid full price to purchase a new, safe vehicle. That is not what we received. Rather than a "technical service bulletin", Ford should be forced to do a recall and make this right for customers who paid top dollar for these vehicles.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 sd. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the transmission failed to downshift from seventh gear, causing the vehicle to jerk. The transmission warning light was illuminated, and the message "power train malfunction - reduce power" was displayed on the Ford mobile app. The contact's neighbor, an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v256000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while entering light traffic, the transmission became stuck between gears. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond or move. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The mechanic called the local dealer for the contact and was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The contact called another local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

Known issue identified with this particular make, model and year truck in 2021; rough shifting, wrench light illuminating, failure to shift gears appropriately, stuck in certain gears risk of stalling, stopping, unable to shift down appropriately inspected by dealer and mechanics Ford document shows planetary needle bearing inside ring gear assembly generates contamination back in 2021/2022; unable to confirm fix was performed on this vehicle.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/24/2025

Recall is 9 months old and still no remedy available. Unable to use truck on platforms such as turo because of the safety risk. No update from Ford, no dealer has a remedy.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

My 2020 Ford F-250 king ranch with a 6. 7l v8 turbo diesel engine experienced severe engine failure while I was driving. The engine was completely destroyed and had to be replaced. My warranty company paid to install a new engine into the truck, but did not pay to have the remaining components fixed that were directly damaged by the engine failure. There was severe damage done to the fuel pump, def system, and wiring harnesses that caused the truck to be permanently into a mode called "limp mode" which electronically governs the truck to 50 mph. There was and still is an unresolved recall on the truck. The recall is as follows: #24s78 powertrain control module software update biodiesel deposit accumulation. The NHTSA number NHTSA: #24v957. There were absolutely zero (0) warning signs that alerted me that this was an issue before the engine failed. No alerts or warning lamps were illuminated on the truck before it failed. All I got was a letter in the mail stating that the engine could fail due to this components and that there is no known solution to fixing the problem. This issue caused my engine to fail while I was driving to work. There are issues with the truck still that were directly caused by this issue that the warranty will not cover including this recalled component that has no available solution. I have a 2 month old son and a wife that rely on me having this truck. I have risked the safety of my family, and others on the roads, unknowingly by operating this truck on the roads. I am asking that Ford motor company be held liable for all damages to my truck, and the repurchase of the truck for full price. This is unacceptable from a company as big as Ford motor company.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2025

Bushing in cdf drum has moved causing failure to transmission. This appears to be a common issue. When this occurred truck would not engage in certain gears at slow turns and stops causing lack of acceleration creating a hazard merging in traffic.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2025

Transmission had multiple internal failures with c,d,f clutch and intermediate clutch transmission pumping failing. Truck has 85,167 miles.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2025

I have a 2020 f250 with the 10r140 transmission and the cdf clutch has went bad. My truck only has 67,000 miles on it. Ford is saying there is not a recall on my vehicle.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/08/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/19/2025

My truck lost power on the highway. Had to coast down the off-ramp and ended up blocking a turning lane when the engine failed to start back up. Called a someone to tow me back to my house and parked it where it’s been there for months since Ford has not yet issued a solution to the recall.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the contact abruptly stopped the vehicle and attempted to reverse; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The service vehicle warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that after the first failure the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed there was no fault codes detected. The vehicle then was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v957000 (fuel system, diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly downshifted from 8th gear to 3rd gear, causing the vehicle to hesitate as if the transmission was slipping. The vehicle started to self-correct, and the transmission shifted between 5th and 7th gear. The failure occurred twice within 2 weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 90,879. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/24/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer performed a routine transmission service but had not provided a specific diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 64,000.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/28/2025

Transmission failure, 10 speed Ford transmission. Failure noted by delayed shifting between gears, and momentary loss of power when accelerating to highway speed. Ford has had numerous failures in its 10 speed transmission, and class action suits have been filed. The quoted repair costs are $8,360, at seth wadley Ford in perry, ok.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2025

The contact owns a 2020 F-250. The contact stated that while driving in low gear, the vehicle started surging, plunging, and shifting erratically. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there were no open recalls on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2025

When shifting into drive the truck will lurch forward, a very hard shift. It also does the same thing in reverse. Several times the if my foot was not pressing very hard on the brake when shifting into drive or reverse the truck would lurch forward several feet. It there was an obstruction or person in front of the truck it would have put them at risk of being hit. While driving on cruise control it is very slow to shift and will skip multiple gears when shifting down when going up a hill. Sometimes also going downhill. This can cause the truck to slow down rapidly without a brake indicator which could cause a rear end collision if there is someone following closely. The truck is only 4. 5yrs old and has 60,597miles. Symptoms started about 3-4months earlier when truck was well under 60,000 miles however I was unable to get it to the dealer until 60,597 which puts the truck out of warranty. The dealer was able to reproduce the issues and performed a code reset as well as a reprogram and the issue was not resolved. Dealer tore down the transmission and said one of the clutch packs in the transmission has failed along with several other parts. It is now requiring a full rebuild or replacement. There were no warning lights, alarms or messages. Date below is approximately when symptoms started occurring. I do not yet have my vehicle back so do not have the full report from the dealer. I will submit when I receive my vehicle back.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2025

The transmission would hang up in 7th gear when stopping at red light, caution light or stop signs without warning. It would roll like normal when letting of brakes however when out in the middle of traffic stop signs or caution lights the truck would not move and would not shift as it was hung in 7th gear. The only way to get the truck back in 1st gear was to place the truck in park and turn the ignition off then restart the vehicle. This has happened 3 different times post bringing the truck to silsbee Ford for a ecm and tcm reprogram. Originally called dealer back to reports extreme rough shifting and was told they did not mess with anything in the transmission and it was not due to anything they did, never received a call back from manager. No warning lights messages ever appeared to show the transmission had failed to down shift into first gear at the stop lights. All three of these events happened while my 7 year old child was in the truck and two of the times it was a near miss and narrowly avoided accidents. Prior to this since around 50,000 miles truck would shift rough with rough engagement into 3,4th,5th,6th, gears with frequent flare shifts and was told by dealers this was normal characteristic of the transmission.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2024

Truck lunges forward when at stop light, in drive and foot on the brake. Almost rear ended another driver. Did this several times. Also, when merging on highway and try to pick up speed the truck bogs down and hesitates almost got into two accidents because of this. Also loud clunking and banging on start up and when idling.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle jerked significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and was skipping gear. Additionally, the transmission remained stuck in a gear. The power train warning light was illuminated, and a message advising to see the owner's manual was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic trouble codes indicating that the transmission clutches were slipping, were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v365000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission independently downshifted from tenth gear to first gear. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was in drive and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that while reversing, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jerked backwards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission cdf drum. The contact was informed that the transmission cdf drum needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/03/2024

This vehicle was purchased new from ray varner Ford, clinton TN. Ford issued a safety recall notice for insulating material contacting the driveshaft. I took this vehicle to varner who said they inspected it but found no defect. Last year, the vehicle was seen by the Ford dealer in st augustine FL, who told me the safety recall had not been addressed. When I explained that varner had (at least claimed to have)_ inspected it, the rep said "if so , they didnt enter it into the computer system. " I have contacted Ford who essentially ignored the matter.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lurched forward and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission randomly shifted gear and the gear selector failed to match the gear selection. During the failure the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the “wrench” symbol was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v197000 (power train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 65,000.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while accelerating, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear axle housing was deformed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v536000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 69,000.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that when driving, at various speeds, the transmission would do a hard shift, giving a jerking sensation. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer and to the NHTSA hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 70,000.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

Gears would delay upshift. Stopping would accelerate as approaching stop light.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

While driving at various speeds the transmission/powertrain has jerking shifting, loss of power, inability to increase speed, hesitates in speed, hard shifting, clunking noises. It hesitates from 4th to 5th gear, hesitates from 9th to 10th gear, and will drop from 10th gear straight down as low as 4th gear with the rpms of the engine going dangerously high.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2024

The collar on the transmission degrades around 105-130k miles on the new 10r140. Upon driving on the highway I completely lost power upon gear transitions and paused acceleration. After weeks of constant power loss I ended up completely losing 10th gear while hauling a trailer. While shifting from park to drive the entire truck would have a major jolt and jump forward. No warning lights came on during any of the events, even after an entire gear was lost. The mechanic had this happen to him while driving it and had to completely replace the entire transmission at 117k miles. This was an extremely dangerous event while at highway speeds losing power. This is also somewhat of a well know problem (certainly with the 1/2 ton version of this same transmission). This should be recalled.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

The transmission went out at 115000 miles. There is metal all in the pan and damaged the valve body. After valve body replaced the transmission still would not go into gear correctly and its an internal failure known to occur in the 10-speed 2020 10r140. This needs to be a recall.

32 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2024

Vehicle hesitates while trying to pull out onto a busy highway, therefore, causing major concern in getting hit by another vehicle while pulling out.

33 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2023

Transmission failed after 106k miles, incurring $7k of repair costs. The failure caused the vehicle to seriously hesitate and could have resulted in an unexpected slow down while driving. There was no warning ahead of time outside slight hesitation on accelerating which my auto repair shop determined was spark plug related. Then suddenly when driving my son home from a friends house the check engine light came on and hesitation was significant on 12/23/23. There are several bulletins regarding the 10 speed transmission in Ford trucks and expeditions, I've owned several Ford trucks in the past and never had a transmission fail after 100k miles, conveniently after the warranty. These trucks should go 150-200k before having major mechanical issues. Ford will not recognize the issue and do the right thing a full recall.

34 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/21/2023

The truck slips out of gear for no reason, suffers very hard shifts causing the truck to jerk, and skips gears making it impossible to drive safely. Also, I lost power on the freeway several times and the truck would up shift and down shift erratically causing issues maintaining speed in traffic. I took the truck to the Ford dealer and was told I needed a new transmission. Ford has issued a recall for the diesel truck with this transmission but refuses to repair other trucks with the same faulty transmission. This truck costs almost $60,000 new, was built in January 2020 with a faulty and dangerous transmission but Ford is refusing to help their customers.

35 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at unknown speeds, the gears would shift hard and the vehicle would jerk. The failure recurred intermittently while the contact waited for the recall repair. The contact was notified of the NHTSA campaign number: 22v256000 (power train) and the recall was repaired, however, the dealer notified the contact that the the valve body in the transmission was going bad. The failure recurred while the contact came to a stop, the vehicle shifted hard from tenth gear to first gear, and the maintenance required warning message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the valve body was replaced, however, the vehicle was diagnosed with a clutch pack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2020 Ford F-250


F-250 Service Bulletins
F-250 Safety Recalls
F-250 Defect Investigations