2020 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 44owner reports
- 72,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
216 of the 730 complaints on this car are about the engine. 44 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 44 reports
Misfire on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (7 reports) and the catalytic converter (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist.
All 11 recalls on the 2020 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the F-150
Low-pressure fuel pump failure. Closed sep 19, 2025, led to recall 25V-455.
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Reduced power during hard acceleration. Closed apr 7, 2014.
Fuel tank strap failure due to corrosion. Closed aug 19, 2011, led to recall 11V-385.
Fuel tank strap corrosion/rust. Closed may 23, 2011.
Cng regulator leak. Closed feb 27, 2009.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Ford f-series dual fuel tank leakage. Closed nov 4, 1999, led to recall 93V-125.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed aug 31, 1994.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed jul 30, 1993.
None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.
What owners paid
10 of the 44 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,900 to $11,007.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 55,000 and 90,400 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 25 service bulletins or notices for the 2020 Ford F-150 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes ...
Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic ...
21 more on the 2020 Ford F-150 page.
What owners wrote
“Check engine light turn on with the code P0087. The truck don't turn on quickly. Lose power at high demand or RPM.”
Filed Jul 28, 2025
“Cam Phasers need to be replaced due to knocking sound. The problem was reproduced by an independent service center. Check engine light is displayed. This issue is under recall for ford f 150 3.5 however we own a 5.0. The same issue is occurring in our vehicle.”
Filed Feb 11, 2025
“Check engine light came on after loud rattle began occurring on acceleration. Took it to dealer who found oil to be 7.9 qts (capacity 8 qt)low since last oil change, less than 5000 miles earlier. Ford has known about this issue on their v8s since 2018 and switched out low oil indicator to conceal problem. Oil loss can cause engine seizure which is dangerous.”
Filed Aug 21, 2023 · 5,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 193 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 86 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 75 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 66 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 32 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 28 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 26 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 25 reports