Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford F-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that a trailer was hitched to the vehicle during the failure. The contact stated that the trailer brakes was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving in the driveway. The contact was able to safely stop and park the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V401000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V132000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while using the remote key fob to unlock the doors, the doors failed to unlock. The contact had to manually unlock the doors. The contact then stated that the electrical system started malfunctioning and the A/C unit, the radio, and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) light failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician noticed that the rear passenger's side taillight was filled with 3-inches of water. Additionally, the bliss module was corroded due to the water intrusion. The contact was informed that the tail lamp seal and the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The water was drained; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 51,997.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the air conditioner was turned on, an abnormal vinegary odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the odor was due to mold and mildew from condensation in the air condition system. The contact was informed that the mechanic would spray the air condition system to get rid of the mold. The contact was concerned about his health while the air conditioner was turned on and mold spores were blowing into his face. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine began to sputter and misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plug wires were faulty and needed to be replaced. The spark plug wires were replaced with the manufacturer's OEM wires however, approximately three months later the failure recurred. The mechanic installed the new improved spark plug wires ordered from the manufacturer and the failure was remedied. The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,200.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed junction box due to water intrusion. The contact was informed that the junction box 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 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while stopped in the driveway, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The hill assist, traction control, brake, fuel empty, and the engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into battery-saving mode. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch to the off position and removing the ignition key, the engine remained running. Additionally, the maintenance wrench icon illuminated, and the warning message "Reduced Power Mode" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
I was driving the truck and suddenly smoke came out from behind the radio. I stopped and checked and saw that the truck was on fire. I immediately tried to turn it off with the few water bottles that I had with me. I had no luck and the entire truck burned up.
Component: Battery Junction box then affecting other parts. water intrusion into battery junction box affecting and shorting out other components. Items shorted out due to water in battery junction box include: Battery Junction Box itself, Left rear Blind Spot Monitor, Left rear Brake Light, Drivers seat control (shorted all seat heated components, All lumbar and massaging components fully inflated and would not deflate) , Windshield wiper motor shorted and stopped working, Rain sensor stopped working. Both Tow Mirrors would Randomly deploy to the furthest out position. Main Safety Concerns were Windshield Wiper Motor Stopped Working and Seat Randomly adjusting, Inflating, Deflating. Vehicle is currently at for dealership ( Sam Packs 5 star Ford Lewisville TX) who has diagnosed the issues. The only warning lamp was for the Driver Side BLIS when the incident would occur.
Parked at gas station, after fueling attempted to start with key and engine started but electrical systems did not register that vehicle had started. Turned engine off but engine continued running. Additional attempts to start vehicle made no difference -- engine continued running but vehicle could not be shifted out of Park. Called dealer and was advised to pull fuel pump fuse to stop engine. Towed to dealer and dealer determined that water had indruded into battery junction box and junction box needed to be replaced at owner expense. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 20-2298
Electrical complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Ford F-250 SD, 10% of the model year's 267 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › coil › high tension/spark plug wires (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford F-250 SD electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2020 Ford F-250 SD, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford F-250 SD electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 57% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.