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Campaign 20V097 Posted February 21, 2020 166,196 units

2018-2020 Ford F-150 Recall 20V097: DRL Dimming Defect

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 20V097 affects 166,196 2018-2020 Ford F-150 trucks because daytime running lamps stay bright. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

Ford is recalling 166,196 2018-2020 F-150 trucks with high series LED headlamps and Autolamp because the daytime running lamps can stay active instead of dimming when the lighting switch is moved to Headlamps On. DRLs that do not dim can reduce other drivers' visibility and increase crash risk, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The high series LED headlamps on the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 include daytime running lamps, parking lamps, and low-beam headlamps. The daytime running lamps make the truck more visible in daylight, while the parking lamps and low beams provide the lighting pattern required when the driver turns the master lighting switch to headlamps on.

In affected trucks, the Body Control Module, the computer that times and commands the lighting functions, does not match the timing expected by the daytime running lamp circuit inside the headlamp assembly. When the switch is moved manually from Autolamp to headlamps on, the daytime running lamps stay latched on instead of dimming and handing off to the parking lamp function. That is why recall 20V097 is tied to exterior lighting compliance.

There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not feel a change in the truck, because the issue is in the lighting control timing rather than a mechanical part.

Who's affected?

Covers the 2018, 2019, and 2020 F-150 model years, each tied to the headlight system.

2018 Ford F-150 Headlights
2019 Ford F-150 Headlights
2020 Ford F-150 Headlights
Units affected166,196
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

NHTSA ties daytime running lights that cannot dim to reduced visibility for other drivers and increased crash risk. There is no warning sign before the lighting problem. Drive cautiously, especially around oncoming traffic, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free body-control-module software update that fixes the daytime-running-lamp dimming problem.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V097 and Ford recall 20C03 when you call.
  4. Use extra care around other traffic until the repair is complete; the daytime running lamps can stay too bright instead of dimming.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the body control module so the daytime running lamps operate correctly when the lighting switch is moved from Autolamps to Headlamps On. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out of pocket repairs paid before the recall notice are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how the warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for this concern.

ReimbursementWarranty coverage applies

Timeline

February 21, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
February 24, 2020 Dealer notification began
February 24, 2020 Dealer notification ended
March 9, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
March 10, 2020 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V097?

Recall 20V097 covers 166,196 2018-2020 Ford F-150 trucks with high series LED headlamps and Autolamp functionality. The daytime running lamps can stay bright instead of dimming when the light switch is turned from Autolamps to Headlamps On. Ford dealers will reprogram the body control module for free.

What should I do if my 2018-2020 Ford F-150 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V097. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the body control module reprogramming. Reference Ford recall number 20C03 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford will reprogram the body control module free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced visibility for other drivers. In recall 20V097, the daytime running lamps can remain too bright instead of dimming to parking lamps, which increases crash risk. Ford did not issue a stop-driving instruction for this recall.

What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?

The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 20V097 or Ford recall number 20C03.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V097000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #20V097
NHTSA recall # (full)20V097000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →