Recall 20V099 affects 319 2020-2021 Ford F-550, E-450, and E-350 vehicles for low rear differential fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 319 2020-2021 F-550, E-450, and E-350 vehicles under recall 20V099 because the rear axle differential fluid level can be too low, leading to rear axle failure and driveshaft separation. If the driveshaft separates, the vehicle can lose drive or move unintentionally when the parking brake is not applied; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle differential on affected 2020-2021 Ford F-550, E-450, and E-350 vehicles is the gear housing at the back axle. The driveshaft sends engine power to that axle, and the differential turns that power into wheel movement. Inside the housing, axle lubricant coats the gears and bearings so they do not grind against each other under load.
On these vehicles, the differential fluid level was below the minimum level because the axle fill nozzle was misaligned during production. Without enough lubricant, the tail bearing can seize. That seizure can fracture the pinion stem, which can stop power from reaching the wheels, separate the driveshaft, and cause loss of the park function.
The warning sign is a metallic grinding or whining sound from the rear of the vehicle. If you hear that sound, treat it as a drivetrain warning and avoid driving until a Ford dealer checks the axle.
Who's affected?
Spans the F-550 plus E-450 and E-350 models across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to driveline components.
| 2020 Ford F-550 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford F-550 | driveline |
| 2021 Ford E-450 | driveline |
| 2021 Ford E-450 | driveline |
| 2021 Ford E-350 | driveline |
| 2021 Ford E-350 | driveline |
| Units affected | 319 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the driveshaft separates, the vehicle can lose drive, increasing crash risk. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can also move unintentionally and increase the risk of injury or crash. A metallic grinding or whining sound from the rear is a warning sign. Schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Ford F-550, E-450, or E-350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear axle differential fluid inspection and adjustment, or rear axle replacement if needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V099 when you call.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park until the rear axle inspection or repair is complete.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the rear axle differential fluid level and adjusts it if needed. If the low fluid has damaged the assembly, the technician replaces the rear axle under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 19, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 23, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V099?
Recall 20V099 covers 319 Ford F-550, E-450, and E-350 vehicles with rear axle differential fluid below the minimum level. Low fluid can lead to rear axle failure and driveshaft separation. Ford dealers will inspect the fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle if needed, for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Ford F-550, E-450, or E-350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V099. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rear axle inspection. Reference Ford recall 20S09 when you call. The recall 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 inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as needed, free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A driveshaft separation can cause loss of drive and increase crash risk. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can move unintentionally and increase the risk of injury or crash. Ford's repair path is a dealer inspection, fluid adjustment, or rear axle replacement.
When did Ford begin this recall?
Ford began recall 20V099 on March 19, 2020. Owners with affected VINs can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 20S09 when asking for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V099000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V099 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V099000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →