Recall 20V365 covers 13 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-550 Sd trucks. Ford dealers replace the transmission assembly free.
Ford is recalling 13 2020 F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-550 Sd diesel pickups because the transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, leaving it brittle enough to fracture. A fracture can stall the engine or increase brake pedal effort to stop the truck, raising crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The torque converter in these 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-550 Sd trucks sits between the diesel engine and the automatic transmission. It transfers engine power into the transmission, and its damper plate helps absorb twisting vibration so the driveline stays smooth when power moves through the system.
In the affected torque converters, the damper plate was not tempered, meaning it missed a heat treatment step that gives the metal the right strength. That left the plate brittle. Cracks can start around the rivet holes, then the plate can fracture inside the converter. If that happens, the engine can stall, and the driver can need more brake pedal effort to stop the truck.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall repair uses transmissions built with torque converters that contain properly tempered damper plates.
Who's affected?
Covers three Ford Sd truck models in the 2020 model year, with the automatic transmission and torque converter both named in the recall scope.
| 2020 Ford F-250 Sd | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford F-250 Sd | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford F-550 Sd | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford F-550 Sd | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford F-350 Sd | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford F-350 Sd | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 13 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can leave you without power while moving, and added braking effort gives you less margin when stopping. There is no warning sign before failure. Schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, F-550 Sd, or F-350 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free transmission assembly replacement that fixes the brittle torque converter damper plate tied to stalling and harder braking.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V365 and Ford recall 20S33 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra room to stop, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about scheduling or the owner letter.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the transmission assembly covered by this recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you already have repair paperwork for this transmission issue, ask the service desk how the original warranty coverage applies to that work.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| June 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 6, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V365?
Recall 20V365 covers 13 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-550 Sd diesel pickups with a brittle transmission torque converter damper plate. The plate can fracture, stall the engine, or require increased brake pedal effort. Ford dealers replace the transmission assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford F-250 Sd, F-550 Sd, or F-350 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V365. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the transmission assembly replacement. Reference recall number 20V365 and Ford recall number 20S33 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The free repair is available through any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to drive a Ford truck with recall 20V365 open?
The risk is an engine stall or extra brake pedal effort, which can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair promptly. If the truck stalls or braking effort changes, pull over safely and contact a Ford dealer before driving farther.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V365000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V365 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V365000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →