Recall 20V599 affects 52 2020 Ford F-350 trucks with ambulance prep packages for incorrect rear axles. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 52 2020 F-350 trucks with ambulance prep packages because they were built with narrower rear axles than ordered. That tire-to-body contact can result in a tire blowout, loss of vehicle control, and higher crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on the 2020 Ford F-350 ambulance prep truck supports the dual rear wheels and sets their position under the ambulance body. Ford says these trucks were ordered with a Wide Track rear axle, which places the rear tires far enough out for the body installed behind the cab.
Affected trucks were built with the base, narrower axle instead. The order guide allowed the 7.3L gas F-350 with the ambulance package to be ordered with a Wide Track axle, even though that axle was not available for that configuration. With the narrower axle, the inner tire on the dual rear wheel setup can contact the ambulance body while the truck is being driven.
Owners or operators can notice unusual noise from the rear of the vehicle if the inner tire touches the body. That noise is the warning sign to take seriously and have the axle configuration checked.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford F-350 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 52 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford F-350 pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Inner tire contact with the body raises the risk of a tire blowout, loss of vehicle control, and a crash. Unusual rear noise while driving is the warning sign Ford lists; treat it as a reason to stop in a safe place and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford F-350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free Wide Track rear axle rebuild that prevents inner rear tire contact with the body.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V599 and Ford recall 20S57 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair, especially with a completed ambulance body installed, because inner tire contact with the body creates tire-blowout and loss-of-control risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician rebuilds the rear axle as a Wide Track axle so the dual rear wheels match the ambulance prep package ordered for the truck. For remaining trucks still with body builders, Ford gives the builder a choice: use the base axle only with a body that meets Ford specifications, or rebuild the axle as a Wide Track axle. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 30, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V599?
Recall 20V599 covers 52 2020 Ford F-350 trucks with 7.3L gas engines and ambulance prep packages. These trucks were ordered with Wide Track rear axles but built with narrower base axles, allowing inner rear tires to contact the installed body. Ford dealers rebuild the rear axle for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford F-350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V599. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 20S57. The dealer will arrange the rear-axle rebuild as a Wide Track axle at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will rebuild the rear axle as a Wide Track axle free of charge. Use Ford recall number 20S57 when you call the service desk.
What is the safety risk on recall 20V599?
The risk is tire contact with the installed body. If the inner tire on the dual rear axle contacts the body, it can lead to a tire blowout and loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. The repair path is the free axle rebuild at a Ford dealer.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 20V599?
Ford mailed an interim safety-risk letter on October 23, 2020, and the recall began January 11, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 20S57.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V599000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V599 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V599000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →