Recall 20V691 affects 225 2021 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks for leaking transmission oil cooler lines. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 225 2021 F-750 and F-650 vehicles under recall 20V691 because the transmission oil cooler line can rub against the air conditioning compressor pulley and leak fluid. Leaking transmission fluid can reach hot engine parts and raise fire risk; Ford dealers will repair the line free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission oil cooler line on the 2021 Ford F-750 and F-650 with the 7.3L gas engine carries transmission fluid to and from the cooler. That fluid helps control transmission temperature while the truck is working under load. The line needs clear space around moving engine accessories.
On affected trucks, the cooler line was installed in the wrong position. That lets the line touch the air conditioning compressor clutch pulley, a rotating part driven by the engine belt. Contact with the pulley can wear through the line and start a transmission fluid leak. In NHTSA campaign 20V691, Ford reported that leaking fluid can reach hot engine parts and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Before that happens, the driver can notice the transmission engaging harshly or taking longer than normal to engage. A Malfunction Indicator Light can also appear if the fluid level drops enough to affect transmission operation.
Who's affected?
Covers the F-750 and F-650 trucks from the same model year, with the same automatic-transmission oil cooler line.
| 2021 Ford F-750 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-650 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 225 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2021 Ford F-650 or F-750 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
In recall 20V691, leaking transmission fluid can reach hot engine components and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. A leak can also lower fluid enough to cause harsh or delayed transmission engagement. Schedule the inspection soon, and stop driving if the truck shows a fluid leak or abnormal engagement. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford F-750 or F-650 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free inspection and transmission oil cooler line repair for the fluid-leak and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V691 and Ford recall 20S66 when you call.
- Watch for transmission fluid leaks or burning-fluid smells, and avoid driving the truck until a Ford dealer checks it if either appears.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if the dealer cannot schedule the inspection or you need help with the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the transmission oil cooler lines for correct routing and checks for damage where the lines pass near the air conditioning compressor pulley. The technician corrects the line orientation and replaces damaged lines. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the Ford service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 12, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 21, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V691?
Recall 20V691 covers 225 2021 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks with 7.3L gas engines. The transmission oil cooler line can contact the air conditioning compressor pulley, causing a transmission fluid leak. Ford dealers inspect the lines, correct their orientation, and replace damaged lines for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford F-650 or F-750 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V691. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and schedule the transmission oil cooler line inspection. Reference Ford recall number 20S66 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will inspect, correct, and replace damaged transmission oil cooler lines free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. In recall 20V691, leaking transmission fluid can contact hot engine components if the transmission oil cooler line is damaged by the air conditioning compressor pulley. The repair addresses the line position and replaces damaged lines.
What if I bought the Ford F-650 or F-750 used?
The recall still follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Ford F-650 or F-750 is included in recall 20V691, then contact a franchised Ford dealer. The free repair applies regardless of where you bought the truck.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V691000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V691 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V691000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →