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Ford Trucks May Have Rear Axle, Driveshaft Failure

NHTSA campaign 20V099000 · Reported Feb 21, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

If the driveshaft separates, the vehicle can lose drive, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V099000
Reported to NHTSA	Feb 21, 2020
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Part affected	Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
Vehicles covered	3 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Ford F-550, E-350, and E-450 trucks may have rear axle differential fluid that is below the proper level. This can lead to the rear axle assembly failing and the driveshaft separating from the vehicle, which can cause a loss of drive. Dealers will inspect the differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle if it is needed. This repair will not cost owners anything, and Ford has already notified owners about this issue.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Ford dealer, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V099000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (3)

2020 Ford F-550
2021 Ford E-350
2021 Ford E-450

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford Powertrain Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Wheel Detachment · all 56 Ford recalls in this area

Other Ford E-350 recalls

Mar 3, 2026Ford E-450 backup alarm may stop workinghigh
Nov 17, 2025Ford E-350 and E-450 engine cover may get hotmedium
Feb 9, 2024Ford E-350 and E-450 Power Steering Fluid Losshigh
Sep 8, 2023Ford E-350 And F-650 Park Pawl Issuehigh
Dec 14, 2022Ford E-350, E-450, F-59 Fuel Tank Leak Riskcritical
May 27, 2022Ford Trucks and Vans Missing Tire Information on Labellow

All 14 E-350 recalls

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
Safety risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.