2020 Ford F-150 maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2020 F-150, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2020 Ford F-150 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Diesel (3.0L), dusty conditions: every 7,500 mi, six months or 300 engine hours; off-road: every 7,000 mi or 300 engine hours.
- Brake Fluid
- 36mo
- Tire Rotation
- 10,000mi
- ≈ 16,000km
- 12 mo
- Brake Inspection
- 10,000mi
- ≈ 16,000km
- 12 mo
- Cabin Air Filter
- 20,000mi
- ≈ 32,000km
Service intervals
From the 2020 Ford F-150 schedule.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemFord uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Diesel (3.0L), dusty conditions: every 7,500 mi, six months or 300 engine hours; off-road: every 7,000 mi or 300 engine hours. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire RotationAt every oil change interval indicated by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (never more than one year or 10,000 mi): rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth. Dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Brake InspectionAt every oil change interval (never more than one year or 10,000 mi): inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Cabin Air FilterReplace every 20,000 mi. | 20,000 mi≈ 32,000 km | $15–$35 | |
| Engine Air FilterReplace every 20,000 mi. Dusty or sandy roads, extensive idling, or off-road use: inspect frequently and replace as required (diesel: check the air filter restriction gauge at every oil change). | 20,000 mi≈ 32,000 km | $20–$45 | |
| Fuel Filter (3.0L diesel)3.0L Power Stroke diesel: replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters every 30,000 mi. Severe diesel conditions (towing, idling, extreme temperatures, dust, off-road, B20): every 30,000 mi, six months or 600 engine hours (B20: 300 engine hours). Drain the fuel and water separator monthly or when the display indicates. | 30,000 mi≈ 48,000 km | — | |
| Spark PlugsGasoline engines: replace every 100,000 mi. Severe (towing a trailer or car-top carrier; extensive idling or low-speed driving as in delivery, taxi, patrol or livery use): every 60,000 mi. | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | $100–$250 | |
| Drive Belt InspectionInspect the accessory drive belt(s) at 100,000 mi, then every other oil change until replaced. Replace at 150,000 mi if not replaced within the last 100,000 mi. | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | — | |
| Automatic Transmission FluidChange the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 150,000 mi. Inspect the fluid level at every oil change if the transmission has a dipstick. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $150–$300 | |
| Front Differential Fluid (4WD) (4x4 only)Four-wheel-drive vehicles: change the front axle fluid every 150,000 mi. Change axle fluid if the axle has been submerged in water. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $80–$180 | |
| Rear Differential FluidChange the rear axle fluid every 150,000 mi. Change axle fluid if the axle has been submerged in water. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $80–$180 | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (4WD) (4x4 only)Four-wheel-drive vehicles: change the transfer case fluid every 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $80–$180 | |
| Engine CoolantInitial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi, then every five years or 100,000 mi. Diesel severe conditions: first flush and refill at 60,000 mi or 2,400 engine hours, then every 45,000 mi or 1,800 engine hours. | 200,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 322,000 km / 120 mo | $120–$250 | |
| Brake FluidSafety itemChange the brake fluid every 3 years; do not exceed the designated time. Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at an authorized dealer. | 36 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Battery InspectionOwner check every six months: check the battery connections and clean if necessary. Battery performance is also part of the multi-point inspection at each scheduled service. | 6 mo | — | |
| Timing Belt (3.0L diesel)3.0L Power Stroke diesel: replace the timing belt and the fuel pump drive belt at 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | — |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
- 0 Due now
- 0 Within 5,000 mi
- 0 Later
Ask Rev about my F-150
The 2020 F-150 is a full-size light-duty workhorse with multiple engine options, each with distinct fluid and wear-item intervals. This schedule covers all powertrains and applies to both standard and extended-cab configurations. Stick to Ford's intervals to maintain warranty coverage and prevent costly powertrain failures.
What happens if you skip it
- Neglecting transmission fluid changes on the 10-speed automatic causes harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and eventual transmission failure ($3,500–$5,000).
- Overdue spark plug replacement in EcoBoost engines causes misfires, reduced fuel economy, and carbon buildup that requires walnut-shell cleaning ($500+).
- Skipping differential fluid changes during towing accelerates gear wear and can cause catastrophic rear-end failure, especially in 4WD models.
- Ignoring coolant flushes on EcoBoost engines results in internal corrosion, gasket leaks, and head gasket failure ($1,500–$3,000).
- Delaying tire rotation on heavy-duty F-150s causes cupping and uneven wear, forcing premature replacement of all four tires ($800–$1,200).
Common issues at higher mileage
- 60,000+ mi
- EcoBoost engine carbon buildup and intake valve deposits cause rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power; walnut-shell cleaning required.
- 80,000+ mi
- ABS module corrosion and brake fluid contamination trigger ABS warning light; fluid flush and module replacement often necessary.
- 100,000+ mi
- 10-speed transmission develops shift flare and delayed engagement; fluid and filter change may resolve, but internal wear is common.
- 120,000+ mi
- Spark plug fouling and coil pack failures on EcoBoost engines; replace plugs and inspect coils to prevent misfires.
- 150,000+ mi
- Rear differential bearing wear and gear noise during acceleration; differential fluid analysis and potential rebuild needed.
Common questions about the 2020 Ford F-150
How often does a 2020 Ford F-150 need an oil change?
The 2020 Ford F-150 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Diesel (3.0L), dusty conditions: every 7,500 mi, six months or 300 engine hours; off-road: every 7,000 mi or 300 engine hours.
What maintenance does a 2020 Ford F-150 need?
The services not to skip on a 2020 Ford F-150: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; brake fluid every 36 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Ford F-150 at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 60,000+ mi: EcoBoost engine carbon buildup and intake valve deposits cause rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power; walnut-shell cleaning required. 80,000+ mi: ABS module corrosion and brake fluid contamination trigger ABS warning light; fluid flush and module replacement often necessary. 100,000+ mi: 10-speed transmission develops shift flare and delayed engagement; fluid and filter change may resolve, but internal wear is common. 120,000+ mi: Spark plug fouling and coil pack failures on EcoBoost engines; replace plugs and inspect coils to prevent misfires. 150,000+ mi: Rear differential bearing wear and gear noise during acceleration; differential fluid analysis and potential rebuild needed.
Keep this schedule for your F-150
Log what you've done, get reminded what's next. Rev knows the intervals for your F-150.