Ford F-150 problems
The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
History
The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.
The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.
The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).
Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.
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Ford F-150 model years
Common Ford F-150 problems
The Ford F-150, a popular pickup truck model, has faced various issues over the years, as reported by its owners. These problems range from engine issues to transmission problems and even interior design flaws.
One common issue with the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 models is transmission problems, which lead to rough shifting. The 2015 models, in particular, have experienced transmission issues that cause difficulty when shifting gears. The 2016 models also face engine problems, while the 2017 models have experienced a large recall due to a faulty transmission gear indicator.
The MyFord Touch feature, which was intended to enhance the technological options of the console, has been found unreliable by many owners, leading to a class-action lawsuit. The feature has been reported to disable certain vital vehicle commands, such as the defroster or rear-view camera.
Another significant problem with the 2015-2017 F-Series trucks is a frozen door handle latch issue, which has also been reported in 1997-2000 and 2005-2008 F-150 models. Ford initially blamed the issue on users over-torquing replacement spark plugs, but owners have reported that the original spark plugs ejected from the vehicle.
The 1987-1996 Ford F-150 models also experienced transmission problems, with many owners reporting rough shifting and difficulty changing gears.
In summary, the Ford F-150 has faced various issues over the years, including transmission problems, engine issues, and unreliable technological features. These problems have led to recalls, class-action lawsuits, and dissatisfied owners. However, with proper maintenance, many of these issues can be avoided or addressed in a timely manner.
What years did the F-150 have engine problems?
What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.
Which year of F-150 is most reliable?
Specifically, the 2018 F-150 is easily one of the best and most reliable models of pickup trucks, thanks to its high durability ratings and great mileage. The 2019 model is also a standout with excellent critics and user reviews.
What year to avoid buying F-150?
What Are the Best F-150 Models? The best Ford F-150 models years are 2019 - 2023, 2017, 2006 - 2009, 2003, and 1996. The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.
What is the issue with the Ford F-150?
Ford is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, according to the notice, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford F-150 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford F-150 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford F-150 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford F-150 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford F-150 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford F-150 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford F-150 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford F-150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by F-150 model years
A total of 1136 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by F-150 model years
There were a total of 1745 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by F-150 model years
There were a total of 1003 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by F-150 model years
There were a total of 60 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 18022 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford F-150 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford F-150 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford F-150 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1FTPX14555N
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Issues with transmission/ over drive snap ring vehicle only has 145,000 miles. This truck has many complaints and many failures and flaws that need fixed.
Ford F-150 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 1FTPW14VX7F
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Frame has rotted away
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 1FTPX14V38F
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
- Summary: My 5.4 v8 triton motor timing came phasers are bad the truck runs fine when cold when it gets warmer up it rattles and shakes and stalls air bag light stays on I had to pull the fuse bc it beeps and warning light so it's not active
Ford F-150 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 1FTRX12W57N
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift properly and shuddered. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, #1 Cochran Ford Boardman (7955 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512); where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Ford F-150 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 1FTEX15N4PK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 1993 Ford F-150. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while replacing the brake master cylinder, the contact noticed that there was brake fluid leaking onto a connector. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and contacted the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ford F-150 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Ford F-150 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discovery ATP, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while performing a tire rotation, the contact discovered sidewall bulges and tread separation on both rear tires. The vehicle was taken to the tire retailer, where it was determined that the rear tires were defective and needed to be replaced. The contact replaced both rear tires. The tire manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 220,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 1FTRF14W08K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle will not go into reverse. After research and reviews of this transmission in this year model, the reverse band is a known issue by Ford. Even the transmissions installed for replacement have bad reverse bands. There was a service advisory put out by ford but the advisory is no longer available. The reverse band is weak and the incorrect part was installed from factory.
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- VIN: 1FTRW14558F
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The defroster does not blow. There is an issue with the actuator and although the air can be heard blowing, the air is restricted at the firewall. Per the dealership, it is a known issue. I can't drive my truck in winter because it won't defrost. I live in Fargo, ND.
Ford F-150 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTRX18L41N
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the engine compartment had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ford F-150 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 1FTRX17W22N
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN [XXX] THE STRAPS ON MY GAS TANK BROKE BECAUSE THEY RUSTED THRU CAUSING GAS TANK TO DROP AND SPILL FUEL ALL OVER [XXX] IN IOWA CAUSING SO MUCH FUEL SPILLED OUT THEY HAD TO CLOSE ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC....THE FIRE DEPT CHIEF OF WHITING, IOWA, STEVEN SNYDER, Can verify what happened....THERE IS A POLICE REPORT BUT I DIDN'T HAVE IT FILING OUT THIS REPORT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-150 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 1FTRF12277N
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Ford F-150. The contact stated while making a right turn from a complete stop at 7-10 MPH, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveline assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Ford F-150 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-12
- VIN: 1FTPX14556F
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the middle sub frame structure was severely rusted. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-03
- VIN: 1FTPW12V38K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live cable buzzing in the rear cab exterior light and seemed to be spliced in a n unsafe way.
Ford F-150 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTRW12WX8K
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My emergency brake doesn't work and light is on,and air bags did not deploy when I was hit from behind.
Latest 5 recalls Ford F-150
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 358 recalls for different components of the Ford F-150.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford F-150 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-13
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Flickering parking lights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED Driver module, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 26, 2024 on 2022 F-150, and September 27, 2024 on 2022 Maverick. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C30. These vehicles were previously recalled for this same issue under 22V-686 and will need to have the new remedy performed.
- Model: Ford F-150 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
- Model: Ford F-150 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
- Model: Ford F-150 2014
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S37.
- Model: Ford F-150 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-14
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
- Consequence: Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S38.
Latest negative Ford F-150 car reviews
Latest positive Ford F-150 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1997
It's great to hear that the vehicle has found a new home and is now happily spending its retirement years taking care of the yard. With only 105k on the clock and a fresh tune-up, it's good to go for a while. We decided to downsize and stop paying Allstate to park it. Although it's not listed, ours was the 5.4.
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Vehicle year: 1998
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share some information about my truck with you. Since May 08, I've put about 4200 miles on it and it's been running great! It gets about 20 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 miles per gallon in the city. It always starts up and is very peppy. I even put a cherrybomb on it and eventually I plan to put 265/75/16 on a 2wd. I'm hoping it'll pay off in the winter. All in all, it's a great truck to own!
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Vehicle year: 1991
I bought my truck in September of last year and I absolutely love it! When I bought her, she had 120,000 miles on her, but I've already put about 30,000 more on her. She's amazing at climbing mountains and off-roading, and I've had so much fun in her. She's also incredibly reliable - I've only had to replace the alternator since I got her. Every morning, she starts up without fail and takes me to work. I can't say enough good things about my Ford! :)
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Vehicle year: 2008
190,000 miles and zero issues so far! Whenever I meet other truck owners, they always talk about my 2008 truck. It looks like new with everything original except for the rims, tires, and grill. It's Ford tough!
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Vehicle year: 2011
Your truck sounds like a great investment! It's been on some amazing trips and has held up really well. You've had no issues with its reliability or performance, and it handles beautifully. While you didn't quite get the fuel mileage you were hoping for, it's still impressive for a full-sized truck. Overall, it sounds like you made a fantastic choice and are really happy with your purchase. If you had to do it all over again, you'd make the same decision!
Are you having problems with your Ford F-150?
Lafayette Terry 2025-07-13
Vehicle year: 2013
I've had some issues with my F150 trucks, unfortunately. My first one had some engine problems, and Ford had to buy it back. The second one has also had some hesitations, despite numerous updates and part changes. I've also had some trouble with Sync, the A/C, and a driveline vibration. On top of that, the fuel economy hasn't been as good as advertised. Recently, I got the results of an oil analysis, and it seems that many other Ecoboost owners are experiencing high fuel dilution in their oil, which is a concern. I hope these engines will last beyond 100,000 miles, but I'm not sure.
Candido Hermann 2025-07-11
Vehicle year: 2006
I was pleasantly surprised by how roomy the interior is for the size of the truck. Although the seats are comfortable and accommodating, they do tend to stain easily, which can be a bit of a hassle to clean. After driving my Ford for 23k miles, I have noticed a few issues that are a bit disheartening. Firstly, it always seems to be a quart low on oil. Secondly, there is always a smell of hot brakes and burnt oil after even a 40-mile drive. Thirdly, the bed liner is not of the highest quality. Fourthly, there is a slight shutter/ticking sound at slow speeds, along with a clunking sound when accelerating from a stop as the weight shifts. Lastly, the gas mileage is not great, even when hauling a refrigerator. Despite having the 5.4L engine, I would still expect better mileage.
Jovani Russel 2025-07-08
Vehicle year: 2011
1. I would recommend against purchasing this truck. 2. Unfortunately, the motor has some issues that Ford has been unable to resolve. Since purchasing it, I have had to take it to the shop at least 5 times for the same problems. 3. The gas mileage estimates are not accurate, and I have found that even when driving at a steady 65 mph on a flat highway, I only get around 17.5 MPG. On average, my truck gets 14.9 MPG. 4. The suspension has been problematic, and despite multiple attempts by Ford to fix it, the issues persist. I was even given a can of WD40 by the Ford Service Writer as a temporary solution to the constant squeaking, but unfortunately it did not work. I have been spraying it daily for a week with no improvement. As a result, my neighbors have mistaken my truck for a much older vehicle.
Hermann Olson 2025-07-03
Vehicle year: 2018
After purchasing the truck, I noticed that it started running rough between 40 and 60 mph, even though it had only been driven for about 400 miles. At first, I thought the engine was missing, but the service technician informed me that it was actually the transmission hunting for gears. Surprisingly, it wasn't shifting gears when the rough running occurred. This usually happened when the cruise control increased power slightly while driving on a relatively flat road. The service team suggested that I drive it for 1000 miles and it would straighten itself out, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. After the third trip to the service center, they informed me that it's just how the truck shifts and I should get used to it. However, I don't think a 50K vehicle should feel like it's continually missing or hesitating.
Haleigh Hills 2025-07-02
Vehicle year: 2016
The small twin turbo motor (2.7) is great! It has really good acceleration, is responsive, and gets good gas mileage. So far, I've been getting 21-22 MPG in combined highway and local driving, even when driving reasonably conservatively. For true mileage, calculate it yourself, as the truck computer ends up displaying 2-5 miles per gallon more than you're really getting. The cabin is very quiet and the ride is quite comfortable, except when you go over bumps of course. The seating position in the front is good and the rear seats are better than I thought they would be. They're actually tolerable for adults of average height for short rides. I do wish Ford would sell an accessory lockable gas plug for the truck. However, the huge annoyance with this truck is the auto-engine-off. Although Ford gives you an override button, deactivating the auto-engine-off is only good for one driving cycle, so you have to push it every time you get in the truck if you don't want the engine shutting down every time you come to a stop. You might come to a stop for just one second, and the engine shuts down! Also, make sure you want a large truck, as this thing is big.