The Ford F-150 is a legendary full-size pickup truck known for its durability, versatility, and capability. With a reputation for being the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, the F-150 offers a range of engine options, including powerful V6 and V8 engines, for impressive towing and payload capacities. Known for its tough construction and innovative features, the F-150 is perfect for both work and play. The truck features a spacious and comfortable interior, along with advanced technology and safety systems for a modern driving experience. Whether used for towing trailers, hauling cargo, or daily commuting, the Ford F-150 is a dependable and reliable choice for drivers seeking a versatile and capable pickup truck.
FORD F-150 PROBLEMS

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Worst Year
1997
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Worst Module
Electrical

Issues by Year
Click on the chart bars to get detailed information about years to avoid
Malfunction Modules
Click on the car modules reliability chart below for details
Best and Worst Years
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Best Choice
1975 F-150
Car owners are faced with the first problems after 16 years of operation
Total Complaints:
1 issues
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Worst Choice
1997 F-150
Car owners are faced with the first problems after 15 miles.
Total Complaints:
3203 issues
Complaints and Common Faults
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1. Transmission Issues:
- Hard shifting and erratic shifting behavior.
- Downshifting to lower gears unexpectedly, including downshifting to 1st gear at high speeds, causing potential safety hazards.
- Stuck in high gear, neutral, or experiencing a loss of power when shifting.
- Jerking, clunking, and rough shifting.
- Voltage issues affecting the transmission.
- Diagnostic trouble codes such as P0706, P0707.
- Hard shifting and erratic shifting behavior.
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2. Engine Problems:
- Cam Phaser failure, leading to rattling sounds on cold starts and potential engine failure.
- Issues with camshaft timing phasers, causing unpredictable engine performance.
- Engine rattling and unusual sounds on start-up related to cam phasers and VCT systems.
- Oil leaks and excessive oil consumption.
- Turbo and oxygen sensor leaks and failures, often leading to complete engine replacements.
- Cam Phaser failure, leading to rattling sounds on cold starts and potential engine failure.
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3. Brake Problems:
- Brake fluid leaks, often into the engine or inside components, leading to brake failure.
- Defective brake master cylinder causing low brake pressure.
- Complete loss of brakes due to ruptured brake lines/hose.
- Brake fluid leaks, often into the engine or inside components, leading to brake failure.
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4. Electrical and Sensor Issues:
- Faulty backup cameras and camera-related errors.
- Leadframes and solenoids failing, causing drivability issues.
- Malfunctions with the Adaptive Cruise Control system.
- Failure in SYNC 3 Advanced Program Interface Module (APIM).
- Wiper motors not functioning properly.
- Faulty backup cameras and camera-related errors.
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5. Steering and Suspension:
- Steering locking up and jerking, particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds.
- Premature failure of wheel bearings and related components.
- Suspension rattling and instability.
- Steering locking up and jerking, particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds.
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6. Exhaust and Emissions:
- Failure of exhaust manifolds and studs, leading to exhaust leaks into the passenger compartment.
- Warped exhaust manifolds causing increased leakage and failure.
- Failure of exhaust manifolds and studs, leading to exhaust leaks into the passenger compartment.
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7. Fuel System:
- Issues with fuel pumps and fuel system components leading to random stalling.
- Problems with fuel line connections and leaking.
- Issues with fuel pumps and fuel system components leading to random stalling.
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8. HVAC and Other Accessories:
- Sunroof malfunctioning and leaking, causing potential electrical hazards.
- Door latch failures, particularly in cold weather, causing inability to securely close doors.
- Sunroof malfunctioning and leaking, causing potential electrical hazards.
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9. Other Common Issues:
- Spontaneous shattering of rear windows.
- Consistent problems with door hinges and latches freezing.
- Spontaneous shattering of rear windows.
Questions
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Is there a problems with the Ford F-150 5.0 engine?
While the Ford F-150 with a 5.0 engine generally has a strong reputation for reliability and performance, like any vehicle, there have been reported instances of engine problems. Common issues can include oil consumption, timing chain problems, and potential leaking of coolant. Routine maintenance and proper care can help mitigate these problems. It's advisable to stay updated on any recalls or service bulletins related to the specific model year of the Ford F-150 5.0 engine to address any potential issues promptly.
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What F-150 to avoid?
When considering a Ford F-150, it's generally advisable to be cautious when looking at particular model years that have had more reported issues. Some years to approach with caution include the 2004, 2005, and 2012 models, which have had complaints about transmission problems, engine issues, and other mechanical concerns. Additionally, it's recommended to research and inspect any used F-150 thoroughly before purchase to avoid potential problematic model years.
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What Ford F-150 is being recalled?
Ford F-150 trucks have been subject to various recalls over the years for a range of issues. Some common reasons for recalls on Ford F-150 trucks include safety-related concerns such as faulty airbags, defective brakes, issues with steering components, transmission problems, electrical system faults, and engine-related issues. To stay informed about any current recalls affecting a specific Ford F-150 model, it is recommended to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, F-150 recalls list or contact Ford directly for the most up-to-date information on recalls related to a particular vehicle. Regularly addressing recalls promptly can help ensure the safety and reliability of Ford F-150 trucks.
Other Models
- Aerostar Number of complaints: 3018
- Aspire Number of complaints: 278
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- Bronco II Number of complaints: 257
- Bronco Sport Number of complaints: 534
- C-Max Number of complaints: 363
- C-Max Energi Number of complaints: 127
- C-Max Hybrid Number of complaints: 172
- Contour Number of complaints: 4342
- Crown Victoria Number of complaints: 3490
- E-150 Number of complaints: 1375
- E-250 Number of complaints: 427
- E-350 Number of complaints: 1416
- E-450 Number of complaints: 483
- E-550 Number of complaints: 91
- EcoSport Number of complaints: 1081
- Edge Number of complaints: 13049
- Escape Number of complaints: 27892
- Escape Hybrid Number of complaints: 1666
- Escort Number of complaints: 4937
- Escort ZX2 Number of complaints: 91
- Excursion Number of complaints: 1344
- Expedition Number of complaints: 9654
- Explorer Number of complaints: 34754
- Explorer Sport Number of complaints: 895
- Explorer Sport Trac Number of complaints: 881
- F-150 Number of complaints: 38224
- F-250 Number of complaints: 10492
- F-250 Super Duty Number of complaints: 3446
- F-350 Number of complaints: 5984
- F-350 Super Duty Number of complaints: 2099
- F-450 Number of complaints: 127
- F-450 Super Duty Number of complaints: 555
- F-550 Number of complaints: 74
- F-550 Super Duty Number of complaints: 550
- F-650 Number of complaints: 54
- F-650 Super Duty Number of complaints: 43
- F-750 Number of complaints: 11
- F-750 Super Duty Number of complaints: 9
- Festiva Number of complaints: 170
- Fiesta Number of complaints: 3686
- Five Hundred Number of complaints: 1466
- Flex Number of complaints: 1775
- Focus Number of complaints: 26424
- Focus Electric Number of complaints: 285
- Focus RS Number of complaints: 5
- Freestar Number of complaints: 3143
- Freestyle Number of complaints: 4914
- Fusion Number of complaints: 25001
- Fusion Energi Number of complaints: 199
- Fusion Hybrid Number of complaints: 1202
- LTD Number of complaints: 55
- Maverick Number of complaints: 757
- Mustang Number of complaints: 10395
- Mustang GT Number of complaints: 811
- Mustang Mach-E Number of complaints: 561
- Probe Number of complaints: 1452
- Ranger Number of complaints: 9595
- Ranger EV Number of complaints: 30
- Taurus Number of complaints: 22987
- Taurus SHO Number of complaints: 183
- Taurus X Number of complaints: 213
- Tempo Number of complaints: 1602
- Thunderbird Number of complaints: 3011
- Topaz Number of complaints: 19
- Transit Number of complaints: 608
- Transit Connect Number of complaints: 533
- Windstar Number of complaints: 18774