Ford F-150 Problems | Avoid These Year Models

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 05/03/21 •  8 min read

The Ford F-150 is a popular truck that most car owners would love to have. Unfortunately, the vehicle has had many problems with its engine and transmission systems in recent years leading some to find replacement vehicles. 

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In this blog post, we will walk through the Ford F-150 problems, the worst F-150 years to avoid as well as the most reliable Ford F-150 year models.

Most Common Ford F-150 Problems

Ford’s F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in America, and it has been for years. It has a reputation as being tough and reliable, but there are some serious problems that you need to know about before buying one.

2004 Ford F-150 Problems

Do you own a 2004 Ford F-150? If so, it is important to know about the most common problems that plague this model year. The following list of problems was compiled by the automotive website Edmunds.

The top three issues are: 

Engine failure due to low oil level in the motor, with an average repair cost of $2,600.

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Transmission failure due to a fluid leak or faulty transmission sensor, with an average repair cost of $3,200.

Inadequate brake performance due to rotor wear or improper brake pad installation could lead to the need for a new set of rotors costing around $700-800.

Ford F-150 problems
2004 Ford F-150 | Flickr

Ford Motor Company has recalled certain model year 2004 F-150 trucks because they may have a problem with their transmission. The company says this recall affects vehicles built at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant from February 2, 2003, to March 31, 2003. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet released information on how many of these vehicles are affected by the recall or what type of repair will be necessary if your vehicle needs to be serviced.

2005 Ford F-150 Problems

For years, Ford has been one of the top automakers in America. The F-150 truck is a staple in many American households and businesses due to its affordability and durability. But as with any manufactured product, problems can arise over time. Here are some common 2005 Ford F-150 Problems:

First, the transmission may have a problem that can be detected by looking at the engine light on your dashboard. If this light is blinking or stays illuminated even with no driving taking place, you should bring your vehicle to an auto shop for inspection and possible repair.

Ford F-150 problems
2005 Ford F-150 | wikimedia commons

Secondly, drivers might experience a vibration coming from their suspension system when hitting bumps in the road.

 This issue could stem from worn-out shocks or struts; if so then replacement parts will need to be installed. Thirdly, there are instances where cars may not shift into gear after accelerating from a stop.

Ford has recalled 2005 F-150s after discovering that a steering wheel can become loose and detach from the steering column while driving. The recall affects nearly 1 million vehicles in North America, including 500,000 in the United States alone.

2010 Ford F-150 Problems

Ford’s 2010 F-150 lineup features a wide range of options to choose from, but it is not without its problems. The vehicle has been reported by some owners as having transmission and engine issues, along with other common mechanical problems.

The most common 2010 Ford F-150 problems is the leaking oil that causes black smoke to come out of the exhaust pipe after starting up in cold weather. 

Many owners have also reported problems with their vehicles stalling or hesitating when accelerating at low speeds. There are many complaints about torque steer in higher gears when accelerating quickly or at high speeds.

Ford’s 2010 F-150 has been recalled for several different reasons. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) have each issued their recalls on certain models of the 2010 Ford F-150 vehicle.

The NHTSA recall is for an issue with the steering column, which could cause a safety risk to drivers if it were to detach from the steering wheel while driving down the highway at speeds over 65 miles per hour. 

The AAA recall is for an engine problem that can lead to stalls or reduced power in some vehicles.

Ford F-150 Years To Avoid

Many people love their Ford F-150. However, if you’re not careful in choosing your model and year, the truck can have a number of issues.

The most important thing to remember is that models from 2004 or earlier do not meet current safety standards and may be prone to rollovers.

 You should also avoid models from 2010 models because they do not come with airbags as standard equipment. 

Finally, models from 1995 through 1997 were recalled for problems with side door latches that could cause accidents while driving.

Most Reliable Ford F-150 Year Models

2001 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is a car that many people are considering when it comes to purchasing. The 2001 Ford F-150 has been on the market for 17 years and has recently had its reliability scores released. 

Ford F-150 problems
2001 Ford F150 Lightning | wikimedia commons

These scores can be found in various sources, such as Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book, but they all show similar numbers.

The Ford F-150 has been around since 1961, making it one of America’s oldest trucks. The reliability score for 2001 Ford F-150s is 4 out of 5 stars which means that these pickups are built solidly with few issues, but also means that 1 out of 5 drivers will experience some type of issue within 2 years or 24k miles.

2009 Ford F-150

A new Ford F-150 is a big investment for any car owner. It’s quite the decision to make and we understand that you want to be sure you’re making the best decision possible. The 2009 Ford F-150 has been rated as being one of the most reliable cars on the market, so it would be a great choice!

There is a reason why the 2009 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks on the market. It has been engineered with durability in mind, and it also offers some of the best gas mileage for a full size truck.

Trucks are not just for truckers. They’re a great way to haul things around, tow your boat and go off-roading. The 2009 Ford F-150 is the perfect choice for drivers who want reliability without sacrificing power or performance. 

Here are five reasons why this truck will be reliable in any situation:

-It has an advanced six cylinder engine that’s designed to get up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

-It has four wheel drive so you can take it through rocky terrain with ease.

-There’s an integrated trailer brake controller function that automatically adjusts the brakes when you’re hauling a trailer. 

2018 Ford F-150

If you are looking for a reliable truck that is also stylish and powerful, then the 2018 Ford F-150 is perfect. With its 3 engine options, it has the ability to power your way through any terrain. The new 10-speed transmission provides an even smoother ride with increased fuel efficiency. 

The 2018 Ford F-150 is one of the most reliable trucks available on the market today. This truck was recently ranked as a top 10 vehicle in terms of reliability by Consumer Reports, scoring an overall score of 72 out of 100 points. 

Ford F-150 problems
2018 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 3.5L EcoBoost|wikimedia commons

In addition to its stellar scores for reliability, it also has some other amazing features that set it apart from other pickup trucks in its class.

The Ford F-150 uses a 3.5L V6 engine that can produce up to 290 horsepower at 5500 rpm and generates 275 pound feet torque at 2500 rpm. 

This allows the truck to tow up to 13000 pounds, which makes it one of the best choices out there when you need something that is capable but not too expensive or complicated.

Which Ford F150 Engine Is Most Reliable?

It’s time to buy a new truck, but which one should you get? Allow us to help.The Ford F150 is known for being an iconic and reliable vehicle, with many different engine options.

 One of the most popular engines in this line is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

 If you’re looking for more power, check out the 5L Coyote V8 engine that puts out 385 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque!

How many miles will a 5.0 F150 last?

Do you know how long your car will last? What about your truck? Well, the average life expectancy of a Ford F150 is 225,000 miles. That’s about 13 years worth of driving for an average driver.

The first thing to do when considering the lifespan of any vehicle is to check out the manufacturer’s warranty.

You may find that it comes with a powertrain or drivetrain warranty that covers anything from engine and transmission work up through the drive axles.

 This varies depending on which brand you purchase but some offer 10 year warranties while others only provide 3-4 years coverage for major components like engines and transmissions.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.