Ford F-150 years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford F-150 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 167 (2,300 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 54 (from 1,324 complaints), 2020 at 58 (from 726 complaints), and 2024 at 62 (from 187 complaints). The Ford F-150 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Ford F-150, 766 of 2,300 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2019
2020
2024
2025–26
Ford F-150 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford F-150. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 → Too early | 8 | 8 | 5 | Electrical system | 19 |
| 2025 → Too early | 51 | 102 | 13 | Powertrain | 18.5 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 62 | 187 | 11 | Exterior lighting | 18.5 |
| 2023 → | 88 | 407 | 13 | Powertrain | 18.8 |
| 2022 → | 92 | 593 | 23 | Powertrain | 19.2 |
| 2021 → | 109 | 1,011 | 29 | Powertrain | 19.5 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 58 | 726 | 11 | Powertrain | 20.1 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 54 | 1,324 | 9 | Powertrain | 19.9 |
| 2018 → Most | 167 | 2,300 | 19 | Powertrain | 19.8 |
| 2017 → | 85 | 1,437 | 18 | Powertrain | 19 |
| 2016 → | 165 | 2,048 | 14 | Powertrain | 18.6 |
| 2015 → | 120 | 1,707 | 14 | Powertrain | 19.4 |
| 2014 → | 70 | 1,531 | 8 | Powertrain | 16.7 |
| 2013 → | 113 | 2,981 | 3 | Powertrain | 16.7 |
| 2012 → | 133 | 1,781 | 4 | Powertrain | 16.8 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Pickup truck
- Oil
- 5W-20 (3.7L V6, 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8 Raptor/Harley); 5W-30 (3.5L EcoBoost, from 2011) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/75R17 to 275/45R22
Known issues for this generation
Peak filing years around 2013 center on the six-speed automatic. Recall 19V-075 (Ford 19S07) covers certain 2011-2013 F-150 trucks with that transmission: the gearbox may unexpectedly downshift into first gear regardless of speed, which can cause loss of control; dealers reprogram the powertrain control module. Separately, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 introduced for 2011 had early-production issues: TSB 13-8-1 covered intermittent stumble or misfire on 2011-2012 trucks from condensation in the charge-air-cooler tubes in humid weather (NHTSA closed its inquiry after the bulletin). Investigation EA15-006 also found moisture entering the electric vacuum pump on 2011-2012 trucks could corrode the pump and raise cold-start brake-pedal effort; Ford extended pump warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles under CSP 15N05 rather than a recall.
- Body styles
- Pickup truck
- Oil
- 5W-20 (3.5L Ti-VCT/3.3L V6, 5.0L V8); 5W-30 (2.7L/3.5L EcoBoost, 3.0L Diesel) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/70R17 to 275/55R20
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 17V-652 (Ford campaign 17S33) covered approximately 1.1 million 2015-2017 F-150 trucks (and 2017 Super Duty) for side door latches that could freeze after water gets into the latch, or a bent or kinked actuation cable; either condition can result in a door opening while driving although it appears to be closed. Ford's remedy inspected the door latch actuation cables and installed water shields over the latches at no charge. Separately, NHTSA recall 26V-237 (Ford campaign 26S28) covers 2015-2017 F-150 trucks built with the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission for degradation of the electrical connections in the transmission lead frame from thermal cycling and vibration, which can make the Powertrain Control Module momentarily read an incorrect Transmission Range Sensor position and command an unintended downshift, at most from 6th gear to 2nd. The resulting abrupt wheel speed reduction could cause the rear tires to slide.
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- Body styles
- Pickup truck
- Oil
- 5W-20 (3.3L V6); 5W-30 (EcoBoost, PowerBoost hybrid, 5.0L V8, diesel) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/70R17 to 275/50R22
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 24V-635 (Ford campaign 24S55) covers 2021-2022 F-150 trucks equipped with the 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost V6, built within a production spike period of May 2021 to October 2021; the engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power. NHTSA's engineering analysis (EA23-002) found that fractured valves showed "grinding burn" or out-of-specification hardness at the keeper grooves, leaving them hard and brittle, and that the same defect spans the 2.7L and 3.0L Nano engine families across several Ford and Lincoln nameplates, not the F-150 specifically. Ford's remedy is a free engine cycle test with engine replacement as necessary; Ford changed the intake valve alloy from Silchrome Lite to Silchrome 1, and vehicles produced after October 2021 are not affected. This recall does not apply to the separately tracked F-150 Lightning EV, which does not use the Nano EcoBoost engine.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-150 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 54 (from 1,324 complaints), 2020 at 58 (from 726 complaints), and 2024 at 62 (from 187 complaints).
Which Ford F-150 year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 167 (2,300 complaints). On the 2018 Ford F-150, 766 of 2,300 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Ford F-150 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford F-150 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Ford F-150 years are too early to compare?
The Ford F-150 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is my Ford F-150?
2009-2014 is the 12th generation, 2015-2020 is the 13th generation (first all-aluminum body), and 2021-present is the 14th generation.
Does the towing capacity apply to every F-150 trim?
No. The listed figure is the generation's best-equipped maximum (specific engine, cab, and Max Trailer Tow Package); a base XL or Raptor will tow significantly less.
Is the F-150 Lightning included in this data?
No, the F-150 Lightning EV is tracked as a separate model in this catalog; this page covers only the conventional gas and hybrid F-150.