The best F-150 years to buy are 2017 and 2020. Avoid the 2012 and 2013: they have the most complaints of any recent F-150, led by transmissions that suddenly downshift into first gear at speed.
Best years: 20172020 Years to avoid: 20122013
Every F-150 year compared
2012397Average2013546Watch out2014270Average2015273Average2016327Average2017191Good year2018317Average2019170Good year2020107Good year2021269Average2022187Good year2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known F-150 problems
2013, 2018, 2019
10-speed transmission harsh and erratic shifting
2,292 owner complaints, usually around 100,000 miles
2012, 2013, 2016Loss of power while driving
1,281 owner complaints, usually around 64,000 miles
2017, 2018, 2019Engine rattle on start-up (cam phasers)
652 owner complaints, usually around 72,000 miles
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 232 | - | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 514 | - | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 820 | 187 | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2021 | 1,309 | 269 | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2020 | 565 | 107 | 11 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good buy |
| 2019 | 1,024 | 170 | 9 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2018 | 1,932 | 317 | 19 | Transmission and drivetrain | Watch out |
| 2017 | 1,150 | 191 | 18 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2016 | 1,800 | 327 | 14 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2015 | 1,425 | 273 | 0 | Brakes | Average |
| 2014 | 1,362 | 270 | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2013 | 2,796 | 546 | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Skip this year |
| 2012 | 1,717 | 397 | 0 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
About the F-150
The F-150 is America's best-selling vehicle, so raw complaint counts always look high. Per truck sold, most years are about average for a full-size pickup. The weak spots are the 6-speed automatic in 2011-2013 trucks, and on 2017-2020 trucks the 10-speed's harsh shifts and a cold-start rattle from the 3.5L EcoBoost's cam phasers.
- 2012-2014: Twelfth generation, steel body. Sudden downshift and EcoBoost moisture stumbling complaints.
- 2015-2020: Aluminum body. 10-speed automatic from 2017 (EcoBoost). Cam phaser rattle and harsh shifts are the common gripes.
- 2021 on: Fourteenth generation. 2021 has many recalls, including a park pawl and a rearview camera recall.
F-150 warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Ford files with NHTSA. 1,707 F-150 bulletins are on file in total.
2024 · bulletin 11023855
Customer Satisfaction Program 25B45 Certain 2024-2025 Model Year F-150 Equipped With 5.0L Engine Engine Replacement
Customer Satisfaction Program 25B45 Certain 2024-2025 Model Year F-150 Equipped With 5.0L Engine Engine Replacement
2023 · bulletin 10244687
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B24 Certain 2022 Super Duty and 2023 F-Series Models with Tailgate Step - Inspection of Tailgate Step Handle and Replacement
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B24 Certain 2022 Super Duty and 2023 F-Series Models with Tailgate Step - Inspection of Tailgate Step Handle and Replacement
2021–2023 · bulletin 11016252
Customer Satisfaction Program 24N04 Supplement #1 Certain 2021-2023 Model Year F-150 HEV and 2022-2023 Model Year Maverick HEV Vehicles Replacement of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery System If Failed
Customer Satisfaction Program 24N04 Supplement #1 Certain 2021-2023 Model Year F-150 HEV and 2022-2023 Model Year Maverick HEV Vehicles Replacement of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery System If Failed
2021, 2022 · bulletin 10206864
Customer Satisfaction Program 22B02 Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Ordered with Bed Accessories Dealer Installation of Factory Ordered Accessories
Customer Satisfaction Program 22B02 Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Ordered with Bed Accessories Dealer Installation of Factory Ordered Accessories
2021, 2022 · bulletin 10218634
Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 vehicles equipped with a power release tailgate- Unintended Tailgate opening; Supplement 1: Parts ordering information and full repair instructions are now available to support completion of t...
Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 vehicles equipped with a power release tailgate- Unintended Tailgate opening; Supplement 1: Parts ordering information and full repair instructions are now available to support completion of t...
2021, 2022 · bulletin 11022354
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New!
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New!
2021 · bulletin 10201017
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on or before 9-Apr-2021 may exhibit a no crank/no start with no powertrain control module (PCM) communication condition if the oil life is at or less than 20%.
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on or before 9-Apr-2021 may exhibit a no crank/no start with no powertrain control module (PCM) communication condition if the oil life is at or less than 20%.
2021 · bulletin 10201591
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with SYNC 4 and built on or after 29-Apr-2021 and through 19-May-2021 may exhibit an inoperative Wireless App Projection feature with a Wireless App Projection Disabled message in the touchscreen.
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with SYNC 4 and built on or after 29-Apr-2021 and through 19-May-2021 may exhibit an inoperative Wireless App Projection feature with a Wireless App Projection Disabled message in the touchscreen.
2021 · bulletin 11035635
Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Refer...
Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Refer...
2021 · bulletin 11039171
Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01--Owner Letter Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Ev...
Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01--Owner Letter Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Ev...
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the F-150
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up Open
Engineering analysis EA26001 · 2015–2017 · opened Jan 2026 · led to recall 26V237
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Engineering analysis EA26001 · 2015–2017 · opened Jan 2026 · led to recall 26V237
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE25002 · 2015–2017 · opened Mar 2025, closed Jan 2026
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Preliminary evaluation PE25002 · 2015–2017 · opened Mar 2025, closed Jan 2026
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Low-pressure fuel pump failure Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE24019 · 2018, 2022 · opened Jul 2024, closed Sep 2025 · led to recall 25V455
On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
Preliminary evaluation PE24019 · 2018, 2022 · opened Jul 2024, closed Sep 2025 · led to recall 25V455
On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
Unintended Transmission Downshift Closed
Recall query RQ24005 · 2014 · opened Mar 2024, closed Jul 2024 · led to recall 24V444
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions.
Recall query RQ24005 · 2014 · opened Mar 2024, closed Jul 2024 · led to recall 24V444
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Engineering analysis EA23002 · 2021, 2022 · opened Sep 2023, closed Oct 2024 · led to recall 24V635
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines.
Engineering analysis EA23002 · 2021, 2022 · opened Sep 2023, closed Oct 2024 · led to recall 24V635
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines.
Windshield trim molding Item detachment Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE23001 · 2019 · opened Jan 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Preliminary evaluation PE23001 · 2019 · opened Jan 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance Open
Recall query RQ21002 · 2020 · opened Aug 2021 · led to recall 26V104
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No.
Recall query RQ21002 · 2020 · opened Aug 2021 · led to recall 26V104
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No.
Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE18008 · 2015–2018 · opened Aug 2018, closed Dec 2018 · led to recall 18V568000
On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY 2014-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, and Super Crew Cab Vehicles.
Preliminary evaluation PE18008 · 2015–2018 · opened Aug 2018, closed Dec 2018 · led to recall 18V568000
On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY 2014-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, and Super Crew Cab Vehicles.
Unexpected Transmission Downshift Closed
Recall query RQ17010 · 2012, 2013 · opened Dec 2017, closed Oct 2019 · led to recall 19V075000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.
Recall query RQ17010 · 2012, 2013 · opened Dec 2017, closed Oct 2019 · led to recall 19V075000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.
Champion Ford Edinboro / Steering Shaft Closed
Audit query AQ17001 · 2015 · opened Jan 2017, closed Jun 2018
NHTSA opened AQ17-001 to determine whether Champion Ford Edinboro, Inc.
Audit query AQ17001 · 2015 · opened Jan 2017, closed Jun 2018
NHTSA opened AQ17-001 to determine whether Champion Ford Edinboro, Inc.
Brake Master Cylinder Failure Closed
Recall query RQ16001 · 2015, 2016 · opened Sep 2016, closed Jul 2020 · led to recall 20V332000
On June 8, 2020, Ford Motor Company issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No.
Recall query RQ16001 · 2015, 2016 · opened Sep 2016, closed Jul 2020 · led to recall 20V332000
On June 8, 2020, Ford Motor Company issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No.
Master Cylinder External Leak Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE16003 · 2013, 2014 · opened Feb 2016, closed Jul 2016 · led to recall 16V345000
On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearb...
Preliminary evaluation PE16003 · 2013, 2014 · opened Feb 2016, closed Jul 2016 · led to recall 16V345000
On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearb...
F-150 vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Ford F-150?
2017 and 2020. The best F-150 years to buy are 2017 and 2020. Avoid the 2012 and 2013: they have the most complaints of any recent F-150, led by transmissions that suddenly downshift into first gear at speed.
Which Ford F-150 years should I avoid?
2012, 2013. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Ford F-150 average.
Based on 16,646 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.