Best used pickup truck years: F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tacoma and Tundra

A used pickup is a big purchase, and trucks often work harder than cars: towing, hauling and idling on job sites. That makes picking the right year even more important. We ranked every year from 2012 to 2022 for the five best-selling full-size and midsize pickups using owner complaints per 100,000 trucks sold.

One note on the numbers. Sales figures for the F-150, Silverado and Ram include heavy-duty versions that are not in the complaint data, so we adjust sales down to the light-duty share. That keeps big trucks from looking better than they are.

The quick answer

Toyota Tacoma: steady, with one cautious year

The Tacoma has the lowest complaint rate of any truck we track. The 2020 and 2021 models drew just 32 to 38 complaints per 100,000 sold. The 2016, the first year of the current generation, ran about twice the usual rate, mostly from transmission behavior that owners described as hunting for gears, a rear differential recall and peeling white paint. A 2016 with the recall done is still a reasonable truck; it just is not the best Tacoma.

Toyota Tundra: buy the V8

The 2014-2021 Tundra with the 5.7-liter V8 is one of the most durable trucks of its era. The 2015 and 2020 drew about 43 complaints per 100,000 sold. The 2022 redesign switched to a twin-turbo V6 and drew about four times the usual complaints, including engine failures traced to machining debris. Toyota recalled many trucks to replace the engine. Buy a 2022 only with the engine recall confirmed as complete.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500: skip the redesign year

The 2014 Silverado, first of a new generation, drew 421 complaints per 100,000 sold, about twice its usual rate. Power steering that cut out and a brake pedal that went hard at low speed were both covered by recalls. The 2013, the last of the old truck, and the 2018, a late version of the new one, are the best picks. On 2019 and later trucks, check for lifter failure on the 5.3-liter V8, which can cost $2,500 to $4,500 to fix.

Ford F-150: avoid 2012 and 2013

Early EcoBoost years drew the most complaints, including transmissions that suddenly downshift into first gear at highway speed, which became a recall. The 2017 and 2020 are the best years. The 2020 drew just 107 complaints per 100,000, the lowest of any F-150 in the last decade. On 2017-2020 trucks with the 10-speed automatic, ask whether the transmission software has been updated, and listen for a rattle at cold start, which can point to cam phaser wear on some engines.

Ram 1500: the steering years

The 2013 and 2014 Rams have the highest complaint rates of any truck here. The top complaint by far is sudden loss of power steering, often at low speed while turning. A replacement pump costs $800 to $1,500. The 2018, last of the old body, and 2020, second year of the new one, drew about half the average complaints.

What to check on any used truck

• Recalls. Run the VIN on the free federal lookup. Trucks get a lot of recalls, and many owners skip them.
• Towing history. A hitch, wiring plug or worn trailer ball tells you the truck towed. Ask how often and how heavy.
• Frame and underbody rust. Look at the frame rails, brake lines and the spare tire area, especially in snow states.
• Transmission behavior. On the test drive, accelerate gently and hard. Feel for flare, slip, clunk or a sudden downshift.

Our used car check list builds a list for the exact truck and year, including its recalls.

Questions

Is a high-mileage Tacoma or Tundra still a good buy? Often, yes, if it has maintenance records. These trucks commonly pass 200,000 miles. Check for frame rust on 2005-2010 Tacomas, which were covered by a frame replacement campaign.

Which truck is cheapest to keep running? Based on complaint rates, the Tacoma and V8 Tundra have the fewest serious problems. The F-150 and Silverado have the cheapest and most available parts.