(2015-2020 Ford F-150)
Looking to purchase a used Ford F-150? Here is a breakdown of known problems and recalls.
2019-2020 Ford F-150: Electrical System Recalls
Ford is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 trucks. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle’s systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge.
2018-2020 Ford F-150: Front Seat Recliner
Ford is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with driver and/or passenger’s manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash.
Ford dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge.
2018-2020 Ford F-150: LED Headlamps With Autolamp
Ford is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the “Autolamps” switch position to “Headlamps On.” As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.”
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge.
2009-2020 Ford F-150: MyFord Touch
In Ford’s 2009-2014 F-150s, complaints have arisen about the unreliability of MyFord Touch1 — a touchscreen feature in 2009-2020 models.
Early users of the touch-screen feature reported it would abruptly stop working. Moreover, the commands were variably unresponsive and the system did not synchronize with smartphones. In 2014, Ford responded to these complaints with a redesigned user interface meant to enhance the performance of MyFord Touch. Despite these efforts, complaints about the system have continued with newer models in the F-150 series.
Recurrent complaints about MyFord Touch have described the following performance issues:
- The screen fails to return once it goes into energy-saving mode.
- The sync system freezes and remains inoperable once the driver has shut the truck off.
- The system fails to recognize smartphones, despite the automaker’s efforts to remedy this issue.
- The rear-view camera shuts off when the truck is in reverse.
The system has reportedly proven incompatible with portable MP3 players. Once frozen, MyFord Touch has even failed to reboot in trucks where someone has removed and reinstalled the battery.
MyFord Touch has also been reportedly difficult to use in colder weather. Moreover, users claim the system is difficult to update.
2015-2019 Ford F-150: Engine Block Heater
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 models equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable’s splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring and a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and seal the block heater cable, or replace it, as necessary, free of charge.
** Ford recalled these 2015-2019 Ford F-150 trucks again stating that during the previous repair, the block heater cable’s splice connector may have been damaged.
Ford dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge.
2018 Ford F-150: Fuel Pump
Ford is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Ford dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge.
2018 Ford F-150: Gear Shift Cable Clip
Ford is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in ‘Park’ when it may be in a different gear. Additionally, despite selecting ‘Park’, if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. Ford dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge.
2017-2018 Ford F-150: Missing Transmission Roll Pin
Ford is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the “Park” function. Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in ‘Park’ and the instrument panel display indicating ‘Park,’ the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Ford dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge.
2015-2018 Ford F-150: Front Seat Belt Pretensioner
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. Ford dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge.
2017 Ford F-150: Manual Drivers Seat Back Recliner Mechanism
Ford is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with a manual driver’s seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, “Head Restraints” and 207, “Seating Systems.”
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury. Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge.
2017 Ford F-150: Seat Belt Recalls
Ford is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge.
2017 Ford F-150: Passenger Front Airbag Inflator
Ford is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks. The air bag inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may rupture in the event of a crash. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge.
2017 Ford F-150: Faulty Transmission Linkage Pin
Ford is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever. The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting ‘Park’, if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Ford dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge.
2017 Ford F-150: Transmission Gear Position Indicator Illumination
Ford is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge.
2015-2017 Ford F-150: Frozen Door Latch Malfunction
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Ford dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge.
2015-2017 Ford F-150: Chrome Door Handle Cover May Cause Door To Unlatch
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 trucks originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Ford dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price.
2015-2017 Ford F-150: Rear Inflatable Seat Belts
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it’s mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Ford dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge.
2015-2017 Ford F-150: Block Immersion Heaters
Ford is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable. A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford dealers will inspect the block heater’s location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available.
2016 Ford F-150: Power Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts
Ford is recalling certain 2016 F-150 trucks. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Ford dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge.
2016 Ford F-150: Front Passenger Seat Air Bag Sensor
Ford is recalling certain model year 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015, to November 22, 2015, and equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated. If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford dealers will update the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) with new software, free of charge.
2016 Ford F-150: Drivers Seat Reclining Frame
Ford is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver’s seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge.
2016 Ford F-150: Seat Cooling Issue
On recent F-Series models, drivers have raised complaints about the seat cooling function. In some trucks, the seat will cool briefly and then the function will fail. Some users have said the function will work on the base of the seat, but not along the back. According to reports, the hose that provides airflow to the seats often comes undone. The 2016 Platinum has been a frequent subject of this issue.
2015 Ford F-150: Transmission Issues Leading To Rough Shifting
Transmission issues plague the newer Ford F-150’s as it occurs to be one of its most common issues. Most common in the 2015 Ford F-150’s are transmission issues relating to rough shifting.
Fords 10-speed transmission certainly comes with its reliability issues, an issue not to overlook upon purchase. A good transmission inspection would be recommended too.
2015 Ford F-150: Adaptive Cruise Control
Ford is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 18, 2014, to August 6, 2015 and equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle may falsely detect an obstacle in its path and may unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Ford dealers will reprogram the cruise control module with updated ACC radar software, free of charge.
2015 Ford F-150: Front Seat Belts
Ford is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped. As a result, the seat belts may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Ford dealers will replace the driver and/or front passenger side seat belt retractor(s) and pretensioner(s), free of charge.
2015 Ford F-150: Steering Shaft
Ford is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 19, 2015, to March 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with a steering upper intermediate shaft that was improperly riveted. If the intermediate shaft was improperly riveted, it could separate from the intermediate shaft flex coupling, resulting in a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft and replace it, as necessary, free of charge.
(2009-2014 Ford F-150)
2014-2017 Ford F-150: Unreliable Brakes
Ford is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster. A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
2013-2014 Ford F-150: Brake Master Cylinder
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster. Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge.
2009-2014 Ford F-150: Head Gasket Leak
The head gasket leak, prone to the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 models, mainly comes to play after the 160,000-mile mark. Therefore, this isn’t one of the bigger problems on this list, but it’s one to pay close attention to if you are in the market, or own, a high mileage F-150.
The cause of the head gasket leak are due to other engine issues such as overheating, overfilling and the dissolving of the gaskets coating. The smell of burnt oil is usually the evidence of a head gasket leak.
While a new head gasket can be costly, some fix the problem by applying a JB Weld bond to the leaking area.
2009-2014 Ford F-150: Engine Oil Pan Gasket
An oil pan gasket leak can also occur when engine oil accumulates in the exhaust system of a Ford F-150. As with the head gasket leak, the telltale sign is when the smell of burning oil emits from the engine. A pan gasket is far more affordable to replace and is a relatively easy DIY task. According to reports from select owners of the F-150, they avoided the problem with a periodic tightening of the bolts around the pan gasket.
2009-2014 Ford F-150: Failure Of Ignition Coils
In addition to the head gasket leaks, the 2009 – 20014 Ford F-150’s are prone to ignition coil failures. The culprit of the ignition coil failures is due to engine wear, and once gaps start to appear in the spark plugs, the ignition coils fail.
The best way to prevent this failure is to lubricate the spark plugs with dielectric grease. This will at least improve the longevity of the spark plugs.
2009-2014 Ford F-150: Rough Running Engine
2009-2014 F-150s have been known to run rough when the engine is idling. The problem is typically the result of sticking exhaust gas recirculation sensors. The sensors stick due to the accumulation of carbon. Ford experts recommend drivers change the sensors every 100,000 miles. Once a truck has accumulated that many miles, the sensors start to wear down, which, in turn, can leave the engine unbalanced.
If the mass airflow (MAF) sensor becomes clogged, the cause will typically be a dirty hot wire. This problem will also cause the engine to run rough when idling. While it can help to clean the sensor, it is often better to buy a new one. Replacement valves are generally affordable and can help improve the engine running of an F-150.
If you do decide to try cleaning the MAF sensor, be sure to only use MAF sensor-specific cleaner. Many try to use throttle body cleaner on their MAF sensors and this often does more harm than good.
2009-2014 Ford F-150: Power Rear Sliding Window With Defroster
For trucks that have a power rear sliding window with integrated defroster, a common problem is a failure in the defroster’s electrical contact. There is a small tab located on the lower edge of the moving portion of the window and then another small contact tab on the lower portion of the fixed window pane. This contact fails, causing the defroster to stop working. If the truck also has heated sideview mirrors, the heat function will stop working as it is part of the rear window defroster circuit. Ford has not issued a recall against this defect, and the published fix is to replace the entire rear window assembly.
2014 Ford F-150: Electric Power Steering
Ford is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured May 26, 2014 to June 19, 2014, and equipped with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The affected vehicles may have an incorrectly installed EPAS gear motor position sensor magnet that can lead to a total loss of steering control while driving.
Ford dealers will replace the EPAS steering gear, free of charge.
2014 Ford F-150: Brake Pedal Switch
Ford is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all.
Ford dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge.
2014 Ford F-150: Front Seat / Air Bag Sensor
Ford is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with a reduced clearance between the seat frame and the seat track assembly. This can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress the passenger front airbag when the passenger seat is occupied by an adult passenger. Improper suppression of the passenger airbag increases the risk of an injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger airbag.
Ford dealers will widen the gap between the seat frame and seat track assembly and recalibrate the seat OCS, free of charge.
2014 Ford F-150: Seat Belts
Ford is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 trucks. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles. The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge.
2013 Ford F-150: Automatic Transmission Programming
Ford is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge.
2012-2013 Ford F-150: Unreliable Touchscreen
If there is one thing we can all agree on about the F-150’s, it is not to buy one for the interior features. Many complaints have surfaced regarding the MyFord Touch features in the 2012 – 2013 Ford F-150 models.
Some of these complaints include not being able to control the defroster or the rearview camera, difficulty in connecting their devices, and other glitchy instances with the MyFord infotainment system.
2011-2013 Ford F-150: Unexpected Downshift
Ford F-150’s equipped with 6R80 transmissions experienced unplanned downshifts related to intermittent failures of the Output Speed Sensor (OSS).
Ford is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 trucks equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge.
2012 Ford F-150: Loss Of Power While Driving
Imagine driving, and all of a sudden losing power. Now that is an issue that ranks high on the severity scale, and is a problem with the 2012 Ford F-150. Even though it is not the most common problem, in fact it is pretty rare, but due to the severity of the issue, it should not be overlooked when looking to buy a 2012 Ford F-150.
2012 Ford F-150: Air Bag Sensor/Control Module
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 F-150 trucks manufactured from November 6, 2011 through November 15, 2011. Incorrect software for the occupant classification system module (OCSM) was installed on the vehicles either at the time of manufacturing or during the course of replacement of the module as part of a service repair. Under certain driving conditions, the OCSM may misclassify the passenger seats occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.
Ford dealers will replace the OCSM free of charge.
2011-2012 Ford F-150: Back Up Lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These trucks may have a transmission range sensor (TRS) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.
If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse R position and the vehicles transmission does go in reverse, the R may not illuminate on the dashboard of the F-150 and/or backup lamp on the rear of the F-150 may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicles not signaling it is reverse.
Ford dealers will inspect and replace the TRS as necessary, free of charge.
2011 Ford Ranger: Body Control Module
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured from October 25, 2010 through November 20, 2010. These trucks were inspected using integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect Body Control Module (BCM) serial number. Based on the serial number the BCM was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a BCM that required replacement. Affected BCMS may have the potential for an internal short. If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.
Dealers will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge.
2011 Ford F-150: May Be Shifted Out Of Park
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured from September 9, 2011 through September 22, 2011. The transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to a brake shift interlock switch problem. This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Ford dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge.
2009 Ford F-150: Brake Light Switch
Ford is recalling 2009 F-150 trucks. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted. This may result in a delay in brake light illumination when the brake pedal is depressed. In situations of very mild brake application, the brake lights may not illuminate.
Ford dealers will inspect and have the brake light switch removed and reinstalled which will provide proper adjustment, free of charge.
2009 Ford F-150: Engine Clatters Like A Diesel At Low RPM
It’s never a good sound to hear clattering noises coming from your vehicles engine. This uncanny sound arises in the 2009 Ford F-150. Upon purchase of this model year F-150, an in-depth engine inspection should take place to prevent this expensive problem from taking place.
(2004-2008 Ford F-150)
2004-2008 Ford F-150: Problematic Spark Plugs
A common problem for the 2004-2008 Ford F-150’s are the breaking of spark plugs. The breaking of the spark plugs however don’t come from driving, but instead from maintenance. Due to the spark plugs indicated 100,000 mile lifespan, it is suggested that the long service life is the cause of this problem.
The attempt to remove them can lead to the top of the plugs from breaking off, leaving the remainder in the cylinder, becoming extremely difficult to remove. To combat this issue, Ford engineered a new plug meant for service every 30,000 miles.
2004-2008 Ford F-150: Knocking / Ticking Sound From Engine
Problems with the cam phaser have also been reported on these F-150s. Signs of this problem typically include sounds that resemble clicks and knocks coming from the engine. At the time the problem was being reported, Ford dealers allegedly claimed the sounds indicated nothing problematic about the engine. Consequently, drivers ignored the issue and engines failed as a result.
Some auto experts have advised F-150 drivers to steer clear of the Triton 5.4-liter V8 because of costly problems associated with the engine.
2007 Ford F-150: 26-Gallon Fuel Tanks
On certain trucks built with 26 gallon fuel tanks, the fuel tank may have a depression at the seam between the top and bottom halves of the tank (not visible from outside the fuel tank). If a depression is large enough, fuel may permeate the fuel tank wall resulting in a fuel odor, or a “service engine soon” indicator light.
Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge.
2000-2007: Corrosive Aluminum Hoods
If you thought corrosion only occurred on old vehicles, well think again. The 2000-2007 Ford F-150 models produced many complaints about corrosive body parts, especially the hood.
So, unless you want to replace a corroded hood, I would look into the 2008 and up Ford F-150 models.
2004-2006 Ford F-150: Faulty Airbag Deployment
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 F-150 trucks. If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp may illuminate indicating that service is required.
Ford dealers will install a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
2004-2005 Ford F-150: Faulty Power Windows
Drivers of 2004 and 2005 F-150s reported a problem concerning windows. The issue involved the power regulators on door-side windows, which were failing and causing window panes to drop into the doors or to become stuck or make a grinding noise.
(1997-2003 Ford F-150)
2002-2003 Ford F-150: Cruise Control Switch
On certain F-150 trucks the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Ford dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1997-2003 Ford F-150: Spark Plug Ejection
n 1997-2003 models of the Ford F-150, the most commonly reported problem with the truck was with ejecting spark plugs. Drivers have put forward several different theories regarding the cause of this problem. Some auto experts have claimed the plug design was flawed from the outset, claiming that the cylinder heads that consist of weak, four-thread aluminum supposedly compounded the problem.
Another theory asserts the spark plugs were too torqued and insufficiently tightened on the production line. As such, the sparks were prone to vibrate and erode the threads of the aluminum. Once worn, the aluminum would fail to hold the spark plugs in place.
The Ford pickups that are likeliest to blow spark plugs are the 2001-2004 F-150 models. Nonetheless, drivers have also reported the problem in 1997-2000 and 2005-2008 F-150s.
In response to the complaints, Ford initially asserted the issue was the result of users over-torquing replacement spark plugs. However, F-150 owners were mostly complaining about ejections of the original spark plugs that came with the vehicle.
Links:
For even more information on known problems and recalls on Ford F-150’s, check out https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/F-150/.