Ford F150 – What Are the Common Problems?

Thinking of buying a used F-150? Don't do anything before reading this concise short guide about mechanical issues in F-150 trucks based on year of make.

It's a common question anyone shopping for a new truck is likely to ask: What are the issues to watch out for on the Ford F150? It's so common primarily because Ford sells so many of these trucks - they are on track to have sold over 800,000 each of the past three years!  To answer this question, we have sifted through data for all model years going back to the year 2000 and identified those issues that tend to crop up more than others.

Ford F150: What Are the Common Problems?Generally speaking, each generation of F150 has its own unique problems.

  • For trucks built between the years 2000 and 2003, head gasket and ignition coil failure are by far the most common repair issues.
  • In the following generation, built between 2004 and 2008, spark plugs within the Triton V8 welding themselves to the cylinder head is the most common complaint.
  • For models built between 2009 and 2014, ignition coil and head gasket failure are the most common weak points.
  • Finally, the most recent redesign occurred in 2015. After that, electronic throttle body and 10-speed transmission issues have been the most reported issues.

Keep in mind that no common issue will plague every F150 out there. This article simply lists the most common issues for each year. Okay, let’s find out which issues commonly plague the Ford F150 by model year.

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Ford F150 2000 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaking from the head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $770 - $943

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

A bad ignition coil usually means a rough-running engine and an illuminated check engine light.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Ford F150 2001 Models - Reported Issues

2001-2004 Ford F-150
2001-2004 Ford F-150

Problem: Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaking from the head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $770 - $943

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

A bad ignition coil usually means a rough-running engine and an illuminated check engine light.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Ford F150 2002 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaking from the head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $770 - $943

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

A bad ignition coil usually means a rough-running engine and an illuminated check engine light.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Ford F150 2003 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaking from the head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $770 - $943

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

A bad ignition coil usually means a rough-running engine and an illuminated check engine light.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Ford F150 2004 Models - Reported Issues

2004-2008 Ford F-150
2004-2008 Ford F-150

Problem: Rough Idle

A common cause of rough idle is a bad EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.

Solution: EGR valve replacement.

Cost: $200 to $300

Problem: Spark Plug Issues

Triton V8s with Motorcraft spark plugs occasionally get stuck inside of the cylinder head, breaking off upon removal.

Solution: Spark plug replacement.

Cost: $195 (spark plug replacement) to $800 (repair and replacement)

Ford F150 2005 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Rough Idle

A common cause of rough idle is a bad EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.

Solution: EGR valve replacement.

Cost: $200 to $300

Problem: Spark Plug Issues

Triton V8s with Motorcraft spark plugs occasionally get stuck inside of the cylinder head, breaking off upon removal.

Solution: Spark plug replacement.

Cost: $195 (spark plug replacement) to $800 (repair and replacement)

Ford F150 2006 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Rough Idle

A common cause of rough idle is a bad EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.

Solution: EGR valve replacement.

Cost: $200 to $300

Problem: Spark Plug Issues

Triton V8s with Motorcraft spark plugs occasionally get stuck inside of the cylinder head, breaking off upon removal.

Solution: Spark plug replacement.

Cost: $195 (spark plug replacement) to $800 (repair and replacement)

Ford F150 2007 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Rough Idle

A common cause of rough idle is a bad EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.

Solution: EGR valve replacement.

Cost: $200 to $300

Problem: Spark Plug Issues

Triton V8s with Motorcraft spark plugs occasionally get stuck inside of the cylinder head, breaking off upon removal.

Solution: Spark plug replacement.

Cost: $195 (spark plug replacement) to $800 (repair and replacement)

Ford F150 2008 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Rough Idle

A common cause of rough idle is a bad EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.

Solution: EGR valve replacement.

Cost: $200 to $300

Problem: Spark Plug Issues

Triton V8s with Motorcraft spark plugs occasionally get stuck inside of the cylinder head, breaking off upon removal.

Solution: Spark plug replacement.

Cost: $195 (spark plug replacement) to $800 (repair and replacement)

Ford F150 2009 Models - Reported Issues

2009-2011 Ford F-150
2009-2011 Ford F-150

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2010 Models - Reported Issues

2010 Ford F-150
2010 Ford F-150

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2011 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2012 Models - Reported Issues

2012 Ford F-150
2012 Ford F-150

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2013 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2014 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Ignition Coil Failure

Caused check engine light to illuminate as well as a rough idle.

Solution: Ignition coil replacement.

Cost: $300 to $500

Problem: Right Head Gasket Failure

Oil leaks from the right head gasket.

Solution: Head gasket replacement.

Cost: $800 to $1000

Ford F150 2015 Models - Reported Issues

Ford F-150 2015
Ford F-150 2015 | Photo by Jesus David Piña

Problem: Electronic Throttle Body Failure

Another common problem for this model year is the truck going into "limp" mode, where power is severely reduced and drivers are forced to drive at low speeds.

Solution: New ETBs (electronic throttle bodies) must be installed.

Cost: Between $400 and $500

Problem: Frozen Door Handles

In freezing temperatures, many owners have reported that their door handles freeze shut.

Solution: Ford issued a recall to install a water shield over the door latches to prevent water from freezing inside the mechanism.

Cost: Free (under recall)

Ford F150 2016 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: Electronic Throttle Body Failure

Another common problem for this model year is the truck going into "limp" mode, where power is severely reduced and drivers are forced to drive at low speeds.

Solution: New ETBs (electronic throttle bodies) must be installed.

Cost: Between $400 and $500

Problem: Frozen Door Handles

In freezing temperatures, many owners have reported that their door handles freeze shut.

Solution: Ford issued a recall to install a water shield over the door latches to prevent water from freezing inside the mechanism.

Cost: Free (under recall)

Ford F150 2017 Models - Reported Issues

Problem: 10-Speed Transmission Roll Pin

Some trucks with the 10-speed transmission were assembled without a roll pin, meaning the trucks can roll away when in park (if the parking brake is not on).

Solution: Ford will inspect owners' trucks and install a roll pin if it is missing.

Cost: Free (under recall)

Problem: Frozen Door Handles

In freezing temperatures, many owners have reported that their door handles freeze shut.

Solution: Ford issued a recall to install a water shield over the door latches to prevent water from freezing inside the mechanism.

Cost: Free (under recall)

Problem: Electronic Throttle Body Failure

Another common problem for this model year is the truck going into "limp" mode, where power is severely reduced and drivers are forced to drive at low speeds.

Solution: New ETBs (electronic throttle bodies) must be installed.

Cost: Between $400 and $500

Ford F150 2018 Models - Reported Issues

Ford F150 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show
Ford F150 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show | Photo by Joe Ross

Problem: 10-Speed Transmission Roll Pin

Some trucks with the 10-speed transmission were assembled without a roll pin, meaning the trucks can roll away when in park (if the parking brake is not on).

Solution: Ford will inspect owners' trucks and install a roll pin if it is missing.

Cost: Free (under recall)

Problem: Transmission Slipping/Clunking

Many owners have been reporting slipping and clunking coming from the 10-speed transmission.

Solution: There is no common fix reported at this point. Owners have been reporting that Ford is trying everything from replacing clutch packs to installing completely new transmissions.

Cost: Usually repaired under warranty.

Ford F150 2019 Models - Reported Issues

2019 Ford F150

Problem: 10-Speed Transmission

Owners have reported that the 10-speed transmission has had grinding shifts that leave metal flakes in the transmission pan. The transmission has also been known to overheat and not shift properly.

Solution: There is no common fix reported at this point. Owners have been reporting that Ford is installing completely new transmissions.

Cost: Usually repaired under warranty.

Ford F150 Years to Avoid

This can be a tricky question to answer. In general, Ford pours more research and development money into the F150 than any other model, meaning these pickups are all very well engineered. That makes it hard to pick a bad apple out of the bunch.

For example, some F150 enthusiasts believe the 5.4-liter Triton V8 should be avoided for its tendency to have spark plug issues, others hail it as one of the most reliable engines around.

The best advice we could find after scouring F150 forums and various repair statistics is that newly redesigned models tend to have more issues. So, here are all of the years over the past 20 years when the Ford F150 received a major redesign: 2004, 2009, and 2015. That doesn't mean those years are terrible, just that some minor niggles exist on these years that later worked out on subsequent model years.

In Summary

If the Ford F150 was a bad pickup, it wouldn't be the perennial best-selling vehicle in the country. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do your homework when you are shopping for your next truck, however. Some years tend to have more issues than others.

As a rule, however, no matter what year you are looking at, the most important thing to check is the vehicle's service history. After that, choose a model year that has proven to be more reliable than others and you should wind up a happy pickup owner.

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3 Comments

  1. I have a 2018 F150 STX 2.7 twin turbo single cab short bed. When driving between 60 mph and 80 mph there is a loud hum vibrating in gas pedal, steering wheel, engine and entire cab. When driving steady at 70 mph the noise is the worst. I noticed this noise within a few days of purchase and brought back and the sales guys said that the noise is the turbos and it is normal. My friend bought and 2018 F150 extended cab with same package F150 STX 2.7 twin turbo and it does not make any noise at all. Do the turbos make so much noise?

  2. If it’s was mine making noise. I’d have it put on the computer immediately. I have a diagnostic tool. Cost $100 bucks. It’ll tell me all kinds of trouble codes.

  3. The next section explains in a bit more detail what happens with the cam phasers then we look at a quick 6-second DIY fix and later what real-world Gen 2 F150 Owners have to say about the rattle noise.

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