Ford F-150 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The best-documented F-150 problems sit with the 3.5L EcoBoost: timing-chain wear on 2011–2014 trucks and cam phaser rattle on 2017–2020 trucks. The 2018–2020 5.0L can burn oil, the 10-speed can shift harshly, and 2021–2023 Max Trailer Tow trucks carry a rear axle hub bolt recall. Check recalls by VIN.

CarWhere lists 9 documented F-150 issues, including 3 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

F-150 generations at a glance

Ford F-150 generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
12th gen2009–2014Primary timing chain wear on the early 3.5L EcoBoost · Misfire and stumble from intercooler condensation (3.5L EcoBoost) · Unexpected downshift to first gear (6-speed automatic recall)
13th gen2015–2020Cam phaser rattle on the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost · Harsh or delayed shifts from the 10R80 10-speed · Excessive oil consumption on the 5.0L V8 · Oil pan seal leak on the 2.7L EcoBoost
14th gen2021–presentRear axle hub bolt can break (Max Trailer Tow trucks) · 2.7L EcoBoost intake valve fracture recall

12th gen F-150 problems (2009–2014)

Primary timing chain wear on the early 3.5L EcoBoost (2011–2014)

Moderate
Generation:
12th gen (2011–2014)
Years:
2011–2014

Ford issued a service bulletin for 2011–2014 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost built on or before October 10, 2014 that set a check-engine light with code P0016 because the primary timing chain has worn. A dedicated repair kit was released. Chain wear is gradual, so trucks with long oil-change intervals tend to show it first.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light with P0016 (cam/crank correlation)
  • Rattle for a few seconds on a cold start
  • Rough running or other drivability codes alongside P0016

Check before buying

  • Scan for stored or pending P0016/P0017 codes
  • Listen to a true cold start (engine sat overnight)
  • Ask for oil-change records and any timing-chain repair invoice

Sources: [1]

Misfire and stumble from intercooler condensation (3.5L EcoBoost) (2011–2013)

Moderate
Generation:
12th gen (2011–2013)
Years:
2011–2013

Owners reported sudden power loss under hard acceleration after highway driving in humid or wet weather. NHTSA's PE13-018 investigation covered about 360,000 trucks and found that moisture condensing in the charge-air cooler could be drawn into the engine and cause misfires. Ford addressed it through service bulletins (software, revised intercooler and air deflector); NHTSA closed the probe in April 2014 without a recall.

Symptoms

  • Stumble or brief loss of power when flooring it after steady highway cruising
  • Flashing check-engine light or misfire codes in humid weather

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the intercooler/deflector service-bulletin repair was done
  • Do a firm acceleration test after 15+ minutes at highway speed
  • Scan for stored misfire codes

Sources: [2]

Unexpected downshift to first gear (6-speed automatic recall) (2011–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
12th gen (2011–2013)
Years:
2011–2013
Engine:
All engines with the 6-speed automatic

Ford recalled certain 2011–2013 F-150s with the 6-speed automatic because the transmission can downshift into first gear regardless of vehicle speed, which can cause a skid or loss of control. An earlier campaign (16V-248) covered some 2011–2012 trucks for the same condition, and a separate 2024 recall (24V-444) covers 2014 trucks.

Symptoms

  • Sudden, harsh downshift or rear-wheel lockup at speed
  • Momentary engine over-rev while driving

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy is marked complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair record

NHTSA recall: 19V-075 (2019-02)

Sources: [3]

13th gen F-150 problems (2015–2020)

Cam phaser rattle on the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2017–2020)

Major repair
Generation:
13th gen (2017–2020)
Years:
2017–2020

Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 covered 2017–2020 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost (excluding Raptor and Limited) built from spring 2016 through November 2019, after cam phasers developed a rattle on start-up or a knock at warm idle. The fix was a PCM reprogram, and trucks updated before August 31, 2021 got pro-rated phaser replacement coverage under program 21N03 until September 1, 2022. Ford said the noise does not affect safety or emissions, but replacing all four phasers is a large job.

Symptoms

  • Loud rattle for 1–3 seconds after a cold start
  • Knocking or ticking at warm idle
  • Cam timing codes in some cases

Check before buying

  • Hear a cold start after the truck has sat for several hours
  • Ask whether the 21B10 reprogram and any phaser replacement were done (dealer VIN history)
  • Note that the 21B10/21N03 coverage windows have ended

Sources: [4][5]

Harsh or delayed shifts from the 10R80 10-speed (2017–2020)

Moderate
Generation:
13th gen (2017–2020)
Years:
2017–2020

Ford service bulletin 23-2350 covers 2017–2020 F-150s (and related Expedition and Ranger models) whose 10R80 may show harsh or delayed engagement, harsh or delayed shifts and a check-engine light; causes listed include module software, sticking valve-body valves and movement of a clutch-cylinder sleeve. The same complaints are the basis of several proposed class actions over 2017–2020 trucks.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or jolt on 2–3 or 3–4 shifts, especially when cold
  • Delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse
  • Hunting between gears at low speed

Check before buying

  • Drive cold and warm, including stop-and-go, and feel each upshift
  • Scan the transmission module for stored codes
  • Ask for TSB or software-update records from a Ford dealer

Sources: [6][7]

Excessive oil consumption on the 5.0L V8 (2018–2020)

Moderate
Generation:
13th gen (2018–2020)
Years:
2018–2020
Engine:
5.0L V8

Ford bulletin 19-2365 (December 2019) covers 2018–2020 F-150s with the 5.0L that burn more than one quart per 3,000 miles with no visible leak. Ford attributes it to high intake vacuum during deceleration fuel shut-off pulling oil into the cylinders; the fix is a PCM recalibration, a revised dipstick and an oil change. A proposed class action over the issue is still pending.

Symptoms

  • Oil level dropping between changes without drips
  • Low-oil warnings
  • Blue smoke or fouled plugs in severe cases

Check before buying

  • Check the dipstick level and ask how often the owner tops up
  • Ask whether the 19-2365 software update was performed
  • Look for oil-wetted spark plugs or misfire codes

Sources: [8][9]

Oil pan seal leak on the 2.7L EcoBoost (2015–2017)

Minor
Generation:
13th gen (2015–2017)
Years:
2015–2017

The 2.7L EcoBoost uses a composite oil pan sealed with RTV. Ford bulletin 19-2205 says some 2015–2017 F-150s leak at that seal because the RTV did not adhere properly, and the repair is a new oil pan; later bulletins switched to a revised pan when the original part was discontinued.

Symptoms

  • Oil seeping around the oil-pan perimeter
  • Oil spots under the engine after parking

Check before buying

  • Look at the oil-pan seam from underneath for wet residue
  • Ask whether the pan has been replaced under the bulletin

Sources: [10]

14th gen F-150 problems (2021–present)

Rear axle hub bolt can break (Max Trailer Tow trucks) (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
14th gen (2021–2023)
Years:
2021–2023
Engine:
All engines with the Max Trailer Tow 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle

Ford recalled certain 2021–2023 F-150s with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle because the rear axle hub bolt can fatigue and break, damaging the hub splines and causing loss of drive power or unintended movement in Park without the parking brake. A follow-on recall (25V-512) covers 2023–2025 trucks with the same axle.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or grinding from a rear wheel
  • Loss of drive power
  • Truck rolling while in Park if the parking brake is off

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN on NHTSA for 23V-896 and 25V-512 and confirm the remedy is complete
  • Confirm whether the truck has the Max Trailer Tow package (window sticker or build data)

NHTSA recall: 23V-896 (2023-12)

Sources: [11]

2.7L EcoBoost intake valve fracture recall (2021–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
14th gen (2021–2022)
Years:
2021–2022

Ford recalled certain 2021–2022 F-150s, Broncos and other models with the 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost because intake valves can break, causing engine failure and loss of drive power. NHTSA's investigation traced it to intake valve fracture and noted Ford changed the valve material in October 2021.

Symptoms

  • Sudden misfire and loss of power
  • Engine knocking or failure to restart

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 24V-635 and confirm the remedy is complete
  • Ask whether the engine or valves were ever replaced

NHTSA recall: 24V-635 (2024-08)

Sources: [12][13]

Related F-150 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm exactly how a F-150 was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and equipment decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford F-150 VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

The best-documented Ford F-150 issues are primary timing chain wear on the early 3.5L EcoBoost (12th gen, 2011–2014), misfire and stumble from intercooler condensation (3.5L EcoBoost) (12th gen, 2011–2013), cam phaser rattle on the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (13th gen, 2017–2020) and harsh or delayed shifts from the 10R80 10-speed (13th gen, 2017–2020). Which ones matter depends on the generation and engine, so check the section for the exact truck or car you are looking at.

Has the Ford F-150 had any recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include unexpected downshift to first gear (6-speed automatic recall) (NHTSA 19V-075), rear axle hub bolt can break (Max Trailer Tow trucks) (NHTSA 23V-896) and 2.7L EcoBoost intake valve fracture recall (NHTSA 24V-635). Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer; check any specific vehicle’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether the work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used F-150?

Scan for stored or pending P0016/P0017 codes. Ask whether the intercooler/deflector service-bulletin repair was done. Hear a cold start after the truck has sat for several hours. Drive cold and warm, including stop-and-go, and feel each upshift. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic covers these and should include a scan for stored fault codes.

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

Most well-known F-150 problems are tied to a specific generation, engine or transmission rather than the model as a whole, and many have a published fix, updated part or recall remedy. Owner-complaint volume by model year is tracked separately in CarWhere’s years-to-avoid research.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. TSB 17-0026: 3.5L GTDI – DTC P0016 – primary timing chain wear (2011–2014 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  2. ODI Resume PE13-018: Reduced power during hard acceleration (2011–2013 F-150 3.5L GTDI) — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recalls: 2013 Ford F-150 — NHTSA
  4. Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10: PCM reprogram for cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 F-150 3.5L GTDI — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  5. Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 – Supplement #1 — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  6. TSB 23-2350: 10R80 harsh or delayed engagement/shifts (F-150, Expedition, Ranger) — CarComplaints.com (TSB summary) (secondary reference)
  7. Ford 10R80 transmission class action lawsuit filed in Massachusetts — Ford Authority
  8. TSB 19-2365: 5.0L – excessive oil consumption (2018–2020 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  9. Ford F-150 Coyote 5.0 engine lawsuit moves forward in court — CarComplaints.com (secondary reference)
  10. TSB 19-2205: 2.7L EcoBoost – oil pan leaking (2015–2017 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  11. NHTSA recalls: 2023 Ford F-150 — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Ford F-150 — NHTSA
  13. ODI Resume EA23-002: Loss of motive power, 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valves (2021–2022) — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.