There are many problems that Ford F-150 owners can have with their pickup trucks. Today we will be providing a list of the most common issues and straightforward solutions to solving these issues. Here is a list of the most common problems owners can run into with the Ford F-150.
One of the most common problems Ford F-150 owners face is spark plug failure, which can cause all sorts of issues unless they’re fixed promptly. Fortunately, this is a repair that you can do yourself at home if you have the right tools and know-how. Other common problems might include alternator failure, throttle body issues, internal engine failure, head gasket leak issues, trailer disconnected issues, rust problems, gearshift recall issues, and electrical power issues.
Listed below are the most common solutions to many occurring problems with Ford F-150s. Before taking your car to a mechanic, use this list of known methods to help fix your car. If these solutions don’t work, then it’s advisable that you see a professional for further help.
What Is Wrong With Your Ford F150?
Here’s a list of all of Ford F150’s issues and which years they occurred:
- Spark Plug Problems on 3 Valves: from 2004 to 2007
- Turning Off While Driving: from 2000 to 2005
- Head Gasket Leak: from 2009 to 2014
- Trailer Disconnected Issues: from 2015
- Rust Problems: from 2021
- Gearshift Recall: from 2011 to 2013
- No Electrical Power: from 2015 to 2020
- Won’t Start in Cold Weather: from 2003
How Reliable Is the Ford F150?
The answer may surprise you. Though it’s often thought of as a workhorse truck, the Ford F-150 is quite reliable. It has been rated with an above-average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on the market. So if you’re considering an F-150 for your next vehicle purchase, rest assured that you’re making a wise choice.
Most Common Problems With the Ford F150
1. Spark Plug Problems on 3 Valves
If you’re having trouble with your Ford F150’s performance, it could be due to a problem with the spark plugs from the model years 2004 to 2007. Don’t worry, since Ford came up with a TSB on how to fix those problems in the year 2006.
One common symptom of bad or failing spark plugs is a loss of power during acceleration. If you notice that your truck isn’t accelerating as well as it used to, or if it feels like it’s struggling to get up to speed, then chances are one or more of the spark plugs may be damaged.

Another common symptom is engine misfires; if you notice that your engine is skipping or missing while idling or driving at lower speeds, this could also indicate a problem with the spark plugs.
These symptoms can lead not only to troubled performance but also to decreased fuel efficiency and potential long-term damage to your engine if left unchecked. Fortunately, replacing worn-out spark plugs is typically a quick and easy fix that will have your truck running like new again in no time.
2. Turning Off While Driving
If your Ford F150 is having problems starting, it could be due to a variety of issues. There have been reports of this issue from the model years 2000 to 2005.
One possibility for this issue is that the alternator has failed. Another is that there are throttle body issues or internal engine failure.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. In the meantime, here’s some information on each of these potential causes:

3. Alternator Failure
The alternator powers the electrical system in your vehicle while the engine is running. If it fails, the engine will eventually stall and won’t restart until the issue is fixed.
Often, the alternator can give off warning signs before it completely fails – such as dimming headlights or dash lights so pay attention to those clues!
4. Throttle Body Issues
The throttle body controls how much air flows into an engine’s cylinders which ultimately affects horsepower.
A dirty or failing throttle body can cause all sorts of drivability problems, from reduced power to stalling. Thankfully, this usually isn’t a costly fix just make sure to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.
5. Internal Engine Failure:
This one obviously isn’t good news, but unfortunately, engines don’t last forever. Over time, parts like valves and piston ring inevitably start to wear out and break down.
When enough components fail, the whole engine will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Obviously, this is a much more serious problem that will require professional help. No one wants their truck to have starting problems, especially if it’s a brand-new vehicle!
6. Head Gasket Leak
If you own a Ford F150, you may be wondering what to do about a head gasket leak that happened most frequently in the model years 2009 to 2014. It usually happens after the vehicle hits the 160,000-mile mark.

Head gaskets are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber in your engine, and if they fail, it can lead to all sorts of problems. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help prevent head gasket leaks in your Ford F150.
First of all, make sure that you regularly check the coolant level in your truck and top it off as needed. You should also keep an eye on the hoses and clamps connected to your cooling system; if any of them look loose or damaged, replace them right away.
Finally, have your Ford F150 serviced at regular intervals according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as this will help ensure that potential problems are caught early before they have a chance to cause serious damage.
7. Trailer Disconnected Issues
If you’ve ever had your trailer disconnect from your Ford F150 while driving, then you know how frustrating it can be. There have been reports of this happening in the model year 2015. Here are some common issues that can cause this to happen:

1. Incorrectly connected electrical wiring: This is one of the most common causes of trailer disconnects. Make sure that all the electrical connections between your truck and trailer are secure before hitting the road.
2. Worn-out hitch ball: A worn-out hitch ball can prevent a solid connection between your truck and trailer. Inspect the condition of your hitch ball regularly and replace it if necessary.
3. Damaged or broken safety chains: Safety chains exist for a reason, so make sure they’re in good working order at all times. If any links are damaged or broken, replace them immediately to avoid disaster on the road.
8. Rust Problems
If you own a Ford F-150, chances are good that you’re familiar with rust problems if you own the model year 2021. This issue was first reported by a newspaper company called the Detroit Free Press.

Rust is one of the biggest enemies of cars, and it can cause serious damage to your vehicle if left unchecked. While Ford does offer some rust protection packages for new vehicles, once rust has set in, it’s often too late. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant about inspecting your truck for signs of rusting, and taking action immediately if you see any suspicious spots.
The most common rust problems on Ford F-150s occur around the wheel wells, door panels, and bed liner.
These are all areas where water and mud can easily collect, so it’s important to clean them out regularly and keep an eye out for any signs of corrosion. If you do find rust on your truck, there are a few things you can do to try and stop it from spreading.
First, sand down the affected area until it’s smooth. Then apply a rust inhibitor that’s available at auto parts stores, or primer followed by paint that matches your truck’s color code. Touching up these spots regularly will help prevent further damage and extend the life of your vehicle.
If the problem is severe enough, you may need to replace damaged sheet metal panels with new ones from a salvage yard or aftermarket supplier. This is definitely not a DIY job unless you’re very experienced with auto body work, so we recommend taking your truck to a professional if this is something you’re considering.
9. Gearshift Recall
The Ford F150 is one of the most popular trucks on the market, and for good reason. It’s reliable, powerful, and can handle just about anything you throw at it.
But even the best vehicles have their problems, and in this case, it’s the gearshift recall of 1.48 million Ford F150s for the model years 2011 to 2013 that has our owners concerned.

Apparently, there are some issues with the way the gearshift behaves when placed in neutral or park.
In some cases, it doesn’t seem to engage properly, which could lead to rolling away if parked on an incline. Owners are advised to use extra caution when parking their vehicles and to make sure the gearshift is fully engaged before leaving it.
10. No Electrical Power
If you’re like most truck owners, you rely on your Ford F-150 to help you get the job done. But what happens when there’s no electrical power to be had, such as when it was reported to have happened in the model years 2015 to 2020?

Well, luckily, the F-150 is built tough enough to take on just about anything. That includes a total loss of electrical power. While it might seem daunting at first, losing all electrical power in your truck isn’t the end of the world. In fact, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can easily make it through until help arrives or power is restored.
It’s important to know where all of your truck’s vital systems are located. This way, you can easily access them if necessary. The engine is the most obvious one, but you’ll also want to locate the battery and any other system that might need a manual operation in case of a power loss.
11. Won’t Start in Cold Weather
A dead battery is the most common cause of a car not starting in cold weather, and there have been reports of the Ford F150 not starting in the cold weather for their model year 2003.
The battery loses power as temperatures drop, and if it’s already weak from age or lack of use, it may not have enough juice to start the engine. If you think this might be the problem, try jump-starting your truck with another vehicle’s help. If that doesn’t work, the battery will need to be replaced, as it’s probably too far gone to be revived.
Another reason why your Ford F150 might not be starting on those chilly mornings is that the engine oil has thickened overnight, making it harder for the engine to turn over. If this is the case, you’ll need to change your oil to a lighter weight or viscosity. You need to do this because thicker oil doesn’t flow as easily.
Thicker oils won’t lubricate the engine parts as well. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine, which could cause more serious problems down the road. Lighter-weight oil will flow more easily and keep your engine properly lubricated, even in cold weather.
Lastly, frozen fuel lines are another possibility. Fuel lines can freeze when temperatures dip below freezing, preventing gas from reaching the engine and causing it to stall.
To thaw out frozen fuel lines, pour hot water over them or use a hair dryer on the low setting, but you need to be careful that you don’t melt any of the plastic parts, as that wouldn’t be a very good outcome! When you do this, the ice will melt and fuel will be able to reach the engine, allowing it to start again.
What Years Did the Ford F150 Have Problems
Ford F150 had its worst years in 2004, 2005, 2010, 2016, and 2018, while it had its best years in 1996, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2023.
Ford F150 Worst Years | Ford F150 Best Years |
2004 | 1996 |
2005 | 2003 |
2010 | 2006 |
2016 | 2009 |
2018 | 2017 |
2019 | |
2023 |
Recent Recall Numbers
A recall number is a specific identification code that identifies your vehicle’s safety and/or emissions-related recalls.
This can be found on the inside panel of your car door, or possibly in your glove box if you have one. When searching for active recalls related to your car, this unique identifier will ensure accuracy in identifying whether any are affecting your particular vehicle type and year model.
We’ll be providing a list of the most recent recall numbers for Ford F-150. If you wish to see more of Ford F-150’s recall numbers feel free to look them up on www.cars.com.
- 22V686000, for exterior lighting: lighting control module
- 22V684000, for airbags
- 22V675000, for wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts
- 22V623000, for the power train: driveline: driveshaft
- 22V253000, for steering: column
Check To See Whether Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall
You can check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall or not by checking out . It’s an easy website to use. All you need to do is enter your 17-digit VIN and it will show up if your vehicle has an open recall.
How Is It Compared To Similar Cars?
If you’re looking for a tough and reliable truck that can handle just about anything, the Ford F-150 is a great choice.
It’s one of the most popular trucks on the market, with a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which means that it’s above average in terms of reliability when compared with other similar cars. It also has plenty of features to offer drivers.
If you’re wondering how the F-150 stacks up against its competition, read on for a comparison of this vehicle to similar cars. When it comes to trucks, the Ford F-150 is a bit of a heavyweight.
It’s larger than many other popular trucks on the market, like the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram. But this size advantage also means that the F-150 can tow more weight and haul more cargo than its smaller rivals. If you need a truck that can work hard, the F-150 is up for the task.
What Is the Life Expectancy?
The life expectancy of a Ford F150 truck is about 20 years, giving it an expectation of around 150,000 to 300,000 miles.
Though this may vary depending on how well the vehicle is maintained, driven, and stored, the average lifespan of an F150 is pretty long.
Given their popularity and position as one of America’s favorite trucks, there are likely many people out there driving Ford that are pushing even beyond 20 years!
If you’re lucky enough to have an older model in good condition, then congratulations! You’re part of a very select group. Whether you are brand new off the lot or getting up there in age, enjoy your Ford knowing it has the potential to last for many happy miles down the road.
What Is Good and Bad About the Car?
There are pros and cons to owning a Ford F-150, so today we’ve come up with a list of pros and cons to owning it down below:
What’s Good
- powerful engines
- good with heavy loads
- amazing off-road capabilities
What’s Bad
- weak fuel economy
- small storage space
- too expensive
What Do Owners Say About the Car?
When it comes to the Ford F150, owners have a lot to say. This tough and reliable truck is known for its versatility, comfort, and power, making it a favorite among drivers who need a dependable vehicle for work or play. With so many great features, it’s no wonder that the F150 ranks as one of America’s best-selling trucks year after year.
Some owners say that the F150 is simply the best truck on the market, while others appreciate its spacious and comfortable interior.
No matter what your needs are, there’s a good chance that the Ford F150 can meet them. If you’re looking for a tough and dependable truck with plenty of power and space, then check out the Ford F150.
In conclusion, there are many pros and cons to buying a Ford F150. Some of these pros include its powerful engine, strong hauling power, and amazing off-road traveling capabilities.
Some cons might include its weak fuel economy, small storage space, and how expensive it is to acquire. If you’re thinking about purchasing this vehicle, remember to keep these points in mind.