Ford F-150 Problems by Year

We compared every Ford F-150 model year from 1995–2027 using 35,972 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 160 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2018, 2013, 2016, 2012 and 2021, which drew far more complaints than other F-150 years at the same age. The best years are 1996, 2009 and 2008.

33model years
35,972complaints
160recalls
2018, 2013worst years
1996, 2009best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26’276263242.8k1.4k1.0k1.1k1.2k8214232.0k1.1k5854883693248432.2k1.8k3.0k1.5k1.7k2.1k1.5k2.3k1.3k7371.0k59841519410912
Owner complaints per model year, Ford F-150. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20270—2—Too new
202612−81%7Collision AvoidanceGood
2025109typical14Collision AvoidanceAverage
2024194typical11TransmissionAverage
20234151.4×13TransmissionCaution
20225981.5×23TransmissionCaution
20211,0321.7×29TransmissionCaution
2020737typical11TransmissionAverage
20191,3391.7×9TransmissionCaution
20182,3222.8×18TransmissionAvoid
20171,4551.7×17TransmissionCaution
20162,0802.0×13TransmissionAvoid
20151,7371.5×13TransmissionCaution
20141,5381.3×8TransmissionAverage
20132,9902.6×3TransmissionAvoid
20121,7831.7×4TransmissionCaution
20112,1932.1×6TransmissionAvoid
2010843−20%1Window & WiperAverage
2009324−69%2AccelerationGood
2008369−68%1EngineGood
2007488−55%2EngineGood
2006585−49%4EngineGood
20051,112typical3Window & WiperAverage
20042,0292.1×5Window & WiperAvoid
2003423−65%4EngineGood
2002821−35%2EngineAverage
20011,236typical8EngineAverage
20001,075typical6ElectricalAverage
19991,044typical7EngineAverage
19981,3811.3×8Fuel SystemAverage
19972,7582.8×14EngineAvoid
1996324−73%2ElectricalGood
1995626−45%2BrakeGood

* Complaints compared with the median F-150 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Ford F-150 problems

Latest Ford F-150 recalls

Seats

NHTSA recall 26V-655 · Oct 6, 2026 · 2,276 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 F-150 vehicles. The front seats may have been improperly secured to the vehicle.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the front seat bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 26V-653 · Oct 6, 2026 · 102,159 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, F-600, 2026 F-150, and F-750 SD vehicles. The analog cluster's tachometer and speedometer may become stuck or move erratically, providing inaccurate readings to the driver.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 26, 2026.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting

NHTSA recall 26V-578 · Sep 9, 2026 · 223,472 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2027 F-150 vehicles. The fuel tank may be improperly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank straps, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 26V-577 · Sep 9, 2026 · 17 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles.The stabilizer rod fasteners may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, which can allow the rod to shift out of position.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the stabilizer rod fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Power train › Driveline › Differential unit

NHTSA recall 26V-576 · Sep 9, 2026 · 37 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles. Incorrect rear axle tail bearings may have been installed, which can result in rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle tail bearing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

All 160 Ford F-150 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ford F-150 should you avoid?

2018, 2013, 2016, 2012, 2021 and 2019 — these years have the most complaints relative to other F-150 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2018.

What is the best year for the Ford F-150?

1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other F-150 years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (8,989), engine & cooling (6,972) and electrical system (3,642). Transmission complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the Ford F-150 had?

160 recalls across 1995–2027. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Ford F-150 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.