The used Ford F-150 is generally a very reliable option. However, Ford’s bestselling light-duty truck does have a few skeletons in its closet! We’re here to walk you through them.
Key Takeaways
- Most of the F-150’s major problems don’t kick in until there’s more than six figures on the odometer. Trouble spots include wonky spark plugs, unresponsive power windows, and a much-maligned infotainment system, MyFord Touch.
- Looking for the best F-150 model years? Every model from this decade gets high marks for reliability.
- If you’re shopping for an older model, purchasing an extended warranty can afford you some peace of mind.
- At Alan Jay, we help you avoid engine troubles and other headaches by selecting only the best models for our lot!
The F-150’s Known Issues
Throughout its many decades as America’s bestselling vehicle, the F-150 earned a solid reputation for strength and durability. But nothing lasts forever, not even this beloved light-duty truck. While there aren’t many common problems with late-model F-150 trucks, earlier models with high mileage tend to have some overlapping issues.
The Most Common Customer Complaints
- Spark plugs break off in Triton V8: 2004-2008 F-150 trucks feature unique spark plugs with a two-piece design. When it’s time to change them, they notoriously break apart, leaving one half stuck in the engine. Changing these spark plugs is a job best left to a professional with specialized tools.
- Spark plugs blow out of Triton V8: In trucks with higher mileage (usually around 130,000 miles or more), the spark plugs have been known to eject from the engine. This may be because the spark plugs have been stripped over time. Ford recommends repairing blown spark plugs with a Lock-N-Stitch kit.
- Power window won’t roll up: Believe it or not, this is one of the most common customer complaints. Usually resolved by replacing the window regulator, it’s typically been an issue with 2004-2008 trucks.
- Faulty MyFord Touch interface: Found in some 2011-2015 F-150 models (depending on trim level), the MyFord Touch system has inspired complaints about its unresponsive touchscreen, which may crash or freeze while driving, inaccurate GPS data, and inability to connect to a smartphone.
Best and Worst F-150 Model Years
The Best F-150 Trucks
Since a new F-150 is a solid purchase, it’s not surprising that the latest model years make great used options. Compared to other F-150 model years, the 2020-2025 pickups have the least complaints by far! For example, customers don’t seem to have issues with the more modern infotainment systems, SYNC 3 and SYNC 4. Better yet, many of these trucks are still under Ford’s limited powertrain warranty, which lasts five years or 60,000 miles — whichever comes first — and is fully transferable to a used-truck buyer.
The Worst F-150 Trucks
The 2004 Ford F-150 has racked up the most complaints, though it’s not exactly a lemon — many of its customer complaints are the result of inevitable wear-and-tear. This truck has been on the road for more than 20 years now, so some trouble is to be expected!
While the 2018 Ford F-150s don’t have near as many complaints, its unique engine and transmission issues can be more expensive to fix. If you decide to buy one of these models, we highly recommend adding an extended warranty to help cover the costs of any potential problems further down the road.
Only the Best Used F-150 Trucks
At Alan Jay Automotive Network, we carefully select every used Ford F-150 we sell to our customers. Our team of experienced mechanics knows this truck’s weak spots, and we make sure none of the models on our lot have any unwelcome surprises in store for you. In fact, we go above and beyond when it comes to quality! We only sell the best used F-150s the market has to offer. Cast off your F-150 reliability concerns and visit us in Sebring, Florida!