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Ford F-150
Pick-up · Gas · 319 versions · owner report
Ranked #1 of 6 full-size pickup trucks on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners express strong overall satisfaction, particularly with the Lightning EV model, which is praised as the best vehicle many have owned.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentMisaligned body panels (hood light bar, headlight gaps, trunk lids)
Reported across multiple models and generations, including the Lightning and 2015+ Mustang (same QC concerns).
- RecurrentCheap interior materials (plasticky leather, hard door panels, fake trim)
Owners criticize the interior quality as not matching the price point.
- RecurrentStock shifter failure (folding mechanism can fail, stranding owners)
Reported specifically for the Lightning, with a soft recall available.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedFuel system issues from E85 use (fuel line damage, buildup requiring tank drop and cleaning)
Reported by one owner of a 2011 5.0 V8 Flex-Fuel truck.
- IsolatedMoonroof and back glass leaks
Mentioned as a reason to avoid those options on the Lightning Lariat.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners discuss the Lightning Lariat and Flash trims, with one noting the Lariat cannot get the 9.6kW Pro Power option without exceeding the tax credit price cap, making the Flash a better choice for that feature. For ICE models, the 9th and 10th generations are recommended for reliability.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV and Tesla Cybertruck.
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Overall sentiment
Owners express strong overall satisfaction, particularly with the Lightning EV model, which is praised as the best vehicle many have owned. The spacious rear seat is highlighted as excellent for families with three car seats. However, consistent criticism targets Ford's poor quality control, especially misaligned body panels and cheap-feeling interior materials, which owners find unacceptable at the price point. Older generations (9th and 10th) are noted for being easy and cheap to maintain, while the Lightning is seen as a game-changer for daily use despite towing limitations.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners who considered other electric trucks prefer the Lightning over the Silverado/Sierra EV (heavier, more sluggish, no CarPlay) and the Cybertruck (dismissed as "a Cybertruck"). The Rivian R1T is considered a serious alternative but is seen as potentially too small. The Lightning is viewed as a better fit for suburban family use than competitors, with the frunk being a standout feature for secure storage.
Recommended configurations
For the Lightning, owners recommend the Flash trim if Pro Power home backup is a priority, as the Lariat cannot include it under the tax credit limit. For ICE F-150s, owners advise avoiding the current generation Explorer (not an F-150) and suggest non-turbo V6 engines in previous generations. No specific year or trim consensus for ICE F-150s is provided.
General recommendations
The Lightning is recommended for suburban families who do not need to tow heavy loads long distances, as towing drastically reduces range and charging infrastructure is not trailer-friendly. Owners suggest the truck is ideal for those who primarily use the bed for occasional hauling and want a daily driver with secure frunk storage. For ICE models, the 9th and 10th generations are highlighted as reliable and easy to maintain. Owners advise rejecting delivery for obvious cosmetic issues like misaligned panels.
Remarks
The frunk is a universally praised feature for secure, odor-free storage (e.g., Costco pizza). The Lightning's Pro Power onboard system is valued for powering equipment like telescopes and coffee makers. Owners note that the rotary shifter swap (from Bronco or other Ford models) is a popular modification to address shifter failure, free up space, and allow the work table to be used while driving. E85 users report significant cost savings in California despite reduced MPG, but recommend alternating with regular fuel and monitoring oil condition. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2021, 2018Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Ford F-150 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 5 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2025 | 345 | 13 | power train |
| 2024 | 643 | 11 | power train |
| 2023 | 1,534 | 13 | power train |
| 2022 | 3,491 | 23 | power train |
| 2021 | 5,391 | 29 | power train |
| 2020 | 2,578 | 11 | power train |
| 2019 | 5,774 | 9 | power train |
| 2018 | 5,588 | 19 | power train |
| 2017 | 3,262 | 18 | power train |
| 2016 | 5,146 | 14 | power train |
| 2015 | 4,275 | 14 | service brakes |
| 2014 | 4,086 | 8 | power train |
| 2013 | 8,388 | 3 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices374 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · electrical system: integrated trailer brake controlcampaign 26V104000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2026 · structure:bodycampaign 26V550000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Maverick, F-150, and Bronco Sport vehicles. Certain vehicle joints may be improperly tightened. This can lead to detached parts, unsecured cargo, degraded crash protection, electrical system failure, or a loss of vehicle stability.
2026 · power train:driveline:differential unitcampaign 26V576000
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.
2026 · suspension:rearcampaign 26V577000
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.
2026 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mountingcampaign 26V578000
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.
2025 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationcampaign 24V851000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
2025 · power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve bodycampaign 25V164000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
2025 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationcampaign 25V198000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
2025 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 25V271000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-150 vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2025 · steeringcampaign 25V309000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-150 vehicles. The lower intermediate shaft fasteners may be improperly attached to the steering gear, allowing the shaft to come loose or detach.
2025 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V344000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2025 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 25V398000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-150 trucks. Contact with the engine coolant hose may chafe the engine wire harness or cause a pull out of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector pins, causing the engine to stall.
2025 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:softwarecampaign 25V488000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
2025 · power train:axle hubscampaign 25V512000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
2025 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 25V540000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150 vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
359 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
5.0 V8 SelectShift
5.0L 8-cylinder · 400 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026
