Ford F-150 years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2022, 2021, 2018 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2009 · Best recent: 2020

24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 30 model years, the Ford F-150 has 81,204 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 374 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. 2013 drew the most complaints (8,388), 2009 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (324).

30
Model years tracked
81,204
Owner complaints
374
Recalls
2,537
Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford F-150 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $16,400–$34,944.

Which F-150 years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

YearComplaints
202639
2025345
2024643
20231,534
20223,491
20215,391
20202,578
20195,774
20185,588
20173,262
20165,146
20154,275
20144,086
20138,388
20125,151
20116,411
20102,537
2009324
2008369
2007492
2006589
20051,121
20044,072
2003464
2002957
20011,347
20001,215
19991,167
19981,457
19972,991

Highest: 2013 (8,388 complaints). Lowest: 2009 (324).

Where owners report problems

power train22,277
engine11,966
electrical system8,099
service brakes6,440
steering3,024

What owners say

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the F-150. Individual model years are broken down above.

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy