F-150 (12th)
Verdict Pick the 6.2L V8 on 2011-2014 trucks; on 2009-2010 trucks the 4.6L V8 has fewer complaints and fires than the 5.4L, and the 5.0L works only with the 6R80 transmission software recalls documented. On a 5.4L Triton, price in a likely top-end rebuild.
Data covers 5 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cyl / 365 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 360 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford F-150 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.7-V6-Gas
3.7L 6-cyl / 302 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.4-V8-Gas
5.4L 8-cyl / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
6.2-V8-Gas
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.6-V8-Gas
4.6L 8-cyl / 231 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.4-V8-FlexFuel
5.4L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
4.0-V6-Gas
4.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.9-I6-Gas
4.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.7L-4V
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The 2009-2014 F-150 (12th generation) carries 9,145 NHTSA complaints across six model years, with 121 fires and 4 deaths attributed to defects. The complaint file splits cleanly along three engine populations: the 3.5L EcoBoost as the volume problem, the 5.4L Triton as the fire-density problem, and a 6R80 six-speed transmission that affects every powertrain in the lineup.
Transmission complaints lead the category list at 3,132 records, more than engine (1,894) and electrical (1,147) combined. That pattern traces to the 6R80 six-speed automatic, which Ford reprogrammed under three separate NHTSA recalls (16V-248, 19V-075, 24V-444) for an unexpected downshift into first gear regardless of vehicle speed. The same defect required a fourth campaign in 2019 (19V-433) because the prior software fix was incomplete. The 6R80 sits behind the 3.5L EcoBoost (1,619 transmission complaints), the 5.0L Coyote V8 (840), and the 3.7L V6 (284), which is why no single engine in the lineup escapes the issue.
The 5.4L three-valve Triton V8, the volume engine in 2009-2010 before the 2011 powertrain refresh, carries far fewer complaints than the volume engines (485) but the highest fire-per-complaint rate at 6.2 percent. Its 30 fire reports reflect two well-cataloged failure modes: two-piece spark plugs that fracture during routine replacement and leave the lower electrode shroud stuck in the cylinder head, and variable cam phasers that wear and produce cold-start rattle, rough idle, and misfire codes.
The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, introduced for 2011, dominates the complaint volume at 4,343 records with 32 fires. Its component breakdown leans on transmission (1,619), engine (1,285), and brakes (706), and the engine itself has documented timing chain stretch and intercooler condensation issues on the first-generation design. The 5.0L Coyote V8, also new for 2011, runs at 2,259 complaints and 28 fires, with transmission (840) and steering (474) leading its category mix. The 6.2L V8 (253 complaints, four fires) sits among the lowest-complaint engines with meaningful sample size.
Across the 12th-generation run, Ford issued 18 NHTSA recalls covering airbags, electrical, exterior lighting, powertrain, seats, seat belts, service brakes, steering, and structure. The 13th-generation successor (2015-2020) paired the Coyote with 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 options, phased in the 10R80 ten-speed automatic (3.5L EcoBoost for 2017, most other engines for 2018), and addressed several of the body and electrical patterns that show up in this generation's complaint history. Used buyers cross-shopping the 12th-gen against a later 13th-gen truck face a real value question: the older truck is cheaper to buy but carries more documented failure modes and a transmission with four recall remedies in its service file.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford F-150, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The generation draws about 50% more powertrain complaints than similar trucks of the same age. The lowest-complaint engine with a meaningful sample is the 6.2L V8 (253 complaints, four fires across the run), and it is the strongest defensible choice among 2011-2014 trucks. In 2009-2010 trucks the 4.6L V8 has 233 complaints and three fires against the 5.4L's 485 and 30. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is a workable second option for owners who can verify the 6R80 software remedies (16V-248, 19V-075, 19V-433, and 24V-444) have been completed; without that documentation, the 840 transmission complaints on file represent real risk. Price a likely top-end rebuild into any 5.4L Triton three-valve, and treat first-year 2011 EcoBoost trucks as requiring a documented timing chain and intercooler service history.
Four inspection areas matter before signing. Transmission: pull the VIN through NHTSA and confirm every 6R80 software campaign shows a completed remedy date, then drive the truck through full upshifts and downshifts at varying loads. Engine: on 5.4L trucks ask for spark plug and cam phaser service records and listen for cold-start rattle that does not clear within 30 seconds. On EcoBoost trucks request timing chain inspection records and verify the intercooler has been serviced. Electrical: scan for body control module, parking aid, and trailer wiring codes, given the 1,147 electrical complaints on file. Brakes and steering: verify the master cylinder rear cup seal recall (16V-345, 2013-2014 3.5L trucks) and EPAS steering recall (14V-316, 2014 trucks) show completed remedies.
This generation is firmly used-market territory, with 2014 examples now over a decade old. Pricing should track maintenance history more than mileage alone. A documented 5.4L with recent spark plug and phaser service plus a 6R80 software remedy on file often represents better long-term value than a low-priced equivalent with no records. Run the VIN through NHTSA before signing and budget for a transmission service if the recall remedies are incomplete.
What to check on a used 2009-2014 Ford F-150
On a used 2009-2014 Ford F-150, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (3,132), the engine (1,894) and the electrical system (1,147). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 3,132 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,894 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,147 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 1,075 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 about the brakes.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 1,043 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 about the steering.
Recalls (18)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Show 13 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 and Flex vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with a reduced clearance between the seat frame and the seat track assembly. This can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress the passenger front airbag when the passenger seat is occupied by an adult passenger. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured May 26, 2014 to June 19, 2014, and equipped with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The affected vehicles may have an incorrectly installed EPAS gear motor position sensor magnet that can lead to a total loss of steering control while driving.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011. INCORRECT SOFTWARE FOR THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MODULE (OCSM) WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES EITHER AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING OR DURING THE COURSE OF REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AS PART OF A SERVICE REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEATS OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL USAGE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
FORD IS RECALLING 8,735 MY 2009 F-150 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOP LAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOP LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Full-Size Truck
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2014 Ford F-150 complaints?
Owners have filed 9,145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Ford F-150. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 9,145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Ford F-150. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA has 9,145 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2014 Ford F-150 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Ford F-150?
NHTSA lists 18 recalls covering some 2009-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford F-150?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the F-150?
The 2014 Ford F-150 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 9,145 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.