Ford

F-150 (13th)

2015-2020 · Full-Size Truck · 13 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.3)
25,345 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
286 Fire Reports
698 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

LMF

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
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Complaint Breakdown

other
3

Also found in

GMC Savana (2003-2025)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)CHEVROLET Express (2003-2025)

FD - 1060

2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 119 hp
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

other
3

Also found in

FORD F-150 (2015-2020)

2AR-FXE+2JM

2.5L 4-cyl / 156 hp
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

other
3

Also found in

TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)

Theta - FF

2.4L 4-cyl / 162 hp
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)NISSAN Titan (2004-2015)HYUNDAI Sonata (2011-2014)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)HYUNDAI Sonata (2006-2010)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)HYUNDAI Sonata (2015-2019) +2 more

LUU - E-FLEX, FAM 0

1.4L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Electric
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Complaint Breakdown

interior
3

Known Issues

Interior Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Volt (2011-2015)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)CADILLAC CTS (2008-2013)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)

J35Z2

3.5L 6-cyl / 271 hp
Recommended (4.3)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)BMW X3 (2004-2010)HONDA Civic (2006-2011)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)ACURA RDX (2013-2018)HONDA Accord (2008-2012) +2 more

5.0L-4V

5.0L 8-cyl / 386 hp
Avoid (1.9)
1,376 complaints 229.3 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
578
engine
397
electrical
130
other
118
body
111

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (578 complaints)
Engine Issues (397 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (130 complaints)

Also found in

FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)

TIVCT

3.3L 6-cyl / 290 hp
Avoid (1.9)
297 complaints 71.0 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
77
body
59
safety systems
47
electrical
38
transmission
35

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (59 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (47 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (38 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Ranger (2019-2025)FORD Explorer (2026-2026)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Bronco (2021-2025)FORD Super Duty (2017-2022)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)FORD Mustang (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2020-2025)

Ford

4.6L 8-cyl / 292 hp
Avoid (1.4)
132 complaints 44.0 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
30
transmission
24
electrical
18
steering
15
brakes
15

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (24 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (18 complaints)
Steering Issues (15 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)KIA Optima (2011-2015)FORD Fiesta (2011-2019)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Explorer (2000-2000)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)FORD Fusion (2006-2012) +53 more

3.0L-4V

3.0L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
193 complaints 64.3 per year Diesel
9 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
76
other
28
engine
22
body
22
fuel system
19

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (76 complaints)
Engine Issues (22 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (22 complaints)

Also found in

FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)

GTDI

3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 365 hp
Avoid (1.0)
4,862 complaints 808.8 per year Gasoline
51 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1737
engine
1406
other
472
electrical
419
brakes
402

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1,737 complaints)
Engine Issues (1,406 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (419 complaints)

Also found in

LINCOLN Aviator (2020-2025)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Expedition (2018-2025)LINCOLN Nautilus (2019-2025)LINCOLN MKX (2016-2016)LINCOLN MKX (2018-2018)LINCOLN MKX (2017-2017)FORD F-150 (2015-2020) +15 more

2.7L-4V

2.7L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
4,096 complaints 682.7 per year Gasoline
55 fire reports 6 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1215
engine
835
other
699
body
585
electrical
451

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1,215 complaints)
Engine Issues (835 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (585 complaints)

Also found in

FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)

5.0L 4V

5.0L 8-cyl / 395 hp
Avoid (1.0)
2,595 complaints 865.0 per year Gasoline
32 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1306
engine
760
other
282
electrical
221
safety systems
158

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1,306 complaints)
Engine Issues (760 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (221 complaints)

Also found in

FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford F-150 regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (4,971 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (3,469 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (1,280 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (928 complaints)
body critical
Brakes Issues (694 complaints)
brakes critical

Alternatives in Full-Size Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2020 Ford F-150 problems?

The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 has accumulated 25,345 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford F-150 engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 was offered with 13 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 a good used car?

The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 25,345 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 have?

The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 has 25,345 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2015-2020 Ford F-150?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2020 Ford F-150 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford F-150?

Before buying a used Ford F-150, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 25,345 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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