F-150 (13th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 2015-2020 F-150 carries 7,453 NHTSA complaints across six model years after the latest ODI dedup pass, with 90 fire reports and 5 deaths attributed to defects. Transmission failures lead the category list at 2,175 complaints. Engine issues follow at 1,776. Every gasoline engine in this generation that has meaningful volume rates "avoid" in our system, and the 10-speed transmission that spread across the lineup in 2017 is the inflection point for the worst of the complaint pattern.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the highest-complaint engine option at 3,070 records combined across two powertrain variants, with 32 fires and 2 deaths tied to it. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 trails at 1,541 complaints with 21 fires and 2 deaths. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is the least troubled of the high-volume engines at 2,008 combined complaints, 26 fires, and 1 death. The 3.3L base V6 introduced in the 2018 refresh shows 81 complaints and the 3.0L Power Stroke diesel V6 shows 53, both with limited fleet exposure rather than verified durability. The fire and crash math favors the V8 on every measure that matters to a used buyer, but the rating system still flags it as avoid because the underlying volume of serious complaints stays high.
Below transmission and engine, the failure mix runs Body/Trim at 815 complaints, Brakes at 788, and Electrical at 697. Brakes deserve their own line: 212 crash reports across the generation overlap heavily with brake complaints, and owners report soft pedal feel and master cylinder leakage on EcoBoost trucks that triggered at least two NHTSA campaigns. The 10-speed 10R80 transmission, co-developed with GM and rolled into the F-150 for 2017, generated thousands of owner reports of harsh 1-2 shifts, shudders, and hunting between gears. Ford addressed it through multiple software TSBs and a class-action settlement in 2020. Repair bills on a hard transmission failure still run $4,000 to $8,000 at an independent shop.
The lineup shifted mid-cycle. Launch trucks in 2015 offered a naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 base, the 2.7 EcoBoost, the 3.5 EcoBoost, and the 5.0 V8. The 2018 refresh introduced the 3.3 V6 as the new base engine, the 3.0 Power Stroke diesel, and revised 5.0 V8 internals with dual injection. The 10-speed transmission spread across most of the lineup for 2017. That single-year change matters more than any other variable when reading the complaint pattern, which is why 2015-2016 trucks pull ahead of later years on transmission risk even at higher mileage.
Used buyers should brace for above-average repair exposure regardless of engine choice. The 5.0 V8 paired with the pre-2017 6-speed is the safer pick. The 43 NHTSA recall campaigns on this generation cover air bags, fuel system, powertrain, brakes, seat belts, and steering, with the engine block heater cable corrosion campaign on 3.5L EcoBoost trucks generating two passes because the first remedy did not hold. Recall completion status varies by VIN. Verify every open campaign through the NHTSA lookup before signing, and weight a clean service history more than a low advertised price on this truck.
Engine Reliability Ratings
TIVCT
3.3L 6-cyl / 290 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford F-150 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford
4.6L 8-cyl / 292 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0L-4V
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 386 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cyl / 282 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GTDI
3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 365 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.7L-4V
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0L 4V
5.0L 8-cyl / 395 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
FD - 1060
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 119 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.8-V8-Gas
5.8L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.9-I6-Gas
4.9L 6-cyl / 145 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
7.5-V8-Gas
7.5L 8-cyl / 230 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford F-150 regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
The 5.0L Coyote V8 is the conservative pick for the 13th-gen F-150 on used-market math. It carries 2,008 combined complaints across two powertrain variants compared to 3,070 for the 3.5L EcoBoost and 1,541 for the 2.7L EcoBoost, and its fire-per-complaint rate runs lower than either turbocharged V6. Pair it with a 2015 or 2016 model year if budget allows, since those years pre-date the 10-speed 10R80 transmission that drives the largest single failure category at 2,175 complaints. The 6-speed automatic those earlier trucks shipped with is not bulletproof, but it does not carry the harsh-shift and class-action history the 10-speed inherited.
Inspection priorities cluster around four areas. Transmission: on 2017-2020 trucks with the 10-speed, drive a full duty cycle including stop-and-go, hard acceleration, and downhill engine braking, listening for harsh 1-2 shifts, shudders, or hunting. Pull any TCM software-update history. Engine: on EcoBoost trucks, check for leaks around the 2.7 V6's oil pan and scan for cam-phaser noise on cold start. On 5.0 V8 trucks, check oil consumption on 2018+ engines with the revised internals. Brakes: test pedal feel at low speed and confirm firm pressure on EcoBoost trucks covered by the master-cylinder recalls. Body and aluminum: inspect bed and cab corners for prior collision-repair quality, since aluminum panels hide corrosion differently than steel.
This generation is a difficult truck to recommend on reliability grounds even after the corrected complaint count. The conservative path is a 2015-2016 truck with the 5.0 V8 and clean transmission service history, plus a pre-buy mechanical inspection that runs the VIN against all 43 recall campaigns. Budget for repair exposure that can turn a low advertised price into a financial wash. Recall remedy completion is worth more on this truck than any cosmetic detail.
Recalls (43)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates. The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving.
Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. The ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of the ball joint.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
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 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires. The spare tire could have been damaged when it was installed on the rim.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console). The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 and Mustang vehicles. The air bag inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may rupture in the event of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab pick-up trucks not equipped with a moonroof. The structural roof braces may be missing rivets at the attachment of the roof rail, thereby reducing the structural integrity.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L engines. The cylinder heads may have been machined without lubrication supply holes for the camshaft bearing journals.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine, a 6-speed transmission and a column mounted shift lever. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral before the vehicle achieves Drive function.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015, to November 22, 2015, and equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 18, 2014, to August 6, 2015 and equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle may falsely detect an obstacle in its path and may unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles manufactured January 30, 2015, to January 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have loose or missing underbody heat shields.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped. As a result, the seat belts may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies" and 210, " Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 19, 2015, to March 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with a steering upper intermediate shaft that was improperly riveted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2020 Ford F-150 problems?
The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 has accumulated 7,453 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a 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 3.3L 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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 7,453 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 7,453 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 43 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, Body/Trim, 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.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the F-150?
The 2020 Ford F-150 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 7,453 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.