Ford F-150 Years to Avoid
We analyzed 412 owner complaints and 165 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Ford F-150 model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Ford F-150 Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Ford F-150 Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford F-150 | 0 | 4 | 24/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | 0 | 3 | 18/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2014 Ford F-150 | 0 | 8 | 48/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2015 Ford F-150 | 0 | 14 | 84/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | 112 | 14 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | 82 | 18 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | 94 | 19 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Ford F-150 | 68 | 9 | 62/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Ford F-150 | 56 | 11 | 81/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | 0 | 29 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Ford F-150 | 0 | 23 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Ford F-150 | 0 | 13 | 78/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Ford F-150: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Ford F-150 years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Ford F-150 model years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Ford F-150?
The most reliable used model year for the Ford F-150 is 2013 (as well as 2012, 2013), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Ford F-150?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Ford F-150 are Powertrain & Transmission, Engine & Cooling, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Ford F-150?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 165 safety recall campaigns and recorded 412 official owner complaints for the Ford F-150.