5 Common Ford F150 Problems

The 5 Most Common Ford F150 Problems You’ll Encounter

The Ford F150 is one of the most popular and most widely sold vehicles in the United States. However, that doesn’t mean it’s immune from problems.

Even this sturdy truck is known for developing some problems ranging from difficulties with the window to total transmission failure. Read the sections below to learn about common problems you might encounter with your F150.

1. Ford 150 Window Problems

   One of the most common Ford F150 problems that owners report are difficulties with the doors and windows. Drivers with the 2004 and 2005 model years have reported that their windows won’t roll up, leaving them exposed to the elements. In some cases, the window falls into the car, leaving drivers with no protection at all.

   This is an extremely widespread problem among these two model years, generating over 1,000 public complaints. Replacing the window regulator with a version from 2006 or later can fix the problem, but it’ll generally run you $300 or more with parts and labor.

   Replacing it with a 2004 or 2005 version of the regulator does not solve the problem, according to numerous reports — it must be 2006 or later.

   Additionally, one of the most common common 2010-2013 Ford F150 problems reported include a rear window prone to shattering, typically with no apparent cause. It’s typically not covered by Ford, leaving drivers on the hook for a $700 or more replacement.

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2. Ford F150 Transmission Problems

   Unfortunately, Ford F150’s transmission problems are both widespread and persistent. From the 2004 model on, transmission problems seem to show up almost every year. The problems range from complete transmission failure to a hard downshift that can be fixed by reprogramming the powertrain control module.

   Unfortunately, for the 2010, 2004 and 2005 models, the problem is more likely to be the former. The transmission can give out well before the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, requiring a total replacement that can cost $2,500 or more.

   In the 2013 model, the Ford F150’s transmission problem is more likely to revolve around erratic shifting, which many drivers have fixed by replacing the lead frame, harness or timing chain. This work typically comes in at between $800 and $1,100.

   Drivers with a 2015 Ford F150 with transmission problems are most likely to report the hard downshifting, which is easily solvable via reprogramming the powertrain control module. If you have a 2015 or newer model with transmission problems, check to see if this solution can help you before considering more expensive options.

3. Ford F150 Engine Problems

   One of the most common Ford F150 problems are difficulties with the engine. From at least 2004 onward, Ford’s popular truck has accumulated hundreds of reports of engine difficulties. They range from broken spark plugs to malfunctioning throttle bodies to more serious problems.

   The 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 models all had recurring difficulties with the spark plugs breaking or burning out. The solution was to repair them, which could cost $1,000 or more.

   The 2004 and 2007 models also reported a persistent engine-knocking problem, which could typically only be solved by replacing the entire engine for thousands of dollars. The precise cost varies, but it could total $11,000 or more for a replacement.

   The 5.0 engine made its way into the F150 for the first time in the 2011 model. This seemed to be a reliable upgrade for a few years. However, the 2013 model of the Ford F150 had 5.0 engine problems as well. This included the engine shuddering and losing power completely.

   Depending on the specific diagnosis, some owners could get away with fixing the problem by spending $300 to replace the throttle body. However, other drivers got far more serious diagnosis and proposed fixes, often totaling thousands of dollars.

   In 2015, more engine problems surfaced, including the vehicle stalling or entering limp mode while driving. This was most commonly fixed with a throttle body replacement.

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4. Ford F150 Brakes Problems

   One of the Ford F150 problems you’re most likely to encounter with newer models include brake difficulties. From 2011 onward, Ford’s most popular truck has had fairly consistent problems with its brakes, ranging from a faulty, noisy vacuum pump to a failed master cylinder.

   The 2011 Ford F150’s brake problems centered around the aforementioned vacuum pump. Drivers would report that the brakes’ pump would work ineffectively and noisily while they were driving. The fix is to replace the vacuum pump, a job that could set drivers back $500 in parts and labor.

   The 2013 model had problems with the vehicle’s rotors, which would break relatively quickly. The cost of replacing the rotors comes to between $200 and $500, depending on the shop. Unfortunately, the problem can reoccur repeatedly, which means drivers may be required to replace the rotors multiple times throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

   The 2013 Ford F150 also had a problem with the master cylinder and boost pump. The cost of replacing those parts can come to anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000. The same problem reappears in the 2015 and 2016 models, indicating that Ford has had problems solving the issue.

   The 2017 model has only accumulated a few complaints, but a majority of them are related to the sudden loss of brakes, which can be a major driving hazard. Some drivers have remedied this by replacing the master cylinder, but many find that mechanics are unable to identify and solve the problem.

5. Ford F150 Body Problems

   Finally, one of the most common Ford F150 problems you’ll encounter are issues with the body, ranging from door lock issues to leaking. There are two major recurring complaints: faulty latches and severe premature rust.

   The 2004 and 2013 models both have had repeated problems with the vehicle’s frame rusting aggressively and prematurely. Some drivers are forced to junk their cars due to the safety hazard it creates, while others may shell out thousands of dollars to weld and secure the frame. Ford has reportedly offered no help at all for this issue, despite how widespread it is.

   The 2007 model has issues with paint bubbling, cracking and peeling away for no apparent reason. As this is mostly a problem of appearance, repair isn’t required but repainting the vehicle can cost $4,000 or more.

   In 2010, several Ford F150s had problems with water leaking into the vehicles due to inefficient seals. The exact cost of fixing the issue depends on where the leak is and what parts should be replaced to seal it effectively.

   Finally, the 2015 to 2017 models of the Ford F150 have problems with the door latch. Thousands of drivers have reported that their doors, particularly the driver’s side doors, will either stick or refuse to lock. This is particularly likely to happen in cold weather.

   Ford has issued two Ford F150 recalls for these models in order to address the unlatching doors. However, if your vehicle is not included in the list of VINs the recall applies to, you could be on the hook for the latch replacement cost. It could total anywhere from $200 to $600 per door for you to fix the problem yourself.

   Although there are still only a handful of complaints for the 2018 model, some drivers are still reporting problems with the latch in cold weather, indicating that this may be an ongoing issue with Ford F150s.

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