Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford F-150 Reliability by Year
The Ford F-150 averages 66/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Ford F-150 Reliability Overview
The Ford F-150, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported include power train and engine problems, particularly with the 10-speed transmission and cam phasers, while the 2024 and 2025 models show improvements with lower complaint rates and fewer recalls. With an estimated annual repair cost of $788, below the full-size truck average, the F-150 is suitable for those prioritizing cost-effective maintenance, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model year concerns.
Current generation: 14th gen (2021–present).
Best & Worst Ford F-150 Years
Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy
The best Ford F-150 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (74/100) and 2023 (68/100).
Ford F-150 Years to Avoid
The worst Ford F-150 year is 2021 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to power train (332) issues. Also avoid 2018 (58/100).
2021
26 recalls · 1021 complaints
2018
15 recalls · 1852 complaints
Ford F-150 Reliability Score Trend
Ford F-150 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford F-150
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Ford F-150 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford F-150.
2025 Ford F-150
13 recalls · 64 complaints
The 2025 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 64 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Electrical System (13), Service Brakes (7).
2024 Ford F-150
9 recalls · 146 complaints
The 2024 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 146 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (44), Power Train (26), Electrical System (24).
2023 Ford F-150
10 recalls · 383 complaints
The 2023 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 383 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (117), Electrical System (79), Unknown Or Other (48).
2022 Ford F-150
21 recalls · 657 complaints
The 2022 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 21 recalls and 657 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 9 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (166), Electrical System (150), Unknown Or Other (74).
2021 Ford F-150
26 recalls · 1021 complaints
The 2021 Ford F-150 has mixed reliability. There are 26 recalls and 1021 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (332), Electrical System (143), Unknown Or Other (108).
2020 Ford F-150
7 recalls · 517 complaints
The 2020 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 517 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (207), Engine (97), Electrical System (68).
2019 Ford F-150
6 recalls · 972 complaints
The 2019 Ford F-150 has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 972 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (479), Engine (151), Unknown Or Other (67).
2018 Ford F-150
15 recalls · 1852 complaints
The 2018 Ford F-150 has mixed reliability. There are 15 recalls and 1852 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 58 crash-related complaints and 29 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (710), Engine (442), Unknown Or Other (190).
Ford F-150 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$788
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
15%
$148 below the fullsize trucks average of $936/yr.
Ranked #7 of 17 among fullsize trucks.
Ford F-150 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford F-150 With Similar Trucks
The Ford F-150 competes with other full-size trucks such as Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Ram 1500.
Chevrolet Silverado reliability
9 years tracked · 4263 complaints
Ford F-150 Lightning reliability
5 years tracked · 476 complaints
Ram 1500 reliability
9 years tracked · 4051 complaints
GMC Sierra 1500 reliability
9 years tracked · 2647 complaints
Toyota Tundra reliability
9 years tracked · 1258 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford F-150 reliable?
- The Ford F-150 has good reliability with an average score of 66/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ford F-150?
- The best year for the Ford F-150 is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. It has 13 recalls and 64 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Ford F-150 analysis →
- What are the Ford F-150 years to avoid?
- The Ford F-150 years to avoid include 2021 (58/100), 2018 (58/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford F-150?
- The Ford F-150 has an estimated annual repair cost of $788, which is $148 below the fullsize trucks average of $936. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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