Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Ford F-150 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Ford F-150 scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 972 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
Recalls
6
Complaints
972
Complaint Rate
16.2
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$788
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
15%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
6 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
- Year 5 in the Thirteenth generation (2015–2020) (2015–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 13th generation F-150 (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Thirteenth generation (2015–2020)
Should You Buy the 2019 Ford F-150?
The 2019 Ford F-150 scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
With 972 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (479). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Ford F-150, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2018 Ford F-150 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $148 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (15%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN: Owners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the vehicle's power... (479 complaints)
- ENGINE: Rattling or knocking noise during cold starts, which is linked to variable... (151 complaints)
Compare 2019 Ford F-150 With
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 64/100
2019 Ram 1500
Score: 58/100
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 60/100
2019 Toyota Tundra
Score: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (479)
- ENGINE (151)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (67)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (59)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (54)
- STRUCTURE (26)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (21)
- STEERING (16)
- AIR BAGS (15)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (9)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8)
- VISIBILITY (7)
- SUSPENSION (6)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (6)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
- WHEELS (4)
- TIRES (4)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- FUEL SYSTEM (3)
- SEAT BELTS (3)
- SEATS (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2019 Ford F-150 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
16.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 21.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
14
Fires
5
Injuries
21
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Ford F-150 Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford F-150. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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."
Consequence
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
2019 Ford F-150 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Diesel / Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Ford F-150 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$788
vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Ford F-150
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test drive to check for hard or erratic transmission shifting
- Listen for cam phaser rattle during cold start
- Check for excessive oil consumption between oil changes
- Verify if the vehicle has had any transmission repairs or replacements
- Inspect for any dashboard warning lights related to the powertrain
- Check for any outstanding recalls related to the transmission or engine
Check Any 2019 Ford F-150's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 F-150 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford F-150 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Ford F-150 Common Problems by Component
972 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
479 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, particularly the transmission. Common symptoms include hard or erratic shifting, slipping gears, and transmission failure, often resulting in jerking or temporary loss of power. These problems typically arise between 40,000 and 70,000 miles, though some reports detail failures as early as 20,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with two complaints involving crashes and one injury, as well as descriptions of near-accidents due to unexpected downshifts or loss of acceleration. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs, as several owners mention expensive diagnoses and repairs, including full transmission replacements.
ENGINE
151 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the cam phasers, often describing a rattling or knocking noise during cold starts, which is linked to variable valve timing problems. Many complaints also mention engine power loss or stalling, particularly under acceleration or when towing, with some reports of the check engine light illuminating. These issues often emerge around 45,000 to 135,000 miles. A few owners report oil consumption problems without visible leaks. One complaint involves a fire, though details are limited. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
67 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the backup camera, including it going blank, displaying distorted images, or remaining on while driving, which are sometimes linked to existing recalls for other model years. Transmission problems are also commonly described, with symptoms such as hard shifting, gear slippage, and unintended downshifts, often occurring around 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the tailgate failing to latch properly or opening unexpectedly, posing potential safety risks. Some complaints involve crashes and injuries, highlighting concerns about vehicle control and safety features like the backup camera and transmission. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that prospective buyers should be aware of when considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (59 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the rearview camera of the 2019 Ford F-150, which include intermittent failures, blue or black screens, and distorted images when in reverse. These problems often persist despite recall repairs and typically occur around 22,000 to 85,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience complete electrical failures where the vehicle fails to start or loses power unexpectedly, with symptoms like a non-responsive starter or a complete power loss while driving. Notably, three complaints involve fires related to the rear window defroster, posing significant safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system issues, particularly the rearview camera failures and the risk of fire.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (54 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
54 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently experiences issues with cam phasers, leading to abnormal rattling or clanking sounds from the engine, particularly during cold starts or idling. These symptoms are often noted at mileages ranging from 40,000 to 111,050. Additionally, some owners describe engine overheating and coolant intrusion, with failure mileages reported around 130,000. There are also mentions of fractured exhaust manifold bolts and catalytic converter issues, typically occurring above 80,000 miles. Safety implications include instances of engine stalling and loss of motive power, although no crashes or fires are reported.
STRUCTURE (26 complaints)
STRUCTURE
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues related to water intrusion, particularly in the passenger side, often attributed to A/C system leaks or door seal failures. Complaints commonly describe wet carpets, mold growth, and visibility hazards due to fogging, with some reports indicating these issues arise around 59,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention problems with the tailgate unexpectedly opening or not latching properly, which could lead to potential safety hazards if the vehicle is moving. A serious incident involving a fire originating from the dashboard area is also noted, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially regarding water leaks and tailgate functionality.
STEERING (16 complaints)
STEERING
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the steering system, including loss of power steering, unexpected steering wheel movement, and steering looseness. Complaints often describe symptoms such as the steering wheel turning on its own, significant vibration, and the vehicle veering unexpectedly, with some reports indicating these issues occur around 58,000 to 82,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with one reported crash due to steering failure and an incident involving a steering-related injury. Buyers should be aware of potential steering gear replacements and the need for frequent inspections to address these issues.
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)
AIR BAGS
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with airbag cover fractures, particularly on the driver's side, with cracks often appearing under the Ford emblem on the steering wheel. These problems are noted around mileage ranging from 28,000 to over 100,000. Additionally, there are reports of airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with six incidents involving crashes and a total of 15 injuries. Complaints also describe airbag deployment without a preceding crash, suggesting potential sensor or system malfunctions. These issues present significant safety implications, particularly concerning airbag reliability in the event of an accident.
SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2019 Ford F-150's braking system, notably involving brake fluid leaks and brake pedal softness. Common symptoms include a sudden loss of braking power, with the brake pedal going to the floor, and alerts indicating low brake fluid. Complaints frequently mention brake fluid hoses rupturing or becoming disconnected, often around 12,000 to 120,000 miles. Several reports describe incidents where the braking system's failure led to loss of control, including one crash. Additionally, owners describe problems with the pre-collision automatic braking system failing to engage. These issues could have significant safety implications for potential buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford F-150 commonly report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving acceleration and transmission behavior. Symptoms frequently described include hesitation during acceleration, unexpected deceleration or loss of power, and erratic gear shifting. Some complaints mention the vehicle accelerating on its own or failing to respond to the accelerator pedal, with instances of unintended downshifts into first gear. These problems are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications are noted, such as loss of control on highways and difficulty merging with traffic, which could be hazardous. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially concerning transmission and acceleration reliability.
When Do 2019 Ford F-150 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Ford F-150 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 67/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 75/100 | +1 | Good | 13 | 64 |
| 2024 | 74/100 | +6 | Good | 9 | 146 |
| 2023 | 68/100 | +6 | Good | 10 | 383 |
| 2022 | 62/100 | +4 | Good | 21 | 657 |
| 2021 | 58/100 | -9 | Mixed | 26 | 1021 |
| 2020 | 67/100 | +2 | Good | 7 | 517 |
| 2019(selected) | 65/100 | +7 | Good | 6 | 972 |
| 2018 | 58/100 | — | Mixed | 15 | 1852 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Ford F-150 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford F-150?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford F-150 have?
Is the 2019 Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?
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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