Last updated: 2026-03-04
2023 Ford F-150 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Ford F-150 scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 383 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2023 is year 3 of the Fourteenth generation (2021–present).
Recalls
10
Complaints
383
Complaint Rate
8.1
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
10 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is year 3 of the Fourteenth generation (2021–present).
- Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 14th generation F-150 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Fourteenth generation (2021–present)
Should You Buy the 2023 Ford F-150?
The 2023 Ford F-150 scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is year 3 of the Fourteenth generation (2021–present).
With 383 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 (117). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2024 Ford F-150, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2022 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: Erratic transmission behavior (87 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (40 complaints)
Compare 2023 Ford F-150 With
2023 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 75/100
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
Score: 45/100
2023 Ram 1500
Score: 72/100
2023 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 69/100
2023 Toyota Tundra
Score: 59/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (117)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (79)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (48)
- SERVICE BRAKES (25)
- STEERING (16)
- STRUCTURE (15)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (13)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (11)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
- WHEELS (7)
- ENGINE (7)
- VISIBILITY (6)
- PARKING BRAKE (4)
- TIRES (3)
- SUSPENSION (3)
- EQUIPMENT (3)
- SEATS (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- TRAILER HITCHES (1)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2023 Ford F-150 has 10 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
8.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 10.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
15
Fires
3
Injuries
10
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Ford F-150 Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford F-150. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Consequence
Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025. Phase 1 will include 2023 F-150 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include 2025 F-150 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 F-150 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 22, 2025. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S82. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V896.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
2023 Ford F-150 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
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 2023 Ford F-150
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for harsh shifting or unexpected downshifts
- Check for air conditioning freezing or reduced airflow
- Inspect for water leaks near windshield or cowl area
- Verify electrical system functionality, especially windows and infotainment
- Test parking brake for unexpected engagement while driving
- Ensure all warning lights and instrument cluster functions are operational
- Check for condensation in exterior lighting components
Check Any 2023 Ford F-150's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.
2023 Ford F-150 Common Problems by Component
383 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
117 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2023 Ford F-150 frequently experiences issues with the power train, particularly involving erratic transmission behavior. Common symptoms include sudden and hard downshifts that can lock the rear tires, especially in wet conditions, and unpredictable shifting that causes delays in acceleration or harsh engagements. These issues are often noted without any warning lights and can lead to safety implications such as loss of vehicle control or increased risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, numerous complaints highlight delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with some owners experiencing these issues for several months without resolution. These patterns are particularly relevant for potential buyers who should be aware of the transmission's impact on vehicle safety and the ongoing recall repair delays.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
79 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford F-150 commonly report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the air conditioning system failing to blow air through the vents intermittently. Complaints also frequently mention problems with the instrument cluster, including complete or partial failures that result in loss of speedometer visibility and critical warning indicators. Some owners experience significant battery-related issues, notably with the F-150 Lightning, where the battery fails to hold a charge as expected. These problems often arise at various mileages, sometimes as early as 14,500 miles. Safety implications are noted in cases where instrument cluster failures prevent drivers from monitoring speed and receiving safety alerts, potentially compromising safe operation.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
48 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford F-150 frequently report issues related to the rear axle hub bolt, with multiple complaints highlighting delays in obtaining parts for recall repairs, some waiting over eight months. There are also reports of the rear window and sunroof spontaneously shattering without apparent impact, occurring while driving or closing doors. A few owners describe incidents of unintended acceleration when braking, with one case resulting in a crash and injury. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the camera system, such as the display turning blue or failing to activate in reverse. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, and the unintended acceleration incidents have significant safety implications.
SERVICE BRAKES (25 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
25 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report two main issues with the 2023 Ford F-150's service brakes. The first involves the electronic parking brake engaging unexpectedly while driving, often leading to abrupt stops. This issue is noted to occur at low speeds and multiple owners mention it happening intermittently, with some reports indicating it has happened up to seven times. The second issue involves complete brake failure or reduced braking effectiveness, with one owner noting a total failure of the electronic brake booster after the vehicle was parked for an extended period. Mileage at the time of these incidents varies, with some occurring as early as 300 miles. These issues have significant safety implications, as sudden stopping or brake failure could lead to potential accidents, especially in traffic or at intersections.
STEERING (16 complaints)
STEERING
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report two primary issues with the 2023 Ford F-150's steering. First, multiple complaints describe the steering wheel seizing or locking up, with one incident leading to a crash on a busy highway. In these cases, no warning lights illuminate, and the failure can occur while shifting from park to drive or during regular driving. Additionally, several complaints focus on the absence of a heated steering wheel due to a semiconductor shortage, despite being charged for this feature. The steering lockup incidents are noted at approximately 65,000 miles, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford F-150 report issues with the vehicle speed control, specifically involving cruise control malfunctions and unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention the cruise control decelerating unexpectedly by 10-20 MPH without warning lights, occurring at mileages around 29,700. Unintended acceleration is also described, both while driving and during parking maneuvers, with one incident resulting in a crash where the vehicle hit a tree. Another crash report involves the vehicle accelerating at low speeds when the brake is applied. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some owners indicating repeated occurrences. Buyers should be aware of these potential speed control concerns, including the risk of crashes and loss of control.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
8 complaintsOwners report several issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system in the 2023 Ford F-150. Complaints frequently mention unintended activation of the system without nearby vehicles or obstacles, often while driving at various speeds, with some reports occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Another common issue involves the adaptive speed control misreading highway signage with the number "80," causing the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly to 80 mph. Additionally, some owners describe the system being affected by environmental factors such as sunlight and dirt, leading to temporary inoperability. These issues could potentially result in safety risks, including unintended acceleration and momentary loss of vehicle control.
ENGINE (7 complaints)
ENGINE
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford F-150 report several engine-related issues, with complaints frequently mentioning engine performance problems such as cam phaser failure in the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, causing potential engine damage. Multiple owners describe acceleration issues where the vehicle continues to accelerate briefly after the gas pedal is released, posing a potential safety risk. Additionally, there are reports of vehicles shutting off unexpectedly, with one owner noting a cracked engine block and issues occurring more frequently during rain. A fire incident is reported, linked to a mechanical issue with the front differential causing oil leakage and ignition. These issues appear across various mileages, with some problems reported as early as 20 miles, indicating potential early onset of these failures.
STRUCTURE (15 complaints)
STRUCTURE
15 complaintsAs I was driving the right rear door flung open and would not engage when pulled back in. Had to drive home with a door that would not shut. Yes safety was at risk for kids in back seat. Confirmed by previous reports and service department at dealership. No warning lamps that were noticed.
I closed the passager side door and the back window shattered and blew out
During rain and snow events, water leaks into the interior of the vehicle through the roof area. The intrusion appears to occur during moderate to heavy precipitation and results in water collecting inside the cabin. This moisture has led to a persistent, moldy odor throughout the vehicle. The presence of mold poses a health concern, especially for my children and family members who ride in the truck. We are concerned about the potential inhalation of mold-contaminated air and the associated respiratory risks. This issue affects the safe and healthy use of the vehicle and requires attention, as the leak continues to worsen over time. First noticed this issue February of 2024, ongoing
+ 12 more complaints in this category
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (13 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
13 complaintsRear Taillight assembly filled with water due to a crack. The water caused the bulb to burn out. Dealer tried to get Ford to cover the taillamp and the manufacturer denied the claim stating the crack was not a flaw in manufacturing. The dealer also said that they have seen several of these where the manufacturer wont cover this component under the bumper to bumper warranty. This assembly has never been tampered with, the truck has not been in an accident. The failure of this taillight is likely caused by over torqueing at ASSY at the plant. Besides being costly this is a safety hazard when brake lights and taillights fail. Also..this assembly I find out houses the module for the blind spot monitor.
The driver side headlamp did not work. I noticed both left and right headlamps had moisture inside. I took my truck to the dealership and they told me I would have to get an appointment for them to take digital images of the headlamps to send to Ford Motor. So they sent me home with only one headlamp in working order. I made the appointment. It took 2hrs to get the digital images. A crack appeared at the bottom of each headlamp at the exact same spot. I left the dealership the second time with only one headlamp working. 24 hours later, Ford Motor told the dealership they believed it was caused by an outside collision and would not be covered by the bumper to bumper warranty. The dealership offered to replace at cost and suggested I contact the State Attorney General’s office and try to mediate Ford’s decision. I made an appointment to replace both headlamps after the weekend at their earliest opening. I have kept the faulty headlamps. I believe Ford Motor is trying to mitigate cost of a faulty product at the expense of public safety. The States Attorney General attempted to mediate. However, a Consumer Affairs Legal Analyst from Ford wrote that the warranty was denied because the headlamp was damaged in a car accident. It was not.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the brake light located near the rear window was inoperable and the brake light had melted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,321.
+ 10 more complaints in this category
When Do 2023 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).
2025
13 recalls · 64 complaints
2024
9 recalls · 146 complaints
2023(this page)
10 recalls · 383 complaints
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(selected) | 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 | 65/100 | +7 | Good | 6 | 972 |
| 2018 | 58/100 | — | Mixed | 15 | 1852 |
2023 Ford F-150 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Ford F-150 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 299 | 10 | 17 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 84 | 0 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 383 | 10 | 18 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Ford F-150 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford F-150?
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford F-150 have?
Is the 2023 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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