Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford F-150

2 Ford F-150 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford F-150 average of 66/100

The Ford F-150 years to avoid are 2021, 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 58/100. The best Ford F-150 year to buy is 2025 75/100.

Verdict

The 2021, 2018 Ford F-150 score significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 58/100 due to power train (332) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 67/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford F-150 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford F-150 average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202158/100Mixed261021Power Train (332)
2201858/100Mixed151852Power Train (710)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Ford F-150

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).

26 recalls1021 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (332), Electrical System (143), Unknown Or Other (108), Engine (82), Exterior Lighting (80), Visibility (77)

View full 2021 reliability report →
58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Ford F-150

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).

15 recalls1852 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (710), Engine (442), Unknown Or Other (190), Structure (186), Electrical System (135), Engine And Engine Cooling (83)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford F-150 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford F-150 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

1657 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

536 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

379 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

305 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

169 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

130 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

Best Ford F-150 Year to Buy Instead

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Ford F-150

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).

Score: 67/100 (Good)7 recalls517 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Ford F-150 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford F-150 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford F-150 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford F-150 years: 2021 (score: 58/100), 2018 (score: 58/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford F-150 average of 66/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 13 recalls and 64 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford F-150 have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford F-150 has a total of 107 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford F-150 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford F-150 problems?
The most common Ford F-150 problems are power train (1657 complaints), engine (536 complaints), unknown or other (379 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford F-150 reliable long-term?
The Ford F-150 has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford F-150 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford F-150 generation is the Fourteenth generation (2021–present) with an average score of 67/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford F-150?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford F-150 is $788 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Ford F-150 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Ford F-150 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 13 recalls and 64 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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