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Best and Worst Years for Ford F-150

Updated on Nov 24, 2025

For many, the Ford F-150 is the first and last name when it comes to full-size pickup trucks. Widely regarded as one of the best there is and ever was, the F-150 has a fervent fanbase that grows with each model year.

If there’s one thing the F-150 is known for, it’s hauling. Ford focused on towing capacity early on, and for those towing boats, fifth-wheels, or heavy trailers, the F-150 is almost a must-have truck.

As good as it is, the F-150 isn’t perfect, and has had some down years. Here, we look at what makes the F-150 such a dynamo, and which model years you should avoid.

Table of Contents:

The Worst Years for the Ford F-150

The Best Years for the Ford F-150

The Most Common Ford F-150 Issues

FAQs

The Worst Years for the Ford F-150

These model years of the Ford F-150 are ones you should avoid if you’re buying a used truck:

2004
2005
2006
2010
2011
2013
2015
2016

Ford F-150 Problems by Model Year

2004, 2005, and 2006 Models

The eleventh-generation F-150, which encompasses model years 2004 through 2006, is widely considered the worst. Issues with these vehicles came to a head in 2005, when the 2005 Ford F-150 was recalled due to safety concerns where the airbags would deploy, randomly, posing a serious safety risk to drivers and everyone else on the road. This generation F-150 had gas tank straps that would corrode, sometimes causing the gas tank to fall down and drag behind the truck. Faulty spark plugs, power window failures, and myriad engine issues plague the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Ford F-150.

2010, 2011, and 2013 Models

2010, 2011, and 2013 are twelfth-generation F-150, sporting a redesigned engine and new body style. 2010 is the standout, here, faring far worse than other model years in this generation. Engine leaks, spark plug issues, ignition coil failures, and an automatic transmission that would randomly downshift into second gear were huge concerns for this generation. Inside, the infotainment screen would often become unresponsive, and the rear-facing backup camera would randomly stop working.

2015 and 2016 Models

2015 and 2016 Ford F-150s are thirteenth-generation trucks. While they have far fewer complaints overall than the aforementioned model years, engine malfunctions, brake failures, and insecure door latching are serious enough problems that they warrant addition to this list.

The Best Years for the Ford F-150

Black Ford pickup truck parked on a dirt path during sunset.

Here are the best Ford F-150 model years:

1998
2008
2009
2014
2017
2020
2021
2022

The Highest Rated Ford F-150 Years: 2008, 2009, and 2020 Models

Of the above model years, the 2020, 2009, and 2008 Ford F-150 are considered the best of the best. Of the three, the 2020 Ford F-150 is the best model year F-150 Ford has ever produced.

Though 2020 had issues related to windshield wipers failing and some electrical issues, there were relatively few complaints. Recalls fixed all the issues owners had with the 2020 Ford F-150.

2009 F-150s had some engine issues, mostly related to the diesel engine stalling at lower RPMs. Like the 2008 Ford F-150, the 2009 is seen as reliable, performant, and overall a great choice if you’re looking for a used truck.

The Most Common Ford F-150 Issues

Door handles

Door handles on the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 sometimes failed to latch properly, causing the doors to fly open randomly. Doors would also freeze shut in extreme cold, which sparked a recall from Ford.

Engine issues

2004 was the worst model year for Ford’s F-150 engine, but the engine has been an issue in several model years. All model years from 2004 through 2007 had spark plug issues, too. 2012 is another model year where the F-150 engine became a huge issue for owners.

Stalling

At idle, some model years of the F-150 would simply stall. This could be related to the torque converter, but it’s something that has popped up every time for the F-150.

Starting

2009 through 2014 Ford F-150s were known to have fuses that burned out prematurely, which failed to send information to the fuel pump when drivers would attempt to start the truck. It would crank, but not start. A $20 kit sold by Ford fixed the problem, but it required professional installation.