Ford F-150 Common Problems by Year (2009-2026): EcoBoost Years to Avoid and Repair Costs

The Ford F-150 years to avoid are 2011, 2012 and 2018. The 2011 and 2012 trucks carry the first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost with its timing chain, turbo and cam phaser problems, and 2018 had the most complaints about the new 10-speed transmission. The safer used picks are 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023.

The most common big repairs after the factory warranty are cam phasers at $1,500 to $4,000, EcoBoost turbos at $2,500 to $3,500 each and a failed 10-speed transmission at $4,500 to $6,000. Plan on $1,100 to $1,800 a year for repairs once a truck passes 60,000 miles. Below you will find problems by generation, model year and engine, real repair costs, and when an extended warranty is or is not worth it.

Ford F-150 Reliability by Generation

Each F-150 generation improved on the last. The 14th generation (2021-2026) has the best score and the lowest average repair bill, while the 12th generation (2009-2014) costs the most to keep running because of the 5.4L V8 and the first EcoBoost engines.

EB = EcoBoost, PB = PowerBoost hybrid.

F-150 Years to Avoid and the Best Years to Buy

Skip the 2011 and 2012 F-150 if it has the 3.5L EcoBoost, and the 2018 model year because of early 10-speed transmission problems. The 2015 and 2017 trucks are not on the avoid list, but inspect them closely: 2015 was the first aluminum-body year and 2017 was the first year of the 10-speed.

F-150 Years to Avoid

• 2011: early 3.5L EcoBoost problems: timing chain stretch, turbo failures and cam phasers.
• 2012: the same EcoBoost issues, plus MyFord Touch screen and SYNC failures.
• 2018: the most 10-speed transmission complaints, such as harsh shifts and gear hunting.
• 2009-2010 with the 5.4L V8: cam phaser and spark plug problems. Buy one only with service records and a clean inspection.

Best F-150 Years to Buy Used

• 2020: the best 13th-generation year, with refined engines and an improved 10-speed.
• 2019: transmission improvements over 2017 and 2018.
• 2016: fixes to the first aluminum-body trucks.
• 2014: the most refined 12th-generation year.
• 2023: the 14th generation after its first-year software bugs were worked out.

In any year, the 3.3L V6, the 2.7L EcoBoost and the 5.0L V8 have the lowest yearly repair costs in the engine ratings below. Comparing other pickups too? See the best used trucks to buy in 2026.

Ford F-150 Problems by Model Year (2009-2026)

Use the ratings below as a guide, not a guarantee. The engine and the service history of a specific truck matter as much as its model year, so always get a pre-purchase inspection.

12th Generation (2009-2014)

13th Generation (2015-2020)

14th Generation (2021-2026)

EcoBoost vs 5.0L V8: Common Problems by Engine

The engine matters more than the badge. The 3.3L V6 and the 2.7L EcoBoost cost the least to keep running, the 5.0L V8 sits in the middle, and the first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost costs the most. If you want a twin-turbo F-150, the 2017 and newer 3.5L EcoBoost is a safer choice than the 2011-2016 version.

EcoBoost V6 Engines

V6, V8 and Diesel Engines

The Most Common Ford F-150 Problems and Repair Costs

These are the problems F-150 owners report most often, with typical repair costs. Your price depends on the engine, your region and the shop.

Cam Phaser Failure

Cam phasers adjust valve timing, and a failing one usually rattles or ticks at cold start and sets a check engine light. The 5.4L V8 is the worst case, but the first 3.5L EcoBoost and the 2011-2020 5.0L V8 are affected too. Replacement costs $1,500 to $4,000, more when both cylinder banks need work.

EcoBoost Timing Chain Stretch

The first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2011-2016) is known for timing chain stretch. A chain-only repair costs $2,000 to $3,000, or $3,000 to $4,500 with guides and tensioners. If a stretched chain is ignored and damages the engine, an engine replacement on a pickup can reach $5,500 to $8,000 or more. The same engine has chain problems in the Ford Explorer, and our timing chain replacement cost guide explains the job.

EcoBoost Turbocharger Failure

Turbo failures show up as lost power, a whining noise, smoke from the exhaust or boost-related codes. On the 3.5L EcoBoost they tend to appear between 80,000 and 130,000 miles, and the 2.7L usually lasts longer. One turbo costs $2,500 to $3,500 to replace and both cost $3,500 to $5,500. See the full turbocharger replacement cost guide.

10-Speed Transmission Problems (2017-2020)

The 10R80 10-speed arrived in 2017. Early trucks, 2017 and 2018 above all, show harsh or delayed shifts and gear hunting. Many are fixed with a software update or valve body repair for $150 to $2,500, but a full replacement costs $4,500 to $6,000. Ford improved the transmission from 2019. More detail is in our transmission replacement cost guide.

Oil Consumption

Some 2011-2017 5.0L V8s burn about a quart every 1,000 miles, and some early 3.5L EcoBoosts a quart every 1,500 miles. Check the dipstick between oil changes. Repairs cost $1,200 to $4,000 depending on the cause.

4WD Problems: IWE Hubs and Transfer Case

On 4WD trucks, the IWE hubs that lock the front wheels can fail, which causes grinding noises or 4WD that will not engage. Each side costs $400 to $800. Transfer case repairs range from a $400 leak fix to $2,500 for a stretched chain on 2009-2014 trucks.

Other F-150 Problems to Check

• Exhaust manifold cracks on the 5.4L and 5.0L V8: a ticking noise that is loudest when cold.
• Spark plug breakage on the 5.4L V8: plugs can snap during removal or eject from the head.
• SYNC and MyFord Touch: frozen or blank screens, worst on 2011-2014 trucks.
• Aluminum body corrosion on 2015 and newer trucks: bubbling paint where aluminum panels meet steel parts.
• Door latches on 2015-2017 trucks: doors that will not latch or open. Some trucks are covered by a recall, so check the VIN.
• Brakes and electronics: master cylinder $600 to $900, ABS module $1,200 to $1,800, LED headlights $1,200 to $2,000 each and backup cameras $400 to $800.

Protect your F-150 before the next big repair. A CoverageX plan can pay the shop directly for covered engine, transmission, drivetrain and turbocharger repairs like the ones above, once the 30-day and 1,000-mile waiting period has passed. Problems that exist before coverage starts are not covered, so it pays to protect the truck while it still runs well. Get your instant quote with your truck's year, model and mileage, or call 1-800-258-3413.

How to Reduce F-150 Repair Risk After the Factory Warranty Ends

Most expensive F-150 failures start small. Shorter oil change intervals protect the timing chain, cam phasers and turbos, and regular transmission and differential fluid changes extend the life of the 10-speed and the 4WD system. Keep every receipt: a clean service record helps when you sell the truck and when a repair claim is reviewed. For trucks past 150,000 miles, follow our maintenance guide for high-mileage vehicles.

Critical F-150 Maintenance

EcoBoost-Specific Maintenance

Additional Requirements:

• Carbon cleaning: Every 50,000 miles ($600-$900)
• Intercooler cleaning: 75,000 miles ($200-$400)
• Boost leak check: Annually ($100-$150)
• Turbo oil feed line: 100,000 miles ($400-$600)

Is an Extended Warranty Worth It on a Ford F-150?

It depends on the engine, the mileage and how much cash you keep for repairs. A 3.5L EcoBoost truck out of factory warranty can face a turbo, timing chain or cam phaser bill of several thousand dollars in one visit, so coverage for the engine and turbo can pay off. A 3.3L V6 or a well-kept 5.0L V8 with full service records is a lower-risk truck, and a repair fund can work just as well. Most new trucks come with about 3 years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, so check your owner's manual or a Ford dealer for your exact dates and read what to do before your factory warranty runs out.

Which CoverageX Plan Fits Which F-150

See full plan details on the CoverageX auto protection page. Driving well past 100,000 miles? Read about the extended warranty for high-mileage cars.

How Coverage Works After You Buy

• Coverage starts 30 days after purchase and once the truck has been driven 1,000 miles past the starting odometer reading.
• Problems that exist before coverage starts are not covered, so buy while the truck runs well.
• Call the claims team before any repair starts. CoverageX approves the repair with the shop and pays the shop directly. You pay one deductible at the shop.
• Use a licensed repair shop anywhere in the US. Diagnostic fees are covered on approved claims.
• Every plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance with towing, and approved claims include rental car reimbursement.
• It is a monthly contract with no set end date, and your rate is locked for the life of the contract. The coverage level does not change with miles driven or claims filed.
• CoverageX does not sell vehicle service contracts in California. California owners can be referred to a licensed mechanical breakdown insurer.

Step-by-step help is on the how to file a claim page.

When an Extended Warranty Is Not Worth It

• Your truck is still under Ford's powertrain coverage and you plan to sell it before that ends.
• The truck already has a known problem, such as a rattling timing chain. Pre-existing problems are not covered.
• You drive a low-risk engine, such as the 3.3L V6, and keep several thousand dollars set aside for repairs.

More examples are in when not to buy an extended warranty.

F-150 vs Silverado, RAM 1500 and Tundra: Reliability Compared

The F-150 is close to the Silverado and Sierra on reliability and repair costs, and slightly ahead of the RAM 1500. The Toyota Tundra has the best score and the lowest average repair cost of the group.

The Bottom Line: Which F-150 to Buy and How to Protect It

• Avoid the 2011 and 2012 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost and the 2018 model year.
• The best used years are 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023.
• The 3.3L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 cost the least to keep running; the 2011-2016 3.5L EcoBoost costs the most.
• Budget $1,100 to $1,800 a year for repairs once the truck passes 60,000 miles.
• Cam phasers, timing chains, turbos and the early 10-speed cause the biggest bills.
• Short oil change intervals and regular fluid changes prevent many of these failures.
• An extended warranty makes the most sense on an EcoBoost truck that is out of factory warranty and still running well.

Own an F-150 that is out of factory warranty or close to it? Get an instant quote for your truck's year, model and mileage, or call 1-800-258-3413 to compare plans. No obligation.

Ford F-150 Problems: Frequently Asked Questions

Which F-150 EcoBoost years should you avoid?

Avoid the 2011 and 2012 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost. These first-generation engines have the most timing chain, turbo and cam phaser problems. Also skip 2018 trucks, which had the most 10-speed transmission complaints. EcoBoost trucks from 2017 on are a safer choice.

What year F-150 is most reliable?

The 2020 F-150 is the most reliable year, with refined engines and an improved 10-speed transmission. The 2019, 2016 and 2014 trucks are also strong picks, and 2023 is the best-rated recent year.

Are F-150 EcoBoost engines reliable?

The second-generation EcoBoost engines from 2017 on are reasonably reliable; the 2011-2016 3.5L is the weak one. The 2.7L EcoBoost has the best rating of the turbo engines, while the first 3.5L is known for timing chain stretch, turbo failures and cam phasers. Short oil change intervals help any EcoBoost last longer.

Is the EcoBoost F-150 expensive to maintain?

It depends on the engine. The 2.7L EcoBoost costs less to keep running than the 5.0L V8, and the newer 3.5L costs only a little more. Average yearly repair costs run about $876 for the 2.7L EcoBoost and $1,234 for the 2017 and newer 3.5L, compared with $1,098 for the 5.0L V8 and $654 for the 3.3L V6. EcoBoost engines also need extra care, such as carbon cleaning and boost leak checks.

Is the 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost more reliable?

The 5.0L V8 is generally more reliable because it has no turbos and fewer complex parts. Oil consumption is its main weak spot on 2011-2017 trucks. The 2017 and newer 3.5L EcoBoost has improved a lot, but it still costs more to repair when a turbo or cam phaser fails.

How much do cam phasers cost to replace?

Cam phaser replacement costs $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the engine and whether both banks need work. The 5.4L V8 is the most expensive.

How long do F-150 turbos last?

Most EcoBoost turbos last 100,000 to 150,000 miles with good maintenance. Early 3.5L turbos can fail from about 80,000 miles. See the turbocharger replacement cost guide for prices.

Should I avoid the 10-speed transmission?

No, but be careful with 2017 and 2018 trucks. Early 10-speeds had harsh shifts and gear hunting, while 2019 and newer trucks are much improved after software updates and hardware changes. On any used truck, check for smooth shifts and ask whether the transmission software is up to date.

What F-150 problems show up after 100,000 miles?

After 100,000 miles, expect turbo, cam phaser, IWE hub, transfer case and exhaust manifold repairs. Around 150,000 miles is considered high mileage for an F-150, but a well-maintained truck can pass 250,000. Repairs get more frequent after 100,000, so budget for them or look at an extended warranty for high-mileage cars.

Can an extended warranty cover F-150 turbo or transmission repairs?

Yes. A vehicle service contract that covers the powertrain can pay for turbo and transmission repairs. The CoverageX Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, including turbocharger components where applicable, and higher plans add more systems. Coverage starts after 30 days and 1,000 miles, and problems that exist before that are not covered. See the CoverageX auto protection plans.

What are the common reliability issues with Ford F-150 EcoBoost engines?

The most common F-150 EcoBoost problems are timing chain stretch, turbocharger failure and cam phaser failure, all worst on the first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost from 2011 to 2016. Some early 3.5L engines also burn about a quart of oil every 1,500 miles. One turbo costs $2,500 to $3,500 to replace, and a chain-only timing job $2,000 to $3,000. The 2.7L and the 2017 and newer 3.5L have better records.