2015–2020 13th generation (2015–2020, aluminum body)
2015–2020 Ford F-150 Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2015–2020 Ford F-150, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 6 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2015–2020 Ford F-150 recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Ford CSP 21N12; PCM update 21B10 | Cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5L EcoBoost (major, widespread) | major |
| TSB 22-2428 (CDF drum); multiple shift-quality TSBs | 10R80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / CDF drum failure | major |
| TSB 19-2365 | 5.0L excessive oil consumption (2018–2020) | moderate |
| NHTSA 20V-332 / 22V-150 | Brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation | major |
| NHTSA 17V-652 (Ford 17S33) | Frozen/inoperative door latches (recall) | moderate |
| NHTSA 18V-568 (Ford 18S27) | Seat belt pretensioner fires (recall) | major |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
Cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5L EcoBoost (major, widespread)
majorSecond-gen 3.5L EcoBoosts develop a loud 1–3 second knock/rattle on cold start as worn VCT cam phasers slap before oil pressure arrives. Ford first issued a PCM calibration (21B10), then extended coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (expired Jan 2023) replacing phasers with a redesigned part. Out of program, phaser replacement is a deep timing-cover job; unlucky trucks have needed it more than once. A class action was filed.
10R80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / CDF drum failure
major2017+ trucks with the 10R80 draw heavy complaints for harsh 1–3 and 7–8 shifts, clunks, hesitation, and occasional loss of drive. Root causes range from adaptive-learning software (fixed by reflash/relearn) to a failing CDF drum bushing that sheds friction material (TSB 22-2428) and requires transmission repair. A class action was filed; NHTSA has investigated but not recalled for shift quality.
5.0L excessive oil consumption (2018–2020)
moderateThird-gen Coyotes can burn a quart in well under 3,000 miles. Ford's TSB 19-2365 procedure (PCM update, revised dipstick, and in stubborn cases new pistons/rings) helps some trucks but not all; a class action followed. Check the dipstick between changes, the 8.8-qt sump gives some buffer, but low oil plus cylinder-deactivation-era calibrations is a bad mix.
Brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation
majorThe same master-cylinder defect recalled on 2013–2014 trucks was expanded to 2014–2017 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost (20V-332, Ford 20S31) and again to 2016–2017 trucks (22V-150, Ford 22S11). Symptoms: low/long pedal, fluid warning, front-brake fade. Dealers replace the master cylinder (and booster if contaminated) free.
Frozen/inoperative door latches (recall)
moderateWater intrusion freezes the door-latch actuation cables in cold climates, so doors won't open, won't latch, or can appear closed and swing open while driving. Ford recalled 2015–2017 trucks (17V-652, Ford 17S33): dealers install water shields and inspect/replace cables free of charge.
Seat belt pretensioner fires (recall)
majorIn Regular Cab and SuperCrew trucks, front seat-belt pretensioners can throw excessive sparks when they deploy in a crash, igniting carpet/insulation and in some cases burning the truck. Ford recalled about 2 million 2015–2018 trucks (18V-568); dealers modify the B-pillar area with heat-resistant tape and shields free of charge.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2015–2020 Ford F-150. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Ford F-150 model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Ford F-150 built from 2015 through 2020 — the 13th generation (2015–2020, aluminum body), full-size pickup (aluminum body, steel frame). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2015–2020 Ford F-150
- 2015All-new aluminum body (~700 lb lighter); 2.7L EcoBoost debuts; 5.0L drops to 7.7 qt oil capacity (through 2017)
- 2017Raptor returns (450-hp 3.5L HO); second-gen PFDI 3.5L EcoBoost + 10R80 10-speed introduced (MERCON ULV fluid)
- 2018Facelift: 3.3L replaces 3.5L NA base engine, 5.0L rises to 395 hp and 8.8 qt capacity, 10-speed spreads to 2.7L/5.0L, Auto Start-Stop standard on EcoBoost
- 2018–20203.0L Power Stroke diesel offered (from mid-2018)
- 2020Final year of the generation; carryover mechanicals
2015–2020 Ford F-150 problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015–2020 Ford F-150?
- The recurring ones are: cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5l ecoboost (major, widespread); 10r80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / cdf drum failure; 5.0l excessive oil consumption (2018–2020); brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation; frozen/inoperative door latches (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2015–2020 Ford F-150 years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5l ecoboost (major, widespread) (2017–2020 (3.5L EcoBoost; same-era Raptor/Expedition included)) and 10r80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / cdf drum failure (2017–2020 (10R80-equipped engines)) and brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation (2015–2017 (3.5L EcoBoost)) and seat belt pretensioner fires (recall) (2015–2018 (Regular Cab, SuperCrew)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2015–2020 Ford F-150?
- 6 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Ford CSP 21N12; PCM update 21B10 (cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5l ecoboost (major, widespread)), TSB 22-2428 (CDF drum); multiple shift-quality TSBs (10r80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / cdf drum failure), TSB 19-2365 (5.0l excessive oil consumption (2018–2020)), NHTSA 20V-332 / 22V-150 (brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation), NHTSA 17V-652 (Ford 17S33) (frozen/inoperative door latches (recall)), NHTSA 18V-568 (Ford 18S27) (seat belt pretensioner fires (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2015–2020 Ford F-150 repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 3.5l ecoboost (major, widespread), Free under 21N12 (expired) or powertrain warranty; $2,500–$4,500 out of warranty; 10r80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / cdf drum failure, $0 (reflash/relearn) to $2,500–$4,000+ (CDF drum/rebuild out of warranty); 5.0l excessive oil consumption (2018–2020), $0 under warranty/TSB; top-offs otherwise; $3,000+ for ring/piston repair out of warranty; brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation, Free under recall.
Sources
- Blauparts / Ford owner-manual data, 13th-gen oil capacities by engine
- NOLN Tech Spec, 2018 Ford F-150 service specifications
- NHTSA recall 20V-332, brake master cylinder, 2014–2017 F-150 3.5L EB
- NHTSA recall 17V-652 / Ford 17S33, door latch
- NHTSA recall 18V-568, seat belt pretensioners
- Motorcraft FL-2081 diesel oil filter fitment (2018–2021 3.0L Power Stroke)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2018 Ford F-150 EPA ratings
- Hardrock Offroad, F-150 OEM wheel/tire fitment guide by generation
- BatteryMart / Interstate, 2015–2020 F-150 H6/H7 battery fitment