--- title: "2015-2020 Ford F-150 Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "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." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 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. **Quick answer**: We have 6 documented problems on record for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150, of which 4 are serious and 6 carry a recall or service bulletin. ## 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. ## Cam phaser rattle, 2017-2020 3.5L EcoBoost (major, widespread) (major) Second-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. Most affected: 2017-2020 (3.5L EcoBoost; same-era Raptor/Expedition included). Typical cost: Free under 21N12 (expired) or powertrain warranty; $2,500-$4,500 out of warranty. Recall/TSB: Ford CSP 21N12; PCM update 21B10. ## 10R80 10-speed harsh shifting / clunk / CDF drum failure (major) 2017+ 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. Most affected: 2017-2020 (10R80-equipped engines). Typical cost: $0 (reflash/relearn) to $2,500-$4,000+ (CDF drum/rebuild out of warranty). Recall/TSB: TSB 22-2428 (CDF drum); multiple shift-quality TSBs. ## 5.0L excessive oil consumption (2018-2020) (moderate) Third-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. Most affected: 2018-2020 (5.0L V8). Typical cost: $0 under warranty/TSB; top-offs otherwise; $3,000+ for ring/piston repair out of warranty. Recall/TSB: TSB 19-2365. ## Brake master cylinder leak, recall expanded to this generation (major) The 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. Most affected: 2015-2017 (3.5L EcoBoost). Typical cost: Free under recall. Recall/TSB: NHTSA 20V-332 / 22V-150. ## Frozen/inoperative door latches (recall) (moderate) Water 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. Most affected: 2015-2017. Typical cost: Free under recall. Recall/TSB: NHTSA 17V-652 (Ford 17S33). ## Seat belt pretensioner fires (recall) (major) In 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. Most affected: 2015-2018 (Regular Cab, SuperCrew). Typical cost: Free under recall. Recall/TSB: NHTSA 18V-568 (Ford 18S27). 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. - [2015 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015) - [2016 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2016) - [2017 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2017) - [2018 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2018) - [2019 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2019) - [2020 F-150](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2020) ## What changed during the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2015 | All-new aluminum body (~700 lb lighter); 2.7L EcoBoost debuts; 5.0L drops to 7.7 qt oil capacity (through 2017) | | 2017 | Raptor returns (450-hp 3.5L HO); second-gen PFDI 3.5L EcoBoost + 10R80 10-speed introduced (MERCON ULV fluid) | | 2018 | Facelift: 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 | | 2018-2020 | 3.0L Power Stroke diesel offered (from mid-2018) | | 2020 | Final 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](https://www.blauparts.com/ford-f-150-oil-change-kit-2018-20-5-0l-v8-5w20.html) - [NOLN Tech Spec, 2018 Ford F-150 service specifications](https://www.noln.net/topics/news/article/11496835/tech-spec-2018-ford-f-150-2018-03-01) - [NHTSA recall 20V-332, brake master cylinder, 2014-2017 F-150 3.5L EB](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V332-1472.PDF) - [NHTSA recall 17V-652 / Ford 17S33, door latch](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCMN-17V652-3541.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 18V-568, seat belt pretensioners](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCLRPT-18V568-3762.PDF) - [Motorcraft FL-2081 diesel oil filter fitment (2018-2021 3.0L Power Stroke)](https://puredieselpower.com/ford/2018-2021-f-150-powerstroke/2018-2021-ford-3.0l-powerstroke-upgraded-replacement-parts/18-21-ford-f-150-3.0l-powerstroke-ford-motocraft-oil-filter-fl-2081) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2018 Ford F-150 EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2018_Ford_F150.shtml) - [Hardrock Offroad, F-150 OEM wheel/tire fitment guide by generation](https://hardrockoffroad.com/fitment-guides/ford-f150/) - [BatteryMart / Interstate, 2015-2020 F-150 H6/H7 battery fitment](https://www.batterymart.com/c-ford-f-150-car-battery.html) ## Other Ford F-150 generations - [2021-2025 Ford F-150 problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2021-2025/common-problems) - [2012-2014 Ford F-150 problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2012-2014/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/common-problems). ## More for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.