--- title: "Ford F-150 Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Ford F-150 problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. 6 documented problems with the 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/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford F-150 Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ford F-150 problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2021-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2021-2025/common-problems) | 6 | 4 | 6 | | [2015-2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/common-problems) | 6 | 4 | 6 | | [2012-2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2012-2014/common-problems) | 5 | 3 | 3 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Ford F-150 is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2021-2025 Ford F-150 Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2021-2025/common-problems) - [2015-2020 Ford F-150 Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015-2020/common-problems) - [2012-2014 Ford F-150 Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2012-2014/common-problems) ## Ford F-150 problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the Ford F-150? The recurring ones are: 2.7l/3.0l ecoboost intake valve fracture (recall, engine replacement); driveshaft damage from loose underbody insulators (recalls); rear axle hub bolt failure, trailer tow max duty (recalls); trailer brake controller software failures (recalls); windshield wiper motor/arm failures (recalls). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid? The years to be most careful with are those affected by 2.7l/3.0l ecoboost intake valve fracture (recall, engine replacement) (2021-2022 (2.7L EcoBoost; ~47,700 F-150s)) and driveshaft damage from loose underbody insulators (recalls) (2021-2022) and rear axle hub bolt failure, trailer tow max duty (recalls) (2021-2023 (Trailer Tow Max Duty package)) and trailer brake controller software failures (recalls) (2021-2022 (later campaigns reach 2021-2026)). 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 Ford F-150? 6 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 24V-635 (Ford 24S55) (2.7l/3.0l ecoboost intake valve fracture (recall, engine replacement)), NHTSA 21V-986 / 22V-623 (Ford 21S56 / 22S53) (driveshaft damage from loose underbody insulators (recalls)), NHTSA 23V-896, expanded 25V-512 (Ford 25S82) (rear axle hub bolt failure, trailer tow max duty (recalls)), NHTSA 22V-193 (Ford 22S17); follow-ups 25S18, 26C10 (trailer brake controller software failures (recalls)), NHTSA 22V-142 / 22V-842 / 22V-250 (windshield wiper motor/arm failures (recalls)), TSB 22-2428; NHTSA 25V-488 (Ford 25S77) (10r80 harsh shifting continues; loss of power-brake assist on 2024-25 (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 Ford F-150 repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: 2.7l/3.0l ecoboost intake valve fracture (recall, engine replacement), Free under recall (engine test / replacement); driveshaft damage from loose underbody insulators (recalls), Free under recall; rear axle hub bolt failure, trailer tow max duty (recalls), Free under recall; trailer brake controller software failures (recalls), Free under recall (software update). ## Sources - [2022 Ford F-150 Owner's Manual (Ford service content), capacities and specifications](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2022-Ford-F-150-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_10_2021.pdf) - [F150gen14 forum, 2021 5.0L 5W-30 / 7.7-qt sump change discussion (owner's manual excerpts)](https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2021-v8-oil-capacity.4358/) - [NHTSA recall 24V-635 chronology, 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valves](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RMISC-24V635-2546.pdf) - [Astro Ford / NHTSA, F-150 recall hub (driveshaft, trailer brake, axle, EBB campaigns)](https://www.astroford.com/recalls/ford-f-150-recalls.htm) - [Car and Driver, Ford EcoBoost intake-valve engine failure recall](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62044486/ford-f150-bronco-explorer-edge-lincoln-nautilus-aviator-engine-failure-recall/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2023 Ford F-150 EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2023_Ford_F150.shtml) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2022 Ford F-150 OE fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ford/f-150/2022/) - [Cars.com, 2021 F-150 towing capacities breakdown (14,000-lb max)](https://www.cars.com/articles/breaking-down-the-2021-ford-f-150s-towing-capacities-433112/) - [Motorcraft, MERCON ULV automatic transmission fluid (10R80)](https://www.motorcraft.com/us/en_us/home/our-products/chemicals-and-lubricants/transmission-fluid/mercon-ulv-automatic-transmission-fluids.html/100) ## Find your exact F-150 - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/2012) More Ford F-150 guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/f-150/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.