Ford F-150 Reliability By Year [Rated by Owners]

The Ford F-150 has been around a long time and it had some reliable trucks from some years and not so much from others. In this article e will explore the details about the reliability of the Ford F-150 pickup truck years and identify the years that were the most reliable as well as those that you should stay away from.

The data we are looking at to determine the reliability in this article is from 3 trusted sources, the reliability rating from J.D Power, the Consumer Reviews reliability score from Edmunds.com and the Reliability score from RepairPal.com. These 3 sources gather their data from actual owners and create reports that we can use to make our shopping decisions on.

Most Reliable Ford F-150 Years

The title of The Most Reliable Ford F-150 Model Years goes to the 2003, 2004, and the 2017 models. The 2003 model stands out for excellent power and overall performance, resulting in a high JD Power reliability rating of 4.7 stars based on 223 consumer reviews. Embracing the reliability and features of this model year, the 2004 year model persevered, despite challenges with performance and engine issues, and still secured a reliability rating of 4.7 stars, from a notably larger number of reviews (684) compared to any other year.

The 2017 Ford F-150 also had significant highlight points. The model year initiated noteworthy reliability improvements in engine performance. The average annual maintenance cost, between $450 to $567, is less than many other years. Furthermore, the Most owners gave it an exceptional reliability score of 9-10/10. The vehicle also earned praise for its driver visibility and sound system, and it received a high crash test score, 4.25-4.8/10. Lastly, many users predicted the longevity of this model, expecting it to reach 200,000 miles, which suggests high confidence in its durability and endurance.

Least Reliable Ford F-150 Years

The Ford F-150 years that you should avoid, that demonstrate lower reliability compared to others emerge as the 2016 and 2021 models. The 2016 F-150 garnered a below-average 3.8-star rating from 152 consumer reviews. This model shared features and reliability with the redesigned 2015 model but failed to surpass or uphold its predecessor. Such ratings point out a decline in reliability, which might reflect in the longevity and performance of the trucks from this year.

Similarly, the 2021 model year noted major updates, including advanced infotainment and safety features, and a new hybrid model. However, despite these advancements, it thrust forward with a lower 3.7-star rating based on 92 consumer reviews. The modest rating might indicate minor growing pains with the new features, or some users may have faced first-year model issues. Hence, based on consumer reviews, the 2016 and 2021 models appear to have compromised reliability relative to other model years within Ford F-150’s lineage.

Ford F-150 Reliability Details By Year

Now let’s take a look at the details of what makes each Ford F-150 model year reliable or not. We will tackle each year one by one, revealing important details and reliability ratings that have shaped the trust in these trucks. I am going to start at 1997 because there is not a lot of data available for older years and also unless they have had major restoration done on them, those model years probably have a tons of miles on them and are no longer reliable.

1997 Ford F-150 Reliability

A pivotal year in Ford F-150’s history with a major redesign, it received a 4.3-star rating from 132 consumers, indicating the model’s commendable reliability despite changes.

• This year saw a major shift in the F-Series design and structure.
• 4.3 Stars by 132 Consumer Reviews

1998 Ford F-150 Reliability

This year’s model upheld the reliability established by the 1997 redesign, earning a solid 4.5-star rating from 90 consumer reviews.

• This model upheld the reliability established by the significant 1997 redesign.
• 4.5 Stars by 90 Consumer Reviews

1999 Ford F-150 Reliability

The 1999 model continued the reliability trend of its predecessors, securing a 4.3-star rating based on 99 consumer reviews.

• This model maintained the reliability consistent with its predecessors.
• 4.3 Stars by 99 Consumer Reviews

2000 Ford F-150 Reliability

Much like earlier models, the 2000 F-150 showed consistent reliability, achieving a 4.4-star rating from 84 reviews.

• This model, like its early-generation siblings, showed consistent reliability.
• 4.4 Stars by 84 Consumer Reviews

2001 Ford F-150 Reliability

Despite being an older model, the 2001 F-150’s timeless design and strong reliability earned it a high 4.6-star rating from 187 consumer reviews.

• Despite its age, it holds a timeless design, earning 3.0 out of 5.0 in reliability from Consumer Reports.
• 4.6 Stars by 187 Consumer Reviews

2002 Ford F-150 Reliability

The 2002 model echoed the solid reliability of the previous years of this generation, evidenced by a commanding 4.6-star rating based on 220 consumer reviews.

• This model carried the solid reliability of the previous years of this generation.
• 4.6 Stars by 220 Consumer Reviews

2003 Ford F-150 Reliability

Famed for excellent power and overall performance, this year’s model garnered a high 4.7-star rating from 223 consumers reviews, showcasing its superior reliability.

• This year stood out for excellent power and overall performance.
• 4.7 Stars by 223 Consumer Reviews

2004 Ford F-150 Reliability

In spite of facing performance and engine issues due to a redesign, this model earned a strong 4.7-star reliability rating from a vast number of 684 consumer reviews.

• This year faced challenges with performance and engine issues due to a redesign.
• 4.7 Stars by 684 Consumer Reviews

A Word From The Owners

Here are just a few reviews from actual owners from Edmunds.com:

“Don’t say anything about the fuel economy. You don’t buy a 6000 pound truck and expect 30 mpg! This is a solid truck and even after 6 years, I still love it. I don’t drive it that much, but it has been very reliable. The only real problem was the rear end, which had to be replaced by the dealer after about 4000 miles. When they put it back together, they forgot to lube the yoke which caused the drive shaft to go bad. All these were done under warranty at the dealer. Other than that, no problems at all (knock on wood). It’s easy to understand why this truck sells so well.” ~ Bill – Owner of a 2004 Ford F-150 4dr SuperCab FX4 4WD Styleside 5.5 ft. SB (5.4L 8cyl 4A)

2005 Ford F-150 Reliability

Mechanical issues from 2004 lingered in the 2005 model but didn’t overshadow its reliability, as evidenced by a 4.5-star rating from 336 consumer reviews.

• This year, mechanical issues from 2004 carried over, affecting the model’s reliability.
• 4.5 Stars by 336 Consumer Reviews

2006 Ford F-150 Reliability

Sharing the difficulties of the 2004 and 2005 models, the 2006 version made slight but notable improvements, earning a respectable 4.4-star reliability rating from 191 reviews.

• This model shared the difficulties of the 2004 and 2005 models but showed slight improvements.
• 4.4 Stars by 191 Consumer Reviews

2007 Ford F-150 Reliability

The 2007 model preserved the brand’s tradition of reliability – as demonstrated in the 2006 F-150 – securing a robust 4.5-star rating from 121 consumer reviews and also showcasing minor improvements.

• This model held the tradition of reliability demonstrated in the 2006 F-150.
• Despite low engine reliability score, it got high marks from owners (8/10).
• DTC codes common with this model included P0316, P0420, and P0430.
• Average F-150 mileage stands at 136,000 miles, reflecting the truck’s durability.
• Owners liked the easy-to-use infotainment system and complained about the lack of interior storage space.
• The NHTSA crash test score was a solid 4.5/10 for the 2007 model.
• JD Power reliability rating: 83
• 4.5 Stars by 121 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2008 Ford F-150 Reliability

Positive adjustments pushed this model to earn a “Pretty Good” rating from CarComplaints and a high 4.6-star reliability rating from 83 consumer reviews.

• Improvements pushed this model to earn a “Pretty Good” rating from CarComplaints.
• Similar to the 2007 model, owners have confidence in its long-term performance.
• Mechanics might encounter the P1000 code, often correlated with a disconnected battery.
• A high safety rating of 4.5/10 reflected well in NHTSA crash tests.
• JD Power reliability rating: 85
• 4.6 Stars by 83 Consumer Reviews

2009 Ford F-150 Reliability

The year marked a redesign that introduced two powerful V8 engine options, and it still managed to maintain good reliability, earning a 4.7-star rating from 100 consumer reviews.

• This redesign year introduced two powerful V8 engine options.
• JD Power reliability rating: 81
• 4.7 Stars by 100 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2010 Ford F-150 Reliability

Afflicted by body integrity issues, it still earned a substantial 4.6-star reliability rating from 159 consumer reviews.

• This year faced body integrity issues including a tendency for rear windows to shatter and interior water leaks.
• JD Power reliability rating: 81
• 4.6 Stars by 159 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2011 Ford F-150 Reliability

Mirroring the 2010 model with body issues, the 2011 model managed a decent reliability with a 4.0-star rating based on 79 consumer reviews.

• This F-150 model paralleled the 2010 model, facing some body issues.
• JD Power reliability rating: 81
• 4.0 Stars by 79 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2012 Ford F-150 Reliability

Despite its position among the older models, the 2012 model resonated the feature set and reliability of its predecessors, earning a solid 4.2-star rating from 51 consumer reviews.

• This model matched the features and reliability of the 2010 and 2011 models.
• Showed improved engine reliability and owner scores at 9/10.
• Common issues include oxygen sensor errors or fuel system problems.
• Average annual repair costs generally aligned with the average of $653.
• NHTSA crash test score for this year was a solid 4.0/10.
• JD Power reliability rating: 76
• 4.2 Stars by 51 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2013 Ford F-150 Reliability

Recognized for its reliability and diverse engine options, the 2013 model secured a 4.3-star rating based on 88 consumer reviews.

• Recognition for the 2013 model centers on its reliability and the variety of available engines.
• Maintains, like the 2012 model, a similar frequency of DTC codes and repair costs.
• Drivers praise the truck’s excellent visibility and like the infotainment system.
• Owners believe their trucks will cross 200,000 miles, displaying high confidence.
• JD Power reliability rating: 80
• 4.3 Stars by 88 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2014 Ford F-150 Reliability

Continuing from 2013, this model earned a “Pretty Good” rating from CarComplaints and achieved a 4.2-star reliability rating from 62 consumer reviews, highlighting its consistent reliability.

• Continuing the trend from 2013; this model earned a “Pretty Good” rating from CarComplaints.
• Owner Reliability Score remained high (9-10), showcasing consistency in reliability.
• Average yearly upkeep estimated around $745, slightly above the average cost.
• A solid NHTSA crash test score of 4.0 out of 5, indicating strong protection.
• JD Power reliability rating: 83
• 4.2 Stars by 62 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2015 Ford F-150 Reliability

This major redesign year introduced a new lightweight aluminum body design, scoring a sturdy 4.1-star reliability rating from a massive 130 consumer reviews.

• A redesign year that included the introduction of a new lightweight aluminum body design.
• JD Power reliability rating: 82
• 4.1 Stars by 130 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2016 Ford F-150 Reliability

Sharing features and reliability with the redesigned 2015 model, it garnered a respectable 3.8-star rating from 152 consumer reviews.

• This model shares features and reliability with the redesigned 2015 model.
• JD Power reliability rating: 81
• 3.8 Stars by 152 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2017 Ford F-150 Reliability

This year ushered in dependability gains in engine performance, achieving a noteworthy 4.2-star reliability rating from 78 consumer reviews.

• This model year initiated reliability gains in engine performance.
• Average annual maintenance ranges from $450 to $567.
• Owner Reliability Score stood exceptional, at 9-10/10.
• Most recurring issues revolve around the brakes and engine.
• Driver visibility and sound system received praise from owners.
• Noted for its above-average crash test score of 4.25-4.8/10.
• JD Power reliability rating: 84
• 4.2 Stars by 78 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

A Word From The Owners

Here are just a few reviews from actual owners from Edmunds.com:

“I’ve owned many trucks over the years. I’ve never had a Ram, but have owned many Chevrolet and GMC pick ups. My father and father-in-law have F-150 trucks. I recently sold my GMC Sierra SLT 4WD Crew Cab and bought a 2017 F-150 Platinum 4WD SuperCrew with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and new 10-speed transmission. This truck is the fanciest and nicest truck I have ever been in. This thing is nicer than the vast majority of Mercedes and BMW cars. Tons of room, engine with gobs of power, very quiet, and awesome material quality used throughout. It is expensive, so you need to buy from a dealer than will give steep discounts like I did (Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, AL). But this is one amazing truck! I would rather travel down the highway in this thing than a Cadillac!” ~ L. Mc. – Owner of a 2017 Ford F-150 Platinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)

“My 2017 Lariet is now four years old with 57,000 miles and it drives like it is brand new! Never had any issues with it and have hauled trailers across the country twice now. It is as smooth a ride as the day I bought it. This is my first Ford product and now I wondered why I never considered a Ford in past decades. I wanted a full size truck with blind spot monitors and at the time, Ford was the only truck offering that option! No regrets, expect to keep this truck for many years.” ~ Mark – Owner of a 2017 Ford F-150 Lariat 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

“I bought my 2017 Ford F150 XLT crew cab after owning a Chevy and a Dodge in the past. By far, the Ford trucks are better in every aspect. I have heard and read about people comparing other trucks to the Ford trucks; however, I can tell you from personal experience none of the truck makers compare to the Ford trucks. The Ford trucks are engineered with such quality that it is noticeable from the first drive. Personally, the ride quality, comfort, and gas mileage have been superior. The ride quality is better than most luxury brand cars. The comfort is excellent especially for long trips for larger drivers. Overall, the best brand and quality truck on the market!!!” ~ Ron, FL – 2017 Ford F-150 XLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

2018 Ford F-150 Reliability

Celebrated for exceptional durability and mileage, the 2018 model acquired a 3.9-star reliability rating based on 148 consumer reviews.

• This model earned high praise for exceptional durability and impressive mileage.
• It scored high 7-8/10 on FIXD Reliability Score.
• Owners noted infrequent DTC codes, mainly related to emissions or exhaust leaks.
• Most maintenance costs remain under $500, with a few exceptions related to brakes and engine.
• Drivers appreciate visibility but found the infotainment system tricky.
• Recall repairs, if not addressed, should be taken care of before purchase.
• JD Power reliability rating: 74
• 3.9 Stars by 148 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2019 Ford F-150 Reliability

This model year secured a 3.9-star reliability rating from 102 consumer reviews, along with high praise from both experts and users.

• Expert and user reviews extol this model. High reliability noted.
• Owner Reliability Score between 9 and 10, was routine for this robust model year.
• Mechanics seldomly encounter DTC codes, with few exceptions for emissions related components.
• A quarter of owners expect this model to reach 200,000 miles as per collected feedback.
• JD Power reliability rating: 78
• 3.9 Stars by 102 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2020 Ford F-150 Reliability

This year introduced six engine options, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, affirming its high credibility with a 4.0-star reliability rating based on 68 consumer reviews.

• This year introduced six engine options, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• Noted for low frequency of DTC codes appearing, signaling a well-maintained vehicle.
• The average annual maintenance cost remains within $450-$567.
• A quarter of the owners believe this model will cross 200,000 miles.
• JD Power reliability rating: 78
• 4.0 Stars by 68 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2021 Ford F-150 Reliability

Major updates in infotainment and safety features, along with the introduction of a new hybrid model, didn’t defy its good standing, as reflected by a 3.7-star rating based on 92 consumer reviews.

• Major updates included more advanced infotainment and safety features and a new hybrid model.
• JD Power reliability rating: 77
• 3.7 Stars by 92 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2022 Ford F-150 Reliability

Building on updates from 2021, this model prioritized advanced tech and infotainment, earning praise along with a 4.4-star reliability rating based on 31 consumer reviews.

• Building on updates from 2021, this model prioritized advanced tech and infotainment.
• JD Power reliability rating: 86
• 4.4 Stars by 31 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

2023 Ford F-150 Reliability

Keeping up with modern demands, the anticipated model has already impressed with its advanced features, as evidenced by an initial 4.5-star reliability rating from 56 consumer reviews.

• Up-to-date with modern demands, this model is anticipated to include advanced features.
• JD Power reliability rating: 78
• 4.5 Stars by 56 Consumer Reviews
• Repair Pal reliability rating: 3.5
• Severity Of Repairs: 18% (Average full size truck is 20%)

* Consumer Reviews from edmunds.com
* Reliability rating from RepairPal.com
* JD Power ratings from jdpower.com