Best and worst years for Ford F150 include 2008-2009 and 2018-2019, respectively. That means models 2008 and 2009 are among the top-rated, while 2018 and 2019 are some of the ones to avoid.
Please read all the details below. We’ll discuss at least the five top-rated and four models you should avoid, whether you plan to buy new or old.
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What Are the Best Ford F-150 Model Years To Buy?
The best Ford F-150 model years to buy include 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, and 2009. That is based on consumer feedback, ratings, and reported problems from major vehicle review websites. These F-150 years have a rating of at least 4.5 out of 5, indicating high reliability.
The Ford F-150s are part of the Ford F-series, a range of pickup trucks introduced in 1948. In their 15th generation, the F-150s have preserved their position as the number-one selling light-duty trucks in the USA yearly since 1977.
In addition to serving as workhorses, these Ford trucks are also everyday vehicles for numerous Americans. Research shows that over 43 percent of the Ford F-150 owners rely on trucks for commuting and consider them decent family vehicles.
But like any other car model, the Ford F-150s aren’t perfect. Commonly reported mechanical issues include:
- Leaks on the head gasket
- Spark plugs ejection from the cylinder head
- Power loss while driving
- Faulty ignition coil
- Defective window regulator
- Rusty hoods
- Faulty ignition coils
- Transmission problems
However, some years are more affected than others. If you plan to buy a Ford F-150 soon (whether new or used), it’s good to know the Ford F-150 reliability by years to make an informed decision. As mentioned, these are the most reliable F150 years to buy:
Ford F-150 Year 2009
The 2009 Ford F150 is the first model year in the 12th generation F-series. Its debut was welcomed with great love and commendation from customers and reviewers.
Its outstanding features include exceptional tow, handling, and safety scores. This model is also hailed for its gorgeous interior with various cab and bed configurations to ensure a smooth and satisfying ride.
So far, the 2009 Ford F150 has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 after 100 reviews on Edmunds. On Kelly Blue Book (Kbb.com), this model has secured a rating of 4.5 out of 5 after 986 reviews. J.D. Power granted it an excellent score of 84/100. The model is also number one on U.S. News’ list of the best 2009 full-size pickup trucks.
Ford F-150 Year 2008
The 2008 model concluded the F-series’ 11th generation. Upon its debut, this F-150 received massive customer acclaim, lauding its muscular build, quality interior, smooth ride, and outstanding payload capacity.
About a decade and a half since then, this F150 year has maintained its reputation, evident across various reputable vehicle review websites. Thus, it’s still one of the best F150 years to buy used.
The model has 170 complaints on CarComplaints.com, one of the least in the F-150 category. It has so far secured a score of 4.6 out of 5 after 83 reviews on Edmunds and 4.5 out of 5 after over 2,500 reviews on Kbb.com. At J.D. Power, the 2008 Ford F-150 was granted a reliability rating of 83 out of 100.
Ford F-150 Year 2003
Although it’s not as feature-rich as its newer counterparts, the 2003 Ford F150 is one of the most sought-after light-duty trucks in the used market. Its agile powertrains and gorgeous styling have sustained its spot among the top-rated trucks on various vehicle review sites for almost two decades.
So far, it has a stellar score of 4.7 out of 5 after 223 owner reviews on Edmunds. It has maintained the same rating of 4.7 out of 5, following over 1,450 customer reviews on Kelley Blue Book.
On CarComplaints.com, the 2003 Ford F150 has registered 103 complaints, representing one of the fewest figures in its category. With these exceptional reliability ratings, it’s undoubtedly worth your consideration if you’re in the used F150 market.
Ford F-150 Year 2002
The ‘which are the best F150 years Reddit?’ is one of the most frequently asked questions, and it’s hard to miss the Ford F150 year 2002 in the replies. As part of the 10th generation of the F-series, it has consistently enjoyed praise and accolades.
These are attributed to its agile powertrains, beautiful styling (interior and exterior), and well-built suspension, among other features. There are 166 complaints on CarComplaints.com, which consists of the common issues with all Ford F-150 mentioned earlier in the article.
The number 166 represents one of the fewest complaints in the F-150 category. Its reliability is further indicated by an excellent score of 4.6 out of 5 after 219 owner reviews on Edmunds. On the Kelley Blue Book, the 2008 Ford F-150 scored 4.7 out of 5 after 1,454 customer reviews.
Ford F-150 Year 2001
The 2001 Ford F-150 is also in the 10th generation F-series and toed the line of its immediate predecessor. This model year’s debut garnered immense praise due to its exceptional quality. The most outstanding features include a spacious cabin, a massive powertrain, and other inclusive configurations.
On CarComplaints.com, this model year has recorded 143 complaints, one of the fewest since some model years have over 300. The F-150 2001 has also received a 4.6 score out of 5 after 187 reviews on Edmunds and 4.7 out of 5 after 1,454 reviews on Kbb.com. Thus, it’s a great option if you are okay with buying a used and vintage F-150 truck.
Note that the Ford F-150 2020 is also doing great, and it’s worth your consideration. In addition to being feature-rich, this model year is reputed for high towing capacity and a perfect balance between power and comfort.
It’s also available in several engine options, including 2.7L turbocharged EcoBoost, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, and 3.3L Ti-VCT V6. The model has a 4.1 out of 5 customer rating on Edmunds, 4.6 out of 5 on Kbb.com, and 83 out of 100 on J.D. Power.
The Ford F-150 year 2020 still needs more time to prove itself. However, its successor, the 2021 model, hasn’t been doing good and happens to be one of the Ford F150 years to avoid, as discussed in the next section. The 2022 and 2023 model years are, so far, performing well. For instance, the 2022 Ford F-150 is rated an average of 8.5 out of 10 after 30 reviews.
The high score was based on attributes like power and capability, efficiency, comfort, and various configurations. The 2023 has secured a 4.6 score out of 5 after 54 reviews on Edmunds and 4.2 out of 5 after 24 reviews on Kelley Blue Book.
But as mentioned, it’s still early to speak conclusively on these model years’ reliability since most have barely clocked 20,000 miles on their odometers.
What Are the Worst Years of the Ford F-150?
The worst years of the Ford F-150 include 2021, 2019, and 2018, based on customer feedback and ratings on various reputable automotive review sites. The F-150 model 2010 has also slid into the list of ‘the years to avoid’ after an increasingly rising number of complaints.
Ford F-150 Year 2021
The 2021 F-150 was designed almost the same as its predecessors. It has a deluxe interior and is available in a variety of trims. Its engine power is also reliable whether you use the truck for everyday commuting or towing heavy loads.
Unfortunately, most people have encountered several engine problems, which have led to a low rating on most automotive review websites.
For instance, the model year is rated 3.9 out of 5, following 147 owner reviews on Edmunds. On J.D. Power, the truck scored 79 over 100, one of the lowest in the F-150 category.
Ford F-150 Year 2019
At its grand debut, the Ford F-150 year 2019 could hardly miss any of the best light-duty trucks of the year’s list. For example, it was number one on the U.S. News’ list of the best full-size light-duty trucks for 2019.
The model boasted class-topping towing capacity and affordable ownership cost. Unfortunately, the model has failed to maintain its position as time passes.
The 2019 F-150 has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 after 102 owner reviews on Edmunds and a score of 81 out of 100 on J.D. Power. Although it’s still rated highly on Kbb.com at 4.6 out of 5 after 264 reviews, numerous reported engine problems have consistently damaged its reputation on the used F-150 market.
Ford F-150 Year 2018
The 2018 model is one of the F150 EcoBoost years to avoid. Although it has 137 complaints on CarComplaints.com, one of the fewest in the F-150 category, it’s considered the worst F-150 model ever.
Like all other Ford F-150 years, the 2018 has its fair share of engine problems. But most owners complain of “shifting hard,” a transmission issue with a potential repair cost of $7,000!
The worst part of this problem is that it happens at an average mileage of 15,000 miles. Other common problems with these models include weak suspension, occurring in the early stages of the truck’s life (can cost up to $800 in repair).
This model has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 after 147 reviews on Edmunds and 79 out of 100 on J.D. Power. So, avoid this potential lemon if you’re shopping for a used Ford F-150.
Ford F150 Year 2010
This 12th-generation F-series model has had a continuously rising number of complaints. Although it’s highly rated on Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and J.D. Power, this model is slowly getting into the list of the worst years to keep off.
On CarComplaints.com, the model has registered 388 complaints, one of the highest in the Ford F-150 category.
Of the 388 complaints, about 50 are about transmission issues, and over 100 are regarding window problems. Internal engine issues also rank highly on this model. The primary area of concern with the model involves breaking spark plugs.
Conclusion
After reading our article on the best and worst years for Ford F150 to avoid, finding a reliable pickup truck for your needs is now easier.
Here’s what we’ve discussed in summary:
- Ford F-150S are generally great pickup trucks and one of the most sought-after in the country.
- However, some model years are reported to encounter a few mechanical issues, which you may need to avoid.
- The 2019 and 2018 are some models on top of the list of the worst F150 years to keep off.
- Some of the best Ford F150 engines or years that have dominated in the used market include the 2008 and 2009.
Now, you’re almost ready to find yourself a reliable Ford F-150. You only need to compare a few more factors, such as the prices of the top-ranking models – remember to seek expert opinion where necessary.
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