With our Used F-150 Problems Buyer’s Guide, we’re here to help our customers drive home in an excellent full-size truck! After all, we’ve seen just about everything in our Fayetteville service shop, and some issues have come up more than a few times.
Key Takeaways:
- From shaky EcoBoost engines to questionable spark plugs, the used Ford F-150 has a variety of known issues.
- Late-model F-150 trucks make excellent used purchases, minimizing the potential for problems.
- Visit us at Lafayette Ford to browse our world-class used F-150 inventory. We only sell the highest-quality pre-owned trucks!
What Common Issues Are Seen From the Ford F-150s?
Although Ford’s bestselling light-duty truck has some well-known issues, there’s no one problem that pertains to every F-150 model year. These trucks have changed a lot over the years, and many of their known issues have faded into the sunset (of older model years). For every known issue, make sure you check out which model years are involved. That way, you may be able to avoid select issues altogether.
Soy-Based Wire Coating May Attract Rodents
For 13th-generation F-150 trucks (2015-2020), more drivers seemed to have issues with rodents chewing through their truck’s wiring. Detractors blame a soy-based wire coating that’s become popular with a number of automakers, including Ford. On the other hand, many experienced mechanics note that rats have always enjoyed munching on wire insulation. Perhaps, they say, the issue is that there is simply more wiring on vehicles than ever before — and therefore rats have more opportunities to snack on it.
If squirrels or rats are wreaking havoc on your truck, you can try warding them off with coyote urine or tape infused with hot peppers. Certain types of car insurance cover this problem, so consider upgrading your plan accordingly if you think you’ll be waging war against local vermin.
3.5L EcoBoost Shudders or Misfires
For 2011-2012 F-150 trucks equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, an issue with the charge air cooler (CAC) could cause significant engine damage. Functioning properly, the CAC cools air from the turbocharger before sending it along to the engine. For these model years, an unusual amount of moisture could accumulate in the CAC. If this moisture enters the engine, your F-150 may shake, shudder, misfire, or lose power. Some drivers report that their EcoBoost engine went into “limp home” mode (a kind of safe mode for your car) after being hit with a dose of moisture.
To fix the issue, Ford technicians will install a revised bottom air deflector onto the CAC to improve ventilation and reduce moisture buildup. If you’re thinking about purchasing a 2011-2012 used F-150, check the vehicle history report to see if it’s already gotten this fix. If not, you may want to purchase an extended warranty. Or simply have the new air deflector installed before you ever have an issue!
Leaky Brake Master Cylinder
Certain F-150 trucks have developed a bit of a reputation for their brake master cylinder design. For the 2013 model year, Ford replaced a Bosch part with a Hitachi master cylinder featuring a single-cup seal. Unfortunately, this seal — meant to keep pressurized brake fluid from leaking out — is faulty by design. It tends to roll in place and leak under pressure (that is, whenever you’re braking). Ultimately, the problem can lead to outright front-brake failure.
Ford issued a recall for some 2013-2014 F-150 trucks, which received a new brake master cylinder. However, Ford continued to use the Hitachi master cylinder through the 2018 model year. An ongoing class-action suit is seeking damages for repairs that weren’t covered by the limited recall. In any case, if you’re considering a pre-owned F-150 from this era and find it’s equipped with the Hitachi step-bore brake master cylinder, keep a close eye on your brake fluid level. (And consider purchasing an extended warranty for your used truck!)
Spark Plugs Break Off in Triton V8
For 2004-2008 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with a Triton V8, spark plugs can get complicated. These model years feature unique plugs that are designed to last 100,000 miles. No problem there!
Unfortunately, when it’s time to change these long-lasting spark plugs, their unique two-piece design becomes a big problem. Instead of being easy to remove (they’ve been in there for 100,000 miles, after all), the spark plugs often snap apart, leaving one half stuck inside the cylinder head. This happens so often that we highly recommend anyone with these F-150 model years not attempt to change their own spark plugs. Instead, get your spark plugs changed at a shop that has specialized tools to remove them, such as your local Ford dealer.
What is the Best Year of Used F-150’s?
When it comes to customer satisfaction, you’ll find that late F-150 model years lead the way. The 14th generation of these trucks (2021-current model year) make excellent used purchases. Besides having yet to develop any major issues, being newer generally means they’ve suffered less wear-and-tear than earlier model years. Depending on model year and mileage, late-model used F-150s may even come with leftover warranty coverage! And if you’re worried about any of the F-150’s known issues, you can always ask about extended warranty options.
Does Lafayette Ford Offer Used Ford F-150’s?
Looking for a reliable used Ford F-150? Visit us at Lafayette Ford, where our pre-owned light-duty trucks are only the best quality. Every used truck on our lot has been inspected to ensure a safe, reliable ride!
Call or text us to schedule a test-drive. And if you have purchased a Ford F-150 that is experiencing any of these issues bring it in so that our trained technicians can get the issues fixed and get you back on the road.