How Long Do Ford F-150 Last? (Solved & Explained)

Not only is the F-150 America’s favorite pickup truck, but for well over 30 years it’s been the number one selling vehicle in the US.

Over time it’s evolved significantly; the latest models offer plenty of features, comfort, ruggedness, and practicality — in a wide range of trims.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the F-150’s average lifespan, problems and reliability.

Here is the short answer to how long the F-150 lasts:

The Ford F-150 is a robust full-size truck that can typically last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles providing it’s maintained properly. Based on driving 15,000 miles per year, an F-150 will last between 13 and 20 years before breaking down or requiring uneconomical repairs.

How Many Miles Do Ford F-150 Last?

The truth is there’s no exact time or odometer reading when your F-150 will kick the bucket although for the average owner you can expect 200,000 – 300,000 miles.

That’s not to say they can’t or won’t last longer – any vehicle will go on forever as long as you’re willing to throw money at it, but there comes a time when the cost of repairs outweighs the value of the vehicle.

On used car websites such as Car Gurus you can even find F-150 models with 400,000 miles on the clock and still going strong, which just goes to show how robust these trucks really are.

Ultimately the lifespan of an F-150 will boil down to ownership habits.

Sure they’re designed to brave all types of weather and terrain but being too aggressive with the gas and brakes can be hard on any vehicle.

Smooth driving and regular maintenance (especially oil changes) will ensure your F-150 hits the high numbers.

Brand new F-150’s also come with a standard 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Common Problems of the F-150

We’ve taken a closer look at CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo to find out what major problems F-150 owners typically have to deal with.

Engine Issues

The types of engine issues reported by F-150 owners range from unexpected failures to strange noises coming from under the hood.

These can be expected on older F-150s that have a lot of miles. But if the vehicle is properly maintained, you shouldn’t have to deal with major engine problems.

F-150 engines tend to be very reliable and can withstand the test of time.

They’re also pretty easy to fix since parts are cheap and widely available.

Transmission Issues

Another common problem for older F-150s is the transmission. Problems reported in this category also include driveline-related issues.

Transmission and driveline components are subjected to just as much wear and tear as the engine so they’ll eventually need repairs.

But the transmissions equipped in the F-150 are generally very tough and reliable since they’re designed to handle heavy-duty use. 

Brake Problems

Some of the common brake issues F-150 owners have complained about include:

• Premature rotor wear
• Brake fade
• Vibration during braking

These are common issues that other vehicles also have to deal with, but more so with the F-150 because it’s a heavy truck that requires more braking power to slow down.

Fixing the brakes every couple of years is considered part of the truck’s regular maintenance.

What is High Mileage for a Ford F-150?

A Ford F-150 is considered high mileage at around 100,000 miles. Though many would say that it’s got at least another 100,000 miles of life left, a higher mileage F-150 will likely need more attention — especially if it wasn’t regularly maintained.

Once it’s past the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, you’re also financially responsible for any major problems that may arise. 

Lower mileage vehicles are generally considered a safer bet but you shouldn’t put too much focus on mileage alone; a well-kept F-150 with over 100,000 miles on it can still be a great purchase.

When buying a used F-150, consider the following:

1. Service history. Check that the vehicle was properly serviced and the owner has documented evidence.
2. Take it for a test drive: Ask the seller to leave the truck cold, this way you’ll see how easily it starts up. Listen out for strange noises.
3. Check for rust. Rust is a problem that will spread. Have a good look under the vehicle too.
4. Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually equate to more wear-and-tear.
5. Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the truck was maintained and cared for.

Ford F-150 Longevity Compared to Other Trucks

In this section, we’ll compare the F-150 to some of its rivals in the full-size pickup segment.

Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500

The latest generation of the Ram is quite luxurious inside and extremely comfortable to ride around in.

Though the Ram trails the F-150 in sales, it’s still a very solid choice that’s been reviewed very favorably by different car magazines and automotive journalists.

The Ram 1500 can easily last 200,000 – 250,000 miles which is just slightly less than the F-150’s expected lifespan.

Older Rams from almost 20 years ago didn’t have the best reputation for reliability or interior quality. But later generations are just about as good, if not better, than a comparable F-150. 

Ram resale values are also lower than an F-150’s, but this is a good thing if you’re buying used. Rams will also be slightly cheaper to maintain over time.

They both have similar capabilities and it really comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two trucks.

Related: How Long Do Ram 1500 Last?

Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tundra 

The Toyota Tundra may not sell as well as the F-150, but they’re well-known for their durability.

The Tundra doesn’t get updated as often as the F-150, so older models tend to lag behind when it comes to features and performance. But the new third generation Tundra is just as modern as its competitors.

Given Toyota’s reputation, the Tundra should easily last 250,000 – 300,000 miles and be cheaper to maintain than the F-150.

It’s hard to beat the Toyota Tundra when it comes to reliability. Toyota parts are also very durable so it will require less maintenance and hold up better over time.

But the Tundra doesn’t come with as many features and configurations as the F-150 which can be a deal breaker for a lot of people. One example is the fact that the latest Tundra doesn’t come with a hybrid option.

The Tundra is great if you’re looking for a no-nonsense truck that doesn’t require much to keep running. But the F-150 usually beats it when it comes to the variety of options it has available.

Ford F-150 vs. GMC Sierra 1500 

The GMC Sierra is the F-150’s closest rival when it comes to sales and popularity.

It’s packed with modern features and creature comforts just like the F-150, and the top-of-the-line Denali trim level is an extremely luxurious pickup.

The Chevy Silverado is basically a rebranded Sierra, and there are many fans of these pickups.

We expect the GMC Sierra to be able to last 200k – 250k miles which is close to the F-150’s typical lifespan.

The GMC Sierra and F-150 are pretty close when it comes to reliability, but the F-150 seems to have an edge when it comes to owner satisfaction.

Upkeep for both trucks should also be roughly the same and the ultimate choice comes down to personal preferences.

Comparison Chart

Ford F-150 Reliability

The F-150 is a very reliable vehicle that usually only requires regular maintenance to keep it running.

Owners don’t seem to really have too many major gripes or issues with their F-150, and it just works as intended for most people.

They typically have very good build quality and hold up well even after 10 years; as evidenced by the number of older F-150s you can still see on the road today.

Although some trim levels of the F-150 make it seem like a luxury vehicle, it’s still primarily designed as a workhorse that can do a lot of heavy lifting and towing.

So aside from the relatively bulletproof engines and transmissions, a lot of the F-150’s parts and components can stand up to heavier tasks.

• RepairPal ranked the F-150 6th out of 17 other full-size pickup trucks for reliability.
• Lots of older F-150s have more than 300,000 miles on the clock and still run fine.
• Owner reviews for newer models have generally been very positive.

Reliability Compared to Other Trucks

Best and Worst Years of the Ford F-150 

Let’s take a quick look at the F-150’s best and worst model years. It should give you an idea of which years to avoid and which ones are good buys.

Worst Model Year

Based on the number of reported issues on CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo, the 12th generation F-150 from 2011 to 2013 should be avoided.

The number of complaints seems to have spiked up during these years. Common issues for an F-150 of this age include engine, transmission, and brake problems.  

But considering that these trucks are roughly around 10 years old, it’s normal for them to require more maintenance as more things wear out.

Best Model Year

The 2022 Ford F-150 is what we could consider the best model year so far.

It’s the second model year for the current F-150 generation so Ford should have had enough time to fix any initial design and build quality issues.

2022 is also the first year the all-electric F-150 Lightning was released.

Related: 25 Best & Worst Ford F-150 Years (With Facts & Stats)

 Ford F-150 Recalls

The Ford F-150 has had a total of 190 recalls over the last 20 years.

You can always check if your Ford F-150 has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Ford recall web page.

Recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Ford F-150 recalls according to the NHTSA’s records:

• 2022 Ford F-150: 3
• 2021 Ford F-150: 11
• 2020 Ford F-150: 8
• 2019 Ford F-150: 6
• 2018 Ford F-150: 15
• 2017 Ford F-150: 15
• 2016 Ford F-150: 13
• 2015 Ford F-150: 13
• 2014 Ford F-150: 13
• 2013 Ford F-150: 3
• 2012 Ford F-150: 3
• 2011 Ford F-150: 6
• 2010 Ford F-150: 1
• 2009 Ford F-150: 3
• 2008 Ford F-150: 2
• 2007 Ford F-150: 7
• 2006 Ford F-150: 14
• 2005 Ford F-150: 14
• 2004 Ford F-150: 16
• 2003 Ford F-150: 12
• 2002 Ford F-150: 11

Ford F-150 Generations & Model Years

The first F-series pickup came out in 1948 and its had one of the longest vehicle production runs in history.

It’s currently in its 14th generation which came out in 2021.

First Generation (1948 – 1952):

• 1948 Ford F-150 
• 1949 Ford F-150 
• 1950 Ford F-150 
• 1951 Ford F-150 
• 1952 Ford F-150 

Second Generation (1953 – 1956):

• 1953 Ford F-150 
• 1954 Ford F-150 
• 1955 Ford F-150 
• 1956 Ford F-150 

Third Generation (1957 – 1960):

• 1957 Ford F-150 
• 1958 Ford F-150 
• 1959 Ford F-150 
• 1960 Ford F-150 

Fourth Generation (1961 – 1966):

• 1961 Ford F-150 
• 1962 Ford F-150 
• 1963 Ford F-150 
• 1964 Ford F-150 
• 1965 Ford F-150 
• 1966 Ford F-150 

Fifth Generation (1967 – 1972):

• 1967 Ford F-150 
• 1968 Ford F-150 
• 1969 Ford F-150 
• 1970 Ford F-150 
• 1971 Ford F-150 
• 1972 Ford F-150 

Sixth Generation (1973 – 1979):

• 1973 Ford F-150 
• 1974 Ford F-150 
• 1975 Ford F-150 
• 1976 Ford F-150 
• 1977 Ford F-150 
• 1978 Ford F-150 
• 1979 Ford F-150 

Seventh Generation (1980 – 1986):

• 1980 Ford F-150 
• 1981 Ford F-150 
• 1982 Ford F-150 
• 1983 Ford F-150 
• 1984 Ford F-150 
• 1985 Ford F-150 
• 1986 Ford F-150 

Eighth Generation (1987 – 1991):

• 1987 Ford F-150 
• 1988 Ford F-150 
• 1989 Ford F-150 
• 1990 Ford F-150 
• 1991 Ford F-150 

Ninth Generation (1992 – 1997):

• 1992 Ford F-150 
• 1993 Ford F-150 
• 1994 Ford F-150 
• 1995 Ford F-150 
• 1996 Ford F-150 
• 1997 Ford F-150 

Tenth Generation (1997 – 2004):

• 1998 Ford F-150 
• 1999 Ford F-150 
• 2000 Ford F-150 
• 2001 Ford F-150 
• 2002 Ford F-150 
• 2003 Ford F-150 
• 2004 Ford F-150 

Eleventh Generation (2004 – 2008):

• 2005 Ford F-150 
• 2006 Ford F-150 
• 2007 Ford F-150 
• 2008 Ford F-150 

Twelfth Generation (2009 – 2014):

• 2009 Ford F-150 
• 2010 Ford F-150 
• 2011 Ford F-150 
• 2012 Ford F-150 
• 2013 Ford F-150 
• 2014 Ford F-150 

Thirteenth Generation (2015 – 2020):

• 2015 Ford F-150 
• 2016 Ford F-150 
• 2017 Ford F-150 
• 2018 Ford F-150 
• 2019 Ford F-150 
• 2020 Ford F-150 

Fourteenth Generation (2021 – present):

• 2021 Ford F-150 
• 2022 Ford F-150
• 2023 Ford F-150

Is the Ford F-150 Expensive to Maintain?

The F-150 is durable and well built which makes it less expensive to maintain. RepairPal estimates the F-150’s average annual repair costs to be around $788. It’s a little more expensive to maintain compared to its competitors, but only by a few dollars

Newer model years of the F-150 have longer service intervals so you don’t need to take it into the shop as much.

Related: Ford F-150 Maintenance & Repair Costs (Complete Guide)

How Long Do F-150 Brakes Last?

The Ford F-150’s brake pads typically last between 30,000 – 50,000 miles.

Some owners have even reported being able to get over 80,000 miles out of the factory brakes.

• If you live in the rust belt, you might need to replace the rotors sooner due to excessive corrosion.
• Driving style and usage also affect the life of the brake pads. Towing heavy loads puts more wear on the pads than regular commuting.
• There are lots of aftermarket parts and replacements for the F-150 brakes.

How Long Do F-150 Tires Last?

The Ford F-150’s tires should last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles or roughly 3 to 5 years with normal use. They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.

The tire compound also matters a lot. Winter tires, for example, don’t last as long as all-season tires.

Tire tips:

• Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
• Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do F-150 Transmissions Last?

F-150 transmissions should last at least 150,000 miles, however they can last the entire lifetime of the vehicle.

Over time some F-150 transmissions may develop issues and require repairs but on newer models you shouldn’t have any major problems.

How Long Do F-150 Spark Plugs Last?

Newer Ford F-150s only need new spark plugs every 100,000 miles. 

Signs of a fouled spark plug include:

• Reduced gas mileage
• Lack of acceleration
• Rough idling
• Hard starts
• Engine misfires

How Long Do Ford F-150 Engines Last?

F-150 engines can easily last 200,000 – 300,000 miles with proper care and some preventive maintenance.

It shares engines with other popular Ford models like the Mustang so parts should be easy to get and fairly cheap.

Turbocharged engines might be more finicky because they’re a lot more complicated, but potential issues should be easy to figure out for any competent mechanic.

How Long Do F-150 12V Batteries Last?

The Ford F-150’s battery usually lasts between 3 – 5 years. A vehicle’s battery life varies depending on many different factors such as climate, driving habits, and battery type, among many others.

• Keep your battery tightly fastened: The vibrations of your car can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
• Limit short rides: Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
• Storage: Keep your Lincoln stored indoors away from extreme changes in temperature.
• Control Corrosion: Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from build-up.

What Are the Insurance Costs?

According to Insuraviz, Ford F-150 full coverage insurance averages at around $1,490 per year or $122.

Base model F-150s will be much cheaper to insure compared to the top-of-the-line models because there’s a huge price gap between the two trim levels.

Insurance costs can vary so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal.

How to Get the Most Life From Your Ford F-150 

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your F-150 to remove dirt and grime, as well as to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
• Keep your F-150 stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Sources

https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/f-150

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/f-150/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/F-150/

https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/f-150

https://www.kbb.com/ford/f150/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/ford/f-150

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/us-best-selling-cars-2002/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/ford/ford-f150-insurance/