Is the Ford F-150 Reliable?
1975–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other trucks — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Ford F-150? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up
Component: power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Ford F-150 Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 19 | — | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2025 | 3 | 104 | 2 | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2024 | 6 | 160 | 13 | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2023 | 9 | 358 | 12 | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2022 | 13 | 603 | 36 | — | 41 | Poor |
| 2021 | 14 | 869 | 7 | — | 36 | Poor |
| 2020 | 5 | 505 | 14 | — | 44 | Fair |
| 2019 | 6 | 909 | 31 | — | 35 | Poor |
| 2018 | 11 | 1470 | 60 | 3 | 21 | Poor |
| 2017 | 12 | 892 | 21 | — | 35 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the F-150 Compares to Similar Vehicles
The F-150 scores 37 points below the average truck. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Ford F-150 Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 5889 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford F-150 reliable?+
The Ford F-150 scores 36/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 83 recall campaigns and 5889 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year F-150 is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 F-150 achieved the highest reliability score of 46/100 with 4 recalls and 19 complaints.
How many miles does a F-150 last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Ford F-150 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used F-150 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Ford F-150 Research
Check a Specific Ford F-150 VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →