1948-present
The Ford F-150 has been America's best-selling vehicle for over 40 years. It's available with a wide range of engines from the efficient 2.7L EcoBoost to the legendary 5.0L Coyote V8. The F-150 is the workhorse of America.
Affects Ford F-150: 2004-2010
Affects Ford F-150: 2011-2017
Affects Ford F-150: 2015-2017
Affects Ford F-150: 2017-2021
Affects Ford F-150: 2018-2020
Affects Ford F-150: 2011-2017
Side door latches may not close properly. Free replacement at Ford dealers.
Multiple TSBs released to improve 10-speed shift quality. Ensure latest calibration is installed.
| Service Item | Estimated Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change (Synthetic) | $65-$100 | Every 10,000 mi |
| Brake Pads (Front) | $175-$350 | Every 50,000 mi |
| Spark Plugs (V8) | $200-$400 | Every 60,000 mi |
| Transmission Fluid | $175-$300 | Every 30,000 mi |
| Differential Fluid (4WD) | $100-$200 | Every 30,000 mi |
Costs are estimates and vary by location, shop, and vehicle condition. Dealership pricing may be higher.
Ford's 5.4L 3-valve V8 (2004-2010) is notorious for spark plugs breaking during removal. Use anti-seize and the correct removal procedure.
$100 – $350
Ford EcoBoost engines generally have reliable coils, but moisture intrusion in the coil wells can cause misfires. Check for water in spark plug wells.
$150 – $400
Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost uses a water pump driven by the timing chain. If it leaks internally, coolant mixes with engine oil — a potentially catastrophic failure.
$300 – $1,000
Trucks and heavy SUVs eat brake pads faster due to vehicle weight, especially if you tow. Expect 30,000-40,000 miles on front pads.
$150 – $400 per axle
Heavy trucks and SUVs put more stress on rotors, especially when towing. Consider upgraded rotors if you tow regularly.
$200 – $500 per axle
Ford F-150 starters (2011-2017) with auto start/stop cycle much more frequently and may wear out sooner — around 80,000-100,000 miles.
$300 – $700
The F-150 is the best truck you can buy if you pick the right engine. The 5.0L V8 (2018+) is the reliability king — simple, proven, and powerful. The 3.5L EcoBoost offers more towing power but requires more maintenance. Avoid the 2004-2010 5.4L Triton if you don't want spark plug headaches. The 2021+ F-150 with the hybrid PowerBoost is impressive but unproven long-term. Always get the 10-speed transmission software updated to the latest version.