Car Yearsto Avoid

Ford F-150 Years to Avoid

Every F-150 model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.

Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Which F-150 years should you avoid?

The 2013, 2018 and 2011 F-150 have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2008 and 2010 models have the fewest problems.

Complaints by model year

Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.

2013 F-150 2,989
2018 F-150 2,318
2011 F-150 2,191
2016 F-150 2,078
2012 F-150 1,783
2015 F-150 1,730
2014 F-150 1,537
2017 F-150 1,449
2019 F-150 1,338
2021 F-150 1,029
2010 F-150 843
2020 F-150 736
2022 F-150 597
2023 F-150 413
2008 F-150 369
2009 F-150 324
2024 F-150 193
2025 F-150 108

Every year at a glance

YearComplaintsPer yearRecallsTop problem
2025 108 54 14 Transmission
2024 193 64 11 Transmission
2023 413 103 13 Transmission
2022 597 119 23 Transmission
2021 1,029 172 29 Transmission
2020 736 105 11 Transmission
2019 1,338 167 9 Transmission
2018 2,318 258 19 Transmission
2017 1,449 145 18 Transmission
2016 2,078 189 14 Transmission
2015 1,730 144 14 Transmission
2014 1,537 118 8 Transmission
2013 2,989 214 3 Transmission
2012 1,783 119 4 Transmission
2011 2,191 137 6 Transmission
2010 843 50 1 Wipers and Visibility
2009 324 18 2 Acceleration
2008 369 19 1 Engine

"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.

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Common questions

What is the worst year for the Ford F-150?

The 2013 F-150, with 2,989 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the transmission.

What is the best year for the Ford F-150?

Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 F-150 has the fewest complaints per year on the road.

Which Ford F-150 years should I avoid?

Be most careful with the 2013, 2018 and 2011 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.