Thinking about buying a Ford truck but worried about reliability? You’re not the only one asking if that shiny F-150 or Super Duty will stand the test of time. With Ford’s reputation riding on these vehicles for decades, it’s worth diving into what real data shows about their longevity, common issues, and how they stack up against competitors.
The Current State of Ford Truck Reliability
Ford trucks show a mixed but generally positive reliability picture. According to Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability rankings, the Ford F-150 scores 40 out of 100, placing it fifth among full-size trucks. Not top-of-class, but certainly respectable.
The smaller trucks in Ford’s lineup actually outperform their bigger siblings. The Ford Ranger leads all trucks with an impressive 65 reliability score, while the Maverick achieves a solid 59. This suggests Ford might be putting extra engineering focus into their compact and mid-size offerings.
RepairPal gives the F-150 a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 7th out of 17 full-size trucks. What’s most telling about this score is that F-150 owners pay around $788 annually for repairs—below the segment average of $936.
Here’s how Ford’s truck lineup breaks down by reliability rating:
| Model | Consumer Reports Score (out of 100) | RepairPal Rating (out of 5.0) | Industry Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 65 | 4 | 1st among all trucks |
| Ford Maverick | 59 | N/A | High among compact trucks |
| Ford F-150 | 40 | 3.5 | 7th out of 17 full-size trucks |
| F-150 PowerBoost | 7 | 3.5 | Lowest among full-size trucks |
| F-250 Super Duty | N/A | 2.0 | 15th out of 17 heavy-duty trucks |
Ford Engines: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
When it comes to Ford truck reliability, your engine choice makes a massive difference.
EcoBoost Engines: Power with Problems
Ford’s EcoBoost engines offer impressive power and fuel economy, but they’ve developed a concerning reliability record. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 suffers from several well-documented issues:
- Carbon buildup on intake valves
- Timing chain stretching
- Cam phaser problems
- Intercooler condensation issues
These problems stem from the engine’s turbocharged direct-injection design, which places extreme stress on components. The problems are serious enough that many experts recommend avoiding certain model years of EcoBoost-equipped trucks.
Even more concerning are the catastrophic engine failures affecting 2021-2022 models with 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines. Ford issued recalls for over 90,000 vehicles due to faulty intake valves that can fracture and drop into combustion chambers, causing complete engine destruction. Car and Driver reported this as one of the most serious reliability issues in Ford’s recent history.
The Reliable Options: V8 and Base Models
On the flip side, Ford’s naturally aspirated engines demonstrate substantially better reliability. The 5.0L Coyote V8 consistently ranks as Ford’s most reliable modern truck engine, offering longevity that turbocharged alternatives struggle to match.
The discontinued 6.2L V8 in older Super Duty trucks also earned excellent reliability marks, though it lacked the power output customers increasingly demand.
The Hybrid Question Mark
The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid ranks as the least reliable full-size truck according to Consumer Reports, with a dismal score of just 7 out of 100. Despite using the proven 3.5L EcoBoost as its base engine, the addition of hybrid components introduces significant complexity that appears to compromise overall reliability.
Super Duty Reliability: Built for the Long Haul?
Ford’s heavy-duty trucks present a fascinating reliability contradiction. On one hand, the F-250 Super Duty receives a concerning 2.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking 15th out of 17 full-size trucks. With an annual repair cost of $1,241 and a 22% probability of severe issues, Super Duty ownership demands careful budgeting.
But longevity studies tell a different story. The Ford F-350 Super Duty demonstrates exceptional durability over extended mileage, with a 28.3% probability of reaching 250,000 miles compared to the 19.4% average for all pickup trucks. The F-250 Super Duty shows similar longevity at 27.4% probability.
What does this mean? Super Duty trucks might require more frequent maintenance and repairs, but they possess the fundamental durability to achieve very high mileage when properly maintained.
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel deserves special mention. While capable of impressive longevity, it requires more expensive maintenance including specialized oil, fuel system services, and emissions system care. Diesel-equipped trucks typically see higher maintenance costs but can achieve exceptional service life when maintained according to Ford’s strict service intervals.
How Ford Trucks Compare to the Competition
When stacked against rivals, Ford trucks generally land in the middle of reliability rankings—neither leading nor significantly lagging behind competitors.
The Ram 1500 currently outperforms the Ford F-150 in multiple reliability assessments, scoring 49 versus Ford’s 40 in Consumer Reports rankings. Ram’s recent quality improvements and ZF transmission adoption have addressed many historical reliability concerns.
Toyota’s Tundra, despite recent quality control issues with its new generation, demonstrates superior long-term durability with a 36.6% probability of reaching 250,000 miles. However, the third-generation Tundra has experienced significant recall campaigns that have damaged Toyota’s traditionally stellar reliability reputation.
Chevrolet and GMC trucks score similarly to Ford in most reliability metrics, with Silverado and Sierra 1500 models receiving 29 points in Consumer Reports assessments. All three domestic manufacturers appear to face similar challenges with modern powertrain complexity.
The Honda Ridgeline leads reliability rankings among pickup trucks with a 59 Consumer Reports score, though its unibody construction limits its appeal among traditional truck buyers.
Common Problems Ford Truck Owners Face
If you’re considering a Ford truck, it helps to know what issues you might encounter:
Transmission Troubles
Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission (co-developed with General Motors) has generated numerous complaints across multiple model years, with reports of hard shifting, slipping, and delayed engagement. These problems often require software updates or, in severe cases, complete transmission replacement.
Electrical System Gremlins
Electrical system malfunctions plague many 2021-2024 Ford trucks, including infotainment system freezes, battery drain issues, and various warning light problems. The integration of increasingly complex electronic systems appears to challenge Ford’s quality control processes, with many owners reporting intermittent issues that prove difficult to diagnose.
Brake System Issues
Brake system problems represent a significant safety concern across Ford’s truck lineup, with reports of premature brake wear and brake assist failures. Ford has issued multiple recalls for brake-related issues, including a recent campaign covering over 300,000 vehicles for electronic brake booster malfunctions.
Oil System Leaks
Oil system issues particularly affect 2015-2018 F-150 models equipped with plastic oil pans that frequently develop leaks. Parts availability challenges have complicated repairs, with oil pan gaskets reportedly back-ordered for extended periods.
Ford’s Recall History: A Red Flag?
Ford’s extensive recall history reflects both proactive safety management and underlying quality control challenges. The company issued over 30 recalls in the first seven months of 2025 alone, affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
Recent recalls encompass critical safety systems including brake failures, fuel pump malfunctions, and rearview camera issues. The breadth of affected systems suggests systemic quality challenges rather than isolated component failures. Ford’s leadership has acknowledged these concerns, tying executive compensation to quality improvements and doubling safety engineering staff.
The recall trend appears to be accelerating rather than improving, with Ford leading the automotive industry in recall volume for multiple recent years. This pattern indicates ongoing challenges in Ford’s manufacturing and quality assurance processes.
Long-Term Durability: Will Your Ford Truck Go the Distance?
Despite reliability concerns, Ford trucks demonstrate impressive longevity potential when properly maintained. Multiple sources confirm that well-maintained F-150s routinely exceed 200,000 miles, with many reaching 250,000-300,000 miles through diligent care.
The military-grade aluminum body construction introduced in recent F-150 generations provides excellent corrosion resistance while reducing weight. This innovation addresses one of traditional trucks’ most significant long-term reliability challenges—body rust and structural deterioration. Combined with high-strength steel frame construction, modern Ford trucks possess the fundamental durability for extended service life.
Maintenance practices significantly influence Ford truck reliability outcomes. Owners who follow Ford’s service intervals, use recommended fluids, and address issues promptly typically experience substantially better reliability than those who defer maintenance. This is particularly critical for turbocharged engines, which demand precise maintenance timing and high-quality lubricants.
Industry experts consistently note that the Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 configuration offers the best combination of reliability and capability for buyers prioritizing long-term dependability. This naturally aspirated engine avoids the complexity-related issues plaguing turbocharged alternatives while providing adequate power for most applications.
Real-World Ownership Costs
The true test of reliability often comes down to what you’ll spend keeping your truck on the road. While Ford trucks aren’t the cheapest to maintain, they aren’t the most expensive either.
According to RepairPal data, the average F-150 owner spends about $788 annually on maintenance and repairs. That’s better than the full-size truck average of $936 per year. However, these costs rise significantly for Super Duty models, with F-250 owners paying closer to $1,241 annually.
What’s most telling is the severity of repairs. When F-150s do have problems, they tend to be more serious than average. About 15% of F-150 repairs are considered severe (costing over $3,000), compared to 12% for the average truck.
Making the Right Ford Truck Choice
If you’re set on a Ford truck but want the most reliable option, here’s what the data suggests:
- Choose the 5.0L V8 engine whenever possible. It consistently ranks as Ford’s most reliable modern truck powerplant.
- Be cautious with EcoBoost engines, especially in 2021-2022 models. If you do go EcoBoost, budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and be religious about oil changes.
- Avoid the PowerBoost hybrid for now unless you’re willing to be an early adopter facing potential reliability challenges.
- Consider a Ranger or Maverick if your needs allow for a smaller truck. Ford’s smaller trucks currently show better reliability ratings than their full-size counterparts.
- Budget for maintenance. Following Ford’s recommended service schedule isn’t optional if you want your truck to last—it’s essential, especially for turbocharged models.
The Bottom Line on Ford Truck Reliability
Ford trucks are generally reliable when evaluated across their entire model range and service history, though reliability varies significantly by specific configuration and model year.
The F-150 maintains its market leadership through a combination of capability, features, and acceptable long-term durability, despite not leading reliability rankings. Super Duty trucks demonstrate exceptional longevity potential for commercial applications, though they require more intensive maintenance.
For buyers prioritizing capability and features over absolute reliability leadership, Ford trucks continue representing a viable choice in the competitive truck market. Just make sure to research the specific engine and model year thoroughly, as the reliability difference between configurations can be substantial.
