Looking for a buyer’s guide to potential mechanical issues in used Ford F-150 trucks? You’ve found it! We’re here to help you select a used light-duty trucks free from any known issues.
Key Takeaways
- Over the course of the F-150’s many years on the road, engine issues plague drivers more than anything else.
- Common customer complaints involve troublesome spark plugs and unresponsive power windows.
- You can keep troublesome F-150 issues at bay with proper care and maintenance!
- Our used selection at Jarrett Ford has been inspected for any and all issues. We only sell used F-150 trucks in peak condition.
Known F-150 Problems
More than anything else, engine issues are what drive F-150 owners to their local repair shop. Interestingly, windows are the next-most maligned part, whether drivers are experiencing power-window failure or the window has simply dropped into the door and won’t come out. Far less often, customers complain of transmission, body, or brake troubles.
Common Customer Complaints
- Window does not roll up: The window regulator in eleventh-generation trucks (2004-2008) may eventually need replacing.
- Spark plugs stuck in Triton V8: The 2004-2008 F-150 Triton V8 engines featured unique spark plugs meant to last 100,000 miles. Since part of their two-piece shell has been known to break off in the cylinder head, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin with special removal instructions that are best left to a professional.
- Spark plugs blown out of engine: When spark plugs blow, it’s usually in older F-150 trucks (2001-2004) with more than 130,000 miles on the odometer. This may occur because the aluminum cylinder head has worn down and can no longer hold the plug in place or the plug itself has been stripped. Ford recommends installing Lock-N-Stitch thread inserts to help prevent ejection. Some mechanics fix the issue with a HeliCoil kit.
- MyFord Touch infotainment: Complaints about this technology (2011-2015) center on convoluted menus and an unresponsive touchscreen. MyFord Touch also known to keep drivers from accessing other systems, including the defroster and back-up camera. Newer infotainment systems (SYNC3 and SYNC4) have no such issues.
Avoid Future F-150 Issues
Once you’ve found a used F-150 in great condition, you can protect it with regular maintenance. Following your model year’s recommended maintenance schedule doesn’t just keep your truck up and running — it can help you avoid a long list of problems down the road. Our friendly team is always happy to schedule future service dates to help you avoid costly repairs!
Our Used F-150 Inventory
At Jarrett Ford, we carefully select each of the used F-150 trucks you see on our lot. We won’t resell any model before it passes a thorough inspection, and our experienced mechanics know just what to look for! We want our customers to enjoy a reliable performance, free from any of the F-150’s known issues. Experience some of the best used F-150 trucks our local market has to offer — call or text us to schedule a test-drive!