Free used car buyer guide / Thirteenth generation / P552 / 2015-2020
Ford F-150 common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.1/10
4 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.5 ecoboost cam-phaser cold-start rattle. Score methodology.
The 2015-2020 F-150 is a strong used truck for buyers who want payload, corrosion resistance and modern power, but it is not automatically safer than the older steel truck. The expensive traps are 2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost cam-phaser rattle, early 10R80 harsh-shift/CDF-drum wear, 2015-2017 frozen door latches, 3.5 EcoBoost brake-master-cylinder leakage, and neglected 2018-2020 5.0 oil consumption. The safest everyday buy is usually a 2018-2020 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 with clean 10R80 behavior, closed recalls and no panoramic roof water damage. A work buyer should value service files, axle ratio and tow history above trim. Current owners should keep recall proof, short oil intervals on turbo engines and transmission scan data because those records decide resale.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
3.5 EcoBoost cam-phaser
Best years
2018-2020
Best buys
- 2018-2020 2.7 EcoBoost 10R80 with quiet cold start, dry oil pan and no shift flare.
- 2019-2020 5.0 Coyote with oil-level records and no start-up rattle.
- 2015-2017 5.0 with 6R80 for buyers who prefer simpler driveline risk.
Inspect hard
- 2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost: cold start for phaser rattle and check 21B10/21N03 history.
- Any 10R80 truck: scan adaptive data and test 3-5, 4-6 and 7-8 shifts hot.
- 2015-2017 cold-climate trucks: verify side-door latch repair and water shields.
Avoid
- 3.5 EcoBoost with long rattle, P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 or undocumented phaser work.
- 10R80 truck that bangs into gear or has repeated software-only repair visits.
- Aluminium body truck with poor previous collision repair or bubbling around repaired panels.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Ford F-150 viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Ford F-150 should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
2015-2020
BEST DAILY PICK
The 2.7 is the quiet smart buy when the truck is not used for maximum towing. It has strong torque, lower front-end weight and fewer headline complaints than the 3.5, but buyers still need oil-leak and turbo-cooling checks.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
2015-2020
POWERFUL BUT HISTORY-DEPENDENT
The 3.5 is excellent when serviced hard and repaired properly. The second-generation 2017-2020 version is tied to cam phaser customer programs, and towing trucks with delayed oil changes are not the examples to chase.
5.0L Coyote V8
2015-2020
GOOD WITH OIL TRACKING
The V8 is simple to understand and desirable, especially before the 10-speed became universal. The 2018-2020 update brought owner reports and Ford bulletins around oil consumption, so dipstick records matter.
3.3L Ti-VCT V6
2018-2020
FLEET-SIMPLE
The base 3.3 is not exciting, but it avoids turbo heat and V8 consumption anxiety. It suits light work trucks where condition and price matter more than tow ratings.
3.0L Power Stroke diesel
2018-2020
NICHE ONLY
The small diesel makes sense for long highway mileage and careful owners, not short-trip use. Emissions-system, fuel-system and parts-cost exposure erase the fuel saving if the truck is bought casually.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2015
All-new aluminium-body P552 launches with 2.7 EcoBoost, 3.5 EcoBoost, 5.0 V8 and 6R80 automatic.
Buyer: Check aluminium collision repairs, door latch status and 6R80 behavior. A clean 5.0 or 2.7 from a dry state is a good target.
Owner: Keep door-latch recall proof and protect repaired body panels from galvanic corrosion around poor paint work.
2016
Second model year; early build bugs still show up in latches, pano roofs and body fit.
Buyer: Buy on condition rather than trim. A lightly used 2.7 can be better than a loaded 3.5 tow truck.
Owner: Service driveline fluids if towing and watch door/latch operation before winter.
2017
Second-generation 3.5 EcoBoost and 10R80 arrive on 3.5 trucks.
Buyer: This is the first year of the cam-phaser/10-speed combination. Cold-start and hot-shift checks are mandatory.
Owner: Handle phaser rattle early and keep all programming invoices.
2018
Facelift, 3.3 base V6, updated 2.7 and 5.0, wider 10R80 rollout, and 3.0 diesel availability.
Buyer: Best overall year range begins here, but inspect 5.0 oil use and 10R80 shift quality.
Owner: Track oil level between services, especially on the 5.0.
2019
Mature facelift production; block-heater and tailgate-related recall checks matter by VIN.
Buyer: A 2019 2.7 or documented 5.0 is attractive. Avoid any 10R80 that needs a warm-up excuse.
Owner: Run VIN checks yearly because Ford continued adding actions after sale.
2020
Final P552 year before the 2021 redesign.
Buyer: Often the best P552 buy if the 10-speed is clean and recall file is complete.
Owner: Preserve value with transmission fluid service records and closed safety actions.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
3.5 EcoBoost cam-phaser cold-start rattle
Affects
2017-2020 F-150 3.5L GTDI EcoBoost.
Symptoms
Coarse cold-start rattle, rough start, cam correlation faults, repeat dealer programming visits.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 if covered by Ford program; EUR 2,000-4,800 retail.
Codes / scan clues
P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0340, P0345.
Root cause: Variable cam timing phasers fail to lock consistently after shutdown, allowing start-up timing noise and possible correlation errors.
Quick check
- Hear the first start after the truck has sat overnight.
- Ask for 21B10 and 21N03 paperwork, not just a verbal update claim.
- Scan PCM for cam/crank correlation and pending faults.
- Road-test after warm-up to check 10R80 behavior after any programming.
Buyer note
A repaired 3.5 can be excellent; an unrepaired rattler should be priced like a major front-cover job.
Owner note
Do not wait until the rattle is long and daily. Documentation is the difference between goodwill and retail cost.
Fault 2
10R80 harsh shift, flare and CDF-drum wear
Affects
2017-2020 10-speed trucks, especially 3.5 EcoBoost and later 5.0/2.7 applications.
Symptoms
Bang into Drive, flare on 3-5 or 4-6 shifts, harsh coastdown, delayed engagement, adaptive relearn that does not hold.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-500 software/adaptive service; EUR 1,800-4,500 valve body/CDF work; EUR 5,000+ rebuild.
Codes / scan clues
P0731, P0733, P0735, P0741, P0766, P2700-series.
Root cause: Early 10R80 units can suffer calibration complaints, valve-body wear and CDF clutch drum bushing movement that causes clutch control errors.
Quick check
- Drive from cold and hot; do not accept a short loop.
- Test light throttle, moderate throttle and coastdown shifts.
- Scan transmission adaptive data and shift-related codes.
- Review whether repairs were software only or involved hardware.
Buyer note
A one-time relearn is not proof of a healthy 10-speed. Repeated shift complaints point to hardware risk.
Owner note
Service fluid and diagnose early; driving through flare can turn a valve-body bill into a rebuild.
Fault 3
Frozen or unlatched side doors
Affects
2015-2017 F-150, especially cold-climate trucks under Ford door-latch actions.
Symptoms
Door will not close, opens after apparently latching, frozen handle, latch cable binding.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-900 per door outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Door ajar/body module latch codes may appear; often no engine code.
Root cause: Water reaches latch/cable areas, freezes or kinks the actuation cable, preventing reliable latch engagement.
Quick check
- VIN-check the latch action before buying.
- Open and close every door repeatedly.
- Inspect service records for shields/latch replacements.
- In cold areas, ask if doors ever bounced open or refused to latch.
Buyer note
A door that only misbehaves in winter is still a safety defect. Do not accept 'they all do it' without repair proof.
Owner note
Complete the action before freezing weather and keep drains/latches clean.
Fault 4
3.5 EcoBoost brake master-cylinder fluid leak
Affects
Certain 2014-2017 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost; includes 2015-2017 trucks in this guide.
Symptoms
Low brake-fluid warning, soft pedal, longer stopping distance, brake fluid in booster.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 500-1,500 outside recall depending booster damage.
Codes / scan clues
Brake fluid level warning; ABS codes vary.
Root cause: Master-cylinder rear seal can leak brake fluid into the booster, reducing available front brake pressure.
Quick check
- VIN-check Ford/NHTSA brake recall status.
- Inspect fluid level and booster area before road test.
- Hold firm brake pressure for pedal sink.
- Ask whether booster was inspected or only master cylinder replaced.
Buyer note
No F-150 is worth road-testing with a brake warning active.
Owner note
If fluid drops, stop using the truck until the booster is inspected.
Fault 5
2018-2020 5.0 Coyote oil consumption
Affects
2018-2020 F-150 5.0L V8.
Symptoms
Oil level dropping between services, blue smoke after decel, low-oil warning, spark-plug fouling.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-500 monitoring/PCV/calibration; EUR 1,500-4,000 if engine repair is needed.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0308, catalyst or oxygen-sensor codes if oil burning is severe.
Root cause: Updated V8 hardware/calibration and cylinder deactivation-era oil control complaints produced enough cases for Ford service procedures and consumption tests.
Quick check
- Check dipstick before start and compare to service sticker mileage.
- Ask for oil-consumption test records.
- Look for blue smoke after long decel then throttle.
- Inspect plugs or tailpipes for oily deposits if allowed.
Buyer note
The 5.0 is desirable, but a seller who never checks oil is the wrong seller.
Owner note
Log litres added per 1,000 km and get the truck on record before warranty ends.
Fault 6
2.7 EcoBoost plastic oil pan and lower-engine leaks
Affects
2015-2020 2.7 EcoBoost, with many owner reports on earlier builds.
Symptoms
Oil drops on driveway, wet lower pan, burning oil smell, low oil after service.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,200 reseal or updated pan.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless oil level is neglected.
Root cause: Composite pan sealing and surface preparation can fail after heat cycling or poor previous reseal work.
Quick check
- Inspect the lower pan seam after a test drive.
- Remove undertray if a pre-purchase shop can inspect.
- Check for fresh cleaning around the pan.
- Review whether an updated pan or reseal has already been fitted.
Buyer note
A dry 2.7 is a strong buy; a freshly washed underside needs a second look.
Owner note
Reseal correctly once. Repeated quick reseals usually come back.
Fault 7
Panoramic roof track, drain and water-leak problems
Affects
2015-2020 F-150 with twin-panel panoramic moonroof.
Symptoms
Roof binds, clicking track, water stains, wet carpet, wind noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-600 drain service; EUR 1,200-2,500 track/cassette repair.
Codes / scan clues
Body module roof initialization codes possible.
Root cause: Large roof cassette tracks and drains are sensitive to dirt, alignment and lack of lubrication.
Quick check
- Open, vent and close the roof twice.
- Inspect headliner corners and A-pillars for staining.
- Listen for cable clicking or motor strain.
- Check spare/jack areas and carpets for dampness.
Buyer note
A stuck panoramic roof is not a trim feature; it is a negotiation item.
Owner note
Clean drains and lubricate tracks before the roof starts skipping teeth.
Fault 8
Swollen two-piece lug nuts
Affects
2015-2020 F-150 with factory capped lug nuts.
Symptoms
Factory wrench or socket will not fit, rounded caps, tyre shop damage.
Typical repair cost
EUR 80-250 for solid replacement lug nuts; more if damaged.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Moisture and corrosion distort the thin chrome cap over the steel lug body.
Quick check
- Test the correct socket on all four wheels.
- Look for mushroomed caps.
- Ask whether solid aftermarket lugs are fitted.
- Confirm spare wheel tools can remove a wheel roadside.
Buyer note
Cheap to fix, but it can strand you with a flat tyre.
Owner note
Replace them pre-emptively with solid one-piece nuts.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall printout for latches, brakes, block heater, tailgate and powertrain actions.
- Oil-change record with mileage intervals, especially 3.5 EcoBoost and 5.0.
- Transmission repair invoices showing whether 10R80 hardware was replaced.
- Tow history, axle ratio and payload sticker photo.
- Check aluminium panels for poor paint blend, bubbling around repairs and mismatched gaps.
- Inspect panoramic roof drains, headliner corners and rear cab carpet.
- Open and shut all doors repeatedly.
- Look under 2.7 trucks for oil-pan wetness.
- Scan all modules, not only engine.
- Test roof, tailgate, 4WD modes and trailer brake controller.
- Check for brake-fluid warning and door-ajar messages.
- True cold start for 3.5 cam phaser rattle.
- Hot 10R80 shift test through city, highway and coastdown.
- Firm brake stop in a safe area after confirming no warning light.
- 4WD engagement and IWE noise check on a loose surface if possible.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy the cleanest 2018-2020 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 you can find, with a dry engine, closed recalls and a 10R80 that shifts correctly hot. A 2015-2017 5.0 with the 6R80 is also a good lower-tech choice when the body repair history is clean.
Avoid: Avoid rattling 2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost trucks without 21N03 proof, 10R80 trucks with repeat shift complaints, and any cold-climate truck with unresolved latch or water-leak history.
Quick answers
Ford F-150 buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Ford F-150 2015-2020 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 3.5 EcoBoost cam-phaser cold-start rattle; 10R80 harsh shift, flare and CDF-drum wear; Frozen or unlatched side doors. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Ford F-150 years are the best to buy?
2018-2020 stand out in this generation. Buy the cleanest 2018-2020 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 you can find, with a dry engine, closed recalls and a 10R80 that shifts correctly hot. A 2015-2017 5.0 with the 6R80 is also a good lower-tech choice when the body repair history is clean.
Which Ford F-150 should I avoid?
Avoid rattling 2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost trucks without 21N03 proof, 10R80 trucks with repeat shift complaints, and any cold-climate truck with unresolved latch or water-leak history.
Is the Ford F-150 2015-2020 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.1/10 (buy with checks). 4 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.5 ecoboost cam-phaser cold-start rattle.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Ford F-150 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- ford.oemdtc.com
- static.nhtsa.gov: RMISC-20V331-0917.pdf
- cars.com: recalls
- motortrend.com: ford-recalls-1-3-million-f-series-pickups-fix-door-latches
- f150forum.com
- carcomplaints.com: F-150
- f150ecoboost.net
- reddit.com: q6d37o
- static.nhtsa.gov: tsbs
- f150forum.com: f118
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- carcomplaints.com: engine
- nhtsa.gov: vehicle