Free used car buyer guide / Fourteenth generation / P702 / 2021-2025
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
1 walk-away risk, 1 serious fault, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: powerboost hybrid stop safely now and generator faults. Score methodology.
The 2021-2025 F-150 is the most capable petrol half-ton Ford has built, but the first years carry a heavy software, hybrid and recall workload. The expensive traps are 2021-2023 Max Tow rear axle hub bolt failure, 10R80 CDF/valve-body shift faults, early PowerBoost hybrid stop-safely-now and generator faults, rear axle harness damage that can apply the electric parking brake, and 2021-2022 wiper motor failure. The safest buy is a non-Max-Tow 2023-2025 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 with closed recalls, no 10-speed flare and no Pro Power/PowerBoost warning history. PowerBoost is worth buying only if you need the onboard power system and can verify hybrid warranty and module updates. Current owners should keep every recall and software invoice because this generation changes materially through dealer updates.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
PowerBoost hybrid Stop
Best years
2023-2025
Best buys
- 2023-2025 2.7 EcoBoost without Max Tow, clean rear harness routing and smooth 10R80 shifts.
- 2024-2025 5.0 with recall file complete and no oil-use complaint.
- PowerBoost only when Pro Power is genuinely useful and hybrid DTC history is clean.
Inspect hard
- 2021-2023 Max Tow trucks: rear axle hub bolt and spline recall status.
- 2021-2023 trucks: rear wiring harness chafe near axle and electric parking brake faults.
- 2021-2022 trucks: wiper motor recall and water/windshield visibility history.
Avoid
- Max Tow truck with clicking rear hub, broken bolt history or unresolved 23S65/25V512 status.
- PowerBoost with repeated Stop Safely Now, P0A1E/P2C44/P1A0E or unexplained 12V drains.
- 10R80 that needs adaptive resets every few thousand miles.
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
2021-2025
BEST LOW-RISK PICK
The 2.7 gives most buyers enough torque without the hybrid hardware or heavy Max Tow use that drives many problem stories. It still uses the 10R80, so a clean shift test matters more than peak horsepower.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
2021-2025
GOOD TOW ENGINE
The 3.5 remains the strong towing petrol engine. Later phaser hardware is better than the prior generation, but tow-used trucks need oil, cooling and transmission history.
3.5L PowerBoost hybrid
2021-2025
USEFUL BUT COMPLEX
PowerBoost combines the 3.5 EcoBoost with a motor/generator, high-voltage battery and Pro Power Onboard. It is brilliant for job sites and camping; it is unnecessary complexity for buyers who only commute.
5.0L Coyote V8
2021-2025
SOLID WITH OIL CHECKS
The V8 is still the emotional and simpler choice. It avoids turbo and hybrid hardware, but buyers should track oil level, exhaust noise and 10R80 quality.
3.3L Ti-VCT / 3.0L Power Stroke
2021-2022 depending market/spec
SPECIFIC-USE ONLY
The 3.3 is a basic fleet engine and the 3.0 diesel is a narrow highway-use option before Ford dropped it. Both are worth buying only when the exact work use fits.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2021
P702 launch with redesigned cabin, OTA-capable electronics and PowerBoost hybrid.
Buyer: Early trucks need the longest software and recall audit. PowerBoost should be scanned deeply, not judged by a short drive.
Owner: Keep module updates current and document every hybrid or 10R80 visit.
2022
Wiper motor recall expansion, continued PowerBoost updates and wider owner experience with the new electronics.
Buyer: Check 22S12/22S71 wiper status and inspect rear harness routing.
Owner: Do not ignore intermittent wipers or parking brake warnings; both are recall-linked.
2023
Max Tow axle bolt issue becomes central for used shoppers; last full pre-facelift year.
Buyer: Decode Max Tow before price negotiation. A non-affected 2.7 can be smarter than a high-option affected truck.
Owner: Listen for rear clicking and complete axle actions before towing.
2024
Facelift and updated trim/electronics strategy; older diesel/base specs disappear from most shopping lists.
Buyer: Better showroom polish, but still check 10R80 and rear axle recall status by VIN.
Owner: Keep OTA and dealer update records; 2024 values depend on visible software maturity.
2025
Updated trucks continue, with 2025 axle-related recall coverage on certain Max Tow builds.
Buyer: Do not assume new means clean. Run the VIN before buying a discounted recent truck.
Owner: Treat recall letters as part of maintenance, especially on tow-package trucks.
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
Max Tow rear axle hub bolt and spline failure
Affects
2021-2023 F-150 under 23V896/23S65 and certain 2023-2025 trucks under 25V512, with Trailer Tow Max Duty and 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle.
Symptoms
Rear clicking or rattling, broken hub bolt, loss of drive, truck can roll in Park if parking brake is not applied.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 1,200-3,000 axle/hub repair outside support.
Codes / scan clues
Usually mechanical; ABS/wheel speed codes possible if related damage occurs.
Root cause: Hub bolt fatigue allows micro-movement between hub and axle-shaft splines, which damages splines over time.
Quick check
- Decode Max Tow and axle package from window sticker or VIN.
- Check Ford 23S65 and 25V512 status.
- Listen for rear clicking during low-speed load changes.
- Inspect service invoices for axle shaft or hub replacement.
Buyer note
A Max Tow badge is not a free upgrade if the axle repair is unresolved.
Owner note
Use the parking brake and stop towing if rear hub noise appears.
Fault 2
10R80 harsh shift and CDF-drum/valve-body faults
Affects
2021-2025 F-150 with 10-speed automatic.
Symptoms
Harsh engagement, shift flare, clunk on coastdown, transmission adaptive reset that temporarily masks symptoms.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-500 software/adaptive work; EUR 2,000-5,500 hardware repair.
Codes / scan clues
P0731, P0734, P0741, P0766, P2700-series.
Root cause: Calibration sensitivity plus valve-body and CDF clutch drum wear can prevent stable clutch control.
Quick check
- Road test from cold and fully hot.
- Test stop-start traffic, light throttle and highway kickdown.
- Scan TCM history before and after test drive.
- Look for repeat dealer visits using only relearn procedures.
Buyer note
A smooth 10R80 is fine; a clunking one should not be bought on the promise of a reset.
Owner note
Document symptoms while warranty is active and ask whether hardware diagnosis is needed.
Fault 3
PowerBoost hybrid Stop Safely Now and generator faults
Affects
2021-2025 3.5 PowerBoost, strongest concern on early 2021-2023 trucks.
Symptoms
Stop Safely Now message, wrench light, auto start/stop disabled, Pro Power failure, no restart after stop.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under hybrid warranty; EUR 1,000-4,500 for motor/generator, isolator or module repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
P0A1A, P1A0E, P0A1E, P2C44, U061E.
Root cause: Hybrid motor/generator, battery control, ground/isolator and software issues can interrupt hybrid power management.
Quick check
- Scan PCM, SOBDMC and battery-energy control modules.
- Test Pro Power output under load if equipped.
- Ask for hybrid warranty start date and prior SSN invoices.
- Check 12V battery age and charging history.
Buyer note
PowerBoost is worth paying for only when the hybrid system has a clean history.
Owner note
Do not treat 12V battery warnings as minor; low-voltage faults can trigger hybrid symptoms.
Fault 4
Rear axle wiring harness chafe and unexpected electric parking brake application
Affects
2021-2023 F-150 under 23V509/23S35.
Symptoms
Parking brake applies while driving, ABS warnings, rear wheel speed faults, electronic locking differential warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-1,200 harness repair.
Codes / scan clues
ABS wheel-speed and EPB communication codes vary by module.
Root cause: Rear axle wiring bundle can rub against the axle housing, damaging circuits for parking brake and wheel-speed systems.
Quick check
- VIN-check 23S35.
- Inspect harness routing and abrasion near rear axle.
- Scan ABS/EPB modules.
- Ask whether clips/repair harness were installed.
Buyer note
A rear harness fault is not just a warning light; it can affect braking behavior.
Owner note
Have any EPB warning inspected before more insulation wears through.
Fault 5
Windshield wiper motor failure
Affects
2021-2022 F-150 under 22S12/22S71 and 22V142/22V842.
Symptoms
Inoperative wipers, intermittent wipe, wipers stop mid-sweep, poor visibility in rain.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-800 retail.
Codes / scan clues
Body module wiper motor circuit codes possible.
Root cause: Wiper motor internal electrical/circuit-board defects can stop operation.
Quick check
- Run wipers at all speeds for several minutes.
- VIN-check 22S12 and 22S71.
- Confirm replacement motor part number in invoice.
- Inspect cowl area for water/debris.
Buyer note
A truck that has never seen heavy rain on the test drive can still have an open visibility recall.
Owner note
Do not delay this repair if you drive in rain or snow.
Fault 6
OTA/module update faults and battery drain
Affects
2021-2025 F-150, more visible on high-option trims.
Symptoms
Failed updates, dead 12V battery, blank screens, feature dropouts, remote app errors.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under warranty; EUR 200-900 for battery/module diagnosis.
Codes / scan clues
U-code communication faults, low-voltage codes.
Root cause: New electrical architecture depends heavily on stable module software and healthy 12V state of charge.
Quick check
- Check update history in vehicle menus.
- Load-test 12V battery.
- Scan all modules for U-codes.
- Confirm no aftermarket wiring has been added poorly.
Buyer note
A dead battery on the lot may point to more than age if the truck is option-heavy.
Owner note
Keep the 12V battery strong before chasing random electronic faults.
Fault 7
Panoramic roof and rear cab water leaks
Affects
2021-2025 SuperCrew trucks with panoramic roof or rear slider.
Symptoms
Wet headliner, damp rear carpet, musty smell, roof binding, wind noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-700 leak/drain service; EUR 1,500-3,000 cassette or glass repair.
Codes / scan clues
Roof initialization/body codes possible.
Root cause: Large roof cassette drains, seals and rear cab openings are sensitive to debris and alignment.
Quick check
- Inspect headliner edges and rear seat floor.
- Operate roof fully.
- Water-test only if seller allows.
- Check for musty smell after rain.
Buyer note
Water inside a new-generation truck is a value and module risk.
Owner note
Clean drains and fix small stains before modules under trim get wet.
Fault 8
Integrated trailer brake and towing electronics faults
Affects
2021-2025 tow-package trucks.
Symptoms
Trailer brake module fault, blind spot/trailer messages, no trailer brake output, SYNC warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall/update where applicable; EUR 200-1,000 diagnosis/module repair.
Codes / scan clues
Trailer module and network U-codes vary.
Root cause: Tow electronics depend on trailer module communication, rear harness integrity and SYNC/software integration.
Quick check
- Connect a known-good trailer or tester.
- Check trailer brake gain output.
- Scan trailer module and body network.
- Inspect hitch wiring for corrosion or splices.
Buyer note
A tow-package truck must prove trailer-brake function, not just have the button.
Owner note
Repair trailer wiring before it damages modules or masks recall-related faults.
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 printout for axle, rear harness, wiper and any towing/electronic actions.
- Window sticker showing axle, Max Tow and Pro Power configuration.
- Hybrid warranty and PowerBoost repair history if applicable.
- Transmission service or repair invoices.
- Inspect rear axle hub area and harness routing.
- Check rear cab, roof and carpets for water.
- Look for tow wiring damage and aftermarket splices.
- Confirm tyre sizes match and no heavy tow abuse is visible.
- Run wipers, screens, cameras, Pro Power and roof.
- Check update history and warning messages.
- Scan all modules before clearing anything.
- Cold and hot 10R80 shift test.
- Listen for rear axle clicking during load changes.
- For PowerBoost, cycle EV operation and Pro Power if possible.
- Test trailer brake controller with a tester.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2023-2025 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 without Max Tow if you want the least drama. Buy PowerBoost only when the onboard generator is part of your real use case and the hybrid scan is clean.
Avoid: Avoid unresolved Max Tow axle trucks, early PowerBoost examples with repeated SSN events, and any 10R80 that has already had multiple relearns without a hardware fix.
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 2021-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Max Tow rear axle hub bolt and spline failure; 10R80 harsh shift and CDF-drum/valve-body faults; PowerBoost hybrid Stop Safely Now and generator faults. 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?
2023-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2023-2025 2.7 EcoBoost or 5.0 without Max Tow if you want the least drama. Buy PowerBoost only when the onboard generator is part of your real use case and the hybrid scan is clean.
Which Ford F-150 should I avoid?
Avoid unresolved Max Tow axle trucks, early PowerBoost examples with repeated SSN events, and any 10R80 that has already had multiple relearns without a hardware fix.
Is the Ford F-150 2021-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.1/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 1 serious fault, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: powerboost hybrid stop safely now and generator faults.
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
- static.nhtsa.gov: RMISC-23V896-9872.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-25V512-5521.pdf
- ford.com: 23s35-f-150-2021-2023-rear-axle-wiring-bundle-harness-recall
- ford.com: 22s71-f-150-2021-2022-wiper-motor-recall
- ford.oemdtc.com
- f150gen14.com
- time.com: ford-recall-f150-trucks
- static.nhtsa.gov: tsbs
- carcomplaints.com: transmission
- m.carcomplaints.com: tsb-ssm-52244.shtml
- carproblemzoo.com: electrical-system-problems.php
- ford.oemdtc.com
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLQRT-22V142-0945.PDF
- consumerreports.org
- carcomplaints.com: 2021
- carcomplaints.com: F-150