Can the Ford F-150 last 200,000 miles? Reliable reports reveal a large number of claims confirming it’s possible. Some of the F-Series pickup trucks have even reached 300,000 miles or more. However, recent news throws doubt on some of these claims.
Key Points
- Figures show the Ford F-150 to be twice as likely to reach the coveted 200,000-mile mark versus the average vehicle.
- Ensuring the engine and transmission are maintained is key to keeping an F-150 running as long as possible.
- F-150s from 2004 to 2009 struggle with motors and transmissions that can give out as early as 100,000 miles.
- Realistically, strive for 200,000 miles or more, but expect 150,000.
- When it comes to the longest-lasting pickup, Ford falls behind the Toyota Tundra, which is almost twice as likely to reach 200,000 miles.
How Long will a Ford F-150 Last? Owners Boast 200,000 to 300,000 Miles, but One Major Report Shows that’s not Always the Case
You can’t go half-ton truck shopping without at least considering a Ford F-150, a pickup known for its capable engines and solid track record. The model has also built a name for being reliable, with many drivers boasting impressive odometer readings.
So, how long will Ford’s F-Series pickup truck last? About 200,000 to 300,000 miles, claim various auto sites, enthusiast forums, and owners.
Does this mean any used F-150 with 150,000 miles will last another 50,000? Nope. But according to a recent report by automotive research site iSeeCars, the F-150 is twice as likely to reach 200,000 miles versus the average vehicle.
Of course, routine maintenance and responding quickly to any new problems will increase the chances of reaching this mileage.
Following Ford’s Suggested Service Schedule is Key to an F-150 Lasting 200,000 Miles or More
Sure, many trucks do just fine with little to no maintenance, but a routine service schedule is usually vital to longevity. You can find exact details in the pickup’s owner’s manual. Or you can enter the VIN on Ford’s maintenance schedule page.
Protecting the engine block and transmission is crucial, as they’re the powertrain’s main components. What’s more, they’re also the costliest to repair and/or replace.
On-time oil changes are the first step to protecting the engine long-term. Doing so keeps the oil fresh and free from harmful particles that can cause internal damage. The oil filter does a solid job of removing these particles, but only for so long.
Depending on the F-150’s age and where/how it’s driven, the motor oil and filter require changing roughly every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. Exceed these figures enough times, and you may need to replace the engine. For a V8-equipped F-150, expect to spend between $2,500 to $8,000, depending on if you choose a used, rebuilt, or new block.
Other engine-related service items on higher-mileage F-150 pickups include:
- Replace belts around 80,000 to 100,000 miles
- Replace fuel and air filter about every 30,000 miles
- Flush/change engine coolant every 30,000 miles or so
- Replace spark plugs between 60,000 to 100,000 miles
Servicing the transmission comes in second, as it’s not only vital to keeping the pickup on the road, but repair/replacement costs can run over $3,000, pre-labor.
While the transmission may be fine to 150,000 miles or more without service, changing the tranny fluid every 60,000 miles or so will up the chances.
You should also treat your truck’s transmission with care by avoiding bad habits that can cause it to fail early. A few of these include switching to park before the truck is fully stopped, towing over the pickup’s limit, or shifting through gears incorrectly.
Be Wary of 2004-2009 F-150s Due to Frequent Reports of Motors and Transmissions Failing as Early as 100,000 Miles
In general, the Ford F-150 holds a reputation for being reliable. However, some years have fared worse than others, as we’ve covered in a previous article.
Looking back, 2004–2009 were rough years for the F-150, specifically those with the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines. NHTSA reports, sorted by Car Complaints, show issues like engine knocking, shaking, and outright failure.
Most major issues carry a minimum $1,000 repair cost. However, an alarming 32 complaints about 2004 models alone mention needing to replace the engine at around 104,850 miles, for an average cost of $5,840.
Transmission problems also ran rampant for these years, much due to the four-speed automatic used from 2003 to 2008. In 2005 specifically, over 30 complaints mention transmission failure at around 81,700 miles. The average recorded repair cost sits at $2,530.
Both the 4.6L and 5.4L engines disappeared for the truck’s 2011 model year. One noteworthy engine addition was the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. While powerful, the motor quickly became the problem child of the lineup, with reports of shuddering, loss of power, stalling, and more.
However, engine failure rates dramatically lowered.
Transmission problems for the pickup also diminished. Much of this is thanks to the late-2017 introduction of Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic. The transmission was originally exclusive to the 3.5L EcoBoost but is now available on most models.
How Long will a Ford F-150 Really Last? Strive for 200,000 Miles or More, but Expect 150,000
Yes, the Ford F-150 can last 200,000 miles, but the stretch from 150,000 to 200,000 may be a bit too costly for some.
While the engine and transmission may last, many components, like the alternator, fuel pump, ball joints, and brake calipers all need to be replaced at around 100,000 miles. Together, these equal a massive shop bill.
If you are looking at an F-150 model with higher mileage, be sure to have a tech inspect it for signs that it’s been properly maintained, and if any components appear to be replacement units. Steer clear of the 4.6L and 5.4L engines and opt for the more reliable 5.0L V8 that replaced them in 2011.
If you really want to squeeze the most miles out of a pickup, the Toyota Tundra is reportedly almost twice as likely to reach 200,000 miles than the F-150 pickup.
Photos: Ford
