Ford F150 5.0 Engine Problems: Reliability Issues and Recalls

Jan 27, 2021

F-150

America’s best-selling pickup truck is certainly ‘Built Ford Tough.’ But a range of engine problems have been reported over the years.

Introduced in 1975, the Ford F-150 has remained the Ford Motor Company‘s most popular vehicle and America’s best-selling pickup truck since 1977. The F-Series vehicle has become synonymous with the automaker’s iconic “Built Ford Tough” motto and is long respected as a dependable work vehicle. However, the Ford F-150 also has a lengthy history of minor to major problems stemming from its 5.0 engine. Most F-150 models generally last for years, but a wide range of engine problems have been reported over the years.

There have been so many engine complaints since 2004 that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had to act to get Ford to resolve them.

Common Problems Found in the F-150 5.0 Engine

Some of the most common issues affecting Ford F-150 trucks include spark plugs breaking, poor fuel economy, persistent engine noises, and engine stalls. To hear the kind of engine problems real-world Ford F-150 owners have experienced with the 5.0 engine, check out this video of an F-150 owner addressing strange noises emitting from his engine.

Check out the five most common issues affecting the F-150 engine below.

Ford F-150 - Photo by Ford

Head Gasket Leaks

While a small problem to begin with, this can indicate a much bigger problem waiting in the wings. The main indicator of a leaking head gasket is the smell of burning oil. The good news is that this may be one of the cheapest engine problems you may ever have to deal with, and it’s easily solvable. If you smell burning oil, have a professional mechanic perform a diagnostic on the engine as soon as possible. Catching a problem head gasket leak early could save you money in the long run.

Engine Knocks

Not every strange sound means that your engine is about to fail. Common causes of engine knocks include using lower octane fuel than what’s recommended; carbon buildup inside engine cylinders; improperly installed or faulty spark plugs; faulty fuel injector; and stuck valves that cause issues with the cylinders.

The Ford F-150 5.0 engine knocking issues have tended to be serious enough for Ford to issue a technical service bulletin for its 2018 and 2019 F-150. The Blue Oval claimed the noise is not detrimental to engine function in any way and has no long-term effects on durability. Although Ford has never issued a recall for the 2018 engine, it has acknowledged the problem.

Ford did engage in arbitration with a number of 2018 and 2019 F-150 owners. As a result, Ford bought back trucks from individual owners without acknowledging that there was a problem.

Throttle Body Replacement

Hand Holding A Car Throttle

While not technically a part of the engine, this affects its performance. Dealers have been instructed to replace electronic throttle bodies to fix the issue in the affected vehicles.

Fuel Injection System

A recurring problem from the 2018 to 2020 model, faulty fuel injection systems have caused a range of issues, including lack of power, stalling, and low fuel rail pressure.

Spark Plug Failure

Model years 2004 through 2008 F-150s experienced many complaints about spark plugs breaking off, leaving what remained jammed in the engine. Much of this occurred due to Ford’s recommendation to change the plugs every 100,000 miles rather than the standard 30,000.

What to Do About an Engine with a History of Complaints

One 2018 model thread on the website F-150 Forum has well over 100 pages of owners’ complaints about the 5.0 liter engine in the 2018 model alone. A common theme is that because engine noise will not disable the engine, Ford considers this to be a minor problem.

One hundred pages of complaints about Ford F-150 5.0 engine problems means they’re not minor.

TruckOmizze recommends knowing which have been the best and worst years for the Ford F-150, so you can know what to look for.

The worst F-150 years, based on total complaints to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2011 2007, 2002 and 2010. The best Ford F-150s were manufactured in 1993, 1994, 1996, 2009, 2012, 2003, 2001, 2014, 2018 and 1998.

Still a Great Truck

There is a good reason the F-150 is America’s bestselling vehicle. It’s stylish, otherwise performs well, and is reliable. With that many vehicles on the road, there are bound to be problems.

However, it you are interested in buying one, you need to be aware of what issues you are likely to face.

Owner Reviews

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vincent on September 30, 2023

Ford F-150 5.0 Oil Consumption

I special ordered a Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote engine. It was specified and purchased for one purpose; towing a 9k pound camper trailer. It can't so this. My buying experience started with Auto Nation in Katy, TX lying to me about the cost when the truck arrived and telling me the incentives were gone and the price went up 8k. They asked if I could meet them in the middle. No. I had Sterling McCall Ford in Houston off of I-59 south pull it from Auto Nation's inventory and sell it to me for the agreed upon price. I later learned that the paint was chipping off, there was a parasitic drain on that completely killed the battery, the transmission fell out of gear after having hit the breaks at 70mph and wouldn't re-engage for up to 6 seconds and the engine burns more that 2.5 quarts per oil change...more if you are towing something. I entered into a law suit, which isn't going as well as hoped, but taking a 4k loss is better than a 54k bath. The VIN is 1FTFW1E58KKD80862 just in case you are fooled into buying it. Ford issues 4 sequential TSBs for the oil consumption issue. The first stated to replace the long block. Then Ford started getting creative with engine programming and smoke and mirrors. The service writer, Thriesten at Sterling McCall flat out lied to me . The reprogrammed the PCV-head pressure or something like this. Then they changed the oil grade from 5W30 to 5W20, replaced the oil fill cap to match and then changed my dip stick stating that it didn't measure correctly. The original measure 1.0qts in the hash marks. The new one measured 1.9qts in the hash marks. (smoke and mirrors). Ford forced me into an Oil Consumption Test. I drove the truck for 5k miles and brought it back for review every 1000 miles. They over filled the oil as demonstrated by the photos taken before I left Sterling McCall's lot. The results were no better. I would say worse actually. I put an catch can on the engine about 2200 miles into the test. The catch can caught over 2 ounces of oil headed back to the engine in the California re-burn process. I don't know the efficacy of the can, but over two ounces in 2700 miles is ridiculous. The valves are fouled and it takes about 10 minutes to heat up the sludge before it begins to run remotely smooth. The lawyers have finally got an agreement to buy back the truck. My accessories were somehow entered into the deal without my knowledge or consent. This set off my BP to 172/80. I laid down and didn't get up until 10 or so the next morning. My BP was still over 160 and I haven't felt well since hearing the news. Ford will take my special order Silver Spruce colored truck and sell it to someone else. There are several class actions filed against Ford for this issue. These suits cover 2018-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L engines. Look in your owner's manual on page 358. You will see the the symbol for the proper oil 5W30 along with the words, "The American Petroleum Institute service symbol is used to identify the proper engine oil for your engine." Yet, Ford changed it. Read TSBs 19-2133, 19-2238, 19-2058 and 19-2065. TSB 19-2065 is the one that gives the Dealerships the instructions on how to attempt to mask the problem. It is straight up fraud. The dealerships are complicit in committing fraud with Ford. I will be posted a new web site FORD MOTOR CORP DOT COM soon in an effort to show and detail the literal hell Auto Nation, Sterling McCall and Ford Motor Corp. Had put me through. There will be photos for the thousand word experiment.

vincent on September 30, 2023

Ford F-150 Engine Oil Consumption

Vincent on September 30, 2023

Ford Oil Consumption Law Suit

I special ordered a Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote engine. It was specified and purchased for one purpose; towing a 9k pound camper trailer. It can't so this. My buying experience started with Auto Nation in Katy, TX lying to me about the cost when the truck arrived and telling me the incentives were gone and the price went up 8k. They asked if I could meet them in the middle. No. I had Sterling McCall Ford in Houston off of I-59 south pull it from Auto Nation's inventory and sell it to me for the agreed upon price. I later learned that the paint was chipping off, there was a parasitic drain on that completely killed the battery, the transmission fell out of gear after having hit the breaks at 70mph and wouldn't re-engage for up to 6 seconds and the engine burns more that 2.5 quarts per oil change...more if you are towing something. I entered into a law suit, which isn't going as well as hoped, but taking a 4k loss is better than a 54k bath. The VIN is 1FTFW1E58KKD80862 just in case you are fooled into buying it. Ford issues 4 sequential TSBs for the oil consumption issue. The first stated to replace the long block. Then Ford started getting creative with engine programming and smoke and mirrors. The service writer, Thriesten at Sterling McCall flat out lied to me . The reprogrammed the PCV-head pressure or something like this. Then they changed the oil grade from 5W30 to 5W20, replaced the oil fill cap to match and then changed my dip stick stating that it didn't measure correctly. The original measure 1.0qts in the hash marks. The new one measured 1.9qts in the hash marks. (smoke and mirrors). Ford forced me into an Oil Consumption Test. I drove the truck for 5k miles and brought it back for review every 1000 miles. They over filled the oil as demonstrated by the photos taken before I left Sterling McCall's lot. The results were no better. I would say worse actually. I put an catch can on the engine about 2200 miles into the test. The catch can caught over 2 ounces of oil headed back to the engine in the California reburn process. I don't know the efficacy of the can, but over two ounces in 2700 miles is ridiculous. The valves are fouled and it takes about 10 minutes to heat up the sludge before it begins to run remotely smooth. The lawyers have finally got an agreement to buy back the truck. My accessories were somehow entered into the deal without my knowledge or consent. This set off my BP to 172/80. I laid down and didn't get up until 10 or so the next morning. My BP was still over 160 and I haven't felt well since hearing the news. Ford will take my special order Silver Spruce colored truck and sell it to someone else. There are several class actions filed against Ford for this issue. These suits cover 2018-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L engines. Look in your owner's manual on page 358. You will see the the symbol for the proper oil 5W30 along with the words, "The American Petroleum Institute sevive symbol is used to identify the proper engine oil for your engine." Yet, Ford changed it. Read TSBs 19-2133, 19-2238, 19-2058 and 19-2065. TSB 19-2065 is the one that gives the Dealerships the instructions on how to attempt to mask the problem. It is straight up fraud. The dealerships are complicit in committing fraud with Ford. I will be posted a new web site FORD MOTRO CORP DOT COM soon in an effort to show and detail the literal hell Auto Nation, Sterling McCall and Ford Motor Corp. Had put me through. There will be photos for the thousand word experiment.

Auditgirl on June 21, 2022

2017 Ford F-150 Platinum (Beauty is only skin Deep)

I fell in love with my Truck....sleek, s**y and tough. Or so I thought. I have owned it for going on 3yrs and as of today...it only has 93,000 miles on it. In late December 2021, it started slipping out of gear and dying etc. Turned out it was the control module. It was in the shop for a month or more because the part was back order. (Part was recalled on other yrs. So I was way down the line) Finally got it back around January 25, 2022. Then in May, we were driving and a warning came up on the dash and we pulled over. It said the truck was overheating. Called a tow truck to the nearest shop. The water pump had gone out. Just like that. No warning, no smoke, no nothing. They fixed that but then it was running rough. It was a code for the coil. Fixed it...still rough. Could be a cylinder or cracked head. AHHHHHHH How!!!!! I baby that Truck. They got it together enough so we could drive it back to Nashville. Didn't overheat but had a shake....so upsetting. Dropped it off at the Ford Dealership on May 28th. Called them today and they haven't gotten to it yet because they are backed up. Might get it torn down by the Friday, June 24th to see what the problem is. HAS anyone else had a water pump just go out and just have multiple issues at once? Or am I just getting lucky that all this is happening before my extended warranty is up.

bob on March 12, 2023

Engine knock on passenger side low end

I purchased a 2012 F-150 on 10/22. I did not hear any engine noise when I test drove the vehicle. After a few days the engine started to knock on the low end of the passenger side. I took it to a local ford dealer for evaluation and the certified mechanic told me that the truck was fine and if the 5.0 coyote engine didn't sound like a sewing machine that something was wrong. He stated that the 5.0 coyote was a noisy engine. In 2/2023 it developed an oil leak towards the rear of the engine. I took it to a different ford dealer and they said it was the oil pan gasket. I asked them to look into the knocking noise at that time. They did an oil sample and said the engine needed to be replaced due to a large amount of metal in the oil sample and that the crankshaft bearings were bad. Luckily I purchased a bumper to bumper warranty when I purchased the truck. Presently I am waiting for an inspector from the warranty company to inspect the truck and hopefully approve a new engine .My experience with this truck and reading many other people having the same or similar issues has changed my opinion of Ford motor company. I feel they know these engines have issues and will not even attempt to fix them. This is probably my last Ford product.

Ed Lo on February 7, 2022

So Very dis-satisfied with this truck

Got this truck in September 2020 as a retirement vehicle before i go on a fixed income. Looks like i am going to have to put in a couple more years to pay for another. Specifically wanted the V-8, i test drove the truck and before i ever got in it i could hear a ticking noise like a lifter or a rod bearing, very faint. Salesman told me it was the big compressor ford uses. Got the truck home and these are the problems that pisses me off. Steering wheel off center and the truck pulls to left, had it aligned steering wheel is center but truck still pulls to the left (cost me $90.00 bucks) it had 12, 250 miles when it took it in. The brakes grab or snatch all the time, The truck stalls when trying to accelerate from a stop sign. In the morning time, dont even put the truck in drive until the RPM drops to 1,000, it runs really rough until it warms up. I would pay ford to fix the problems but they wont admit to c**p, they just tell me it shows no codes. The dealers just laugh, i know they are just going to wait me out until the 36,000 mile warranty runs out. So embarrassing to pay that much money for a vehicle and it runs like that.

Ogedn on January 4, 2023

2019 F150 needs a new engine

My F-150 has been at the dealer since late Oct 2022 when I took it in for a reoccurring check engine light issue that they had "fixed" before. Well, they dug into it and between the dealer and the company that holds the extended warranty they say it needs a new engine. Ford said they will have one for me in Oct 2023. A year after it went into the shop. The extended warranty company will no longer cover a loaner car, the dealer will not, and Ford said no because my truck is over the warranty by 1200 miles. WTF Ford pull an engine from the line and get my truck back on the road, I need it to haul cattle feed, get to work and medical appointments. The local dealer did rent me a car for 2 months but at 40 dollars a day they can’t afford it. This is the second Ford I had where parts were not available. I had a Ford Edge (2012?) that needed a new gas tank, and none were available, (it was a massive recall) on that one Ford was more than happy to rent me a car.

Auditgirl on August 2, 2022

Truck in the Shop (Since May 28, 2022)

Today is August 2, 2022 and my truck (2017 Ford F-150 Platinum) is still in the shop. Was told they broke the engine down today and it looks like a cylinder and will possibly need a new engine. It has less than 100,000 miles on it. It has just in the shop for a electrical issue (something that was recalled on other years but not this year....but that part went out and had to take it in)The part was on back order so my truck was in the shop for over a month. Now it has been in there since May 28th. Today....they just broke it down. Now...they may need to order an engine...which are on back order. One they ordered in February has not arrived yet. What is going on with Ford? So many issues. I have a truck payment on a truck I cannot drive.

JAMES WRIGHT on September 11, 2023

Oil Consumption & Knocking Noise

My 2018 F-150 XLT 5.0 FX4 has been consuming excessive amounts of oil over the last couple of years. I kept bringing the item to the dealership which at 1st kept stating that the engine I have is manufactured to consume excessive amounts of oil. It got so bad that I was adding 5-7 quarts in between oil changes. The gasoline engine would sound like a diesel. Now I’m at the tail end of my extended warranty and it only offers $35/day for 10 while awaiting an engine on back order. I contacted corporate who have been of some assistance but can’t authorize repayment until the vehicle is repaired. I’m unsure of what to do.

MUSTANGER04 on October 20, 2023

2021 F150 5.0 XL SXT

43K MILES HAS MULTIPLE RECALLS, NOW HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ONE AND HAS THROWN CODE FOR P0345, P0349, P1534 U0100, U0401, B108F, B152E, C0609 WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WIRING HARNESS TO REAR AXEL, UNDERBODY INSULATORS ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT IM MORE CONCERNED WITH THE P0345 AND P0349 SEEING THAT IM BEING TOLD THAT IT COULD BE A $2500.00 REPAIR AND MY TRUCK LITERALLY HAS 43K MILES ON IT.. SO IM 7K MILES OUT OF MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. ANYONE ELSE HAVING THESE ISSUES? Camshaft Position Sensor-A Circuit (Bank-2) ENGINE TIMING SENSORS.

John T on February 24, 2022

2015 King Ranch

I just had my first major repair job done on my 5.0. I'm having all 4 VCT's replaced...I have over 160,000 miles on my truck based on everything from freeway driving to towing boats. Aside from consumables, the only other component I've had fail under the hood was the upper radiator hose. I've followed all factory service intervals, oil changes at 5K miles w/synthetic blend, no additives, and 87 octane gasoline from national name brand gas stations only. This is by far the best truck I've ever owned.

Iver Day on July 5, 2021

Iverday75@gmail.com

I bought my F-150 with 5.0 engine and am having trouble with the intake bank timing. Took it to Ford dealership and they had it for 6 hrs under warranty. Said it was fixed. About 30 miles later my engine light came back on and the engine is running rough again. I'm going to take it to advanced auto again before I take it to the dealer.ship. My dilemma is my 60000 mile warranty is almost over got 100 mile left. Very upset with Fprd rivht now.

Robert Wickland on March 15, 2023

5.0 and echo boost

The 302 used to be a legendary engine for durability ...now they are just junk . The 6.7 well if you happen to need to replace a stinking timing chain cover gasket is almost 6,000 and a cab off process . The echo boost....well we all know they are s**t too . I have had each and every one of them from 2016 on and they have all pushed me right out of buying fords all together . Now I drive Toyota and duramax...sad Isure did love my ford's

Ford truck man on April 15, 2023

Engine Shutter

I bought my truck used with 35,000 miles know I have 142,000 miles on it and the engine shutters and shuts down while I’m driving. My truck is a 2016 5.0 f150 sport package can’t figure outwhy the engine does this I constantly put it on the computer not showing anything. I’ve owned several different f150s and 250’s this week be is the worst. Im looking for another used f150 just don’t know what year to get

Ramon Garcia on January 27, 2022

2019 ford f150 5.0

Well my truck got a check engine at 18500 miles took to dealer got fixed under warranty made a tiking noise got the brakes at 36000 miles got 43xxx miles on it right now love that truck i do commercial tires load it up with 10 semi tires plus my tools air compressor tool box and still get 16.2 miles a gallon and drives beautiful i mean daaam what a great truck thanks ford love the v8 the v6 is no bueno adios amigos

Charles Powell on December 25, 2021

Owner

I bought a 2018 Ford F-150 with the 5.0 engine. It was knocking some at 25,000 miles but at30,000 miles the knock is louder at idle, and it has that chirping sound, and it has stalled on me several times over the last couple of months. This is not normal. This is the first truck that I have ever owned with this kind of engine noise. And I have had over 30 different trucks in my lifetime.

Robert on June 4, 2022

Issues starting

I purchased a 2018 Lariat 5.0 FX4, I have approximately 75,000 miles on it mostly highway miles. Took a trip last weekend and about ten hours in to driving I stopped to get gas an truck wouldn't start. I waited about 45 minutes then truck started. I Took it to O'reillys auto parts store had the battery and alternator tested both are good. Trying to figure out the root cause.

Terry H. on December 2, 2023

Engine knock

I have a 2108 f150 5.0 coyote.Engine started to knock,parked it and trailered it to a mechanic shop.Heades we’re pulled all looked good.Oil pan pulled and #8 cylinder push rod looked like an “S”.The truck wasn’t quite 5 years old and has 123,000km on it.10,500 dollars for new engine from Ford.I can’t afford that so still paying on it.Anyone out there want it

Jacob Parker on April 3, 2022

F-150 1995 on door an it had 1996 on title

I love my truck an I love Ford.. But I am having trouble with the fuel SOMETHING! I have changed out just about every part on it.. But I have NOT broke down and got into it yet.. But I will.. IS THERE ANYONE THAT MAY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH IT? Please text or call me at 256-460-0955.. ANYONE PLEASE IM DESPITE GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Ron dewitt on November 4, 2021

Not happy Ford owner

I have a 2019 Ford 150 king ranch with5,0 engine the engine sounds horrible it has had 4 variable time if sensors at 40 thousand got new rear end never left the dealer from that snd had to get new transmission .new transmission already clunking engine sounds terrible

Sue on March 9, 2022

Ford f150 2012

The only thing I don't like is the color. She is black, which makes her very hot when in the sun. She runs great, drives very well. Looks great, seats are very comfortable on long trips. She has pulled a 36ft. R.V. With no problems.

Michael Samuels on March 22, 2022

Napa567@aol.com

Never had a Problem with my 5.0L 2014, had 44,000 on it, and some idiot took the truck out. It was the best 4X4 ever.

wes on April 6, 2022

F150 5L v8

Got a 2021 platinum 150 with 5 letre v8 giving back to finance i cant afford 8mpg worst peace of junk i ever owned

alain gauthier gaspe quebec on August 28, 2022

Probleme de moteur

Probleme de vibration et consommation d huiles sur ma f150 xlt 2020

Soontobetoyotaowner on May 2, 2022

2013 5.0

Engine knocking

Waymon Chavis on December 29, 2021

18 ford f-150

Engine knocking

David Granton on April 4, 2022

Gay

Tim G