The average Ford F150
can last between 150,000 and 300,00 miles depending on the model year and the truck’s usage and environment. As Edmunds’ top-rated truck for 2021, Car and Driver’s third highest-rated pickup for 2023, and the continuously best-selling truck in America, the Ford F150 is widely sought for its endurance and reliability. But while the F150 has undeniably good bones, part of its longevity also depends on routine maintenance
and regular upkeep. When considering all of the variable factors, what isthe life expectancy of a Ford F150? Here with the answers is Jerry
, the car insurance
super app and expert vehicle resource
. From which F150 years to avoid to tips to reach that higher mileage lifespan, let’s take a look at how long your Ford F150 might last. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
How many miles can a Ford F150 last?
The average Ford F150 will last between 150,000 and 300,000 miles.
There are, of course, several factors that affect this lifespan—like your vehicle’s model year and what type of usage it’s seeing. Hauling 10,000 lbs of steel several hundred miles a day, for example, might wear your F150 down a little faster than if you only occasionally haul heavy loads. On the other hand, letting your F150 sit in a garage with no upkeep for years will also wear it down faster.
Key takeaway Routine maintenance and regular care of your pickup will extend its mileage lifespan.
How many years do Ford F150s last?
On average, you can expect a Ford F150 to last around 20 years.
Like your Ford’s mileage lifespan, factors like usage and model year also come into play when predicting your F150’s lifespan in years. That said, the average Ford F150 is considered to be used as a work truck reaching around 15,000 miles per year. Therefore, if you put more miles on your Ford F150 per year, it may not last as long.
Of course, proper care and maintenance play a large role in determining your Ford F150’s year-based life expectancy, as well.
How reliable is a Ford F150?
The Ford F150’s reliability ratings vary depending on the source. While consumers might applaud the F150 as a reliable pickup, experts can be a bit more critical, too. Here’s where the F150 receives its best and worst marks.
Most reliable: F-150s made after 2017
The 2022 Ford F150 full-size pickup was given a 77/100 rating from J.D. Power for quality and reliability, which is considered to be an average score. The 2018 F150 received a 74/100 J.D. Power reliability rating, so the pickup has been improving in this respect over the past few years. Both model years, however, ranked 2nd overall in their class by U.S. News.
As the F150 has evolved, its added driver assistance features, like the 2020 model’s new Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, improved towing capacity, and redesigned engine options have contributed to their safety and durability. However, compared to similar vehicles like the Ram 1500
, the F150 lacks in fuel efficiency and ride stability. Despite this, recent model years of the F150 boast top-tier towing capabilities, a wide range of technology features, and interior luxury—all of which have helped the F150 remain the best-selling full-size pickup on the modern market.
Least reliable: 2004 to 2006 Ford F150s
Critics and consumers alike pinpoint 2004 to 2006 as some of the worst years in Ford F150’s history due to ongoing manufacturing issues. One of the more common issues was corroded gas tank straps—which continuously detached and dragged below the chassis.
The 2005 model additionally suffered from an airbag defect causing it to deploy unprompted, leading to a major recall. According to Consumer Reports, both the 2004 and 2005 models also saw particularly high numbers of major engine complaints resulting in total rebuilds or replacements. Typically, engine knocking
and breaking spark plugs were the root of the problem. Are Ford F150s expensive to maintain?
Ford F150s generally cost around $788 a year to maintain, which is lower than the average $936 maintenance fee for full-size pickups.
When calculating the yearly expense of your Ford F150, though, your vehicle’s age and current mileage will impact the total, as well as how regularly your pickup is maintained. Here’s a look at how long you can expect some of your Ford’s key components to last.
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Brakes
A Ford F150’s brake pads
will generally last up to 70,000 miles. The health and longevity of your brakes and brake pads will of course depend on your driving habits, however. For example, Ford F150 drivers who live in hilly areas or experience daily stop-and-go traffic may need to inspect and possibly replace their brakes more often.
Tires
New Ford tires usually last around 50,000 miles.
Tire lifespans vary, however, depending on the type of tire
and the loads and driving conditions they regularly endure. Most Ford F150s come equipped with all-terrain or all-season tires
. Typically, all-terrain tires wear out faster than all-season tires—about 40,000 miles—but again, this depends on what type of roads you’re traversing and how much daily stress your tires are getting. Transmission
The transmission system in a Ford F150 can usually last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
You will need to make sure your Ford’s transmission fluids are routinely changed or serviced about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. This is to ensure that your transmission system isn’t getting too hot, which is vital to your transmission’s health.
Spark plugs
A Ford F150’s spark plugs most often need replacing every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
If you begin experiencing issues when accelerating or notice that your engine is misfiring, it’s important to get your spark plugs inspected—they may need to be replaced sooner.
How to prolong the lifespan of your Ford F150
As we’ve been hammering home: regular maintenance for your Ford F150 is the most important and effective method of prolonging its lifespan.
Here are some tips that might help:
Stick to a schedule: Take a look at your Ford F150’s owner manual to get an idea of your pickup’s recommended maintenance schedule. Your manual should include each service you will need and when to do it.
Go for quality when purchasing parts: While it may seem more financially sustainable to purchase cheaper parts for your F150, doing so might cost you more in the long run. It’s always a better idea to go with the parts and fluids that meet Ford’s specifications.
Don’t ignore car alerts: If your Check Engine Light
keeps flashing at you, pay attention and get your car in for service ASAP. Even if you’ve been maintaining your Ford beautifully, issues can arise unpredictably and your warning lights are there to inform you about them. You can always refer to your manual if you’re unsure what something means. Wash that pickup: Keeping your F150 clean on the inside and outside helps it preserve its materials and look great at the same time. Washing and waxing
your Ford is actually key to protecting its paint from rust and wear, and vacuuming your carpets will minimize future tearing.
Key Takeaway Keeping a regular maintenance routine with your Ford F150 is vital to ensuring it lasts as long as 300,000 miles and 20 years.
How to save money on your Ford car insurance
Protecting your Ford F150 with quality car insurance
goes hand-in-hand with keeping a regular maintenance routine. Fortunately, finding a policy that meets your budget and coverage is far easier than changing the oil or rotating tires, too—just download Jerry
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will help handle all the calls and paperwork—they can even cancel your old policy for you. The average Jerry user ends up saving more than $800 a year on car insurance, so it’s definitely worth a look to cover that Ford
for less! “I love how easy it was for me, as someone who has an older beat-up truck, to get insurance without going through a lot of trouble. I would recommend anyone try Jerry
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