For example: Hauling 10,000 lbs of steel several hundred miles a day in your full-size truck might wear it down faster than if you only occasionally haul heavy loads. On the other hand, letting your F-150 sit unused in a garage with no upkeep for years will also wear it down faster.

How many years do Ford F150s last?

On average, you can expect a Ford F150 truck to last around 20 years.

Like your Ford’s mileage lifespan, factors like usage and model year also come into play when predicting how many years your F150 will last. 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

routine maintenance

play a large role in determining your Ford F150’s year-based life expectancy, as well.

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Is the Ford F150 a reliable vehicle?

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. And because reliability can vary from year to year, it’s important to consider model years carefully if you’re looking to buy a used F-150.

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, added driver assistance features—like the 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, mainly 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 also suffered from an airbag defect. The airbags were known to deploy unexpectedly, and the issue led 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?

Maintenance costs for Ford F150s generally fall around $788 a year, which is lower than the average $936 maintenance fee for full-size pickups.

Keep in mind that the following factors will affect your own F-150 maintenance costs:

Your vehicle’s age and current mileage

How regularly your pickup is maintained

Parts and labor costs at your local auto shop or Ford dealership

Here’s a look at how long you can expect some of your Ford’s key components to last:

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

Here are some tips that might help your Ford pickup truck join the high mileage club:

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 for the routine services it needs, like oil changes. 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.

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