Also worth reading: 2009–2014 Ford F-150 Buying Guide, 2021–2026 Ford F-150 Buying Guide and Ford F-150 Buying Guide.
The 2015–2020 Ford F-150 covers the 13th gen generation from start to finish. Mechanically these years are the same car — same platform, same engine family, same failure points — so shop the individual car's condition and service history rather than chasing a specific model year. 2018–2020 5.0L or 3.5L EcoBoost with 10-speed are strong picks. Verify TSB updates.
Bottom line: Recommended — a safe, defensible used purchase with the right pre-purchase inspection.
This generation launched in 2015: Aluminum body, revised chassis, 2.7L EcoBoost added, 10-speed automatic from 2017. Mid-cycle updates landed in 2018, so later cars in the span pick up interior and tech revisions. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.
Across 2015–2020, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2015–2016) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: 10-speed harsh shifts (early software) — TSB updates available; Cam phaser tick on 5.0L (mostly 2018+); Aluminum body panel repair costs.
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
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Expect F-150 maintenance costs typical of the 13th gen generation. Engines: 3.5L V6 / 5.0L Coyote V8 / 2.7L EcoBoost V6 / 3.5L EcoBoost V6 / 3.0L Power Stroke diesel (2018+). Transmissions: 6-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic (2017+). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2020 Ford F-150 are cheap and widely available.
Focused on what tends to fail on the 13th gen generation.
Within 2015–2020, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2015–2020 Ford F-150 passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Big weight reduction, Refined interior, Class-leading tech at launch.
Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 13th gen generation of the Ford F-150 rather than one specific model year.
The 2009–2014 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package. The 2021–present generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.
Across 2015–2020, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2015–2016) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: 10-speed harsh shifts (early software) — TSB updates available; Cam phaser tick on 5.0L (mostly 2018+); Aluminum body panel repair costs.
The 13th gen generation offered 3.5L V6, 5.0L Coyote V8 and 2.7L EcoBoost V6. Which one you buy matters more for long-term cost than trim level does.
The issues owners report most are 10-speed harsh shifts (early software) — TSB updates available, cam phaser tick on 5.0L (mostly 2018+) and aluminum body panel repair costs. Every one of them is checkable before you hand over money.
Within 2015–2020, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2015–2020 Ford F-150 passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy.
Expect F-150 maintenance costs typical of the 13th gen generation. Engines: 3.5L V6 / 5.0L Coyote V8 / 2.7L EcoBoost V6 / 3.5L EcoBoost V6 / 3.0L Power Stroke diesel (2018+).
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
Introduced in 2004; carried through 2008 with detail refinements.
Tougher body, larger cabs, EcoBoost V6 introduced in 2011.
Aluminum body, revised chassis, 2.7L EcoBoost added, 10-speed automatic from 2017.
Updated aluminum body, PowerBoost hybrid added, Pro Power onboard generator.
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