There are a few expensive problems you may want to avoid if you’re shopping for a used Ford F-150. These trucks have been around since 1975, and they weren’t created equally. Some model years have more severe problems than others. 

Three expensive Ford F-150 problems to avoid 

1. Loss of power 

One of the most expensive Ford F-150 problems is related to the 2012 model. It may experience a sudden loss of power while driving. 

Drivers reported that the engine shut off while driving, faced limited speeds, caused the truck to violently shake, and experienced engine surges. 

Some people shared that they had the engine, electronic throttle body, or high pressure fuel pump replaced. The problem seems to occur around 44,000 models and has an average repair cost of $2,300. 

2. Transmission shifting problems 

According to CarComplaints, owners of the 2019 Ford F-150 have reported issues related to transmission shifting. There are comments related to the transmission downshifting erratically in traffic. 

Also, drivers noted that the shifts were loud and they received powertrain failure  and reduced power messages while in traffic. Others experienced issues with jerking, hesitation, and engine stalling. 

Some owners shared that their truck shifted into neutral and wouldn’t change gears. Replacing the transmission seems to correct the problem. The problem seems to occur at 32,000 miles and has an average cost of $7,400 to repair. 

3. Hard shifts 

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 have reported problems related to hard shifts. Drivers shared that the transmission seemed prone to shuddering and clunking. The transmission shifts seemed way too rough and a little delayed. 

Others mentioned that the transmission would hesitate and slip gears. Drivers noticed that their trucks would shift into the wrong gear as well. 

This problem appears around 35,000 miles. The most common fix involves replacing the entire transmission. It costs an average of $7,250.