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Oh no, the Ford F-150 has a few potential weak spots to consider before buying. How can this be? It’s America’s favorite pickup truck! But being the favorite truck doesn’t make it the best one to buy. See what holds the 2023 Ford F-150 back. 

Potential 2023 Ford F-150 problems to consider

A white 2023 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck is driving on the road towing a trailer.
The 2023 Ford F-150 | Ford

The results are in, and the 2023 Ford F-150 might have a few issues to correct. This full-size truck is the best-selling option, but truck drivers should always research their options before making a decision. Some critics, like Car and Driver, place the Ram 1500 ahead of the F-150.

After receiving consumer feedback and putting trucks to the test, scores have been provided for each 2023 model in the segment. Rivals are closer than ever to passing the Ford F-150, including the Toyota Tundra, which struggles since its redesign.

1. The 2023 F-150 has a lower reliability ranking 

A red, entry-level Ford F-150 XL parked in the desert for a publicity photo, hikers visible in the background.
2023 Ford F-150 XL Rattler | Ford Motor Company

The 2023 Ford F-150 has a lower predicted reliability ranking than its rivals. It’s expected to be less reliable than the average new car. However, it got an 86 out of 100 for reliability from J.D.Power. 

Any score between 91 to 100 is great, scores between 81 to 90 are good, and anything in the 70 to 80 range is average. But J.D.Power bases its rankings on previous owner experiences. Previous owners shared their honest experienced.

The average F-150 model is expected to make it to about 200,000 miles, but it is possible to reach 300,000 miles with the proper care and maintenance. If you drive 12,000 miles per year, you could get 17 years of service on the road. 

This is a little behind its rivals. The Toyota Tundra should comfortably reach 300,000 miles, and the Ram 1500 should make it between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. 

2. The Ford F-150 could have better handling 

The 2023 Ford F-150 doesn’t have the best ride quality for daily commuting, according to Car and Driver. This It’s a little flinty and guzzles gas. But Edmunds shared that it has direct and responsive handling. 

The 2023 F-150 feels smaller than it is and is extremely nimble in parking lots. It feels confident and stable at highway speeds with predictable brakes. 

Why it’s considered to be a pretty comfortable truck, critics admit that the 2023 Ram 1500 still has a superior ride quality. But the F-150 is still pretty quiet at higher speeds with a solid climate control system. 

You can also increase comfort by optioning for heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. Plus, the Max Recline feature nearly lays the seats flat for napping. 

3. The F-150 could have better emergency handling 

Silver Ford F-150 XL pickup truck parked on a rock pile, blue sky visible over a desert in the background.
2023 Ford F-150 XL Rattler | Ford Motor Company

According to critics, the 2023 Ford F-150 might not have the best braking power, which is crucial for avoiding accidents. So does this mean the F-150 is safe? It is an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. 

But rivals like the Toyota Tundra have higher safety rankings. The F-150 is safe, but it got a few more Acceptable scores instead of Good ones during crash tests. Good is the highest score possible. 

What hurts the F-150 is that its pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking system only got an Advanced score instead of a Superior rating. 

So while the 2023 Ford F-150 is a well-rounded, comfortable truck with the highest towing and payload capacities, it has some catching up to do. It could be more reliable, have a better ride, and be a little safer.