The Truth Behind the 2020 Ford F-150’s Shameful Reliability Ratings
The Ford F-150 is an American icon. It paved the way for the pickup truck as we know it. This US born and bred truck has seen decades of tailgating, Friday night lights, first days of school, first dates, and work on the ranch. It’s commuted to work every day, it’s hauled hay, and carried the kids around. The versatile 2020 Ford F-150 is the most sold vehicle in the US, but it might not be as reliable as you think.
According to Consumer Reports, the F-150 has lacked reliability for years. For four model years now, this popular pickup manufactured by Ford has earned one out of five –– the lowest score possible –– for predicted reliability form CR. Here’s why.
The Ford F-150 Consumer Report
The 2020 Ford F-150 is part of the thirteenth generation of this legendary pickup. Thirteenth time may not be a charm. Since its debut in 2015, which was actually one of this truck’s better model years, the Ford F-150’s thirteenth generation hasn’t had good reliability ratings from CR.
The CR review gave the F-150 an overall score of 57. It was by no means at the bottom of the CR list of 18 trucks. In fact in was number five. The trucks that beat the F-150 for the CR 2020 full-sized pickup truck reviews were the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic, the 2020 Toyota Tundra, the 2020 Nissan Titan, and the 2020 Ram 1500.
The 2020 Ford F-150 goes for between $28,745 – $71,160. Its road test score of 74 is paired with a pretty generous review that comments positively on the Ford’s light weight, its 2.7 liter turbo V6, and its “effortless towing ability.” The review raved about the 2020 F-150’s ultra-quiet cabin, huge back seat, and user friendly infotainment system.
Cause for worry
The Consumer Reports review points out that because of the new aluminum design corrosion may be an issue for the longevity of the 2020 F-150’s body. The Ford pickup’s updated aluminum body panels –– new for the thirteenth generation –– may be cause for worry as far as cosmetic longevity is concerned. The report also notably mentions that it may be more difficult to find an authorized body shop capable of repairing the aluminum parts.
Additionally, the 2020 Ford F-150 has 5 recalls since its production launch last year. These recalls included a powertrain/transmission glitch, issues with the headlights, some alarming faulty spare tire problems, electrical malfunctions that could lead to stalling or a fire, and front seats with improper support. Recalls like this typically have a massive impact on CR reliability ratings.
It’s still a good pickup truck
The 2020 Ford F-150 still received a pretty well-rounded review from CR. One of its most redeeming qualities is its superior fuel efficiency. The 2020 model year F-150 gets 26 miles per gallon on the highway, 13 in the city, with a 19 miles per gallon average. That’s the best mpg average in its class.
When you compare that with the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic –– number one on the CR list. The winner of this truck class gets 10 miles per gallon in the city, 21 on the highway and only a 15 miles per gallon average. So, although the F-150 gets low predicted reliability ratings, it’s a winner elsewhere.
With a quiet ride, great fuel economy and a long list of options and add-ons, the 2020 Ford F-150 pickup truck may have gotten shameful reliability ratings, but it’s still among the best pickups.
