The Ford F-150 is the "poster boy" for pickup truck excellence in the United States, and for good reason. Besides being popular among gearheads, the F-150 has amassed stellar sales since its inception. Its associated class — the F-Series — has earned plaudits for being the best-selling truck in the US for 46 years, with the lineup showcasing its dominance last year (2022) with 640,000 sales.

People cherish the F-150 due to its puissant and stalwart stance. And with Ford retaining its commitment to delivering aesthetic and performance-themed upgrades to this truck every passing year to suit the saturated automotive market, one thing's certain — the F-150 fanfare isn't dying anytime soon.

Currently, in its 14th generation, the F-150 has undoubtedly made its prints in the sands of time. Nonetheless, it's pertinent to note that this nameplate is far from perfect. For context, while a vast array of F-150s oozed perfection all around, certain model years were marred by unreliability and safety deficiencies.

If you're in the market for a used Ford F-150, conducting due diligence is non-negotiable to avoid ending up with a problematic model year. To assist your purchase endeavor, we've outlined the best and worst years for the Ford F-150. With the context gleaned from this article, you'll be able to select the F-150 that suits your day-to-day endeavors to the "T." Let's get started!

10 Avoid: 2016 F-150 – The Year Of Engine Stalls

2016 Ford F-150 in motion on road, driving past houses
Ford

The 2016 F-150 purportedly screamed the "built Ford tough" mantra during its debut. But it had a glaring soft side — engine stalls. Most owners complained that they experienced engine stalls while driving. What's worse? This issue took precedence between the 29,000 and 30,000-mile mark.

Although engine stalls might have made the headlines on the 2016 F-150, another safety issue plaguing this truck were door latch problems that prompted the doors to open unexpectedly in-between drives and after side impacts.

These significant issues alongside those related to airbags, seats, suspension, and service brakes resulted in a mind-boggling 13 recalls by Ford. So, if you had set sights on the 2016 Ford F-150, striking it out of your bucket list with a red marker is an excellent idea.

RELATED: 10 Classic Ford F-150 Models To Consider

9 Amazing: 2015 F-150 – Aluminum Takes Center Stage

Ford F-150 - Front
Ford

Out with the old and in with the new is the phrase that best describes the 2015 Ford F-150. For this model year, Ford took the radical path of giving the F-150 an aluminum-based body. With high-strength aluminum featured in the truck's box, tailgate, and cab, this construction improved the F-150's reliability and bolstered its performance.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the aluminum body debuted by the 2015 F-150 hovers around fuel economy. This material's integration made the truck 700 lbs lighter than its immediate predecessor. As such, Ford blew the competition to smithereens, as the 2015 F-150 ranked as the most fuel efficient pickup truck of its class at the time. Little wonder, it earns a 4.7/5.0 rating on Cars.com, with 93% of drivers recommending it.

8 Avoid: 2011 F-150 – Marred By Recalls

Blue 2011 Ford F-150 on the driveway
Mecum Auctions

The 2011 F-150 fielded four unique engines, the most powerful being the 6.2-liter V8, capable of delivering 414 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque when paired to a six-speed automatic. Teasers around the 2011 F-150s made the rounds, but its market entry was marred by recalls.

As seen on the NHTSA, the 2011 Ford F-150 has six recalls and 1,944 complaints (with a staggering 655 formats related to the truck's powertrain). This model year shook hands with engine stalls, misfires, and failures. Many iterations also developed steering issues after racking up several thousands of miles on the odometer. So, if the idea of spending more time at an autoshop than actually driving a car doesn't appeal to you, avoid the 2011 F-150 like the plague it is.

7 Amazing: 2012 F-150 – "Truck Of The Year" Reverence

2012 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson Edition)
Mecum Auctions

We all make mistakes. And while you might dwell on them for a while, picking yourself up and taking a stance that'll propel you to redemption is the best approach. Although this article doesn't rank under the "didactic" category, it's a tell-tale of Ford's resilience. After the failures of the 2011 F-150, the automaker did some serious soul-searching to develop a stylish, powerful, and reliable truck for 2012.

Besides these aspects, Ford entrenched versatility into the 2012 F-150 by giving the model year four different engines (two V6s and two V8s) and nine unique trims. As such, buyers could purchase the truck and implement a vast array of customizations.

Ford's efforts didn't go unnoticed, and they fended off competitors like the Toyota Tacoma. So, if you're on the lookout for one of the most reliable F-150s ever manufactured, consider scooping the 2012 F-150.

RELATED: 10 Things Ford F-150 Owners Never Tell You

6 Avoid: 2010 F-150 – Transmission And Window Issues Reign Supreme

White 2010 Ford F-150
Mecum Auctions

One model year we're sure gives Ford chills even today has to be the 2010 F-150. Agreed, it offers great fuel economy and is ideal for serious towing jobs (5,100 to 11,300 lbs). However, this model year had a beehive of issues.

For starters, the 2010 Ford F-150 suffered from transmission issues that stemmed from the driveshaft and transmission wiring harness. According to users, related problems usually started around 15,000 miles. And resolution wasn't cheap, with estimates revolving around $150 to $4,000, depending on the severity.

Window issues are also a concern on the 2010 Ford F-150. According to several quarters, the power windows associated with the truck don't operate as intended due to frailties from its electrical system. With the myriad of transmission and electrical difficulties masqueraded by the 2010 F-150, it ranks as one of the Ford F-150 years to avoid entirely.

5 Amazing: 2009 Ford F-150 – Opulence In Its Full Regalia

Ford F-150 - Front
Ford

The 2009 F-150 was redesigned to suit aesthetic changes bound to Ford Super Duty trucks, hosting an improved three-bar grille and a taller hood line. Performance-wise, the 2009 F-150 earned praise with an all V8-engine lineup, where the 5.4-liter could churn out a mind-blowing 310 horses and 390 lb-ft of torque.

The Platinum trim also made its debut on the 2009 F-150, replacing the Lincoln Mark LT trim. This trim was loaded up with luxury fixtures, particularly felt in the interior. For context, aluminum finishes were added to the steering, door panels, dashboard, and center console. Although the 2009 F-150's interior retained the form factor accompanying its predecessors, it had this luxurious air that was a rare sight on Ford trucks at the time.

4 Avoid: 2005 F-150 – Unreliability

2005 Ford F-150
Wikimedia Commons

2005 was another tumultuous year for the Ford F-150, and by extension — its owners! This model year didn't chisel out the problems that reigned supreme on the outgoing model. In fact, it added newer iterations like rear window leaks to its already problematic menu.

As seen on Consumer Reports, the 2005 F-150 has 14 recalls, with most bordering on the truck's lighting, fuel system, service brakes, and airbags. Malfunctions in any of these systems are life-threatening. If you don't want to drive around town with your "heart in your mouth," don't venture near a 2005 F-150.

3 Amazing: 2003 F-150 – Towing Personified

2003 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Mecum Auctions

Just before the F-150 nameplate encountered two years of misery (2004 and 2005), there was a legend in the mix — the 2003 F-150. This model year earned high marks for being a towing beast that could seamlessly pull up loads reaching 8,000 lbs.

However, it's pertinent to note that the 2003 F-150's beastly engine earned it a dismal 10 miles per gallon in the city. But that didn't impede the love car enthusiasts had for the truck. For context, it's highly rated on KBB and Edmunds, receiving a 4.7/5.0-star rating. Talk about a revered pickup truck integrating the unlikely mix of gas guzzling, power, and reliability.

2 Avoid: 2004 F-150 – Tainted The Entire Lineup

2004 ford F-150 Heritage pickup
Mecum Auctions

As the description suggests, the 2004 F-150 was the model year that denoted the most "gory" of issues on an F-150, ever! This F-150 was so bad that if Ford could actualize Doctor Strange's powers, they'd go back in time to fix its anomalies before it left the manufacturing lines.

Besides engine issues familiar with the V8 Triton, the 2004 F-150 is laced with unreliability. Even now, this model year has earned 14 recalls, the most notable being a corrosive fuel tank strap that could cause a fire hazard upon ground impact. So, if you're in the market for a used F-150 and the dealer points at a 2004 iteration, look at them sternly and walk away. Trust us, you'll be glad you did!

RELATED: This Custom Ford F-150 Raptor R Sounds Like A Shelby GT500

1 Amazing: 1998 F-150 – The Hallmark Of Perfection

1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition
Mecum Auctions

Have you ever seen a car and just felt it was right? A peek at the 1998 F-150 will rekindle this emotion. Rather than showcasing the boxy aesthetic of pickups that plied the road in the '90s, Ford opted for a stylish, curvy exterior that screamed aerodynamics and reliability. As such, it's unsurprising that numerous iterations still roam the streets in their full glory.

If you're on the lookout for an F-150 classic that looks the way it runs, the 1998 iteration is right up your alley. Although you might need to spend a decent sum on maintenance, it's a worthwhile activity that'll keep it running strong. What's better? A used 1998 F-150 is all shades of cheap, and you can scoop a clean variation for below $5,000.