Ford F-150 (2015–2020) Problems to Check Before You Bid

The 13th-generation F-150 (2015–2020) is the best-selling truck in America, which means there are always a lot of them at auction. It's a great flip, as long as you know where this generation hurts.

011. 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser and timing chain noise

The most talked-about issue on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is a cold-start rattle from the cam phasers and timing chain.

• Signs: a rattle for up to a minute on a cold start, then it goes away. Check engine light, timing-related codes.
• Ford's response: Ford issued service actions on 2017–2020 trucks, including a PCM update and, for trucks that kept rattling, cam phaser replacement under a customer satisfaction program. A salvage truck's eligibility can be complicated, so don't count on it.
• Price it in: a cam phaser and timing job is a big shop bill. If a listing video has a cold-start rattle, budget for it.

Other EcoBoost notes: carbon buildup on intake valves and intercooler condensation (a stumble or misfire under heavy throttle in humid weather) are known on early EcoBoosts.

022. 10-speed transmission (10R80, 2017+)

The 10-speed gets complaints about harsh, clunky or delayed shifts. Many are improved by software updates and a relearn; some trucks need internal repairs. A class action suit was filed in 2023 over these transmissions.

• Signs: banging into gear, delayed reverse engagement, a shudder at 35–55 mph.
• Check: whether the truck towed heavily (hitch wear, big tires); heat is hard on this transmission.

2015–2016 trucks use the older 6-speed, generally considered solid.

033. The aluminum body

The 2015 F-150 switched to an aluminum body. That matters for collision repair:

• Aluminum repair takes different tools and training, and some shops charge more for it.
• Bolt-on panels (doors, fenders, hood, tailgate) are simple swaps. Damage to the cab or bed structure is a much bigger job.
• Steel frame, aluminum body: check the frame like any truck.

044. The 5.0L V8 and others

The 5.0 "Coyote" V8 is a favorite. Watch for oil consumption complaints on some later trucks. The 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.3L/3.5L naturally aspirated engines are also common at auction.

055. Every-truck checks

Airbags, frame horns on front hits, rust on brake lines (salt-belt trucks), 4x4 system, keys, title type and odometer status. See how to read a Copart listing.

06How to bid it

F-150 values vary a lot by trim (XL to Platinum and Raptor), cab, bed and engine. Price the exact configuration fixed, subtract parts, a cam-phaser reserve on a rattling 3.5, a transmission reserve on a harsh-shifting 10-speed, fees, transport and profit. And remember half the room is bidding on F-150s too; set your number and stick to it.

Sources (2)

Lemon Law Experts: Ford 3.5 EcoBoost problems; Monster Transmission: 10R80 problems.

Photo: '15-'17 Ford F-150 Crew Cab by Bull-Doser, Public domain.

Related: Chevy Equinox 2010–2017: Problems to Check Before You Bid · Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) Problems to Check Before You Bid