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2017 Ford F-150 problems

A 2017 Ford F-150 is now 9 years old, so an average example has covered around 121,500 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2017 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2017 Ford F-150 is 9 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 121,500 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2017 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~122k miles an average 2017 car has covered.

EngineHigh

3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle / timing components on cold start.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Cold-start the truck and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds.
EngineHigh

3.5L EcoBoost internal water pump — a failure can leak coolant into the engine.

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check coolant level and history; ask about any pump replacement.
EngineHigh

Excessive oil consumption and top-end ticking on the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Typically appears
30,000-60,000 miles
What to inspect
Pull the dipstick to check the oil level. Start the engine from cold and listen closely for a pronounced metallic ticking or knocking from the top end while idling.
DrivetrainMedium

Grinding noise from the front wheels due to Integrated Wheel End (IWE) vacuum hub failure.

Typically appears
50,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect
Drive the truck at low speed in 2H and listen for a metallic ratcheting noise from the front wheels. Switch to 4H; if the noise instantly disappears, the IWE system is failing.
InteriorMedium

Twin-panel panoramic sunroof tracks cracking, leading to jamming or water leaks.

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Operate the sunroof through its full tilt and slide functions. Listen for crunching plastic noises and inspect the headlining around the glass for dampness or water stains.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

TransmissionMedium

10-speed automatic harsh or erratic shifts.

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Test-drive through varied speeds and feel for harsh 1-2 or clunky downshifts.
BodyLow

Aluminum panel corrosion / dissimilar-metal reactions at fasteners.

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Inspect panel edges, tailgate and around body seams for bubbling paint.
BodyMedium

Door latches freezing or failing to catch, preventing doors from closing securely.

Typically appears
3-5 years
What to inspect
Open and firmly shut all four doors to ensure the latches catch properly. Inspect the latch mechanisms for signs of water ingress, rust, or retrofitted weather shields.

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Ford F-150 · frequently asked questions

Which F-150 engine is most reliable?

The 5.0L V8 and 3.5L EcoBoost are both strong; the EcoBoost needs cam-phaser and water-pump attention with age.

Is the 10-speed transmission a problem?

Many are fine, but some shift harshly; a test-drive and fluid check are essential.

Does the aluminum body rust?

The aluminum won't rust like steel, but watch for corrosion where dissimilar metals meet.

Are the 2.7L EcoBoost engines prone to the same timing chain issues as the 3.5L?

The 2.7L EcoBoost uses a different architecture and is generally less susceptible to the cam phaser and timing chain stretch issues that plague the 3.5L variant. However, early 2015-2017 models can suffer from oil pan leaks due to the plastic pan design. Always check the undertray for fresh oil residue.

What should I look out for on models equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package?

Inspect the rear leaf springs and shock absorbers for premature wear or sagging. Additionally, check the integrated trailer brake controller on the dashboard for fault codes. Heavy towing can also accelerate wear on the rear differential, so listen for whining noises from the rear axle during a short test drive.

How can I tell if the four-wheel-drive transfer case is functioning correctly?

Engage the four-wheel-drive system on a loose surface or during a straight-line test on the forecourt. The transition from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive should be seamless, with no clunking or hesitation. If the dashboard displays a warning, suspect a faulty shift motor or a vacuum leak in the hubs.

Other F-150 model years

202020182015

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