2015-2020 Ford F-150: Used Buying Guide

Used Buying Guide for 2015-2020 Ford F-150

Executive snapshot

• Based on the provided NHTSA data, there are 5 owner complaints for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150.
• Most issues involve engine-related fault codes, particularly P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) and P0300 (random/multiple misfires), and P0128 (coolant thermostat/coolant temperature-related code).
• No official recalls are reported in the provided data for this model range.
• Data limitations: 5 complaints is a small sample; it does not establish overall reliability or frequency. Use this as a potential signal to look for specific problems during a pre-purchase inspection and test drive.

What the data shows (summary of the 5 complaints)

• Complaint overview
  • Complaint #1 (2017, suspension-related component; P0128): Misleadingly lists “suspension” as the component but the OBD code P0128 indicates a coolant/thermostat issue. Mileage ~51,358 miles. Description emphasizes persistent check engine light.
  • Complaint #2 (2016, emissions; P0128): Mileage ~87,512 miles. Recurrent P0128 linked with starting problems.
  • Complaint #3 (2016, engine; P0302): Mileage ~124,674 miles. Recurrent P0302 with severe stalling.
  • Complaint #4 (2020, fuel_system; P0300): Mileage ~127,190 miles. P0300 with cold-start/rough operation and excess emissions; problem began after ~81k miles.
  • Complaint #5 (2018, engine; P0302): Mileage ~117,613 miles. P0302 with rough idle, especially when cold.
• Common themes
  • Engine misfires are the prominent fault type (P0302 and P0300 appear in several complaints).
  • P0128 appears in two complaints, pointing to coolant/thermostat or temperature management concerns.
  • Several complaints mention symptoms around or after certain mileages (e.g., cold start roughness, stalling, misfires), which can be symptomatic of ignition, fuel delivery, or cooling-system interactions.
• Recalls status in the data
  • No recalls found in the provided NHTSA data for this model/year range: “No recalls found in NHTSA database.”

What this means for a used F-150 (practical take)

• Reliability signal: While 5 complaints are not a large sample, the concentration of P0302/P0300 (misfires) and P0128 (coolant-related) warrants careful attention when evaluating a used example.
• Potential risk areas for buyers:
  • Engine misfire causes: ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, or related wiring. Misfires can lead to rough running, higher emissions, and potential catalytic converter damage if left unaddressed.
  • Cooling system/thermostat: P0128 indicates thermostat or temperature-management concerns; if the engine can’t reach or maintain proper operating temperature, fuel economy and performance can suffer, and overheating risk exists if the issue progresses.
  • Suspension (as listed in one complaint): While the data does not establish a direct, common suspension issue, F-150s do experience wear-related suspension components with age and mileage (bushings, ball joints, control arms, tie rods, alignment wear). Inspect accordingly.
• No recalls in the dataset means you should still verify recall status with current sources when buying any used vehicle, since recalls can be resolved by dealers even if not captured in this dataset.

Official recall status note

• No recalls found in NHTSA database (as of the provided data). This does not guarantee there are no recalls elsewhere or in newer data; always verify with Ford or through a fresh NHTSA lookup before purchasing.

How to evaluate a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 in light of these issues (pre-purchase checklist)

• Pre-purchase OBD scan and code history
  • Run a full OBD-II scan and clear any existing codes; pay attention to P0302 and P0128 codes returning after driving.
  • If P0128 appears, note when it occurs (cold start vs. after warm-up) and whether the temperature gauge reads normally.
  • Check for intermittent P030x codes (especially P0302) on multiple drives, including cold starts.
• Cold-start and driveability
  • Perform a thorough test drive including cold start. Note rough idle, stalling, hesitation, or surging.
  • Check acceleration response, smoothness, and idle quality at idle and during light-throttle transitions.
• Cooling system inspection
  • Inspect coolant condition and level; look for deposits, oil in coolant, or hose leaks.
  • Inquire about thermostat replacement, radiator components, water pump, and coolant flush history.
• Ignition and fuel system checks
  • Inspect spark plugs and ignition coils (especially around cylinder 2). Worn or fouled plugs or weak coils can cause misfires (P0302).
  • If accessible, check fuel injectors for signs of leakage or improper spray.
• Engine health indicators
  • Check for abnormal exhaust smoke, particularly on cold starts.
  • Listen for metallic noises or unusual engine ping, which can accompany misfire or thermostat issues.
• Transmission and drivetrain considerations
  • While not highlighted in the data, the F-150’s transmission family evolved over 2015-2020 (and driveability issues can accompany misfires or engine performance changes). Have the transmission dipstick checked and request a transmission health report or test drive with purpose-built checks if you’re buying one with the 10-speed or earlier 6-speed transmission.
• Suspension and steering
  • Inspect front and rear suspension components, ball joints, control arms, tie rods, and bushings. Listen for clunks or excessive play during a test drive.
  • If a vehicle has lived in harsh environments (off-road, heavy payloads), pay extra attention to CV joints, steering linkage, and wheel alignment history.
• Maintenance history and ownership
  • Favor vehicles with detailed maintenance logs, especially for cooling-system services, ignition components, and any thermostat/water pump replacements.
  • Verify any prior emissions-related repairs and the location of recent service centers.

Engine and repair cost considerations for 2025 (rough ranges you can plan around)
Note: Costs vary by engine option, region, labor rates, and whether a dealership or independent shop is used. The ranges below are typical for common parts in 2025 dollars.

• P0128 cooling/thermostat-related issues

  • Thermostat replacement alone: roughly $200–$350 parts and labor.
  • Thermostat with coolant flush and/or water-pump service: roughly $350–$900 depending on labor and whether water pump service is included.
  • If the thermostat issue has led to cooling-system contamination or radiator/water-pump wear, total repair could run toward $600–$1,200.

• P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) and P0300 (random misfire)

  • Spark plugs and ignition coils replacement (typical for one cylinder or the affected bank): $150–$400 for parts, plus $100–$300 for labor per bank (depending on access and engine variant).
  • If multiple cylinders are affected or if fuel injectors are implicated, costs rise:
    • Spark plugs for eight cylinders: $40–$240 for parts
    • Coils per cylinder: $40–$120 (or more if a single coil packs per bank are used)
    • Injector cleaning or replacement (per injector): $50–$350
  • Expected range for targeted misfire fixes: $300–$1,200 (parts + labor), with higher-end figures if multiple cylinders are involved or if a full ignition coil set is replaced.
  • Potential downstream costs if misfires cause catalytic converter damage: $900–$2,500 for cat replacement or substantial exhaust work.

• Suspension-related wear (if needed)

  • Ball joints, control arms, or tie-rod ends: roughly $200–$900 per corner (parts + labor).
  • Alignment after suspension work: $80–$150.
  • Complete front-end overhaul can exceed $1,500–$2,500 depending on parts and labor.

• General 5-year ownership cost considerations

  • Ongoing maintenance (oil changes, filters, fluids, brakes, tires) remains essential; Excel in keeping up with service intervals to minimize the chance of early failures on high-mileage examples.
  • If a vehicle sits with unresolved P0128/P0302/P0300 codes, drivability and emissions tests may fail in some regions, and resale value can be affected.

What to do if you’re shopping for a 2015-2020 Ford F-150

• If a used F-150 shows any history of P0128 or P030x codes:
  • Request a thorough diagnostic explanation from the seller and obtain a clean, pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a qualified shop.
  • Prioritize vehicles with a recent cooling-system service (thermostat, coolant flush) and ignition system refresh (plugs/Coils) if they have higher mileages.
• If you’re evaluating two otherwise similar trucks:
  • Favor the one with documented preventive maintenance on the cooling system and ignition system, and with a clean idle and steady code-free drive test after a warm-up.
• Consider the engine/transmission pairing
  • Understand which engine your target F-150 uses (2.7 EcoBoost, 3.5 EcoBoost, or 5.0 V8) since each has different common wear points and component costs. Have a specialist confirm the health of coils, plugs, and, for EcoBoost variants, the turbo system and boost control hardware.

Bottom line for buyers

• This dataset highlights potential engine misfire and cooling-system concerns in a subset of 2015-2020 F-150s. While recalls are not indicated in the provided data, independent verification on a candidate vehicle is essential.
• A careful pre-purchase inspection focusing on ignition components (plugs and coils), cooling system status (thermostat/water pump/coolant condition), and a cold-start drive test will help you gauge the likelihood of costly repairs ahead.
• Use the cost estimates above to budget for potential repairs if you buy a truck with an existing P0128 or P030x issue or if you’re planning to address preventive maintenance proactively.

Important note on data limitations

• The information here is based on 5 owner complaints and does not establish a statistical reliability profile for all 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks. It should be used as a cautionary signal to inspect likely trouble areas rather than a definitive predictor of failure. Always verify current recall status and check for any new service campaigns with Ford or NHTSA before purchase.

Recap: key takeaways for a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 used buyer

• Expect potential engine misfires (P0302/P0300) and coolant/thermostat concerns (P0128) in some examples.
• No recalls are listed in the provided data, but verify recall status during purchase and read through any new service campaigns.
• If you find a vehicle with these codes, perform targeted inspections and be prepared for possible ignition/fuel-system repairs or cooling-system service.
• Budget for possible repairs in 2025 ranges: ignition/fuel work (roughly $300–$1,000 per event), cooling-system work (roughly $200–$900), and potential suspension/component wear (roughly $200–$1,000 per component). Total outlay varies with engine type, mileage, and labor rates.