2015-2020 Ford F-150: Reliability Guide

Reliability Guide for 2015–2020 Ford F-150

Important note about the data

• This guide uses the five owner complaints you supplied (2015–2020 Ford F-150). There are no official recalls listed in the data. In other words, the conclusions here reflect what a small set of owners reported and may not represent the broader model population. No recalls found in NHTSA database.

Quick data snapshot

• Total owner complaints analyzed: 5
• Complaint distribution by year (from the data you provided):
  • 2016: 2 complaints
  • 2017: 1 complaint
  • 2018: 1 complaint
  • 2020: 1 complaint
• Observed OBD codes and associated components:
  • P0128 (thermostat/cooling system related): 2 complaints
    • 2016, emissions component; starts hard; engine warms slowly
    • 2017, suspension component; persistent check engine light
  • P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire): 2 complaints
    • 2016, engine; stalling
    • 2018, engine; rough idle, cold start
  • P0300 (random/multi-cylinder misfire): 1 complaint
    • 2020, fuel_system component; cold-start emissions concern
• Summary observations:
  • Misfire-related issues (P0302/P0300) appear in 3 of 5 complaints.
  • Thermostat/cooling-system related code (P0128) appears in 2 of 5 complaints.
  • Symptoms often involve rough idle, starting/idle problems, and check-engine lights, sometimes with higher emissions readings (noted in one complaint).
  • Mileages at the time of complaints vary from about 51k to 127k miles; average around 102k miles.

Recalls and service campaigns

• Recalls and TSBs: No recalls found in NHTSA database

What these complaints suggest about reliability (data-driven view)

• Core themes:
  • Cylinder misfire (P0302) is a recurring concern in this small sample, presenting as rough idle, stalling, and cold-start roughness.
  • Misfire can be caused by ignition (spark plugs, ignition coils), fuel delivery (injectors, fuel pressure), or mechanical issues (compression).
  • P0128 indicates the engine is not reaching the expected operating temperature in a timely manner; this typically points to cooling-system regulation issues (thermostat, coolant flow, sensors) rather than a one-time symptom.
• Reliability takeaway for owners:
  • If your F-150 starts rough or stalls, or if you see P0302/P0300, start with ignition and fuel-delivery diagnostics plus a cooling-system check when P0128 is involved.
  • Cooling-system health matters for emissions and fuel economy; persistent P0128 warrants a cooling-system check alongside thermostat and related sensors.

Common failure modes in this data (with likely causes and typical remedies)

• A. Misfire on cylinder (P0302)
  • Common symptoms: rough idle, stalling, check engine light.
  • Likely causes (order of typical suspect): worn spark plug or ignition coil on the affected cylinder; faulty ignition wiring; vacuum leak or intake leak; dirty or clogged fuel injector; intermittent fuel delivery issue; in some cases a compression or valve issue.
  • Typical fixes (starting points):
    • Inspect/replace spark plug on cylinder 2; inspect/replace ignition coil for that cylinder if it’s intermittent.
    • Check spark plug wires and coil boot condition; inspect for arcing or corrosion.
    • If minimal misfire persists, check for vacuum leaks and test fuel injector for that cylinder.
  • Estimated cost range (2025 dollars, U.S.): $150–$500 for a straightforward plug-and-coil fix on one cylinder; up to $700–$1,200 if injector cleaning or more extensive fuel-system work is needed or if multiple components must be replaced.
• B. Thermostat/cooling-system related code (P0128)
  • Common symptoms: repeated P0128, longer warm-up times, cold-start roughness; sometimes linked with emissions concerns due to running cool or improper regulation.
  • Likely causes: thermostat stuck open (or not fully opening), faulty coolant temperature sensor, low coolant level, air in cooling system, water pump not circulating coolant effectively.
  • Typical fixes:
    • Replace thermostat (often with gasket) and re-check coolant flow.
    • Inspect/replace coolant temperature sensor if readings are suspect.
    • Verify coolant level and perform a coolant system bleed/flush if needed; inspect radiator fans and hoses.
  • Estimated cost range (2025): thermostat replacement $150–$350 (parts and labor); coolant flush/bleed $80–$180; sensor replacement $120–$250; total often $180–$600 depending on shop and engine variant.
• C. Random/multi-cylinder misfire (P0300)
  • Common symptoms: occasional multi-cylinder misfire indicator; sometimes accompanied by rough idle and elevated emissions, especially when cold.
  • Likely causes: multiple fuel-system or ignition-system issues; possible dirty injectors, low fuel pressure, vacuum leaks, or sensor problems.
  • Typical fixes:
    • Fuel-system diagnostics (pressure test, injector cleaning if applicable).
    • Inspect/replace spark plugs and ignition coils as needed across affected banks.
    • Check for vacuum leaks and EGR/check engine sensors.
  • Estimated cost range (2025): identify as broad; basic injector cleaning or fuel-pressure issue: $50–$200; spark plug/coil work: $200–$700; more extensive failures (injector replacement, sensor faults) can push $500–$1,500.

Maintenance and reliability-improvement recommendations

• General approach:
  • Follow the Ford maintenance schedule for cooling-system service and ignition/fuel-system health checks.
  • Use OEM or high-quality replacement parts; avoid aftermarket components that could underperform in critical systems (cooling, ignition, fuel).
  • Address diagnostics promptly once a fault code appears to prevent cascade failures that affect emissions and reliability.
• Specific actions aligned with the observed codes:
  • For P0128 (thermostat/cooling issues):
    • Have the thermostat and cooling system components inspected at the first sign of temperature irregularities or persistent P0128.
    • Schedule a coolant flush if the system hasn’t had one in the last 3–5 years or per the vehicle’s maintenance interval.
    • Check the coolant for proper level and condition; verify proper coolant mixture and absence of leaks.
  • For P0302/P0300 (misfires):
    • Replace or service spark plugs and, if needed, ignition coils on affected cylinders.
    • Inspect ignition harnesses and coil connectors for corrosion or damage.
    • If misfires persist after ignition work, test fuel pressure and inspect or clean fuel injectors; check for vacuum leaks.
  • For all complaints:
    • Maintain a clean air intake and run clean fuel; consider injector/valve cleaning if recommended by a trusted tech.
    • Schedule regular inspections around the 100k-mile mark; the data shows issues emerging around a wide mileage window, so periodic checks are prudent.

Practical buying guide (used 2015–2020 F-150)

• What to look for in service history:
  • Documentation of cooling-system maintenance (coolant flushes, thermostat replacement, sensor checks).
  • Records of ignition/fuel-system service (spark plugs, coils, injector cleaning, fuel pressure checks).
  • Any prior P030x or P0128 codes and the remedies performed; request details on what was replaced and when.
• Pre-purchase inspection tips:
  • Have a trusted mechanic scan for current and pending codes; verify the severity and frequency of any misfire codes.
  • If possible, run a cold-start test to observe rough idle symptoms or misfire behavior.
  • Inspect cooling-system components: thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, coolant condition, and thermostat operation.
  • Verify proper engine warm-up behavior and coolant temperature behavior using live data during a test drive.

Estimated costs for common fixes (2025 dollars)

Note: Costs vary by engine variant (2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0 V8), local labor rates, and parts availability. The ranges below are general guidance for typical U.S. market repairs.

• Thermostat replacement (incl. gasket, coolant, labor): $180–$350
• Coolant flush and bleed: $80–$180
• Coolant temperature sensor replacement: $120–$250
• Spark plug replacement (per cylinder; for V6/V8, multi-cylinder jobs may apply): $50–$180 per plug (labor extra; total for several plugs varies)
• Ignition coil replacement (per coil): $60–$200
• Fuel injector cleaning (per injector, or batch cleaning): $50–$150
• Fuel pressure test and basic diagnostics: $50–$150
• Comprehensive misfire fix (multiple cylinders, including plugs/coils and possible injector work): $300–$1,200
• More extensive injector replacement or major fuel-system repairs: $500–$2,000+

Data limitations to keep in mind

• The dataset contains only five owner complaints, which is a small sample and not necessarily representative of all 2015–2020 F-150s.
• No recalls are listed in the provided data; this does not guarantee absence of recalls in broader databases or markets.
• Specific engine variants, trim levels, and maintenance histories are not fully disclosed; costs and failure modes can differ by engine (e.g., different EcoBoost configurations vs. the 5.0 V8).

Symptom-based quick-check guide

• If you have a P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire):
  • Check/replace spark plug on cylinder 2; inspect ignition coil and wiring to the cylinder.
  • Scan for any related codes (P0300, P0301, P0303, etc.) and test for vacuum leaks and fuel delivery issues.
• If you have a P0128 (cooling/thermostat-related):
  • Check coolant level and look for leaks; inspect thermostat operation (opening temperature) and radiator fans.
  • Consider thermostat replacement and coolant-system bleed/flush.
• If you have P0300 (random/multiple misfire):
  • Look at overall ignition and fuel-system health; consider fuel pressure test and injector cleaning if related to multiple cylinders.
  • Check for simultaneous misfires across banks and review sensors (MAF, O2 sensors) as potential contributors.

Quick reference: which issues appeared in the data and what they imply

• Misfires (P0302, P0300): appeared in 3 of 5 complaints; indicates ignition/fuel-system reliability is a common concern in this small sample. Expect potential spark plug and coil wear or fuel-delivery concerns as primary suspects.
• Thermostat/temperature regulation (P0128): appeared in 2 complaints; cooling-system health and thermostat operation are important for proper engine warm-up and emissions control.

If you own a 2015–2020 Ford F-150, this guide suggests focusing on reliable cooling-system maintenance and vigilant ignition/fuel-system diagnostics to reduce the chance of repeat failures. Remember, these conclusions are drawn from a small set of complaints; always corroborate with a reputable service center and your own vehicle’s maintenance history.