Years to avoid
Ford F-150 Years to Avoid
The 2018, 2021, 2022, 2019 model years stand out as the weakest in this Ford F-150 dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2018
- Model average
- 68/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 1,852
- Recalls, weakest year
- 15
58/100 reliability
24-point range
58 crash · 29 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2018 Ford F-150 ranks last
The 2018 scores 58/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 68/100. NHTSA data contains 1,852 owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (710), Engine (442), Unknown Or Other (190), Structure (186). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2018 Ford F-150 record →Evidence by year
The weakest Ford F-150 model years compared
2018 Ford F-150
- Complaints
- 1,852
- Recalls
- 15
- Crash reports
- 58
- Fire reports
- 29
Top issues: Power Train (710), Engine (442), Unknown Or Other (190)
View 2018 details →2021 Ford F-150
- Complaints
- 1,021
- Recalls
- 26
- Crash reports
- 17
- Fire reports
- 6
Top issues: Power Train (332), Electrical System (143), Unknown Or Other (108)
View 2021 details →2022 Ford F-150
- Complaints
- 657
- Recalls
- 21
- Crash reports
- 21
- Fire reports
- 9
Top issues: Power Train (166), Electrical System (150), Unknown Or Other (74)
View 2022 details →2019 Ford F-150
- Complaints
- 972
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 14
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Power Train (479), Engine (151), Unknown Or Other (67)
View 2019 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Ford F-150 years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Ford F-150 data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Ford F-150 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Ford F-150 research FAQ
Which Ford F-150 years should I avoid?
2018, 2021, 2022, 2019 score materially below the strongest Ford F-150 years in this dataset. The 2018 is the weakest at 58/100, with 1,852 owner complaints and 15 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Ford F-150 year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Ford F-150 year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (75/100), 2024 (74/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Ford F-150 you are considering.