2019 Ford F-150: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 972 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 972
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 14
- 21 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Ford F-150: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which F-150 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Ford F-150. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 21–22 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–21 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 24–25 mpg |
| 3.3L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 20–22 mpg |
| 5.0L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 18–19 mpg |
- The 2019 Ford F-150 was sold in five versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A F-150 that averages well under the EPA 18 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Backup camera blank or distorted
19,900–105,000 miles
Airbag cover cracking
28,100–114,000 miles
Cam phaser cold-start rattle
40,000–117,000 miles
Excessive oil consumption
54,226–108,000 miles
Transmission slipping and hard shifts
60,000–120,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Ford F-150, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission4792 crashes
The 10-speed automatic shifts hard, slips, clunks, hesitates when pulling into traffic, or hangs in a high gear at low speed. Some trucks drop suddenly into a low gear at highway speed. Most reports put trouble between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. Dealer software resets often fail to fix it, and full replacements are quoted around $8,059 to 12000 dollars. A smaller group describes rear differential bearing and gear failure. In one crash, a rusted rear wheel hub broke off and the wheel came off while the truck was moving.
Engine205No crashes
A rattle on cold starts from the cam phasers on the 3.5L EcoBoost is the most common report. Many owners say their VIN was left out of Ford's cam phaser programs, and repair bills run to $4800 or more. Oil consumption is next, with some engines using about 1 quart every 1000 miles. Dealers treat it with a PCM reprogram and a new dipstick under TSB 19-2365. Other reports include timing chain failure, a bent valve on the 2.7L, hard starts from low fuel pressure, and one fire while driving at highway speed.
A rattle or clank from the cam phasers for several seconds after a cold start is the main pattern, usually with no warning light. Reports span roughly 40,000 to 111,050 miles. Many owners say they were excluded from Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, and few report that the repair was done. Oil consumption also appears, with knocking and power loss on hills, and one engine was damaged by low oil. Less common reports include catalytic converter failure, coolant getting into the engine at 130,000 miles, and a head gasket leak while towing.
Electrical59No crashes
Three fires are reported. In one, the rear sliding glass shattered during remote start and the defroster caught fire. In another, a truck parked for hours caught fire on the passenger side of the engine compartment. The most frequent everyday fault is a backup camera that shows a blue, black, or distorted screen. Owners say Ford left their VIN out of recall 22V252000. Other reports include infotainment blackouts, sudden power loss while driving, and a no-start with a steering assist fault in extreme cold.
Body and structure26No crashes
Water leaks into the cab are the main theme. A faulty AC evaporator drain or a leaking door seal soaks the passenger-side carpet and grows mold under the dash. The rear window cracks at its edges or bursts during remote start with the defroster on. Tailgate handles stick open, and some tailgates drop on their own. Other reports include rust flakes on the paint, creaking door hinges, a door crash bar never bolted at the factory, and one fire that started in the dash of a parked truck.
Backup camera21No crashes
The rearview camera goes blank, blue, or black, shows a distorted or frozen image, or displays "Camera Malfunction" when the truck is in reverse. Failures often come and go before turning permanent. Reports range from about 19,900 to 105,000 miles. Nearly every complaint says the dealer confirmed the VIN was not part of recall 22V252000, so most trucks went unrepaired. Owners stress the large rear blind spot when backing up without a working camera.
Steering161 crash
Sudden loss of steering is the most serious report. In one case the truck veered off the road and hit mailboxes. Some trucks shut off while driving, which takes away power steering and braking. Other reports include a wheel that turns by itself, steering that jumps in turns, and steering columns replaced alongside stability-control warnings. A steering wheel nut was found loose at 68,000 miles, and a tie rod broke. Vibration above 40 mph, false hands-on-wheel alerts, and an airbag cover splitting from horn use also appear.
Airbags156 crashes
Two patterns stand out. Airbags fail to deploy in serious frontal and side crashes, and this category accounts for 6 crash-related reports and 15 injuries. The driver airbag cover also cracks along its seam under the Ford emblem and exposes the airbag. Pressing the horn often sets this off, and covers fail again after replacement, from about 28,100 to 114,000 miles. Owners also report one deployment with no crash and a restraint control module that lost communication, with several warning lights on.
Brakes121 crash
The brake pedal sinks to the floor, often with a "Brake Fluid Low" warning. Owners find fluid leaking near the passenger firewall or a ruptured hose rubbing on the steering column. Owners of trucks with the 2.7L note that a related recall covered only the 3.5L. Automatic emergency braking either fails to engage before a collision or slams on in slow traffic for no reason. Other reports include rotors that keep failing at low mileage and ABS that grabs one wheel on rough pavement at highway speed.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints F-150 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoid becomes gummed up, causing the engine to lag. Specifically after driving on the interstate or highway and then sitting at a red light. The VCT does not perform properly and the engine idle drops, causing the truck to stall and die at the light. Online forums show this to be a common problem for the past couple generations of this Ford 5.0 L motor and always seems to occur between 80,000 and 100,000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
The vehicle has a 10 speed transmission. the transmission does not shift correctly, stalls between gears which causes a safety issue for persons driving behind my vehicle, also in intersections and merging into highway traffic. there are no warnings, no dash lights. The transmission simply does not shift. Manufacturer has not been able to correct the issue. This is a low mileage truck, 13,000 miles, it's truly a dangerous situation
Filed with NHTSA, August 2021
Drivers side wiper arm is visibly loose. It does not make constant contact with the windshield Engine consumes 3 quarts of oil in less then 2k miles, it currently has 57,818 on odometer, has been regularly serviced Ford recommend 91 or above octane to curve “pinging and pre detonation”. Have run 91 octane fuel for last 5 tanks and continues to misfire and ping between 1500-2000 rpms while under no load besides the weight of the vehicle
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
At 101,000 miles, the engine lost power, check engine light came on, and service transmission light came on. This happened while pulling a trailer up a mountain, slowing the truck rapidly, and becoming a hazard to surrounding interstate traffic. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the timing chain, and replaced it and all related components at a cost of $4500. They tell me that this is a problem with that year truck and engine.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
When I put my vehicle into reverse, I get a warning that the backup camera is inoperable. Ford already has a recall on Some backup cameras but refuses to address mine because of the VIN not being on their list. Others at risk? Whenever I need to back out of a parking space. The onboard computer should have the records of the many times the camera was needed but not working. I am unable to afford the cost of a service call as I am a senior citizen.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
After purchasing my truck, it was discovered that the back up camera doesn't work. It will work on occasion when the truck is put in reverse. The safety for myself or others is that I cannot see behind me when backing up. I have not taken the vehicle in for an inspection since I have been told that this is an issue for other Ford F150's in the same year. When backing up my screen says camera not available.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
Rear window exploded. No impact. Remote started my truck, cold out so rear defrost was on from the remote start. Go in truck shut the door and before I could press the start button (it was running from the remote start but still have to press the start button) the rear window exploded shattering everywhere except for the power slider. After some internet research, this appears to be a common problem with F-150's which Ford refuses to acknowledge.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
Rear Left (driver side) door would not unlock in the morning. Temps were below freezing and ice was built up on the windows and body of the truck. The door did not unlock until after the I arrived at my destination, approx 30 min away. Once the truck was warmed up, the door was able to unlock.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
How the 2019 compares with other F-150 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 F-150 years, about 1.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission479219
- Engine20568
- Electrical5978
- Body and structure2627
- Backup camera210
- Steering1621
Where the 2019 fits in the F-150's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the fifth model year of the F-150's 13th generation (2015–2020).
It includes the 2018 update.
What changed for 2018
- New front and rear styling
- Updated engine lineup
Recalls to confirm (6)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
22V252000Backup cameraApr 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
20V097000Exterior lightsFeb 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
19V805000ElectricalNov 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
19V633000SeatsAug 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems.".
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
19V278000EngineApr 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
18V894000EngineDec 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
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