According to Junk Car Medics data, Ford F-150s last an average lifespan of 21 years, or vehicle model year 2003, and 178,174 miles. A well-maintained Ford F-150 can comfortably reach 15-25 years or 200,000 - 350,000 miles.
Junk Car Medics analyzed our data of people junking their Ford F-150 to determine these numbers. People junk their cars at the end of their lives, so it's a good representation of the average. One example is a 1998 Ford F-150 with 321,000 miles on it at the end of its life.
How many miles will the Ford F-150 deliver its owner? Here's what you need to know:
- This reliable pickup truck is built to last 150,000 miles comfortably. When used as a workhorse with an annual mileage of around 15,000 miles, that's at least 10 years of service.
- Many owners and industry experts agree that with proper maintenance, the F-150 can exceed 200,000 miles without breaking your expense account.
- Don't be surprised to see an F-150 with 300,000 miles on the clock. Exceptional examples of this Ford legend are known to reach this impressive mileage. That translates to a lifespan beyond 20 years, even 30 years in some cases.
When buying a used F-150, establish the vehicle history to understand how, where, and for what purposes it was driven. This information provides insight into the potential lifespan of the used vehicle.
How many miles you achieve in your Ford F-150 depends greatly on maintenance, handling, and driving habits.
- Handling: The F-150’s robust construction allows it to carry a heavy load and withstand rough handling. That said, a truck that hauls a ton of metal six days a week generally won't last as long as one that only carries 3,000 lbs of camping gear every second month.
Aggressive towing and constant off-roading stress the engine, transmission, and suspension. So, journey off-road safely and be careful about exceeding towing capacity.
- Routine maintenance: The F-150 will be highly reliable if properly maintained. Regular tune-ups, oil changes, and brake and fluid checks are essential. Don't forget to regularly inspect the body, suspension, axles, and wheels, primarily if the work truck operates in rugged conditions.
- Monitoring fuel efficiency: Keep track of your fuel economy because if your gas consumption-to-mileage increases significantly, it usually indicates a problem under the hood or with your fuel system.
Maintenance Tips for Ford F-150 Longevity
To maximize your Ford F-150's longevity, stick to your service schedule. Investing in the following broad care guidelines will keep this reliable vehicle trucking longer.
- Oil changes: Change your F-150's oil regularly to keep the engine lubricated and prevent premature wear. This should ideally be done around every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You'll want to change the oil filter at least every second oil change.
- Tire maintenance: Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure they wear evenly, support sound traction, and last longer. You could synch tire rotations with oil changes.
- Fluid checks: Inspect and top up coolant and transmission fluid. For older vehicles, you should consider changing both after every 30,000 miles.
- Air filter replacement: The fuel and air filter usually need replacing around every 30,000 miles or in line with your owner's manual.
- Lubricating hinges: A good rule is to keep hinges lubricated by spraying periodically with a manufacturer-approved lubricant.
- Timing belt: If your pickup truck is an older model with a timing belt, change the belt at around 100,000 miles. A snapped belt will leave you stranded and often results in severe engine damage.
- Brake inspections: Hard driving with frequent braking in the city or off-road stresses your braking system. Brake rotors and pads will likely need replacing more often.
Common Issues and Repairs
Most F-150 owners have enjoyed happy travels in their trusty Ford four-wheel drive, but some have experienced frustrations. It's valuable to check out the complaints and problems associated with F-150s over the years.
- Transmission problems (2004-2010): Some Ford F-150s from the mid-2000s to early 2010s experienced transmission difficulties, including rough gear shifting and slipping gears.
- Solution: Regular maintenance, including fluid changes when necessary, can help prevent transmission issues. In severe cases, there is no option but to rebuild or replace the transmission.
- Engine misfires (2009-2014): Certain model years had issues with spark plugs breaking off in the cylinder heads, causing engine misfires. Model year 2005 is also associated with breaking spark plugs.
- Solution: Replace spark plugs with suitably designed plugs and inspect regularly to catch early signs of distress. Listen for engine knocking, which is often related to this problem. A suitable, uncompromised spark plug typically only needs replacing every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Rust (2004-2010): Trucks built in the mid-2000s to 2010 were prone to rust and corrosion. Rust usually appeared around the wheel wells and on the undercarriage.
- Solution: Alleviate the risk of rust with regular washing, waxing, and applying rustproofing treatments or undercoating. Inspect the vehicle for signs of rust and address the first indications urgently.
- Brakes (2012-2016): Units from the early 2010s had brake issues, including early brake pad, rotor wear, and brake fluid leaks.
- Solution: Have the brakes inspected regularly and be vigilant about any leaks. Address leaks and flat-feeling brakes promptly.
- Turbocharger and intercooler issues (2011-2020 Ecoboost models): Ecoboost engines in Ford F-150s experienced problems with the turbochargers and intercoolers. Symptoms included boost leaks, coolant leaks, and premature failure.
- Solution: Regular maintenance, monitoring boost levels, and quickly addressing issues can help maintain Ecoboost performance.
- 2021-2022 driveshaft recall: Newer models were affected when approximately 185,000 trucks from 2021-2022 needed to be recalled due to a defect that could cause driveshafts to break.
Ford has issued a few significant recalls on F-150s over the years. It's essential to check your truck's VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if there are any open recalls on your car. Always address recalls promptly to ensure your vehicle's safety and your own.
Ford F-150 Scrap Car Value and End-of-Life Options
Most new vehicles start depreciating as soon they're driven off the showroom floor. Even the most durable Ford F-150 reaches a point where it’s no longer cost-effective to repair or maintain due to damage or accumulated mileage.
Popular options for disposing of an end-of-life vehicle include selling it to a local junkyard, salvage yard, or online car buyer or donating it to a charitable organization.
If you're considering selling an old F-150, here are scrap value indicators for guidance:
- Average price of scrap Ford F-150s: $734.87
- Price range: $100-$1,500
- Average mileage of scrap F-150s: 178,174 miles
- Maximum mileage of scrap F-150s: 350,000
- Average year of scrap F-150s: 2003
For a quick, hassle-free sale of your end-of-life Ford, contact Junk Car Medics for a free quote. We provide a seamless transaction process to pay cash for your retired F-150.
FAQs
Are there specific model years or generations known for lasting longer?
While Ford F-150s are built to be durable, some model years or generations display better longevity due to their particular design and engineering. Explore owner forums and reliability reports for better insights into a specific model's quality, performance, and reliability rating.
What pickup trucks are similar in dependability and performance to the Ford F-150?
Some trucks recognized as comparable to the Ford F-150 are the GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan.
How long should tires on a Ford F-150 last?
The lifespan of tires on a Ford F-150 will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, tire maintenance, and the specific type of tires. Most tires are designed to last between 40,000 and 60,000 miles regularly. However, some all-terrain or off-road tires may have a shorter lifespan, while highway or touring tires may last longer.
Monitoring tire tread depth regularly and replacing tires when they reach the minimum recommended tread depth of 0.06 inches is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety.
