Thinking about buying a used Ford F-150 (2011–2026) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, transmission, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
10
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$4,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Ford F-150 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EcoBoost 3.5T Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
CriticalCommonEngine $2,800–$5,500 to fix
The first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost uses a wet-belt-in-oil timing system with plastic guides that wear prematurely on high-mileage or infrequently serviced engines. Stretched chains produce a rattle on cold start that disappears as oil pressure builds. Failure to address leads to timing jumps and catastrophic engine damage. NHTSA received multiple complaints on 2011-2013 units. Common on NZ grey-imports with uncertain service histories.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start rattle from front of engine, clearing within 30 seconds
Cold-start the engine and listen for front-end rattle. Scan for camshaft correlation codes. Check oil service intervals – chains deteriorate rapidly on extended-interval oil changes.
Where to look: Front of engine, timing cover area
Ask the seller
“What oil change interval has been followed – km or months?”
“Any engine warning lights or codes in the last 12 months?”
“Has timing chain or tensioner work been done?”
02Tailgate latch / actuator failure
MinorOccasionalBody & Rust $150–$800 to fix
The F-150 tailgate latch and power-release actuators can fail, leaving the tailgate stuck or not latching securely. A common annoyance on these trucks, especially with power tailgate features.
Symptoms to notice
Tailgate won't open or latch
Power release not working
Tailgate rattles when closed
Latch sticking
What to check
Operate the tailgate and any power release several times, checking it latches securely and opens reliably.
Where to look: Tailgate latch and actuator
Ask the seller
“Does the tailgate latch and release reliably?”
“Has the latch or actuator been replaced?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
8 more documented faults on the Ford F-150
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 documented faults for the Ford F-150, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and transmission. A Ford F-150 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford F-150?
+
We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Ford F-150, covering engine, body & rust, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Ford F-150?
+
Most single repairs on the Ford F-150 fall between $500–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Ford F-150?
+
Yes. A Ford F-150 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.