Thinking about buying a used Ford F150 (2011–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, 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.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$4,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Ford F150 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?”
02Degas Bottle Cap and Coolant Hose Coolant Loss
MajorCommonCooling $300–$850 to fix
The 3.5L EcoBoost degas (coolant reservoir) bottle is prone to hairline cracks and the pressure cap fails to seat correctly under repeated heat cycles, causing slow coolant loss. The lower degas hose also develops weeps where it clamps onto the plastic bottle neck. Loss of coolant in a turbocharged engine can lead to overheating and head gasket damage if not caught early. Widely reported on both US forums and by NZ mechanics servicing grey-import F-150s.
Symptoms to notice
Low coolant warning light
Coolant smell from engine bay after running
Visible weeping or staining around degas bottle or lower hose
Reservoir level dropping between services
What to check
Check the lower hose clamp and hose condition. Look for coolant residue on the firewall side of the engine bay. If a workshop inspection is possible: Inspect degas bottle for cracks and pressure-test the cap.
Where to look: Coolant degas bottle, passenger side of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the coolant reservoir or cap been replaced?”
“Any history of overheating or low coolant warnings?”
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
4 more documented faults on the Ford F150
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 6 documented faults for the Ford F150, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Ford F150 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 F150?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Ford F150, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. 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 F150?
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Most single repairs on the Ford F150 fall between $500–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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 F150?
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Yes. A Ford F150 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.