This used Ford F-150 review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years, the trucks most Texas shoppers see on lots and private listings right now. My short answer: the 2019 and 2020 trucks carry the fewest recall campaigns in NHTSA's records for this span, the 2021 and 2022 redesign carries the most, and across every year the complaint that owners file most is about the transmission. Whatever year you pick, run the VIN for open recalls and pay for an inspection before you hand over money.
Everything below comes from public data: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, fuel economy figures from fueleconomy.gov, and warranty terms from Ford. I do not use owner reviews, star ratings from car sites or price guides.
Where the F-150 ranks in Texas sales
The F-150 is the top seller in the most recent Texas snapshot I have. CarEdge's best-selling new cars in Texas list (data updated October 27, 2026) counts 7,939 new F-150s sold in Texas over the previous 45 days, which put it at number one, just ahead of the Toyota Camry at 7,879. CarEdge builds this from new-vehicle dealer inventory data, not state registrations, so it says nothing directly about used trucks. It does tell you something practical: a truck that sells in these numbers new keeps feeding the used market, so in Austin, San Antonio and the towns between them you will usually have a lot of F-150s to compare. That is leverage. You can walk away from a truck with a messy history and find another.
Ford F-150 years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 at a glance
The 2015 to 2022 span splits into three practical groups based on the engines and transmissions listed for each year on fueleconomy.gov.
2015 to 2017
The 2015 model year started a new F-150 design. fueleconomy.gov lists a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 (EcoBoost), a 3.5-liter V6 in two forms (the turbocharged EcoBoost and a non-turbo version) and a 5.0-liter V8, mostly with 6-speed automatics. For 2017, fueleconomy.gov shows the 3.5-liter EcoBoost paired with a 10-speed automatic, while the other engines kept 6-speeds that year.
2018 to 2020
For 2018 the lineup changed. A 3.3-liter V6 replaced the non-turbo 3.5, a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (Power Stroke) appeared, and the 10-speed automatic spread to the 2.7, 3.5 EcoBoost, 5.0 and diesel. The 3.3 kept a 6-speed through 2020.
2021 to 2022
The 2021 model year brought the next redesign. All gas engines use the 10-speed, and a 3.5-liter hybrid (PowerBoost) joins the list. The diesel shows up for 2021 only in 4WD form on fueleconomy.gov and is gone from the 2022 list. The 2022 list also includes the all-electric F-150 Lightning, which I leave out of this guide because it is a different machine to own; it deserves its own EV-focused look.
Used F-150 review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings
This table is built from NHTSA's records for the F-150, pulled November 5, 2026. Two notes before you read it.
First, the recall count is the number of separate recall campaigns that list that model year, not the number of problems a given truck has. Many campaigns cover only one engine, cab or option, and several are "do-over" campaigns for trucks that were repaired incorrectly the first time.
Second, the complaint numbers for the F-150 are incomplete. For 2015, 2021 and 2022 the NHTSA complaint query returned zero records, and for 2016 to 2020 it returned only complaints filed in 2025 and 2026. That is a limit of the data pull, not a sign that nobody complained. So read the complaint column as "what recent filers mention," and do not compare it with the Silverado or Toyota numbers in my other reviews.
| Model year | Recall campaigns | Complaints returned | Crash / fire complaints | Top complaint component (count) | NHTSA overall rating, SuperCrew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14 | none returned | none returned | n/a | 5 stars |
| 2016 | 14 | 114 | 5 / 1 | Power train (91) | 5 stars |
| 2017 | 18 | 84 | 2 / 0 | Power train (57) | 5 stars (SuperCab and Regular Cab listed) |
| 2018 | 19 | 97 | 0 / 0 | Power train (68) | 5 stars (SuperCab and Regular Cab: 4) |
| 2019 | 9 | 71 | 0 / 0 | Power train (53) | 5 stars (SuperCab and Regular Cab: 4) |
| 2020 | 11 | 59 | 2 / 1 | Power train (42) | 5 stars (SuperCab and Regular Cab: 4) |
| 2021 | 29 | none returned | none returned | n/a | 5 stars |
| 2022 | 23 | none returned | none returned | n/a | 5 stars |
Rollover ratings in the same NHTSA records are 4 stars for every F-150 cab and year listed. You can look up any year yourself on NHTSA's recalls page, and my guide to reading NHTSA complaint data explains why raw counts need context.
The F-150 recalls that matter most
Not every recall is equal. A missing label is a paperwork fix; a brake or steering defect is not. These are the campaigns I would check first on any F-150 VIN, grouped by year. The component names are NHTSA's own wording.
2015 to 2018
- Engine block heater cable (18V894000, then 19V278000), 2015-2019. NHTSA's summary says water and contaminants can get into the block heater cable's splice connector and cause corrosion and damage. The follow-up campaign covers trucks whose cable may have been damaged during the first repair.
- Brake master cylinder (20V332000 for 2014-2017, 22V150000 for 2016-2018, 25V236000 for 2017-2018). The summaries describe brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. These campaigns list trucks with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost or specific builds, so confirm whether yours is included.
- Door latches (17V652000), 2015-2017. A bent cable or a latch that freezes after water gets in can let a door open while driving even though it looks closed.
- Transmission (18V213000), 2017-2018 with the 10-speed. A roll pin may be missing, which can cause loss of the "Park" function. A 2026 campaign (26V237000) covers 2015-2017 trucks where a lost signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain computer can cause an unexpected downshift into second gear.
- Cylinder heads (17V672000), 2018 with 3.5-liter engines. The heads may have been machined without oil supply holes for the camshaft bearings.
2019 to 2020
- Battery cable fastener (19V805000), 2019-2020. The fastener on the positive battery terminal can loosen, which NHTSA says can affect displays and braking or steering assist, and the engine could stall.
- Headlamp switching (20V097000, with a 2026 do-over, 26V373000), 2018-2020 with LED headlamps. A lighting compliance issue, but quick to confirm.
2021 to 2022
- Steering gear (21V407000), 2021. Internal damage could make steering difficult or lock the wheel while driving.
- Electronic brake booster (21V533000), 2021. Brake fluid can leak into the electronic control unit and reduce braking performance.
- Driveshaft (21V986000 and 22V623000), 2021-2022. Loose underbody insulators can contact the aluminum driveshaft and damage it to the point of fracture.
- Trailer brakes (22V193000, then 25V132000 and 26V104000). A software error can stop an electric trailer brake system from braking, and the later campaign describes the trailer module losing communication, with possible loss of trailer brake and turn lights. For a Texas tow vehicle, this one matters.
- Rear axle hub bolts (23V896000), 2021-2023 with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package. The hub bolt may fatigue and break.
- Intake valves (24V635000), 2021-2022 with the 2.7 or 3.0 EcoBoost. NHTSA says intake valves may break while driving, which can cause engine failure and loss of drive power.
- Low-pressure fuel pump (25V455000), 2021-2022. The pump may fail and stall the engine.
- Park engagement (23V070000), 2022. A loose transmission bolt could keep the truck from engaging park even though the shifter shows "P."
Ford F-150 problems owners report most
With the caveat about incomplete data, the pattern for 2016 to 2020 is consistent. Power train is the top component every year, and in the complaint text the most common words are "shift" and "transmission." Owners describe harsh or erratic shifting, hesitation and, less often, the truck stalling. For 2018 and 2019, a smaller group of complaints mentions cam phasers. Brakes and speed control show up in single or low double digits.
Two things follow. First, the transmission is where I would spend the most test-drive time on any F-150 from these years. Second, because the 2021 and 2022 complaint queries came back empty, the recall list is the better evidence for those years, and it is long.
F-150 MPG and specs by engine
These are EPA combined ratings from fueleconomy.gov. Ranges cover the trims and configurations listed for each group; your truck may differ by axle, tires and package.
| Engine (fuel) | Years | Transmission | 2WD city / hwy / combined | 4WD combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L turbo V6 (regular) | 2015-2017 | 6-speed auto | 18-19 / 24-26 / 21-22 | 19-20 |
| 2.7L turbo V6 (regular) | 2018-2022 | 10-speed auto | 19-20 / 25-26 / 21-22 | 20-21 |
| 3.5L turbo V6 (regular) | 2015-2016 | 6-speed auto | 16-17 / 22-24 / 18-20 | 17-19 |
| 3.5L turbo V6 (regular) | 2017-2022 | 10-speed auto | 17-18 / 21-25 / 19-21 | 16-20 |
| 3.5L V6, non-turbo (gas or E85) | 2015-2017 | 6-speed auto | 18 / 24 / 20 | 19 |
| 3.3L V6 (gas or E85) | 2018-2022 | 6-speed, 10-speed from 2021 | 19-20 / 24-25 / 21-22 | 19-20 |
| 5.0L V8 (gas or E85) | 2015-2017 | 6-speed auto | 14-15 / 20-22 / 16-18 | 16-17 |
| 5.0L V8 | 2018-2022 | 10-speed auto | 15-17 / 20-24 / 17-20 | 16-19 |
| 3.0L diesel V6 | 2018-2021 | 10-speed auto | 21-22 / 28-30 / 24-25 | 22-24 |
| 3.5L hybrid V6 (regular) | 2021-2022 | 10-speed auto | 25 / 25-26 / 25 | 23-24 |
The highest-MPG gas option in this span is the 2021-2022 hybrid. Among conventional gas engines, the 2.7 and 3.3 rate best. The 3.5 EcoBoost and 5.0 V8 are the engines people buy for towing, and they rate lower.
Is any Ford factory warranty left?
Ford's New Vehicle Limited Warranty page lists bumper-to-bumper coverage at 3 years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage at 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, counted from the warranty start date. For a 2015 to 2021 truck, both have almost certainly run out by now. A low-mileage 2022 that went into service late in 2022 could still have some powertrain time left. Ask the seller for the original in-service date, then confirm the exact terms for that model year in the warranty guide or with a Ford dealer. Recall repairs are a separate matter: they are normally free at a franchised dealer regardless of warranty.
Texas notes for F-150 owners
Heat. A truck that sat in Central Texas sun for years works its AC, battery and cooling system hard. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery age. My Texas heat guide has the full list. fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page notes that AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips, so expect summer mileage below the label.
I-35 commuting. Stop-and-go traffic between Round Rock, Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio favors the city rating more than the highway rating. If most of your miles are commuting, the 2.7, 3.3 or the hybrid make more sense than a V8 bought "just in case."
Towing. If you tow, the trailer-brake recalls above are the first thing to clear. Ask whether the truck has the factory trailer brake controller and the Trailer Tow Max Duty package, because those options decide which campaigns apply. Do not trust a seller's towing number; check the tow rating for that exact configuration in Ford's towing guide for the model year and the door-jamb label.
Emissions counties. TCEQ requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Diesel vehicles are not tested. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. See my Texas inspection and emissions guide for how this ties into registration.
Best years: the F-150s I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully
This is my opinion, based only on the data above. It is not a reliability score.
Years I would shortlist
- 2019 F-150. It has the fewest recall campaigns in this span (9). None is a brake or steering component recall, though the battery cable campaign can affect braking and steering assist, so confirm it was done. Recent complaints are mostly about shifting, so the test drive still matters.
- 2020 F-150. Eleven campaigns, mostly lighting, camera, seat, spare tire, starter, wiper and label items, plus the battery cable fastener. It also carries the same 10-speed shifting complaints.
- 2018 F-150 with the 2.7 or 3.3. It has 19 campaigns, but several are limited to the 3.5 engine, block heaters or follow-up repairs. On a 2.7 or 3.3 truck, fewer of them apply.
Years I would check extra carefully
- 2021 F-150. Twenty-nine campaigns, including steering gear, brake booster, driveshaft, trailer brakes and, on 2.7 and 3.0 EcoBoost trucks, intake valves. A 2021 can still be a good truck, but only with proof that every campaign was completed.
- 2022 F-150. Twenty-three campaigns, including the park-engagement bolt and the same driveshaft, valve and trailer brake issues.
- 2015 to 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost. Brake master cylinder campaigns, door latches and, for 2017, the early 10-speed. Confirm every recall is closed.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used F-150
Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist.
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and get a printout of open campaigns. Ask a Ford dealer for the completed-recall history.
- Confirm the engine, transmission, cab and packages from the window sticker or the dealer's VIN lookup. Many campaigns depend on these.
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and hard from a stop, and note any harsh, late or repeated shifts. Try a highway merge and a slow stop-and-go stretch.
- Shift through Park, Reverse and Drive several times. Confirm the truck holds in Park on a slope.
- Check the brake pedal feel and look for brake fluid around the master cylinder and booster.
- Turn the steering lock to lock at a standstill and while rolling; listen for binding.
- On 2021-2022 trucks, look under the truck at the driveshaft and the heat insulators around it.
- If the truck tows, hook up a trailer or a trailer tester and confirm brake output, brake lights and turn signals.
- Check every door latches firmly and stays closed.
- Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date and terminal fasteners.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored codes and listen to the engine at a cold start; some 2018-2019 complaints mention cam phasers.
- Check the title through TxDMV Title Check for salvage, flood or buyback brands.
For data on the model across years, see the Ford F-150 car data page, and for the recall process itself, my guide on checking recalls before buying.
Sources
- CarEdge, Best Selling New Cars in Texas (data updated 2026-10-27)
- NHTSA recalls lookup; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05
- fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, 2015-2022 F-150)
- fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather
- Ford, What is the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty?
- TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas
- TxDMV Title Check
Frequently asked questions
What are the best years for a used Ford F-150?
Based on NHTSA recall data for 2015-2022, the 2019 and 2020 model years have the fewest recall campaigns (9 and 11). That is not a guarantee about any single truck, so inspect it and check its recall history.
What is the most common Ford F-150 problem in NHTSA complaints?
For the 2016-2020 trucks in my data pull, power train is the top complaint component every year, and most of that text is about transmission shifting. The pull returned only recent complaints, so treat it as a pattern, not a full count.
Which F-150 years have the most recalls?
The 2021 model year has 29 recall campaigns in NHTSA's records and the 2022 has 23, the most in the 2015-2022 span. They include steering, brake booster, driveshaft, trailer brake and engine valve campaigns.
Do I need an emissions test for a used F-150 in Texas?
Yes for a gasoline F-150 registered in Travis or Williamson county, or in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, according to TCEQ. Diesel vehicles are not tested.
Is a used F-150 still under Ford warranty?
Ford lists 3 years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years or 60,000 miles powertrain. For most 2015-2022 trucks both have expired; only a low-mileage, late-in-service 2022 may have powertrain time left. Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer either way.
Does the F-150 have good crash test ratings?
NHTSA lists 5-star overall ratings for the SuperCrew cab in every year from 2015 to 2022. For 2018-2020, the SuperCab and Regular Cab are rated 4 stars overall.
Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.
