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2017 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote•4WD•AUTOMATIC•gas
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5-Year Cost of Ownership
$16,952 maintenance + known platform issues
~$3,390/yr · 280¢/mile equivalent · $5,791 maintenance + $9,961 expected platform issues
Compare this engine
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2.7L V6 EcoBoost
vs
3.3L V6 Ti-VCT
vs
3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2017 F-150 is a solid workhorse, but the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has serious durability issues and the 10-speed transmission had teething problems. The 5.0L Coyote and naturally-aspirated 3.5L are far more reliable choices.

3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Failure and Timing Chain Stretch

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattling for 2-3 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Loss of power on acceleration, Rough idle
Fix: Requires timing chain replacement, cam phasers, and often VCT solenoids. 12-16 hours labor due to tight engine bay. Some shops recommend doing oil pump and guides while in there. This is a known weak point on 2nd-gen EcoBoost engines.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

10R80 Transmission Hard Shifts and Shudder

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Shudder during light acceleration at 30-50 mph, Delayed engagement from park, Clunking when shifting to reverse
Fix: Early production units need software updates (TSB 18-2431). Persistent cases require torque converter replacement or valve body work. Fluid and filter service sometimes helps temporarily. 6-8 hours for torque converter.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,800

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink fluid spots under truck, Transmission overheating warning, Low transmission fluid level, Fluid dripping near radiator area
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they contact frame or corrode at crimp fittings. Replace lines in pairs with upgraded aftermarket or updated Ford parts. 2-3 hours labor, straightforward job.
Estimated cost: $400-800

2.7L EcoBoost Carbon Buildup and Turbo Failure

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, Blue smoke on startup, Misfires and rough running, Turbo whistle or grinding noise, Oil consumption over 1 quart per 1,000 miles
Fix: Direct injection causes valve carbon buildup requiring walnut blasting every 80k-100k miles (4-5 hours). Turbo failures often from oil starvation or carbon blockage. Single turbo replacement is 8-10 hours due to access.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000

Door Latch Failures (Recall 17V-605 & 20V-134)

Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Door won't close or latch properly, Door appears closed but warning light stays on, Door pops open while driving, Unable to open door from inside or outside
Fix: Ford issued multiple recalls for faulty pawl spring clips in door latches. Should be covered under recall, but out-of-recall units fail too. 1-2 hours per door to replace latch assembly.
Estimated cost: $250-450

3.5L EcoBoost Piston Ring Failure and Oil Consumption

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning more than 1 quart per 500 miles, Blue exhaust smoke on acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Loss of compression, Carbon buildup in combustion chambers
Fix: Ring lands crack or rings collapse from detonation and high cylinder pressures. Requires complete engine teardown, new pistons and rings minimum. Many shops recommend short block. 25-35 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000

Brake Master Cylinder Leaks (Recall 19V-700)

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Spongy brake pedal, Pedal slowly sinks to floor when held, Brake fluid dripping down pedal assembly inside cab, Low brake fluid warning
Fix: Master cylinder seal fails internally. Covered under recall 19V-700 but later units outside recall window still fail. Straightforward replacement, 2-3 hours including bleeding entire system.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Owner tips
  • If buying used, avoid the 3.5L EcoBoost unless it has complete timing chain and phaser service records — budget $4k-5k if not done
  • The 5.0L Coyote and naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 are far more durable choices for high-mileage or heavy towing use
  • Change transmission fluid every 50k miles on the 10R80 despite Ford saying 'lifetime fill' — use Motorcraft ULV fluid only
  • EcoBoost engines need high-quality synthetic oil (5W-30) changed every 5,000 miles maximum to prevent turbo and timing issues
  • Check for open recalls by VIN before purchase — door latch and brake recalls are critical safety items
Buy the 5.0L V8 or base 3.5L V6 with eyes open on the transmission; avoid the EcoBoost V6s unless you enjoy expensive engine work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
505 jobs across 17 categories

body (34)

brakes (41)

cooling (21)

drivetrain (33)

electrical (77)

engine (67)

exhaust (23)

hvac (23)

interior (24)

maintenance (32)

steering (23)

suspension (46)

transmission (30)

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.
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