Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500
Both trucks side by side for the years they were both sold (2005–2026): owner complaints filed with NHTSA, what each generation is known for, and years with a well-known costly problem.
How to use this: complaint counts are reports owners filed with NHTSA, not a reliability score. Best-selling trucks collect more reports simply because more are on the road. Use the numbers to spot years worth a closer look, then check the specific truck you're considering.
Complaints by year
Each count is compared with the typical (middle) count of the half-ton trucks we cover from the same model year. Counts as of October 5, 2026; a year's own page uses the latest count, so it can be slightly higher. Tap a count for that year's recalls, complaints and safety ratings.
| Year | Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 | Typical that year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15Fewer than typical | 96More than typical | 65 |
| 2025 | 104About typical | 357More than typical | 116 |
| 2024 | 214About typical | 70Fewer than typical | 214 |
| 2023 | 478⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 187Fewer than typical | 382 |
| 2022 | 788⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 598About typical | 586 |
| 2021 | 1,276⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 644About typical | 577 |
| 2020 | 550⚠ Known problem: 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.About typical | 600More than typical | 468 |
| 2019 | 1,005⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying. 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.More than typical | 1,193⚠ Known problem: The first year of this generation has the most complaints, led by sudden power steering failures. Check for open recalls.More than typical | 646 |
| 2018 | 1,913⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying. 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.More than typical | 661⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 412 |
| 2017 | 1,125⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying.More than typical | 879⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 532 |
| 2016 | 1,764More than typical | 1,543⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 792 |
| 2015 | 1,425More than typical | 1,447⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 912 |
| 2014 | 1,361More than typical | 1,767⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 1,049 |
| 2013 | 2,796⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 1,277⚠ Known problem: Known for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.More than typical | 208 |
| 2012 | 1,716⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 697More than typical | 186 |
| 2011 | 2,137⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 689More than typical | 424 |
| 2010 | 841More than typical | 486More than typical | 265 |
| 2009 | 324About typical | 707More than typical | 279 |
| 2008 | 368⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 554More than typical | 348 |
| 2007 | 488⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 517About typical | 438 |
| 2006 | 585⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 792More than typical | 564 |
| 2005 | 1,112⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 1,168About typical | 1,000 |
Recent years aren't compared until the typical truck that year has at least 50 complaints. “Not separable” means NHTSA files that year together with other trucks. Recall counts aren't shown here; open any year to see its recalls. ⚠ marks a well-known costly problem that complaint counts alone don't show.
Generations side by side
Ford F-150
- 2004–2008 common problems →5.4L 3-valve V8, 4.6L V8, 4.2L V6
Window regulators that drop the glass into the door dominate 2004–2005 complaints; the 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break or blow out and cam phaser ticking.
- 2009–2014 common problems →3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.7L V6, 6.2L V8 (2011–2014); 4.6L and 5.4L V8 (2009–2010)
2011–2013 trucks were recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear; EcoBoosts add timing chain stretch, intercooler misfires and brake vacuum pump failures, and electric power steering and throttle body problems are common.
- 2015–2020 common problems →2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.3L and 3.5L V6, 3.0L Power Stroke diesel
Transmissions top the complaints, from sudden downshifts on 2015–2017 6-speeds (recalled in 2026) to the 10-speed's harsh shifts; 2017–2019 3.5L EcoBoosts are known for cam phaser rattle and 2018–2020 5.0L V8s for burning oil.
- 2021–2026 common problems →2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid, 5.0L V8, 3.3L V6
Early 2021–2022 trucks have the most complaints and recalls, including 10-speed shifts into neutral and broken rear axle hub bolts on Max Tow trucks; the PowerBoost hybrid has its own power-loss reports.
Ram 1500
- 2005–2008 common problems →5.7L HEMI V8, 4.7L V8, 3.7L V6; 8.3L V10 (SRT-10, 2005–2006)
Recalls drive many complaints: Takata air bag inflators that can rupture and a rear axle pinion nut that can loosen on certain 2005 trucks. Loose, wandering steering is a common day-to-day complaint, and the 4.7L V8 is known on forums for dropped valve seats after overheating.
- 2009–2018 common problems →5.7L HEMI V8, 3.6L V6 (2013+), 3.0L EcoDiesel (2014+), 4.7L V8 (2009–2013), 3.7L V6 (2009–2012)
Loss of electric power steering is the most reported problem on 2013–2018 trucks; EcoDiesels add EGR cooler fire and crankshaft sensor tone wheel stalling recalls, and 2011 trucks are known for fuel pump relay no-starts.
- 2019–2026 common problems →5.7L HEMI V8 (with or without eTorque), 3.6L V6, 3.0L EcoDiesel (2020–2023), 3.0L Hurricane I6 (2025+), 6.2L supercharged V8 (TRX)
2019 trucks have the most complaints, led by electric power steering failures; HEMI V8s break exhaust manifold bolts (and forums report lifter failures), eTorque trucks can stall, and the 2025 Hurricane trucks have many early electrical complaints.
Years with a known costly problem
From our owner notes. Some affect only one engine, so trucks with other engines those years aren't affected: check which engine the truck you're looking at has.
Ford F-150
- 2004–2008 5.4L V8 onlyThe 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.
- 2011–2013 All enginesRecalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.
- 2017–2019 3.5L EcoBoost only3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying.
- 2018–2020 5.0L V8 onlySome 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.
- 2021–2023 All enginesCertain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.
Ram 1500
- 2013–2018 All enginesKnown for sudden electric power steering failures. NHTSA investigated 2013–2016 trucks, and only some were recalled.
- 2019 All enginesThe first year of this generation has the most complaints, led by sudden power steering failures. Check for open recalls.