For many drivers, a full-size truck is the ideal mode of transportation. And with the rising costs of trucks, buying new may not be an option. It is for that reason that many shoppers find themselves turning to the used market in order to get a practical pickup. One extremely popular full-size truck is the Ford F-150 which has long been an icon on American roads. Not all Ford F-150 models are created equal though, and there are some you should avoid, this model specifically. 

The 2010 Ford F-150 has some problems

The 2010 Ford F-150 was part of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. The 12th gen was introduced in 2009 and marked an update for this full-size truck platform. That said, this vehicle was not without its problems. In terms of electronics, the infotainment was subject to premature failure. This failure could happen quite abruptly according to Vehicle History, and a blank screen is certainly a frustrating thing to deal with.

Other electric failures included failure to recognize smartphones and rear camera that was not the most reliable. The camera can stop when reversing, which will force you to reverse the old-fashioned way, by looking out the rear window.

The 12th generation F-150 had engine issues

Depending on the engine option, the 2010 F-150 faced common leaking issues. The gaskets in the oil pan and the engine head could drip oil. This can cause a mess in your driveway or garage, but it can also lead to legitimate damage to components, and that will lead to costly repair bills. Something that no one wants to deal with. 

Another mechanical issue of the 2010 Ford F-150 has to do with the spark plugs. Spark plugs used in this model had the potential to ruin the ignition coil, and it is not uncommon to have an engine that misfires or a truck that just will not start. To make matters worse, the transmission that was found in this full-size truck also had issues. And transmission problems are not all that cheap. 

Is the Ford F-150 a reliable truck?

Despite the issues seen by the 2010 Ford F-150, in general, this is a truck that you should be able to buy used with confidence. As always though, when you are purchasing used, be sure to conduct the proper research. Each model year of a vehicle likely has its own unique pros and cons, and doing the legwork can save you a headache in the long run.

In doing the research and test driving used trucks, you may even be able to find a 2010 F-150 that is reliable enough for daily use. It just depends if you want to risk it on potential transmission issues and oil leaks.  After the 2010 model year, it seems like Ford made the proper corrections to the 12th generation F-150. So other years from this generation should be relatively problem-free. Just keep in mind, that buying used always has a bit of a gamble to it.