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There’s no shame in saving with a used truck, as long as you don’t buy a bad one. Pay attention to reviews and reliability scores to avoid a lemon. Unfortunately, even though I was amazed by its powertrain, getting a used Ford F-150 Hybrid could be a mistake. 

How reliable is a used Ford F-150 Hybrid? 

A used Ford F-150 Hybrid is one of the most unreliable truck options that are currently available. Are you ready for the red flags? Because they’re flying high. 

According to Ford Authority, the 2021 – 2022 F-150 Hybrid models are on the list of the top used cars to avoid. The only other trucks on this list are the 2023 Nissan Frontier and the 2019 and 2021 Ford F-250. 

Owners have shared the issues that they have faced with the F-150 Hybrid, resulting in a terrible reliability score. 

The most common problems include engine trouble and EV battery failure. Complaints about faulty batteries include hearing a loud pop before every electric component shorted. 

Also, one driver found that a loose electrical wire was causing the hybrid battery to short. But it took three trips to the shop and replacing other parts to figure that out. 

Another driver complained about the truck driving rough, having horrible downshifts, and that the hybrid engine doesn’t engine doesn’t engage. 

The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid on the road
2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid | Ford

The engine issues include a clunking noise while shifting into reverse, warning lights illuminating once shifting into 4×4, rough shifts, grinding noises, and a sudden loss of power. 

However, some changes must have been made because the 2023 F-150 Hybrid has a higher reliability rating and fewer complaints. 

The most complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid are still about the EV battery failing. However, the engine and transmission have fewer problems, so the issues might have been corrected. 

Plus, the F-150 Hybrid is tons of fun to drive. It pairs a turbocharged 3.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery and an electric motor to generate 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. 

It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. Also, it gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is spot on from my testing. 

I only had a loaner F-150 Hybrid for a week and still think about it fondly. However, you’ll be better off going new instead of used. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.