Ford has made a significant mark in the American auto market, especially with its popular F-150 series. Since its debut in 1948 and official introduction in 1975, this line has maintained its status as a top-selling go-anywhere, do-anything truck in the US. However, not every model year has been a hit. Buyer reviews show that some F-150 years fell short of customer expectations. But don’t worry—some years are tested, trusted, and come with glowing reviews. Here are the five worst F-150 models that failed to impress and five you’ll want to own.

Disappointed: 2004 Ford F-150

The 2004 F-150 is one of Ford’s first trucks with considerable towing and payload capacity. Also, its roomy cabin provided enough space for passengers and cargo, especially with the SuperCrew cab option. However, it had too many weak points, including windows that stopped rolling up after a few years of use. Ford recalled about 16 cars, and the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration) received nearly 2,400 complaints that year.

Disappointed: 2005 Ford F-150

As expected, many fans believed Ford’s next release would be much better than the 2004 model; however, new issues sprang up. Of the over 1,000 NHTSA complaints, 100 were about engines acting up, while the rest were about brakes, suspension, ticking noises from the motor, spark plugs, transmission failures, and sudden airbag deployment on the driver side. Thankfully, the towing capacity remained decent, with two fewer recalls than the previous model.

Disappointed: 2010 Ford F-150

Unlike other models on this list, critics praised the 2010 F-150 for its decent “Good” scores in several Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. Buyers also liked that it came in various cab styles (Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew) and bed lengths, allowing them to choose the size that best suits their needs. Despite these positive aspects, Ford’s botched attempt to introduce a new touchscreen display, “My Ford Touch Screen,” reduced the model’s public perception. This feature had issues with the screen’s backup camera and didn’t always connect to phones.

Disappointed: 2013 Ford F-150

With an overwhelming number of NHTSA complaints, the 2013 Ford F-150 ranked high among the models that troubled owners the most. Over 2,400 complaints were about issues with the powertrain, engine, and electrical system. This model also suffered from sudden lighting faults, strange odors from fluid leaks, and brake complications. To worsen the situation, Ford waited four years before announcing that they recalled three cars for transmission issues, affecting about 1.2 million models.

Disappointed: 2015 Ford F-150

In 2015, the total volume of complaints reported to the NHTSA reduced compared to two years earlier, especially those involving transmission. Since it was the inaugural year for the 13th generation Ford F-150, fans expected some initial hiccups. However, 13 recalls of the 2015 F-150 due to problems like brake issues and doors opening while driving raised significant alarm. To prevent a total disaster, Ford maintained strong towing and payload capacities while offering a variety of trim levels, including the base XL and the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum.

Worthy Alternative: 2009 Ford F-150

When Ford released the 2009 F-150, it maintained its brand promise by building a model that could tow up to 11,300 pounds depending on the engine, configuration, and transmission. This truck had several engine options, including a 3.0-liter V6 engine, a 4.6-liter V8, a 5.4-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8 paired with a standard 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission. Also, this initial release of the 12th-gen Ford F-150 impressed fans when the number of NHTSA complaints reduced to less than 350.

Worthy Alternative: 2018 Ford F-150

In comparing model years from 2009 to 2018, the 2018 version stood out as one of the better options. Although NHTSA complaints remained around 1,200 with 13 recalls, it outperformed other models within those ten years. The model had an impressive resale value and excellent driving experience ratings due to Ford’s innovative decision. The carmaker paired the new Power Stroke turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 with a 10-speed automatic to deliver 440 lb-ft of torque that could tow up to 13,200 pounds plus a 3,230 maximum payload capacity.

Worthy Alternative: 2019 Ford F-150

Here’s another F-150 truck that’s worth owning. As we stepped into 2019, this 2019 model showed remarkable improvements from the previous year that could easily sway any hesitant buyer. It had up to five engine options, including the base and 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6, a 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V6, and the top-of-the-line H.O. 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6. This model also had a “Great” rating for resale value thanks to engine reliability, impressive fuel efficiency, and towing capacity.

Worthy Alternative: 2020 Ford F-150

One of the standout model years for the Ford F-150, the 2020 model deserves a mention on this list of dependable trucks. Depending on the engine, it had an impressive 13,200-pound towing capacity and a maximum payload capacity reaching 3,270 pounds. In 2020, Ford made the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot standard in the vehicle so owners could stay connected and productive while on the go. With up to five different engine options, it’s hard to resist the appeal of the last model year of the F-150’s 13th generation.

Worthy Alternative: 2021 Ford F-150

To wrap up this section, we bring you the 2021 F-150 truck with its wide range of reliable engine options, including a 3.3L Ti-VCT, a 5.0L Ti-VCT, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid electric motor. As an alternative to disappointing models, this vehicle has a 14,000-pound towing capacity that competes well with competitor trucks. Regarding features, buyers have plenty of room for passengers and cargo, including an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a power tailgate.