This Simple Ford F-150 Repair Is Insanely Expensive
You might be surprised by how expensive simple Ford F-150 repairs cost. Trucks are getting more advanced, with sensors and computer chips integrated into simple parts, driving up costs. That’s why something as simple as replacing a Ford F-150 tail light can cost thousands.
How much does it cost to replace a Ford F-150 tail light?
Depending on what parts of the Ford F-150 tail light are damaged, it can cost between $1,200 and over $5,000 to repair or replace. This is sky high, especially when replacement parts like the 2018 right passenger taillight can cost as little as $44.00.
One customer recently paid $1,200 for a replacement tail light cover, but other stories are much worse. Along with the price of equipment, you have to consider service fees. Plus, sensors, chips, and wiring make the work more delicate than it used to be.
When an F-150 owner took his truck in for maintenance due to error messages, water was collecting in his tailight. This would typically be a simple fix, but this isn’t your average tail light.
It’s an LED tail light with side obstacle detection radar, meaning it’s packed with expensive equipment. Also, the water caused some of the wiring to corrode, leading to various electrical warnings and issues.
Even though the problem was found quickly and easy to correct, the owner was handed a $5,600 repair bill.
To make matters worse, the Ford F-150 is targeted by thieves for wheels, headlights, taillights, bumpers, and other expensive parts that are in limited supply. The truck owner could have had to wait for months until the replacement part became available.
Is the F-150 expensive to maintain?
It costs about $788 to maintain the Ford F-150 annually. This is a bit more expensive than the average yearly maintenance cost of about $652 for all vehicle models. RepairPal reports yearly maintenance costs average out to $936 for full-size trucks, however, so it is a bit less expensive to maintain than other pickups in its class. Of course, prices vary based on age, mileage, and shop location.
The F-150 has a 0.3% average for unscheduled repairs during the year. This is good compared to the average of 0.4% unexpected repairs across all other vehicle models.
It also has a 15% probability of needing a severe repair compared to a 12% average across other vehicle makes and models.
Some common repairs include replacing the air filter for up to $40, replacing the EGR valve for about $270, replacing the brake vacuum pump for roughly $349, and an electrical system diagnosis for around $111.
What are the most common F-150 problems?
According to Repair Pal, the most popular Ford F-150 complaint involves little to no heat in the cabin. The vents blow cool air, and the hoses have no watering through them. Sometimes, the fan doesn’t blow. Replacing the blend door actuator may help.
Tons of drivers reported that the F-150 engine runs rough on idle. The engine starts to run loudly and produces fuel fumes. Other drivers faced delayed acceleration times and rough vibrations. The EGR sensor could be the culprit.
Also, there are reports of the spark plugs being ejected. This could be accompanied by a knocking noise, engine misfiring, and the check engine light could illuminate. This also could damage the cylinder head.
You don’t need to replace the spark plugs, but Ford listed a preferred method of repair for the cylinder head to prevent the sparkplugs from flying out again.
Stay tuned as we track the Ford F-150 for problems. Do you think trucks are getting too advanced and expensive to repair?
