Is a used Ford F-150 a good deal?
Short answer: A used Ford F-150 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 38.6% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Ford F-150? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 18.9% | 81.1% | $30,633 |
| 5 years | 38.6% | 61.4% | $23,204 |
| 7 years | 49.4% | 50.6% | $19,133 |
| 10 years | 62.4% | 37.6% | $14,194 |
Its class (full-size pickup) averages 37% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Ford F-150 resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 9 | 1007 | Power Train (514), Engine (256), Electrical System (82) |
| 2020 | 11 | 551 | Power Train (238), Engine (102), Electrical System (69) |
| 2021 | 29 | 1281 | Power Train (440), Electrical System (171), Exterior Lighting (116) |
| 2022 | 23 | 899 | Power Train (244), Electrical System (223), Exterior Lighting (108) |
| 2023 | 13 | 616 | Power Train (209), Electrical System (181), Service Brakes (69) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V097000 (Exterior Lighting:headlights): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming…
- 19V805000 (Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may l…
- 18V894000 (Engine): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Wat…
- 19V633000 (Seats:front Assembly:recliner): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped w…
- 19V278000 (Engine): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and pr…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,700–$3,700 per year in fuel for 2022 Ford F-150 versions (18–25 MPG combined across 15 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Spray-in bedliners, running boards, tonneau covers and lift or leveling kits priced well above parts cost
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Power Train, Electrical System, Engine. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Ford F-150 a good deal?
A used Ford F-150 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 38.6% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Ford F-150 depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Ford F-150 loses 38.6% of its value after five years (18.9% after three years, 62.4% after ten).
Does the Ford F-150 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 85 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Ford F-150 year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2021 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1281). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Ford F-150 cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,700–$3,700 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Ford F-150?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Ford F-150? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models