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Ford F-150 (11th Gen)

09-14 · Ford F-150

74out of 100

The 11th gen introduced the Coyote 5.0L and EcoBoost options, the Coyote is the right engine, with standard ESC and improved safety making this the first F-150 that checks all the boxes.

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×2.554/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×1.570/ 100Practicality×3.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

The first F-150 generation with standard ESC across all trims and 5-star NHTSA. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is chain-driven, DOHC, makes 360hp and is genuinely durable. The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo is more powerful but has documented early turbo and intercooler condensation issues on 11-12, preferably avoided unless you want the towing capacity.

Why it's on this list

Standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, 360hp Coyote, and sub-$18k prices. The 5.0L Coyote F-150 is the most reliable modern full-size truck at this price tier.

The honest trade-offs

Fuel economy still in mid-teens. RepairPal 3.5/5. The 3.5L EcoBoost has turbo and intercooler issues on early production (11-12), stick to 2013+ if buying EcoBoost. Avoid the 2.7L EcoBoost, insufficient for a full-size truck application.

What to buy and what to avoid

13-14 XLT or Lariat with 5.0L Coyote V8 and 4WD. Standard ESC on all trims. The 5.0L is the most reliable powertrain choice. Verify timing chain rattle check above 100k miles.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,695 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$788 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$253 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,080 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,620 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$4,016 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,556 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
15[5]
MPG city / hwy
14 / 19[5]
Engine
5.0L V8 (Coyote)
Horsepower
360 hp
Torque
380 lb-ft
Seats
3
Cargo max
0 cu ft
Stock tires
275/65R18
Body
Truck
Rear seats
One-piece fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
21%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$788 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
13%[1]
250k-mile survival
50%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Ford F-150?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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