What is the 2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start?

Second-gen 3.5L EcoBoost engines develop a loud rattle/knock from the front timing cover for 2-5 seconds on cold start (and sometimes at idle). The variable-cam-timing (VCT) phasers have a lock pin that fails to engage on startup, allowing the phaser to rattle against the cam spr… Repairs typically run $800-$3,600. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2017 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Primary Timing Chain Stretch — P0016 and Cold-Start Rattle?

Distinct from the cam-phaser cold-start rattle, the first-generation (2011-2016) 3.5L EcoBoost suffers genuine primary timing-chain wear ('stretch') because of its long chain routing and the high loads of a twin-turbo direct-injection V6. As the chain pins and rollers wear, the c… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2022 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head?

Ford's 2.7L EcoBoost (and related small-displacement EcoBoost engines) is prone to micro-cracks forming in the cylinder head around the exhaust ports, allowing coolant to seep into the combustion chamber. This produces unexplained coolant loss with no external leak, white sweet-s… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 Ford F-150 Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss?

The brake master cylinder rear cup seal can roll or fail, allowing brake fluid to leak from the front-circuit reservoir into the brake booster. This drops fluid in the front brake circuit and can reduce or eliminate front-wheel braking (rear brakes remain). Drivers report a long/… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2018 Ford F-150 Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function?

The brake master cylinder rear cup seal can roll or the cylinder can develop an internal/external leak, allowing brake fluid to migrate from the front-circuit reservoir into the vacuum brake booster. This causes a longer/softer pedal, increased pedal effort, and reduced or lost f… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 Door latch failure - doors won't latch or open while driving?

Water can enter the door latch and freeze, and the latch actuation cable can become bent or kinked. Either condition can leave a door that appears closed but is not fully engaged with the striker, allowing it to open while driving, or a door that will not open or will not close a… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk?

When a front seat belt pretensioner deploys in a crash, it can generate excessive sparks/hot gas that ignites insulation, carpet, or wiring inside the B-pillar, potentially starting a vehicle fire. Ford recalled about 2 million 2015-2018 F-150 trucks (about 1.6 million in the U.S… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Ford F-150 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts?

The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission can develop a shudder during light acceleration, typically between 25-50 mph. This is caused by torque converter clutch issues and affects many F-150s. Ford has released multiple TSBs and fluid updates to address this. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak?

The EcoBoost engines can develop oil leaks from the oil pan gasket. The leak often appears at the rear of the oil pan and can drip onto exhaust components, causing a burning oil smell. This is common on trucks with higher mileage. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Failure?

The two-piece driveshaft uses a center support (carrier) bearing that can wear out, causing vibration and noise. The rubber support degrades over time, especially in hot climates or with heavy towing. Ford TSB addresses this issue. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2021 Ford F-150 Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)?

The water pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost can fail or develop leaks, causing coolant loss and potential overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2020 Ford F-150 Exhaust Manifold Studs / Bolts Break — Exhaust Leak and Cold-Start Ticking?

Ford modular V8s (and the EcoBoost V6 turbo manifolds) are notorious for snapping the small (8mm) exhaust-manifold-to-head studs/bolts. They are installed without anti-seize and corrode/fatigue from repeated heat cycling; on the turbo EcoBoost engines, a large share of the turbo/… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Failure — Humming Noise and ABS Light?

The sealed, non-serviceable front hub/bearing assemblies on 13th-gen F-150s wear out and produce a speed-dependent humming or grinding that gets louder with speed and can shift with cornering load, plus steering-wheel/floor vibration. Because the wheel-speed sensor lives in the h… Repairs typically run $300-$750. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Fuel Injector Failure — Startup Misfire, Rough Idle, and Fuel-Injector DTCs?

The 3.5L EcoBoost's high-pressure direct (GDI) injectors run at diesel-like pressures and are a common failure item, especially at higher mileage and after heat-soak. A stuck-open or electrically failing injector floods a cylinder and can wash down neighboring cylinders on the sa… Repairs typically run $650-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2024 Ford F-150 IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement?

Ford's 4x4 F-150s use a vacuum-operated Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system instead of conventional locking hubs: vacuum keeps the front hubs UNLOCKED in 2WD and is released to lock them for 4WD. The system relies on vacuum lines, a hood-area solenoid, and a check valve that are hi… Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2024 Ford F-150 Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab?

The foam gasket that seals the roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL / third brake light) against the cab dries out, compresses and shrinks with heat and UV exposure, breaking the watertight seal. Rainwater then runs down inside the cab from the roof opening, soaking th… Repairs typically run $40-$250. Severity: medium.

Ford · Known Issues

2017 Ford F-150 Problems: 36 Known Issues

2017 model year · 7,096+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 7,096+ owner reports, the 2017 Ford F-150 has 36 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost) ($300-$800 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start ($800-$3,600 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost Primary Timing Chain Stretch — P0016 and Cold-Start Rattle ($1,800-$3,200 repair), 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder ($150-$4,500 repair), 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head ($4,000-$8,000 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power ($1,800-$5,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss ($0-$600 repair), Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function ($0-$600 repair), .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,096+ owner reports, the 2017 Ford F-150 has 36 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost), 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start, 3.5L EcoBoost Primary Timing Chain Stretch — P0016 and Cold-Start Rattle. Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

The 2017 Ford F-150 has 36 known issues documented across 7,096+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost) and 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start and 3.5L EcoBoost Primary Timing Chain Stretch — P0016 and Cold-Start Rattle and 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder and 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head and 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power and Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss and Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function and Door latch failure - doors won't latch or open while driving and Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk and P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction (MIL Request) from Failed 6R80 Molded Leadframe. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

Repair costs for known Ford F-150 issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost), typically costs $300-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)?

The vacuum pump that provides brake assist on EcoBoost F-150s can fail, resulting in a hard brake pedal and reduced braking assist. Since turbo engines don't produce intake vacuum like naturally aspirated engines, they rely on this pump. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.

All 36 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)?

2017-2020 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start#

2011-2017 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost Primary Timing Chain Stretch — P0016 and Cold-Start Rattle#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak#

2011-2025 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbo Underboost (P0299) — Boost Leaks, Bypass Valve Diaphragm, and Warped Air Deflector#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)#

2013-2018 Ford F-150: Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss#

2017-2018 Ford F-150: Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder#

2011-2020 Ford F-150: P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction (MIL Request) from Failed 6R80 Molded Leadframe#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts#

2009-2017 Ford F-150: 6R80 6-Speed Automatic Harsh 1-2 Upshift / Erratic Shifting and Lead-Frame Solenoid Body Failure#

2015-2017 Ford F-150: Door latch failure - doors won't latch or open while driving#

2009-2024 Ford F-150: Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Panoramic / twin-panel sunroof spontaneous shattering#

2004-2017 Ford F-150: Rocker Panel and Cab-Corner Rust from Clogged Internal Drains#

1997-2020 Ford F-150: Water Leak at Rear Window / Third Brake Light — Wet Headliner, Carpet, and Cab-Corner Rust#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Power Tailgate Lock Actuator Failure / Tailgate Opens by Itself#

2015-2022 Ford F-150: 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head#

2017-2021 Ford F-150: Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Coolant Degas / Overflow Bottle Cracks and Quick-Connect Fitting Leaks#

2015-2018 Ford F-150: Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Warped / Cracked Dashboard at Defrost Vents (TSB 19-2041) — XL & XLT Instrument Panel Separation#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Failure#

2004-2024 Ford F-150: IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement#

2004-2020 Ford F-150: Rear Differential Pinion Bearing / Ring-and-Pinion Whine and Howl#

2004-2020 Ford F-150: Exhaust Manifold Studs / Bolts Break — Exhaust Leak and Cold-Start Ticking#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle#

2015-2024 Ford F-150: Swollen Two-Piece Lug Nuts Preventing Tire Removal#

2015-2019 Ford F-150: Aluminum Body Panel Paint Bubbling & Corrosion (Hood, Roof, Doors) — Iron-Contamination / Primer Defect#

2013-2020 Ford F-150: SYNC 2 / SYNC 3 APIM Failure — Black Screen, Freezing, and Reboot Loops#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Failure — Humming Noise and ABS Light#