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If you are wanting to dive into the 11th gen Ford F150 common issues, reliability, and a light review you came to the right place. This is a guide to better prepare you with the common issues of this truck to help you with your buying experience or simply help you diagnose potential issues.
Introduced in 2003 at the North American Auto Show, The 11th gen ford f150 was produced between 2004-2008. Designed with more of an angular design contrary to the 10th gens bubbly design. This generation was also the introduction of the 3valve motor within the F150 series. With that said, the 2004 model has the most complaints through all the years and some issues can ultimately cost you a lot of money.
So, to better educate you about your ride or about your future purchase, ill go over all the major issues with these trucks, so hopefully I can help you save money and potential headaches.
1. Airbag
There are airbag issues, first the airbag light can illuminate. But, that’s not the scary issue. The airbag can actually deploy at random. Basically, the airbag within the steering wheel grounds out and the bag deploys, which is not a fun issue. Ford did issue a recall for the 2004-2006 years. So, be sure the airbag issue has been resolved.
2. Climate Control Issues
if the temperature doesn’t change when you adjust the climate control, then most likely your blend door actuator has failed. It’s a pretty cheap part and fairly easy to repair by watching a quick youtube video.
3. Yes.. Spark Plugs Pop Out and Get Stuck
In the v6 motor, the spark plugs like to fully blow out and you may have to re-tap the holes if this occurs. You can get a kit to reinstall new treads or you can get a mechanic to do this for you. On the 5.4 3v triton engines, the spark plugs like to break while you remove them. The end of the 2 piece spark plug basically gets stuck and to the engine block itself, so where the top of the plug mates to the bottom half breaks off. You’ll also need to get a kit to remove the stuck spark plug, which can prove to be somewhat difficult. You should replace them with some one piece spark plugs to prevent any further spark plug issues. I’ll have links to the kits and parts for most of the issues in the description down below.
4. Engine Misfires
On 2004-2008 Ford F150s the P0301-P0308 code pops up due to the coil packs going out and you will have a rough idle and a misfire. The code is cool because depending which code you have, that’s the coil that went bad on that particular cylinder. Basically, you just need to replace the coil, which is fairly easy. I would replace all the coils if i was doing this job.
5. Exhaust Manifold Has Issues Too
The manifolds like to crack and give off an exhaust leak, or a slight ticking noise, however. The exhaust leak will not prevent the car from driving. The studs that connect the manifold to the engine block also like to fail. (Show broken stud photo) You’ll need to drill out the broken stud and replace it. There is a kit for this, as well. And, of course, if the manifold is cracked, you’ll need to replace the manifold.
6. The Fuel Pump Module
Fuel pump driver module also likes to fail about every 5 years causing a rough idle and a no start. A check engine light will have a “passive anti-theft” code. Not sure why, but it does and most likely its the fuel pump module above the spare tire. That should be an easy replacement.
7. The Frame Can Rust Out
The frame likes to rust out, which can be very dangerous. So, be sure you take your time and inspect the vehicle for any major rust spots that are beyond repair.
8. Timing Chain Issues = A Lot of Fun
If you start hearing some sort of knocking noise when the engine is warm at idle under 900rpms, which you can actually feel the knock when you place your hand on the valve cover above the cam phaser. This actually isn’t harmful to the truck, just very annoying. You may hear rattling or slapping noise upon cold startups from the engine, which means the tensioners are failing and blew their gaskets and they need to be replaced because they can cause a loose chain. You may also get cam phaser codes from P0340-P0349, which results from a very loose chain. The timing chain can move around and mess with the timing and break up the guides, gears, and seals and have the metal and plastic particles go through the entire engine and clog up the engine. And really, all this can become a domino effect and you could end up needing to buy entirely new engine heads. There can also be consistent slapping noises from the chain from all the guides and such breaking, just wanted to mention that. It is a good idea to immediately service the timing chain especially if you hear these noises.
9. Weak Oil Pump
With that said, the Oil pump likes to completely fail and leave you stranded. IF you don’t have any oil pressure, stop driving immediately. You should replace this with an upgraded Melling M360 one which is fairly cheap, and ill have the part in the description down below. This can be done from the front of the engine fairly easily while you replace the timing chains. So, put that on your todo list, as well.
10. Cam Phaser Wear
The Cam phasers can also wear independently and cause a loud and rough idle. You can replace them during the timing chain replacement or do a cam phaser lockout. However, I would just do a full service and replace the entire timing assembly, including the cam phasers.
11. Ticking Coming From The Engine
There may also be a ticking noise coming from the head of the engine behind the cams. You can isolate the noise with the screwdriver technique(Show image) if you need to. That is the roller follower or the lash adjuster which can destroy the cam and head. So, replace the roller follower as soon as you can. You should be able to do this on your own after watching some YouTube videos.
12. Overdrive Gears Snap Ring
The 4R70E and 4R75E Transmission overdrive 4th gear doesn’t work, it’s gone. You could get a P0734, which tells you that you have an issue in the 4th OD gear. Basically, The solenoid snap ring breaks apart. ( here is a video talking about it and it starts where the snap ring is broken apart, you’ll need to remove the transmission oil pan, the valve body and finally you’ll get access to the snap ring and there you can replace the Overdrive servo, and the snap ring. Not a hard job to do, just a bit scary to do for some people. And, be sure to take your time and remove all the metal from the snap ring.
13. Window Regulator
The window regulator also loves to fail prematurely, so be sure to replace it with a high quality aftermarket one. It can be somewhat difficult to replace, though.
If you have one of the 3valve f150s, then I’m sorry. Kidding, but really, if you are in the market for one of these trucks, i would stick with the 10th gen f150 or just go to chevy if you are buying these trucks due to your budget.
I personally wouldn’t want to dive into this type of headache of a car, instead i would get myself a Nissan Titan.
As mentioned previously, the 11th Gen Ford F150 has quite a few issues that can cost a lot of money, the 10th Gen Ford F150 is much more reliable.
If you would rather watch and listen to this, check out this video!
(11th Gen Ford F150 2004-2008 Issues)