By Josh Rosenberg
Ford has been producing a dependable array of pickup trucks at reasonable prices for decades. You'd have to say the Ford truck is one of the mainstays of American highways and byways, with literally millions on the road over this time.
And due to today's high-priced used car market, many shoppers are looking for "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars.
And by "older", I am generally referring to 10+ year-old vehicles. But clearly, prospective buyers must weigh the benefits of affordability and performance against potential drawbacks, such as higher maintenance needs and overall reliability.
So here, we'll review the mechanical problems that have been reported by owners of 10+ year-old Ford trucks, and specifically the F-150, the Ford Ranger, and the Explorer Sport Trac.
And these issues can then be checked by potential buyers before purchasing one today, not just in determining if a specific vehicle is in good condition, but also as a strong indication of its likely reliability going forward.
But first, two very important tips ...
1. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Truck
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is not only a reliable workhorse, but is equally appropriate for a night out on the town. It's been the most popular vehicle sold in the U.S. nearly every year in the past 30.
Older, but perhaps not too old, would be those produced in the F-150's twelfth-generation (2009-2014). This generation had a base XL, sporty STX, popular XLT, off-road oriented FX4, luxury-themed Lariat, horse saddle-inspired King Ranch, and plush Platinum.
In addition, 2009 saw the return of the leather-and-chrome-trimmed Harley-Davidson as well as the introduction of the extreme off-road version, the F-150 SVT Raptor.
This generation also marked the end of all V6 models. Engine choices include the base 4.6-liter V8 that produces 248 horsepower, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Two other V8 choices, a 292 horsepower 4.6-liter and 310 horsepower 5.4-liter, were paired with a 6-speed automatic.
The SVT Raptor is outfitted with the 5.4-liter or an optional 400 horsepower 6.2-liter V8, both with the 6-speed automatic.
Overall, the versatile F-150 is a vehicle with an excellent ride and handling characteristics while still providing plenty of power when needed, as well as sporting attractive and functional interiors with plenty of features.
Possible Older F-150 Mechanical Problems:
The reliability of the twelfth generation Ford F-150 is a bit of a mixed bag, with opinions varying among owners. Some have been very pleased with their experiences, while others have run into issues.
While overall it is considered reasonably reliable, the following are among the more common reported problems by owners, so each should be checked before buying one today:
Transmission Issues: Some owners reported issues with the 6-speed automatic transmission, including hard shifting, slipping gears, and sometimes complete transmission failure. There were also reported problems with the transmission solenoids and the transmission control module.
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Engine Problems: The 5.4L V8 engine had issues with the cam phasers, which could lead to rough idling, stalling, and a loud rattling noise from the engine. And with the EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine, some owners reported timing chain problems, turbocharger issues, and condensation in the intercooler, which could cause misfires.
Electrical Issues: Some owners experienced electrical problems, such as issues with the power windows, door locks, and the MyFord Touch infotainment system. Faulty alternators and battery issues were also reported.
Brake Problems: Some models had problems with the brake master cylinder, which could result in a soft brake pedal or brake fluid leaks.
Steering Issues: Problems with the steering system included power steering pump and rack and pinion steering issues, leading to a loss of power steering assistance.
Suspension Problems: The front suspension, particularly the control arms and ball joints, was prone to premature wear, leading to alignment issues and uneven tire wear. Problems with the rear leaf springs were also reported, including broken leaf springs and issues with the rear axle.
Fuel System Issues: Some models had problems with the fuel pump and fuel injectors, which could cause engine performance issues, including stalling and hesitation. There were also reports of fuel tank delamination, where the interior lining of the fuel tank would peel off and clog the fuel system.
It should be noted that these issues varied in severity and frequency, and not all vehicles were affected. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly may have helped mitigate or avoid some of these problems in many vehicles, and these are the ones potential buyers need to identify.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has also achieved longstanding success due to its compact size and excellent off-road capabilities.
With its fairly solid record of reliability, wide choice of body styles and trims, and attractive pricing, an older Ranger can still make a good option in today's high-priced market.
The third generation Ford Ranger was produced from 1998-2012 (the Ranger was then retired until 2019) and can be found out there in four trims: XL, XLT, Sport, and the off-road-oriented FX4.
Engine choices include the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder as well as a 4.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder models can be found with either five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. The 4.0-liter V6 is available only with an automatic.
Possible Older Ranger Mechanical Problems:
Overall, while the third generation Ford Ranger does have some known issues, it is generally considered to be a reliable and durable vehicle, particularly when well-maintained.
Transmission Problems: Some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission, such as hard shifting, slipping, and transmission failure. The 5-speed automatic, in particular, was more susceptible to these problems.
Timing Chain Tensioners: The 4.0L SOHC V6 engines had issues with the timing chain tensioners and guides. If not addressed, this could lead to significant engine damage.
Cooling System Leaks: Leaks in the radiator and coolant hoses were reported, which could lead to engine overheating if not fixed promptly.
Fuel System Issues: Problems with the fuel pump and fuel injectors were reported. These issues could cause poor fuel economy, rough idling, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
Electrical Issues: Electrical problems such as malfunctioning sensors, faulty wiring, and issues with the vehicle's computer (ECU) were not uncommon. Some owners also reported issues with the power windows, door locks, and other electrical components.
Front Suspension Wear: The front suspension components, such as ball joints and control arms, were prone to wear and failure, leading to poor handling and alignment issues.
Differential Problems: Some owners reported issues with the rear differential, including noise, leaks, and failure, which could be costly to repair.
Exhaust System Problems: Catalytic converter failure and exhaust manifold leaks were also reported by some owners, leading to poor emissions performance and potential engine performance issues.
ABS Sensor Failure: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) sensors failed in some vehicles, which could cause the ABS light to illuminate and potentially impact braking performance.
While these issues were reported by a number of owners, it is important to note that not all vehicles experienced these problems. Again, regular maintenance and addressing issues early can help mitigate or avoid some of these problems.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
And then there's the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, somewhere between a truck and an SUV. Produced from 2001-2010, this specialized vehicle really offered the best of both worlds ... it has the cargo hauling ability of a pickup coupled with the interior comfort of an SUV.
We're particularly fond of the redesigned second generation Sport Trac that was introduced for the 2007 model year. Significant improvements over the previous model were made in a number of areas including power, handling, comfort, cargo space, and towing capacity.
The Sport Trac is available only in a five-passenger, crew cab pickup configuration. Although sharing the basic structure of the Ford Explorer SUV, the Sport Trac is almost 17-inches longer due to its longer wheelbase. This extra length allows for the 4-foot cargo bed and the ample rear-seat legroom.
Older Sport Tracs can be found with its standard 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. This engine is coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission.
For those seeking more power, models can also be found with the optional 4.6-liter V8 that delivers a robust 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is mated with a six-speed automatic, while all models are available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Possible Ford Explorer Sport Trac Mechanical Problems:
Transmission Problems: Some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission, including hard shifting, slipping, and failure. The 5R55E transmissions (2001 - 2005) were more often reported for these problems.
Timing Chain Tensioner Issues: The timing chain tensioners, especially in the 4.0L V6 engines, were prone to failure, leading to a rattling noise on startup and potentially severe engine damage if not addressed.
Rear Differential Problems: On some models, the rear differential was reported to develop a whining noise or even fail, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
Cooling System Failures: Radiator and thermostat housing leaks were reported, leading to overheating issues. The plastic thermostat housing was also prone to cracking.
Blend Door Actuator Failure: HVAC system problems were reported in some vehicles, particularly with the blend door actuator, and could lead to issues with temperature control in the cabin.
Electrical Problems: Various electrical issues, including problems with the power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights, were reported.
Suspension Issues: Some models experienced worn-out ball joints and control arms, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks: Some owners reported that the exhaust manifolds, especially in the V6 engines, crackedg or developec leaks, resulting in exhaust noise and potential emission issues.
Cracked Radiator: There were some reports of radiators developing cracks, particularly in models from 2001 to 2005, leading to coolant leaks and overheating.