2005 Ford F-150 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Ford F-150, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility26820.6%
- Engine22817.5%
- Brakes1209.2%
- Airbags1017.8%
- Fuel system826.3%
- Body & structure775.9%
- Powertrain (other)765.8%
- Electrical745.7%
- Driver assistance604.6%
- Suspension493.8%
- Tires & wheels393.0%
- Steering342.6%
- Transmission332.5%
- Other / unspecified221.7%
- Seat belts211.6%
- Interior & seats120.9%
- Exterior lighting50.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW LOWERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL THE WINDOW UP, BUT IT FAILED TO CLOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE FOR SECOND TIME ALLOWING WINDOW TO FALL AND SHATTER INSIDE DOOR WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE. VERY DANGEROUS, VERY EXPENSIVE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact pulled the vehicle into a Home Depot parking lot, exited the vehicle, and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. The Home Depot employees came out to the vehicle and extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The Fire Department and Police Department were contacted; however, the contact was unsure if a report was filed for either department. The orgin of the fire was not confirmed however, the fire department informed that timing was critical because any longer the fire would have caused an explosion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 360,000.
Spark plug blew out no check enginge lite until after coil an plugs replaced now motor has a knocking sound 5/23 not 1969 like date happended onlys puts down even if i select present day
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, he had to pump the brake pedal to fully stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My brake booster or vacuum line has went out during driving and I almost lost control with my family. I see theres recalls on my make model and year. So I wanted to check and see because it was scary I had to leave my truck and get it towed some how back still also.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag light is on and the dealership says I have no active recalls but when I ask about recall number 11V-107 no one can confirm the when and where for this recall. I would like it repaired at no cost and the criteria of this recall number.
No incident FAR SOME REASON MY AIR BAG LIGT STAY ON
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Pulled out of driveway and made it 50 feet and whole truck shut down right on the road. Could not make the vehical restart no click or anything dead right where it stopped. Could of caused an accident. Had to have truck taken to a shop they took a week to find out that the electrical fuel system harness had a dead short in it. So no fuel going to the feul injectors or to the key to start the vehical. Still have head lights and breaks and radio. Just no way to restart the vehical. They checked thw wires and after unplugging many wires to the fuel system and retesting it started. Left with the truck a day later the same thing happen but this time i had to jump a curb to avoid an accident and coasted into a parking lot. I got out and wiggled a few of the wires and the truck started back up. I made it back to where i was staying only 2 blocks up the road and it died in the parking lot in a stall. That has been over 3 weeks and cant find the parts to fix it even by talking to ford shops. There not able to get this harness due to they have been discontinued...truck has low miles on it and now i dont know what to DO. This is my daily driver for WORK. This shouldnt of happened with the wires being wrapped even the mechanic who has his own shop but also works for Ford as a mechanic he has seen this before and now having problems getting parts. I hope you can help with this matter. Due to its very disturbing to myself when its in good shape and was taken care of and NOW cant get parts..
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
customer states that the frame of the vehicle has been compromised by corrosion. the vehicle only has 163,844 miles on it and it has major holes in the frame. The chassis could break in half prohibiting the use of this vehicle on the roadway due to the safety of occupants. I advised the customer of this of which they bought a frame repair kit (Pre-cut over frame c-channel steel) to weld onto the frame to support a longer lifespan. The truck is now safe for the roadway.
This is an extended cab - 4 door - the rear doors are half doors with a a handle allowing entry and exit to and from the rear passenger seats. (It is not a crew cab 4 door). The doors LOCKED and the handles failed with a child in the rear seat. THe doors cannot be opened. The child and his mother had to climb over the center console to exit the vehicle. THe vehicle is at a mechanic who states no part are available to repair this faulty and unsafe door mechanism. Both rear doors are LOCKED. QUalified mechanic estimates the cost to rig a fix, in absence of any left door mechanism parts will be near or over $500.00. THe mechanic reports that the control cables from the handles to the door latch stretched and failed. If there had been a collision or engine fire, rear seated passengers would be trapped inside the vehicle. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED and REPAIRED BY FORD.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
customer states that the frame of the vehicle has been compromised by corrosion. the vehicle only has 163,844 miles on it and it has major holes in the frame. The chassis could break in half prohibiting the use of this vehicle on the roadway due to the safety of occupants. I advised the customer of this of which they bought a frame repair kit (Pre-cut over frame c-channel steel) to weld onto the frame to support a longer lifespan. The truck is now safe for the roadway.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact shifted the gear shifter into park and turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle rolled backwards again. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting under the hood, the contact became aware that the shifter cable had melted. The contact purchased a new shifter cable and replaced the shifter cable. The vehicle was started and driven to the residence. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred at night, which was dangerous for being on the side of the road. The contact stated that the shifter cable had melted again within 12 hours. The contact stated that the failure was the result of a design flaw. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 122,180 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 216,350.
My electrical fixtures have failed or blinks off and on, on its own.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2005 FORD F150 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SUA, "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT NEW OFF A FORD DEALER LOT. THIS IS NOT DRIVER ERROR OR FLOOR MATS LIKE FORD EXPLANS AS THE PROBLEM. SUA DOES EXSIST. COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN 2005 FORD TRUCKS! ONLY HAVE 16K MILES ON MY VEHICLE BUT HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF NEAR ACCIDENTS OVER THE YEARS. WOULD GLADLY PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, BUT THE ANSWER I ALWAYS GET " WHAT PROBLEM, IT DOESN'T EXSIST" SUA HAPPENS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE WITH TRUCK IN GEAR AND IN MOTION. HAS HAPPENED IN BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE MODE. CAN NOT DRIVE ANY MORE WITHOUT KEEPING MY HAND ON THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO THROW INTO NEUTRAL WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. WORST INCIDENT WAS WHEN I NEARLY REAR ENDED A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS.
TRUCK WAS BOUGHT AND I REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS AND EVEN HAD TO REPLACE A CLINOID BECAUSE WAS TOLD THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. ITS NOT... THERE IS A BALL VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT KEEPS THE TRUCK FROM BUILDING ENOUGH PRESSURE TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT WHICH THROWS A CODE AND SAYS MISFIRE ON 6 BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW SO CLEARLY NOT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE.. TRUCK FEELS AS IF FIXING TO FIE THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON START FLASHING BUT THROW NO CODES AND YOU CANT SPEED BACK UP BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE YOUR TRUCK IS ABOUT TO DIE AND YOU DON'T WANT TO BLOW YOUR MOTOR.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Nothing has happened yet but frame of truck is rusting apart and suspension is going to fall off. This is not just this truck it’s lots of 04-06 f150
Frame on passenger and drive side by transmission, fuel tank, and rear leaf springs are rusted and have no integrity left. No structure integrity if in an accident. If fractures completely, will loose control of vehicle as the bed will contact cab, driveshaft will jamb into transmission, lock up brakes from pinched brake lines, loss of brakes from severed brake lines, lose control and go into on coming traffic or into roadside structures including pedestrians. NOTE: Your system will not let me upload pictures.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NONE OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS DID THE TIRE RECALL.
INSIDE OF TIRE SIDEWALL SUDDENLY CRACKED OPEN LEADING TO RAPID PRESSURE LOSS. THIS SAME TIRE HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER SIZES FOR THIS SAME FAILURE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Frame on passenger and drive side by transmission, fuel tank, and rear leaf springs are rusted and have no integrity left. No structure integrity if in an accident. If fractures completely, will loose control of vehicle as the bed will contact cab, driveshaft will jamb into transmission, lock up brakes from pinched brake lines, loss of brakes from severed brake lines, lose control and go into on coming traffic or into roadside structures including pedestrians. NOTE: Your system will not let me upload pictures.
EXPERIENCE I GUESS THE THEY CALL IT THE DEATH WOBBLE. MAKES MY VEHICLE FEEL LIKE IT NOT ME A TING TO RUN RIGHT THE STEERING IS WEIRD AND CAN'T GET FORD TO CHECK IT OUT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH IT THEY SAY JUST GET AN ALIGNMENT BUT THAT ISN'T HELPING
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE ENGINE BECAME HESITANT AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,189.
2005 FORD F150 TRUCK 4X4 AUTO TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH NO WARNING. LOST FORWARD LOW GEARS. ONLY HAS 57K MILES. TRUCK WAS ALWAYS DEALERSHIP SERVICED AND MAINTAINED AS RECOMMENDED. NO HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPERIENCED. NO HEAVY TOWING DONE. REPLACED WITH REBUILT TRANSMISSION. OLD PART WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES HANKOOK KONTROL P255/65 AND DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN A WEEK AND THE SIDE WALL BELT IN THE TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT NO ROUGH DRIVING, NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING JUST TO AND FROM WORK ON A CLEAN HIGHWAY WITH NO DEBRIS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY AND HE WAS ABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK INTO THE DITCH AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE ON A TWO LANE HIGH WAY THAT HAD A LOT OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HWY 53 IN JOLIET, IL DRIVING STRAIGHT SOUTH AND THERE WAS A LARGE BANG NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT WITH A BELT BLOWN ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL BEFORE THIS KILLS SOMEONE. WAS TOLD BY BE DEALER THAT IT WOULD NOT BE WARRANTED AS THE TIRE WAS USED A FEW DAYS AND THEY ARE HARD TO DEAL WITH WHEN IT COMES TO A WARRANTY ISSUE
HAD WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SLOW LEAK IN REAR TIRE. TOOK IT TO LES SCHWAB TIRE AND THEY FOUND IT WAS A WELD THAT WAS FAILING IN THE ORIGINAL STOCK RIM. THE SPLIT WAS APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES LONG. I THEN SPOKE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO DENIED EVER HEARING ANY KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH A THING AND SIMPLY SAID YOU CANNOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON THE INTERNET AFTER I HAD GOOGLED THE ISSUE. HE SAID FORD TAKES THESE THINGS VERY SERIOUSLY BUT THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING BRAND NEW. HE KEPT INSISTING A 13 YEAR OLD TRUCK WILL HAVE ISSUES AND THAT I SHOULD LOOK AT THEIR NEW ONES...EVEN THOUGH THE INTERNET HAD ALL AGES OF RIM ISSUES RELATED TO THE F SERIES PICKUPS
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG LIGHT WITH CODE 34. BOTH BELT RETENTION HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT HAS NOT FIXED IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK INTO IT'S BUCKLE. THE BUCKLE FAILS TO ACTIVATE THE LOCK AND RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE SLIPPED ON ICE IN FRONT OF THEIR VEHICLE, IN ORDER TO AVOID CRASHING, THE CONTACT ENDED UP STEERING INTO A NEARBY DITCH CRASHING INTO TREES. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT CAUSING IT TO SWING AND HIT THE CONTACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT CAUSED HIS TEETH TO BE FRACTURED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO HAD NOT DIAGNOSED ANYTHING REGARDING THE SEAT BELT AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,00.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRUCK WAS NOT RUNNING. WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED THE FLAMES , FROM THE BURNING SEAT SHOT UP AND BURNT THE CARPET AND DOOR PANEL , BEFORE IT COULD BE PUT OUT. THE CONTROLS ON THE SEAT WERE COMPLETELY MELTED. IT STILL HAS A SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TT
LIGHT BULB ATTACHED TO TRANSMISSION PLACEMENT WINDOW IN CONSOLE, DETACHES AND BURNS OTHER WIRES AND WHAT EVER ELSE IT CAN INSIDE CONSOLE, THEN BURNS THROUGH SIDE OF CONSOLE RELEASING SMOKE INTO CAB OF VEHICLE ,IN THE END YOU HAVE AN EXTRA LIGHT STICKING OUT THE SIDE OF THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SEAT. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My electrical fixtures have failed or blinks off and on, on its own.
FRONT END COLLISION INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER TRUCK. WHOLE FRONT END DAMAGED THROUGH RADIATOR, HOOD, HEADLIGHTS, BUMPERS ETC. AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND UPON RETURN OF VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS, I AM NOW GETTING A CODE 42 THAT THE SENSOR IS BAD AND AFTER RESEARCH FIND OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS BUT FOR THE OPPOSITE REASON BUT ALSO NOW UNDERSTAND THERE ARE CORROSION ISSUES WITH THE CONNECTION OF THE SENSOR ALSO. HOPE THIS HELPS. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT TO DO, WILL FORD FIX THIS WHOLE PROBLEM AND REPLACE WITH A NEW SENSOR AND THE WIRE CHAFFING PROBLEM? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .