Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2005 Ford F-150, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Visibility260
- Engine117
- Power train112
- Engine and engine cooling111
- Air bags101
- Service brakes, hydraulic90
- Structure77
- Electrical system73
- Vehicle speed control57
- Fuel system, gasoline53
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 57 injuries and 2 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 300 2005 F-150 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 159 people died inside them, and 66 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2005 Ford F-150 failed the safety check 2.59% of the time — 12% more often than the average 2005 passenger car (2.30%). Median odometer at inspection: 155,508 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 6 variants: combined 15.4–17.1 L/100 km (about 14–15 mpg US), CO₂ 354–393 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.7 | 12.7 | 15.4 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.3 | 13.6 | 15.7 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.9 | 13.4 | 15.8 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 17.8 | 13.4 | 15.8 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 18.5 | 14.2 | 16.6 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 19.1 | 14.5 | 17.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2005 Ford F-150.
| 2011073 21 Feb 2011 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the airbag clockspring jumper wire may be oriented in a way that allows contact with the lower horn mounting plate. In this position the w… |
| 2008154 6 May 2008 | Brakes On certain vehicles equipped with a 5.4L 3-valve engine, the brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lo… |
| 2006032 8 Feb 2006 | Brakes Certain vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster. This error could prevent the Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning light from illumi… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. IF THE CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG LOWER HORN PLATE, THE WIRE INSULATION MAY BECOME CHAFED, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT. IF THIS OCCURS THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE INDICATING THAT SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
FORD IS RECALLING 605,684 MY 2005-2006 F-150 AND LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L 3-VALVE ENGINES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY HOSE ATTACHED TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FITTING MAY SWELL OVER TIME AND LOSE RETENTION FORCE. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE HOSE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FITTING DURING AN INTAKE MANIFOLD BACKFIRE. SHOULD THE HOSE DETACH FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, SEVERAL BRAKE APPLICATIONS WITH POWER ASSIST WILL BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE VACUUM RESERVE IS DEPLETED.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH EITHER THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 105, 'HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS' OR FMVSS NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2005 Ford F-150: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10177863 | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
| 10172885 | This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick. |
| 10165713 | Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go |
| 10156863 | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition |
| 10155551 | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition |
| 10143079 | Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01. |
| 10109070 | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer |
| 10109021 | When ordering a 2005 to 2008 remanufactured 5.4L 3v or 6.8L 3v engine, spark plug boots may be provided in the packaging. Replace all black spark plug boots from the original engine with the 'brown' spark plug boots, as provided. The updated 'brown' spark plug boots are longer than the black boots to accommodate a running change in the spark plug length. The ignition coil bodies and spring/resistor are transferable and only the rubber boots require replacement. Failure to install the spark plug boots provided with the replacement engine could lead to drivability concerns. |
| 10092370 | SOME 2004-2014 F-150 AND 2006-2008 MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) MAY EXHIBIT NOISY OR ENGAGED FRONT HUBS WHEN OPERATING IN TWO-WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) MODE. FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. |
| 10056148 | LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PE |
| 10048099 | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: MAY HAVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THROTTLE BODY LEADING TO LESS AIRFLOW OR ENGINE IDLING RPM FLUCTUATION AND HARD STARTS OR BATTERY DISCONNECT OR DEAD BATTERY AFTER KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) CLEAR. MODELS 2003-05 THUNDERBIRD, 05-06 MUSTANG, 06-08 FUSION, 04-05 EXPLORER, 05-06 EXPEDITION, 05-07 F-150; 2003-06 LS, 06 ZEPHYR, 05-06 NAVIGATOR; 06-08 MILAN. *PE |
| 10045340 | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE |
| 10039074 | FORD: THERE MAY BE CHAFFING ON A WIRE HARNESS BETWEEN THE CLOCKSPRING AND DRIVER AIRBAG WHICH CAUSE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *RM |
| 10030866 | FORD TRUCK SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. IN THE CASE OF THE ROUSHCHARGER FOR THE F-150, THE TRUCKS CALIBRATION ENHANCEMENTS HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN PREMIUM FUEL QUALITY. EVEN THOUGH NOT ALL F-150 ROUSHCHARGED TRUCKS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THESE VARIATIONS. CSC LETTER WAS REC'D. *PE UPDATED 4/12/10. *PE |
| 10029205 | FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *PE |
| 10024865 | 1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ |
| 10024843 | INTERMITTENT VEHICLE VIBRATION--PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERNS. *NJ |
| 10024828 | 4.6L/5.4L--MIL P0506 AND/OR P0505--HESITATION/LOSS OF RPM/DIFFICULTY STARTING/LOW IDLE RPM. *NJ |
| 10024324 | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION - MIL ON --DTCS P040/P0463 OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE DTC B1201--VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/3/2007. *NJ |
| 10024141 | FORD\LINCOLN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 07M08: CERTAIN 2005 MODEL YEAR F-150, F-SUPER DUTY, EXPEDITION, AND NAVIGATOR VEHICLES WITH 5.4L 3V ENGINES-EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE ON FUEL INJECTORS. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *NJ UPDATED 5/20/09. *PE |
| 10023943 | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE |
| 10023854 | HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE SEEPAGE-COLD CLIMATES ONLY (EXCLUDING HERITAGE F-150). *NJ |
| 10022279 | REAR AXLE TUBE FRACTURE AT CENTER CARRIER. *KB |
| 10022160 | VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVELINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *KB |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Inadvertent airbag deployment
INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation