2005 Ford F-150 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 117about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 117 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Ford F-150, 11% of the 1,112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought used cash truck, drove fine for first day, second day while truck was in motion and put in reverse it dies, took a couple turns to started up and it started coding the camsaft sensors, got codes cleared, and it drove ok for 30 minutes coated again started to stall and stutter a bit. I heard a lot about fords in the camshaft sensors does that mean my truck is done for. My truck has to camshaft sensors. 5.4”
NHTSA complaint #11416562, filed 2021-05, 183,459 miles“While driving 75 on a toll road the engine went into engine fail safe mode, I lost all power and almost wrecked into oncoming traffic trying to get to the shoulder, I went to a mechanic and they replaced the throttle body, 3 days later same thing, I was told this is a common problem on this motor 5.4, why is there not a recall on this ??”
NHTSA complaint #10883276, filed 2016-07, 143,000 miles“My truck has a known issue with the 5.4l's cam phasers. The truck makes a very loud noise and shakes. To repair this, it's around $3,000 and also I have a known issue with all 8 coils which had to be replaced for $1,200 and a known misfire. I do not understand why Ford motor is aware of the ongoing issues in this year truck and has not done anything about it. Also if the cam phasers are not replaced the engine will blow!”
NHTSA complaint #10850589, filed 2016-03, 165,000 miles“Purchased Ford f150 from old saybrook Ford, feb. 16. The truck has the 5.4 engine which has numerous complaints of engine failure. Driving on route 1 when truck eccelorates or loses power. When we bought the truck the chain guide was broke and eating through the case. Spark plugs get stuck in engine or propel them selves through the truck hood. Dangerous engine to have on road. I owe 8000.00 on a truck that now needs 4-6000 worth of work.”
NHTSA complaint #11024788, filed 2017-09, 136,000 miles“Exhaust manifold on the fords' 5.4l engine apparently were not engineered correctly. I have heard of many that have leaked and had to be replaced. I worry about the possibility of fire. I have contacted Ford motor co. Multiple times however they declined any help with there replacement on my truck. It seems to be a very common problem from what I've heard and see online. Should Ford have a recall on these manifolds?”
NHTSA complaint #10683768, filed 2015-02, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10143079Jun 1, 2018Various 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…
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The 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…
- 10056148May 30, 2014Lincoln/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.
- 10048099Aug 1, 2012Ford/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…
- 10045340Jul 10, 2012Ford/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)…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 12 | 6% |
| 2023 | 27 | 6% |
| 2022 | 38 | 6% |
| 2021 | 84 | 8% |
| 2020 | 130 | 18% |
| 2019 | 322 | 24% |
| 2018 | 510 | 22% |
| 2017 | 314 | 21% |
| 2016 | 317 | 15% |
| 2015 | 265 | 15% |
| 2014 | 180 | 12% |
| 2013 | 548 | 18% |
| 2012 | 483 | 27% |
| 2011 | 482 | 22% |
| 2010 | 107 | 13% |
| 2009 | 42 | 13% |
| 2008 | 53 | 14% |
| 2007 | 105 | 22% |
| 2006 | 74 | 13% |
| 2005 | 117 | 11% |
| 2004 | 92 | 5% |
| 2003 | 28 | 7% |
| 2002 | 66 | 8% |
| 2001 | 44 | 4% |
| 2000 | 23 | 2% |
| 1999 | 27 | 3% |
| 1998 | 14 | 1% |
| 1997 | 15 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 0% |
| 1994 | 3 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford F-150
268 complaintsBrakes
120 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
112 complaintsEngine cooling
111 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsFuel system
82 complaintsBody and structure
77 complaintsElectrical system
73 complaintsVehicle speed control
57 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsTires
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology