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2005 Ford F-150

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2005 Ford F-150 has 1,120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (493 complaints) and engine (285 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford F-150, consider the 2009 model year which has 71% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2009 has 71% fewer complaints

View the 2009 Ford F-150 dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 3

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

05T022000 TIRES:TREAD/BELT

CERTAIN CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TR OWL, CONTITRAC TR BSW, GENERAL GRABBER TR BSW, AND CONTITRAC BSW TIRES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 29 AND JUNE 11, 2005, AND SOLD AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON CERTAIN FORD...

Risk

AFFECTED TIRES MAY NOT MEET THE ENDURANCE TEST REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. CONTINUED USE OF THE AFFECTED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE WHICH COULD LEAD TO VEHICLE DAMAGE OR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CONTINENTAL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CONTINENTAL AT 704-588-5895.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

08V208000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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...

Risk

ONCE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVE IS DEPLETED, THE DRIVER WILL HAVE FOUNDATION BRAKE FUNCTION, BUT WITH INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT. REDUCED VEHICLE BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE A RUBBER HOSE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Reported Jul 5, 2008

06V033000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

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 B...

Risk

THIS ERROR COULD PREVENT THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT FROM ILLUMINATING IF THE ABS MODULE EVER BECAME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Reported Jun 2, 2006

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20004688027433747
20015576820144171
20023124314238375
2003141278514365
20041233122155315208
200549310914028593
2006176868619940
2007172375118843
200814934459842
200913433547132

By Category

Body
493
Engine
285
Electrical
140
Brakes
109
Transmission
93

By Severity

1
517
2
498
3
27
4
76
5
2

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2005 Ford F-150 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 4

My sister's 2008 Hyundai Elantra burned completely nothing left my truck was parked next to it it also burned the entire driver's side It was ruled an accident by fire department but progressive has turned down any claim from me the said since there was no one at fault even though her car burned my truck it's my problem

1mo ago
Engine 4

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. 

7mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

8mo ago
Engine 2

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

8mo ago
Body 1

While changing the spark plugs 7 of the eight broke off in the engine block, the threaded section came out but the ceramic bottom portion is what broke. I find that this is somewhat common because Auto Zone rents a spark plug extractor specifically for this. My safety isn’t at risk. Problem not reported to a dealership yet. No inspection yet. The check engine light was on

10mo ago
Transmission 2

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.

10mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

11mo ago
Body 2

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.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

12mo ago
Transmission 2

I don't even have 150,000 miles on this thing. I get it serviced regularly. I've used the 4x4 when needed, as I live in the Sierra Nv Mountains area. I don't overdo it, I don't abuse it. One day with "ZERO" Clues or indications my truck popped out of drive into neutral ON ITS OWN I put it back into drive. Then as I tried to accelerate NOTHING, I got a code/msg saying faulty transmission, my O/D kept turning off and on. I pushed it to the side if the road. I eventually got reverse back, 1st gear, but that's it. And NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. Its Automatically you need a transmission. [XXX]!! You go online and this is happening to TONS of people. Are you saying WE ALL NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS?? Kinda odd same trucks, same issues on the same part. What's the common denominator here ford??? Your [XXX] transmissions. Figure it out!!! My truck is paid off and I can't even drive the [XXX]. I'm walking because of a [XXX] transmission, on top of paying over 20,000 you want me to dish out another 3grand for your [XXX]?? Nah... Figure it the [XXX] out. Take care of your customers as you should!!! Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Come on Ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Engine 1

My electrical fixtures have failed or blinks off and on, on its own.

18mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

20mo ago
Transmission 2

Issues with transmission/ over drive snap ring vehicle only has 145,000 miles. This truck has many complaints and many failures and flaws that need fixed.

21mo ago
Body 1

The DMV has a extended warranty coverage on the fuel injectors .. coming up a recall at DMV. What do I do.

25mo ago
Body 1

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

28mo ago
Body 2

Frame started rusting through frame the inside out, first discovered in 2021. I had to have the frame repaired with no help from Ford in October of 2022

29mo ago
Body 1

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.

30mo ago
Electrical 1

No incident FAR SOME REASON MY AIR BAG LIGT STAY ON

31mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when he had the vehicle serviced that the independent mechanic informed him that the front and rear frame of the vehicle was rusted and he should not be driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance but did inform the contact to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

36mo ago
Engine 1

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.

36mo ago

1120 total

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