2005 Ford F-150 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Ford F-150 has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other F-150 years. NHTSA lists 1,112 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 deaths for this year, with Engine issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 F-150 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,112
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 50
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 29
- Injuries
- 57
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 57 / 2
Top 2005 Ford F-150 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine277 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers267 (24%)
- Brakes123 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain112 (10%)
- Airbags101 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires96 (9%)
- Structure & Body83 (7%)
- Fuel System82 (7%)
- Electrical System79 (7%)
- Other48 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a tire separating from the rim at highway speed with no warning, leading to loss of control.
- Some describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-high speed front-end collisions.
- Several report sudden unintended acceleration, including one case ending in a crash into a building.
- Drivers report brakes failing to stop the truck after hitting road debris or during sudden stops, sometimes resulting in collisions.
- Owners describe engine compartment fires starting while the vehicle was parked and unattended.
- Electrical complaints include burning smells, lights and accessories activating on their own, and gauges that stay on after the key is removed.
2005 Ford F-150 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V107000Feb 23, 2011Airbags1,325,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln/mercury dealer to have a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This safety recall began on some vehicles in march 2011. The recall campaign on the expanded population is expected to begin on or about may 9, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
- NHTSA 08V208000May 7, 2008Brakes605,684 vehicles
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 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.
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.
- NHTSA 06V033000Feb 6, 2006Electrical System211,432 vehicles
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 brake systems.' these vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster.
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.
2005 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17.5 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford F-150 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 F-150 has a complaint index of 30, which earns a Good verdict compared to other F-150 model years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-150?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 25% of reports, followed by Visibility & Wipers at 24% and Brakes at 11%. Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 61,000.
- Does the 2005 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 F-150, covering airbags, a brake booster vacuum hose issue, and an instrument cluster recalibration. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2005 F-150 compare to other model years?
- The 2005 F-150 ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years with data, meaning most other years have higher complaint counts. Years like 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2018 carry Avoid verdicts with much higher complaint indexes.
- Were there airbag deployment problems in the 2005 F-150?
- Yes, NHTSA complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in front-end collisions, and a related recall covers a clockspring jumper wire issue that could affect the driver-side airbag.