There’s nothing wrong with saving on a used truck, as long as you don’t buy a bad one. Pay attention to reviews and reliability scores to avoid a bad purchase. Unfortunately, while I was impressed with its powertrain, buying a used Ford F-150 Hybrid could be a mistake.
How reliable is a used Ford F-150 Hybrid?
A used Ford F-150 hybrid is one of the least reliable truck options out there today. Are you ready for the red flags? Because they’re pretty high.
According to Ford Authority, the 2021-2022 F-150 hybrid models are on the list of top used cars to avoid. The only other trucks on this list are the 2023 Nissan Frontier and the 2019 and 2021 Ford F-250.
Owners have shared the issues they’ve faced with the F-150 Hybrid, resulting in a terrible reliability score.
Common problems include engine issues and failure of the EV battery. Complaints about faulty batteries include hearing a loud popping sound before all electrical components short out.
Additionally, one driver discovered that a loose electrical wire was causing a short circuit in the hybrid battery, but had to go to the shop three times and replace other parts to figure it out.
Another driver complained that the truck drove erratically, had horrible downshifts and the hybrid engine wouldn’t engage.
Engine problems include a clunking noise when shifting into reverse, warning lights coming on when shifting into 4×4, rough shifting, grinding noises and a sudden loss of power.
However, some changes must have been made because the 2023 F-150 Hybrid has a higher reliability rating and fewer complaints.
Most complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid are still about failures with the EV’s battery. However, the engine and transmission have fewer issues, so it’s possible the problems have been fixed.
Plus, the F-150 Hybrid is a lot of fun to drive. It combines a turbocharged 3.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery pack and electric motor to generate 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. Plus, it gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is accurate to what I wrote in my testing.
I only had a loaner F-150 Hybrid for a week and still remember it fondly. However, you’re better off choosing a new one instead of a used one.
