The 2017 Ford F-150 Regular Cab has been considerably updated and it shows in its performance. The pickup truck comes with a new set of engine and transmission options, which aim at frugality while upholding the potent payload and towing capacities that it is revered for. Yet amidst all its practicality, the F-150’s reliability is questionable. In the current iteration, it has a whopping 442 complaints and 15 recalls, which spell trouble in bold letters despite the vehicle’s six-figure sales volume. While its mechanical components are a cause of concern, there are several other niggles that have had a widespread impact. So, does the 2017 F-150 get a green signal, or do competitors like the Nissan Titan Single Cab, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab, or the Toyota Tundra Access Cab prove to be more dependable? Let’s find out.
2017 Ford F-150 Regular Cab User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Knocking sound on startup: Several buyers of the 2017 F-150 Regular Cab have reported the pickup truck makes a knocking noise upon startup. While no reasons are known for the problem, it has been noted that the issue recurs when the vehicle experiences a cold startup.
- Loss of power steering: The 2017 Ford F-150 power steering problems are one of its most common concerns. Buyers have reported the truck losing its power steering functionality, unexpectedly, which can result in loss of control over the vehicle. While it is symptomized by a Steering Assist Caution Advisory, several complainants have reported the hill descent control and lane departure warning to disable among other functionalities.
- Slipping transmission unit: The 2017 Ford F-150 transmission issues are concerned with its rough and delayed shifting. Several buyers have reported the vehicle slipping out of gears, which results in the pickup truck losing power. In a couple of cases, users have also reported a fractured lead frame to be the cause of concern, however, unlike previous iterations, there has been no recall made.
- Swollen lug nuts: The 2017 Ford F-150 lug nuts problems have been recurring and concerning. Buyers have reported the nuts swelling and cracking. As a result, it translates into a safety issue as it may restrict the wheel from being removed.
- Failure of the braking system: The 2017 Ford F-150 issues are concerned with the improper functioning of the braking system. Buyers have reported the pedal becoming excessively soft and not performing its intended function. Consequently, the truck requires a longer distance and higher time to come to a halt.
- Failure of cam phasers: The cam phasers have also failed unexpectedly in several cases, increasing the pressure on the engine. This can result in seizure and the only solution provided by the dealerships is the reprogramming of the module.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning moonroof: The moonroof of the 2017 Ford F-150 Regular Cab has been reported malfunctioning. It has been noted to open and close randomly, and in some cases, it freezes mid-operation.
- Unintended operation of the rear defroster: The Ford F-150 problems are also concerned with its rear defroster. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the rear defroster heating up excessively, resulting in the rear windows shattering.
Safety Complaints
- Improper functioning of the airbags: The 2017 Ford F-150’s common problems also entail the non-deployment of airbags. In several cases, buyers have reported the airbags not deploying, resulting in injuries to the occupants. On the other hand, in one case, one buyer had reported the inability of the airbag to deflate after deployment.
Structural Complaints
- Problems with the latches and linkages: Buyers of the 2017 Ford F-150 Regular Cab have also reported the tailgate opening randomly when the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, some buyers have reported a similar problem with the front doors. However, the most common complaint in this regard is related to the failure of the front doors to unlock and unlatch, when the temperature outside drops significantly.
2017 Ford F-150 Regular Cab Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
11th Mar 2022 |
22V150000 |
Fluid leak from brake master cylinder |
In the trucks equipped with a 3.5L engine, the brake master cylinder might allow fluid to leak into the booster, resulting in reduced braking power. |
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. |
|
2. |
12th Apr 2021 |
21E027000 |
Incorrect installation of the upper ball joint |
Due to a misaligned dust boot, a missing alignment hole, and an installation warning tag, the ball joint may be improperly aligned. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the ball joint, free of cost. |
|
3. |
8th June 2020 |
20V332000 |
Fluid leak from brake master cylinder |
In the trucks equipped with a 3.5L engine, the brake master cylinder might allow fluid to leak into the booster, resulting in reduced braking power. |
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. |
|
4. |
8th Apr 2019 |
19V278000 |
Possible fire due to damaged block heater connector |
The block heater cable’s splice connector may have been damaged, which can result in overheating, increasing the chance of a fire. |
Dealers will disable the engine block heater and replace the cable when the parts are available, free of charge. The recall began on 31st May 2019 |
|
5. |
18th Dec 2018 |
18V894000 |
Corrosion of block heater cable splice connector |
Due to water and other contaminants, the block heater cable’s splice connector might corrode and get damaged. |
Dealers will disable the engine block heater and replace the cable when the parts are available, free of charge. |
|
6. |
31st Aug 2018 |
18V568000 |
Possible fire after seat belt pretensioner deployment |
Upon deployment of front seat belt pretensioners, the carpeting and materials in the B-Pillar are may ignite. |
Dealers will replace the B-Pillar insulation material and wiring harness, free of charge. |
|
7. |
4th Apr 2018 |
18V213000 |
Missing roll pin |
Due to a missing roll pin in the 10-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle might roll away, even when it is in Park. |
Upon inspection, dealers will install the missing pin, free of charge. |
|
8. |
24th Oct 2017 |
17V671000 |
Transmission shift linkage may disconnect |
The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to move out of the shift lever. |
Dealers will replace the roll pin, free of charge. |
|
9. |
16th Oct 2017 |
17V652000 |
Doors may open unexpectedly |
Due to kinked actuation cables or seepage of water into latches, doors might open unexpectedly. |
Upon inspection, dealers will repair the actuation cables and add water shelters over the door latches, free of charge. |
|
10. |
25th Sept 2017 |
17V599000 |
Improperly welded seat and seat belts |
Due to inadequate welding of the seat belt anchor to the front seat cushion, the affected vehicles may fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. |
|
11. |
28th Aug 2017 |
17V529000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflator may rupture |
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge, |
|
12. |
28th Aug 2017 |
17V526000 |
Detachment of rear left seat belt |
The rear inflatable left seat belt buckle may be improperly attached to the mounting bracket, resulting in non-compliance with federal laws. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the rivet, free of charge. |
|
13. |
22nd May 2017 |
17V331000 |
Door may unlatch |
The chrome door handle accessory may cause the door to unlatch in case of a side collision. |
Dealers will remove the accessory cover and refund the amount to the buyers. |
|
14. |
22nd May 2017 |
17V332000 |
Driver seatback may fail |
Due to inadequate welds, the driver’s seatback might not restrain the occupant in the case of a crash. This recall is for those trucks equipped with a manual recliner mechanism |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the driver’s seatback, free of charge, if necessary. |
|
15. |
24th Jan 2017 |
17V053000 |
Improper functioning of the instrument cluster |
In cold temperatures, the instrument panel cluster may fail to illuminate, resulting in non-compliance with federal laws. |
Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab?
The Ford F-150 Regular Cab has constantly ranked highly in the pickup truck class. But its capabilities are restricted only to its commercial viability. In terms of safety and dependency, the F-150 falls short of replicating Ford’s standards. It has been recalled excessively and seldom would you find a unit, which is free of problems. So, in the market for midsize pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can be a viable alternative.
