The 2005 F-150 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2005 Ford F-150 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"CD Player stopped working. Will not load or eject CDs"
Anonymous, ID (2005 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)"An electrical short developed in the radio connections that would drain the battery. I had to remove the fuse to the radio to stop draining the battery."
Anonymous, GA (2005 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
""Compressor leaked, no available compressor for this year so they had to replace the entire cooling system and and modify with new unit""
Anonymous A., AZ (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)"Never been a great cooling system"
Anonymous A., SC (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)"I had to have the whole compressor replaced on the AC"
Anonymous A., GA (2005 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"It just started and have rebuilt the differential"
Anonymous, ID (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)"Had to replace both driveshaft connecting universal joints due to excessive wear and resulting vibration."
Anonymous, OH (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"Constant battery drain when parked from parasitic power use. Must keep trickle charger connected."
Anonymous A., TN (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)"Horn would come on while driving, head lights wouldn't turn off. emergency flashers would come on when parkedwhen parked. after diagnosing the problem cleaned all the wire connections on the body on the control module and fuse box, including the fuse terminals. that fixed it except the flashers still come on once and awhile while parked."
Anonymous A., OR (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
"Grinding/scraping sound in the 4R75e transmission that caused a tear down and rebuild of the transmission and replacement of the torque converter. During the diagnostic period prior to teardown there were no DTC posted/no check engine light. Fluid/filter were changed three times over the life of the truck, way more than required by Ford. Total failure of the third gear due to broken part. Very frustrating since I put extra effort into servicing the transmission."
Anonymous A., TX (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)"I had to have the whole transmission rebuilt last year. But I think it was the first time so it lasted 20 whole years."
Anonymous A., GA (2005 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"Loose timing chains caused major engine damage. Had to replace engine."
Anonymous A., CA (2005 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)"Leaks"
Anonymous, AB (2005 Ford F-150 Unsure 5.4-L V8)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"Might need new coil over plugs."
Anonymous, AB (2005 Ford F-150 Unsure 5.4-L V8)"Continuing cam phasor issue common on Ford 5.4 liter engines. Also constant rear main seal oil leak."
Anonymous A., TN (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Dash plastic cracked and rattles"
Anonymous A., SC (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)""Paint on hood is peeling, flaking""
Anonymous, ID (2005 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Some rusting on the body & frame that needed to be resolved before going through inspection again, first speed in 2022. Seat adjustment has been broken since 2019. It cannot slide forward for a driver with shorter legs."
Anonymous, PA (2005 Ford F-150 Unsure Unsure)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"tear on edge of driver side seat cover"
Anonymous, MI (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
"Reverse gear started slipping and now is not working."
Anonymous A., CA (2005 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"Had to replace complete brake system including brake lines."
Anonymous, IL (2005 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Front left suspension bushing failure."
Anonymous A., TX (2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"The CD player tried to start every time the truck was started. There was no CD in the unit and after about a minute it would stop. I replaced the radio with an aftermarket unit."
Anonymous, NC (2005 Ford F-150 STX 4.5-L V8)