2010 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,134 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median F-150 year — the 2010 model ranks #18 of 56 F-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (211), electrical system (175), and engine (138), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,134

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Ford F-150 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Visibility & Wipers	211	19%	▲ up
Electrical System	175	15%	▲ up
Engine	138	12%	▲ up
Transmission	123	11%	▲ up
Body & Structure	93	8%	▲ up
Other	65	6%	▲ up
Fuel System	58	5%	▲ up
Brakes	58	5%	▲ up
Steering	48	4%	▲ up
Speed Control	39	3%	▼ down
Lighting	32	3%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	31	3%	▲ up
Airbags	19	2%	▲ up
Suspension	16	1%	▲ up
Seats	11	1%	— flat
Seat Belts	8	1%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	6	1%	— flat
Driver Assistance	3	0%	▲ up

Does the 2010 Ford F-150 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V049000Body & StructureFebruary 1, 2011 · 280,946 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL USAGE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE INITIALLY NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER IF ANY INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE OR FAILS TO RETURN TO THE STOWED POSITION AFTER ACTIVATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECT MODULE. ONCE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE RENOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF EACH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. DEPENDING ON THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION, THE DEALER WILL EITHER ADD A SPRING EMBOSSMENT REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY - I TURNED IT ON TO WARM UP AND TURNED ON THE REAR DEFROSTER. WITHIN A FEW MINS, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AND THERE IS A BURN MARK AND MELTING OF THE TRIM IN THE BOTTOM CORNER OF THE WINDOW WHERE THE DEFROSTER WIRING/SENSOR IS LOCATED.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 1, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER DOOR CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO WIRES MELTING LOCKING MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LOCK WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 6, 2016 · fire

“FORD F-150 TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD/DASH BOARD. TRUCK IS DESTROYED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE SAME FORD TRUCK CATCHES FIRE WHILE BEING PARKED AFTER ABOUT 20-30 MIN - FIRST TIME IT HAPPENS IN AUG. 2010 CAUSING $3,556.18 INCLUDING $1,000 DEDUCTIBLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 6, 2012 · fire

“2010 FORD F150 WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT OF MOVIE THEATRE, BASED ON THE INFORMATION FROM POLICE AND WITNESS THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD STRIKING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THERE IS NO WAY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE MOVED SINCE THE KEYS CAN ONLY BE REMOVED WHEN THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 18, 2010 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE DEAD CENTER ON THE FRONT BUMPER, SPEED APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, COLLAPSING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS ACCIDENT RESULTED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 27, 1917 · crash

2010 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford F-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,134 complaints put the 2010 model at #18 of 56 F-150 years. It is one of the F-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (211 complaints), electrical system (175 complaints), engine (138 complaints).

Does the 2010 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

How does 2010 compare to other F-150 years?

What are the most common 2010 Ford F-150 problems?

Does the 2010 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2010 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford F-150 reliable?

What are the most common 2010 F-150 problems?

Does the 2010 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

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