7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,390
Average Mileage:
79,850 miles
Total Complaints:
62 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (28 reports)
  2. replace defective cam phaser before it blows out motor (18 reports)
  3. replace engine (17 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Aug 012011

F-150 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,000 miles

Purchased a F150 from Maples Ford, Warsaw, MO about 2 years ago and it's been nothing but PROBLEM after PROBLEM with this truck - somthing is constantly going out on it. Each month it's been an additional 500 - 1000+ to keep this vehicle on the road. Knocking in motor - new motor. Wheel bearings - U joints. Alternater - battery - windshield cracked out with no reason - 4 wheel drive went out. Biggest piece of F+++++KING SH*T I have ever owned!!!!!!! But, I'm glad to read I"m not alone. Will NEVER purchase another Ford!!!!!!!!!!! EVER..........

- diane65779, Wheatland, MO, US

problem #21

Oct 062011

F-150 FX4 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,150 miles

So I've read the description of this engine noise issue posted by others and, now, completely agree that Ford Motor Company has produced and avoided dealing with a major product defect. I purchased my '05 5.4L V8 F-150 FX4 in 2007 after "trading up" from a 4.6L V8 SFX. I had few complaints about that first truck. It was a little underpowered and the trim/options could have been nicer, but I was a satisfied ford owner.

Enter my new FX4 with less that 3,000 miles on it. From the beginning I was in love. I had more power, better styling, improved options, and (being that I was an Air Force officer assigned to North Dakota, were winter temps regularly dropped below -50 degrees) an engine block heater. Given the extreme temps I had to subject it to on a regular winter morning basis, I assumed that the ticking/knocking that quickly developed was a sign of the pick-up struggling with cold temps. However, the engine noise continued year round.

Cut to 2011. I've done the certified Ford dealership and private mechanic analysis, and have long since moved from the frozen tundra of North Dakota. I've been quoted the $3,500 charge for cam phaser replacement and just yesterday tried an oil additive treatment for $150. I still have engine noise.

- Will K., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #20

May 102008

F-150 XLT,4x4 5.4L 3v

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Bought my 05 f150 (72,000) miles & told the salesman I didn't like the ticking noise. He said it was common and not to worry. I brought it in for service and was told at first, the top of the engine would have to come off to investigate further. A couple hours later they called back to say it was only a loose no.5 plug and everything is fine. Well it was for a while. The "tick" is back! now for whatever reason, the service light comes on as well! Looking at the engine from under the hood is very intimidating because it's nothing like the older motors. I can't even tell where the plugs are? The motor seems to run well but my gut tells me that it is a plug problem!

- Robby H., Elkridge, MD, US

problem #19

May 302011

F-150 King Ranch 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,193 miles

I have been a Ford man for about 25 years. I was sold on the quality of the ford name “BUILT FORD TOUGH” … (LOL). Even have the kids saying that they are built ford tough… (LMAO). After buying a 2005 FORD F150 – KING RANCH – SUPERCREW CAB ….. I’M SAD TO SAY THAT I’M DONE…. KNOCKING IN THE MOTOR… NEED TO REPLACE IT AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP…. I guess the Chevy man’s meaning for Ford is correct… F.O.R.D = Fix Or Repair Daily ….. Found On Road Dead… I really can’t believe this… What happened to American Quality and truth in advertising (ford f150 best built pick-up truck)….. HELP!!!!!!!!!!

- Will B., Snellville, GA, US

problem #18

Feb 252011

F-150 XLT 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,500 miles

Just found out that my 5.4L 2005 truck will need an engine replacement due to cam phaser issues. I have 129,000 miles on this truck. I have purchased ford trucks faithfully for my business and still have many in the fleet with over 225,000 plus miles and still running great. These trucks are well maintained with oil changed regular as clock work including this 2005 model. I was mad when I found out that this particlular model engine has known problems. I count on getting the most out of these trucks long after they are paid off. I don't need another truck note at this time due to poor economic times.

All 5.4L 2005 model ford truck owners be forewarnned about this particlur engine. Just working out my options at this point. I think ford motor company should pay for half the cost of a new engine (not used or remanufactured) replacement and not use the same engine.

- Billy W., Lufkin, TX, US

problem #17

Jan 132011

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,754 miles

I see I am not alone with this problem......sighs......I just picked my truck up yesterday from having a new motor put in. It starts out pretty simple and since I don't have much time....I will just drop in the facts and you will see the big picture. Truck made a knocking sound about December 5th for about 2 miles....not loud and I pulled over into a friends place to let them listen , thinking I was super lucky to be so close! > when I started the truck again no noise.....A little rough running....thought I had bad gas..... Changed to super unleaded gas and picked stations careful.... Jan 13 heading out to a meeting my truck starts to make a tapping noise.....I turn around to head back to town and it began to get louder, I ditched the truck at that moment and as I pulled over the oil pressure gauge dropped......My daughter and I had to push the truck off of the road because the second I saw that I killed it... Wrecker, Ford house, we can do this but it might be that....ect ect.....great Ford house by the way the mechanic is very honest and up front ......but told us he could rebuild and there still be a problem> Has to do with oil , cam ect....so we did research , talked to many mechanics at other Ford houses /other places also.. It a shocking when you tell them the year model they all go OH YEA that is normal for that truck....just have a new motor put it in........I then spoke to a lady that had the same trouble...hers was at 42,000 miles.....she rebuilt the motor....drove it for 3 days and it went again. Sighs So we had the motor put in, called Ford this morning and you all know the answer. Well we sell extended warranty on that vehicle...................................really....... I am mid 40's , won't pull a trailer with the truck often if I can help it, I don't even let my husband drive it! I do everything they ask of me including using ford oil...... I have owned many vehicles over the years........this was my 3 purchased new.....2 nd from Ford........and will be the last one for sure! Sad the response I received from them....they could really at least ACT Like they care!

- J R., Grand Saline, TX, US

problem #16

Jan 032011

F-150 XLT 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Went to the dealer and they reported it was a cam phaser problem and paid for that to be repaired $1150.00 and then two days later it was still not running right and took it back to Pacific Ford in Long Beach to be told that it was the fuel injectors and the catalytic converter had to be replaced. They covered that. Now have the truck back and still running like crap! They only replaced one catalytic converter and one fuel injector when they had stated they replaced all. Very dishonest crowd over there. This is who Ford wants to rep. This is why America is falling apart we have no back bone anymore. Ford needs to recall these trucks and get them running were they should be in the number one position.

- surfbaby, Lakewood, CA, US

problem #15

Dec 142010

F-150 Lariet 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I see there's a lot of complaints about this problem. Anyone ever get any resolution from ford ? Dempewolfe Ford in Henderson, Ky checked out this truck and said it needed the engine replaced ! REALLY, at 86,000 miles ! I know for a fact that this truck has been serviced and maintained every 5000 miles !! They want $8000 to replace the motor . Someone out there please tell me they got some satisfaction from Ford MOTOR Co. about this cam phaser / motor sludge deal . FORD MOTOR CO. --- YOU NEED TO STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING . I've bought at least 15 new Ford / Mercury veh. ---- never again, unless they DO THE RIGHT THING NOW.

- Mike C., Uniontown, KY, US

problem #14

Sep 122010

F-150 5.4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Had to change both Phasers, guides, tensioner dampers, timing tensioners. Has stopped the noise, but the shop has said that the engine should be replaced as soon as I can afford a replacement. Excessive engine wear... Oil changed every 5,000 miles. I cannot imagine having to do this... Since 1995, I have purchased 3 Taurus, an Explorer, an Expedition, a Ranger, an Edge, and the F-150. The 2005 F150 and the 2007 Edge are both junk.

- I J B., Porterville, CA, US

problem #13

Sep 012008

F-150 XLT 5.4V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I had my truck to the local Ford dealership,and voiced my opinion to the mechanic and the service manager about the tapping or ticking noise,and blue smoke when I first start it up for the day. At this time the manager said it was probably because I was using an after-market oil filter.I then said how can that be because it doesn't say motorcraft it's no good!He then talked me into changing my oil which I had done one week prior by myself and telling me Ford will not back up my warranty if I don't use MOTORCRAFT approved products.He then printed me out a notice from Ford stating this and also stating that the tapping or engine noise is NORMAL in the vehicles containing the 5.4triton.If this is normal I don't know how Ford did not need our bailout money to recall these motors OH I know how they did not need our bailout because they let the consumer eat the repair costs!!! I was thinking about a new 2010 F150 but now that I see I'm not alone I think I'll have to shop elsewhere.Great looking trucks but they don't run on looks!!

- Greg G., Shenandoah, PA, US

problem #12

Feb 012010

F-150 FX4 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Bought the 2005 Ford F150- heard a slight ticking sound, the dealership assured us that was just how the F150 engine sounded. The sound continued to get worse- took it to another Ford dealership for a 2nd opinion and they told us it was the cam phasers- said it was a known problem with the F150. The cost was over $3,500 to repair.

This truck has been a nightmare- one problem after another. Recently traded it off for a new toyota tundra. Will never, ever, ever buy another Ford F150 truck again. Buyer BEWARE before purchasing a Ford F150-

- Mindy V., Swansea, IL, US

problem #11

May 192010

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

My son-in-law purchased his 2005 F150 in October of 2009. When test driving the vehicle, he noticed a slight ticking in the engine. He was assured it was fine - that it was just "noisy injectors" and then proceeded to purchase the vehicle. He was told at purchase that there was another 19000 miles on the Ford bumper to bumper warranty, so he did not purchase an extra policy. Lately, he noticed that the ticking was getting worse, so he took it to the dealership in Blue Springs, MO and was told that the vehicle was not covered under warranty because they did not do the oil changes!!! First of all - that is insane - and secondly, he changes the oil himself!! He then took it to a private mechanic shop that we trust and they started checking into the problem with the ticking. They were unable to determine a cause, but told him it was just a bad motor. This cost him $400 and now, apparently the truck sounds even worse - and is vibrating as well. I have told him to make a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's office and have them follow-up with Ford and the dealership and he is doing so. I would strongly encourage each of you to do the same in your state - that is what they are there for! In addition, there are local media outlets that would be very interested in this issue. We are hoping this method of recourse will warrant a solution for my son-in-law. He cannot afford to continue the $400 a month payments on a vehicle that doesn't run and definitely cannot afford payments on an additional vehicle. So frustrating!!!!

- Virginia B., Independence, MO, US

problem #10

Apr 292010

F-150 STX 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

I had the same noise that would lead to cam Phasers replacement but when the dealer pulled the valve covers off they found no oil getting to the passenger side cam so the cam bearings were scored they left me hanging for a week before they got back to me after repeated calls to them. They then told me the engine needed replacement due to excessive sludge from lack of maintenance. I changed my oil every 5k and have owned the truck for 2 years and still owe $9900 they didn't care so I called Fords Consumer Hotline and spoke to a rep who tied me up for 30min just to blow me off telling me he is behind the dealer and will go with their findings. I have been a loyal Ford fan for my whole life and have had great luck with all my vehicles but I am very disappointed with the way they are treating me. I will never buy another FORD AS LONG AS I LIVE and will make a POINT TO PERSUADE EVERYONE I KNOW TO LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR A VEHICLE. How sad is it that Ford can not make an engine to last and looking on the web it is little consolement that they seem to treat all their loyal customers the same.

- James D., Cherry Valley, MA, US

problem #9

Apr 012009

F-150 XLT 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

So, I to fell for the 'Built Ford Tough" slogan. LMAO! Cam phasers begin to go out at 48,000 miles approx.. Ford wants $1600 to fix without guarantees I won't have to fix again. Now, the truck is missing because I was told that the ticking is loud enough for the knock sensor to pick up on and it's trying to adjust the timing for the 'knock'. Well, I wont be paying for the fix and have basically thrown money away in nice rims, tires, dvd player, new bilstein shocks, leather interior with embroidery, new gauge kit, and speakers. Only satisfaction I have gotten... I have officially talked one friend and one relative out of purchasing a Ford! Toyota here I come! Oh, and Ford can reach me through this site I am assuming should they wish to remedy the problem before I talk anyone else out of a purchase! Still, LMAO!

- timothyms, Richton, MS, US

problem #8

Jan 012007

F-150 Lariat 5.4L Tritan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

After reading on the internet I have come to realize that I don't have a one of a kind piece of crap. I have a F-150 with Cam-phasers going out, tranny that shifts into 4 wheel high all by itself, power window driver's side that the switch is starting to fail, power seat driver's side/power pedals and remote mirrors that do not work, a rear end that grinds at low speed turning corners. Other than that - my vehicle works great!

- lopear63, Lomira, WI, US

problem #7

May 012009

F-150 4x4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I had a ford ranger before this truck and it did not knock... that is why I thought I should take it in to be checked. The dealer must not want to "deal" with it. I took the truck to another shop and I was told this is not normal- maybe for a diesel truck and not this type of truck.

So I kept driving it....

- Chad S., Cincinnatus, NY, US

problem #6

Mar 152009

F-150 XLT 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,458 miles

All the ford dealers in my city didn't even want to help me at all other than replace the motor... Nobody seemed to admit that it was a faulty motor. I am the type of person that is really picky over my toys, always serviced at ford dealers..So that is why I feel that it is a faulty engine...I had even called Ford Canada with know luck at all, just lots of BS. So I am now putting a new Ford engine it the truck, They tell me that I can't even buy an extended warranty starting this year!..2 years or 40000 KM. And because they won't tell me what the hell is wrong with my engine and why it sounds like somebody is playing drums under the hood.. I don't even know if the new reman motor has the problem fixed or not?.... I hope so!!! I also found out that it is only a re-built engine from ford?

- Chris S., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Canada

problem #5

Oct 222008

F-150 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

When I first started hearing the noise intermittently, I took it to the dealership and they said it was rocks in the exhaust, then they said it was cam phasers, then they finally said it was wrist pins. Well at that point I didn't allow them to do anything except change the oil because I didn't trust what they said. I then took it to a mechanics shop I have used and they could not make the noise happen so they returned it with no trouble found. In the meantime I took it to a different dealership for some recall work and once because the passenger window fell into the door. The noise stopped for a while but returned and this time it was easy to duplicate. It happened all the time. I took it to the mechanics shop again and they said it was the cam phasers / sensors and this time the check engine light came on. The code was the sensors - all this was changed and the light would not turn off. They changed out the computer and still the light was on. They gave it back to me and said that it would be o.k. to drive and bring it back to figure out why it doesn't turn off. We took it skiing and during the drive it lost power on hills. We took it back and they worked on it again - no charge. The light didn't turn off but it sounded real good. The next week we took the truck hunting and we ended up coasting back. The engine sounded like it was racing and was about to blow up. The knocking was back. Today we took it to a different dealership - I will post again when I get the diagnosis.

- Cyna M., Arvada, CO, US

problem #4

Apr 072008

F-150 FX4 5.4V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

three months ago I fixed cam phaser and I heave again the same problem .suck!

- Dariusz L., Justice, IL, US

problem #3

May 022008

F-150 XLT 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,797 miles

In searching the NET looking for a source of the noise my truck has been making I found this site which has been helpful in reaffirming my fears and helping me make up my mind to send this truck packing. Thanks

- metalx4, Yellowknife, NT, Canada

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