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2017 Ford F-150 — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $22,000–$42,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

The 2017 F-150 earns its best-seller status. The EcoBoost engines need regular oil changes or they carbon up. The 10-speed introduced late in the year can shudder. The 5.0L Coyote V8 is the one to get.

Known Issues for the 2017 Ford F-150

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Carbon buildup on intake valves (EcoBoost)High — wallet impact

Direct injection doesn't spray fuel over intake valves, so carbon deposits build up. By 60k miles: rough idle, hesitation, misfires.

Repair cost range: $300-$800

10-speed transmission shudder (late 2017)High — wallet impact

New 10R80 shudders during light throttle at 35-55 mph. TSB for fluid and software, some needed torque converter replacement.

Repair cost range: $150-$3,000

Spark plug access on 3.5L EcoBoostMedium

Rear bank plugs are a nightmare to reach and often skipped. Ask about plug history on high-mileage trucks.

Repair cost range: $200-$500

Walk-Away Red Flags

  • Rough idle or hesitation — carbon buildup
  • Transmission shudder during light-throttle cruising
  • No spark plug records over 80k miles

Good Signs

  • 5.0L Coyote V8 — no carbon buildup, no EcoBoost complexity
  • Oil changes every 5,000 miles or less
  • Transmission fluid changed at 60k+

Found a specific Ford F-150?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Ford F-150 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.