Problems with the Ford F150 Truck

Problems with the Ford F150 TruckToday from our experts at Bowers Automotive, we’re going to explore some problems with the Ford F150 truck. We are always on the lookout for new technology and trends, as well as potential issues in the auto industry. We feel it is important for our customers to be fully informed on the pros and cons of a vehicle before making a purchase. Keep reading to get a bit of insight.

Choosing to drive a truck usually means you are interested in three things: extra space, a good tow rating, and payload. A truck typically weighs 12-15% more than comparable vehicles that don’t have a large payload and off-road potential. Large, powerful, heavy trucks with these capabilities have a tendency to consume gas quickly. In an effort to combat this problem and to stay within new emissions and fuel economy regulations, Ford has made some drastic modifications to their F-150 line of trucks.

With a lighter steel frame, an all-aluminum body and a smaller turbocharged engine, the Ford F150 is now leading the way regarding fuel economy for similar sized trucks. Stricter EPA regulations on carbon emissions and more demanding mile per gallon standards on fuel mean that auto manufacturers are coming up with innovations in order to comply. The new F150 is certainly lighter and more economical to drive, but are consumers convinced by this overhaul on one of their favorite models?

The choice of an all-aluminum body has indeed brought up some concerns. One advantage of driving a truck is the feeling of security afforded to the driver and their passengers. Trucks are bigger, higher up on their oversized tires and usually made to be reasonably indestructible. Of course, if you want to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle without impacting the power, a lightweight material for the body makes sense. All vehicles undergo strict safety testing, so we know that the new F-150 must be resilient enough to withstand impact and protect its passengers.

Despite the F-Series being an American best-seller, Ford has reason to worry about sales on this new model. Sales of the F150 dropped sharply in 2016. Interestingly, the problem may not be closely related to Ford’s revolutionary modifications of their trucks. Across the board from General Motors and Ford to Fiat and Toyota, auto sales have been steadily decreasing this year.

An increase in average cost could be a reason for such dramatic losses in sales. Between 2011 and 2016 the cost of full-size pickup trucks rose by 24%. The trend towards greener cars and hybrids could be another reason for the decline of the popular truck, although according to this Bloomberg report, Ford CEO Mark Fields has stated that Ford is set to produce its first hybrid by 2020.

Perhaps Ford is making a mistake in taking such drastic measures to change a tried and tested product, or perhaps they are ahead of the time and setting the trends for others to follow. Whichever way you see it, knowing the facts about potential problems with the Ford F150 truck makes it easier for you to shop with confidence. For more details on technical aspects of truck repair, do not hesitate to contact Bowers Automotive, your local experts on truck repairs.

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