Ariat

I've been going back and forth on what my next truck is gonna be and if I want to dish out the money for an Ecoboost or get a 2009/10 5.4L. My concern with the 09/10 route is the reliability of the 5.4L engine.

I know in 04-08 they had the cam phaser problem, my brother's truck sounded a little rough sometimes and had some problems (was a 2004). It's hard to find any solid information on these year F150's and if people are having problems with them or not.

Any insight y'all can provide would be appreciated.

Blue2016XL

I just have the cam phasers, timing chains, tensioners, VCTs and the VCT solenoid with only 55,XXX miles on it. I'm only the second owner and do not know how it was taken care of before but, the body and interior looked well maintained. I was told that Ford has redesigned the parts that the dealer used. Although, they still have the plastic tensioners.

Other than that, it seems to be a decent truck. Obviously seems to run better now. Although it seemed fine before with just the ticking on a heavy load that I only heard with the windows down and 30 mph or less and passing something that would echo the sound back. After, it is quiet.

On the other hand, I have 2 co-workers that also have the 5.4 and have had absolutely no issues with theirs.

wolfy53

I wouldn’t do it. They still have all the phaser issues.

Save me up a bit a bit more or expand your searching for a 5.0 or better yet a 6.2!!

CO Raptor

I see a lot more 5.0 complaints around here than anything. Fixing the cam phasers isn't that big of a deal is it? After that, you have a 300,000 mile motor. Whats not to like? Mine is at 95k, quiet, and runs great.

Angus1

my 06 5.4 had 190k+ on it when I traded it in. I didn't baby it but it was well maintained. only non routine maintenance issue was two power window regulators. The 09/10 5.4 had more refinements than mu 06. Not sure that equals reliability though.

Missmy06

If you are looking for a reliable truck I would stay away from the Ecoboost and stick with V8s. Any of the V8s, 4.6 5.4 5.0 or 6.2 are good motors

Ariat

Sounds like a lot of replacements at low miles ha. I heard the 09 was when it was redesigned so that's why I'd go with that.

I like the Ecoboost over the 5.0. It's a more fun drive. As for the 6.2 I don't need that 10 MPG hahah.

Good to know, thanks!

My brother's 04 was hitting 160k I believe when he finally sold it. He had a lot more than just window regulators to fix though..

Good to know thanks. The ecoboost is a fun drive which is mostly why I've been looking at them

Spiky

Really? Where?
Most are about brakes, roof leaks, some other things that aren't about the engines. I would say there are slightly more complaints about EBs than V8s, but not too many on either. The biggest one about the 5.0 is only on the first couple model years, and it isn't even an engine-life-threatening issue.

Blue2016XL

All the parts that can cause the tick issue. Don't really have to tear the engine completely apart to change any of them. The way I look at it, maybe not all of that needed to be replaced but, now all the parts that can cause that tick are brand new now. Plus, mine is a 2010, it should have had those redesigned parts that the 09 had. I was told that the parts were redesigned again at some point. However, I can't confirm that for sure. All I know is that the dealer and other places that I have asked how many were return customers, all said none.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Actually the 5.4 3V re-designed heads and up graded VTC’s started showing up on motors built after 10/09/07. I have one in my 08 FX4. No problems at all so far.. 09/10 have the same motor but it is bolted to a 6 speed tranny.