Ford's pickup truck story stretches back to the 1917 Model TT and arguably to the 1905 Model C delivery car. The F-Series, however, did not arrive until 1948, and it soon became a cornerstone of American truck culture. Today, in 2026, many of those trucks are still on the road, still hauling, and still earning praise from owners. Yet a strange paradox surrounds several Ford pickups: they are celebrated as sturdy, reliable workhorses, while also being notorious for expensive maintenance. Why do so many Ford trucks demand so much from their owners? The answer often lies in their size, power, and the heavy-duty jobs they are built to perform.
Ford Super Duty models such as the F-250 and F-350 are natural candidates for high upkeep. They are frequently used as tow rigs and cargo haulers in harsh conditions. Their diesel engines, heavy frames, and complex emissions systems can make routine service and repairs costly. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair and maintenance cost for an F-350 Super Duty is around $1,095. That figure may sound steep, but it is also understandable given the truck's immense capabilities. Still, some model years stand out for their ability to surprise owners with bills.
The Most Expensive Ford Trucks to Maintain
The following Ford trucks have earned reputations for high maintenance costs, yet many also have loyal owner bases. The list is based on reliability ratings, owner reviews, recall data, and common problem reports from sources such as RepairPal, J.D. Power, Edmunds, KBB, Cars.com, and CarSurvey.org. As these trucks age into 2026, parts and labor costs are likely to rise further, making careful inspection even more important for used buyers.
2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty
The 2018 F-350 Super Duty is the cheapest Ford truck to maintain on this list, but cheapest is relative. It offers a 6.2-liter flex-fuel V8 with 385 hp and 430 lb-ft, or the famous 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 with 450 hp and 935 lb-ft. Towing capacity can reach 20,000 lbs. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 1.2/5, and it has 11 recalls, including loss of steering control, loss of power when shifting into neutral, and reverse lights malfunctioning. The highest mileage recorded is 359,479 miles. Despite the costs, Edmunds owners award it an average of 4.1 stars and praise its power and towing ability.
2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Part of the third-generation Super Duty line, the 2016 F-250 uses a 385-hp 6.2-liter V8 or a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8. It has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100 and a highest recorded mileage of 163,821. Common problems include coolant leaks from the radiator, smoke from the tailpipe, and high-pressure oil pump failure. There are two recalls. Owner reviews on Edmunds average 4/5 stars, but some diesel owners report painful repair bills. One Texas owner claimed to have spent thousands on suspension repairs and new injectors in less than 13 months. Another owner described the truck as reliable, comfortable, and up to the task.
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2008 F-250 belongs to the second-generation Super Duty lineup. Engine choices included a 5.4-liter V8, a 6.4-liter turbo diesel V8, and the nostalgic 6.8-liter Triton V10. Towing capacity was rated at 12,500 lbs. J.D. Power gives it a 76/100 reliability rating. It shares common problems with newer models, including coolant leaks, tailpipe smoke, and high-pressure oil pump failure. Seven recalls cover issues such as driver's airbag non-deployment and rough engine operation. Owner ratings on Edmunds average 4.4 stars, with one owner calling it a Good ol truck after more than 130,000 miles.
2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2017 F-250 offers the same engine lineup as the F-350, but with a lower towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. Its J.D. Power reliability rating is 74/100, and the highest recorded mileage is 207,338. A common complaint is shuddering during acceleration from a stop. It also has 15 recalls, including unexpected tailgate opening, doors opening while driving, and driveshaft fractures. Even so, owner sentiment on Edmunds and Ford forums is generally positive, with many calling it a great truck. The EcoBoost version, however, tends to attract the most criticism.
2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2015 F-250 is nearly identical to the 2016 model, apart from small additions such as a backup camera and LED strobe lights. It offers the same three engine options and a towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. J.D. Power rates it at 81/100, and the highest recorded mileage is 227,854. Common issues include coolant leaks, a turbo-to-intake hose blowing off, and high-pressure oil pump failure. There are two recalls. Interestingly, its average annual maintenance costs are higher than the 2016 model's, which may suggest that parts break more often or that Ford improved quality for the following year. Between the two, the 2016 model appears to be the better choice.
2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2010 F-250 was the last model year of the second-generation Super Duty. It introduced a revised axle ratio, a new five-speed automatic transmission, and a few optional packages. It produces up to 362 hp and can tow up to 10,000 lbs. J.D. Power gives it a 77/100 reliability rating, and the highest recorded mileage is 310,824. Common problems include coolant leaks, failing EGR valves, and turbo hoses blowing off. Five recalls cover issues such as unexpected transmission downshifting into first and reverse lights not lighting up. KBB repair pricing suggests an engine diagnostic can cost $218-$275, while a dealership oil change runs $124-$180.
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2011 F-250 debuted the third generation of the Super Duty line. It brought a new 6.2-liter Boss V8 with 385 hp and a new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel with 390 hp and 735 lb-ft. J.D. Power rates it at 74/100, and the highest recorded mileage is 191,729. Common problems include coolant leaks, failing EGR valves, and high-pressure oil pump failure. There are two recalls. Despite the lower reliability score, owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting its amazing power. The main complaint is poor fuel economy, with an average of 13.77 mpg according to Fuelly owner data.
2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2009 F-250 was largely a carryover year. It added more standard features and a hands-free Sync multimedia voice control system, but engine options remained the same: a 5.4-liter V8, a 6.4-liter diesel V8, and a 6.8-liter Triton V10. J.D. Power gives it a 79/100 reliability rating, and the highest recorded mileage is 265,000. RepairPal awards it a subpar 2/5 stars. Common problems include coolant leaks, failing EGR valves, and turbo hoses blowing off. Five recalls cover transmission downshifting and reverse light issues. Since it is largely the same truck as the 2008 and 2010 models, differences in maintenance costs are likely coincidental.
2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty
The 2019 F-350 is mostly unchanged from 2018, but it adds a better B&O Play audio system, new interior trim options, blind spot monitoring, and a rear camera. Those upgrades hardly justify the extra $209 in annual maintenance. RepairPal gives it a 1.5/5 reliability rating, and the highest recorded mileage is 201,144. No common problems have been reported yet, but it already has 15 recalls, including transmission downshifting into first unexpectedly and reverse lights not lighting up. Consumer Reports considers it less reliable than other new cars at the time, yet owner reviews remain largely positive, with an average Edmunds score of 4.0.
2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2014 F-250 was Ford's most expensive truck to maintain in 2024, according to the source data. It offers a 6.2-liter V8 with 385 hp and 405 lb-ft or a 6.7-liter turbo diesel V8 with 400 hp and 800 lb-ft. RepairPal gives it a 1.5/5 reliability rating, while J.D. Power awards 81/100. It has one recall. Common problems include coolant leaks and a hose from the intake to the turbo blowing off. Owner reviews on Edmunds average 4.3/5. A set of factory brakes and rotors can cost up to $922, an oil change $129-$189, and engine diagnostics as much as $283. As of 2026, these figures are unlikely to have improved.
Are These Ford Trucks Worth the Cost?
For many owners, the answer is yes. These trucks are built to work, and their high mileage records prove they can endure. The 2018 F-350 reached 359,479 miles, the 2010 F-250 hit 310,824 miles, and the 2009 F-250 reached 265,000 miles. Such longevity helps justify the expense. However, a used buyer should be cautious. Coolant leaks, high-pressure oil pump failures, EGR problems, and turbo hose issues appear repeatedly across model years. Recalls are also common, with some trucks facing 15 or more campaigns.
The key is to budget for maintenance before purchase. A cheap used Super Duty may become expensive quickly if it needs brakes, injectors, or emissions repairs. Service history matters, and a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted diesel mechanic is essential. For buyers who need maximum towing and hauling capability, the cost may be acceptable. For those who only need light-duty transport, a smaller truck may be wiser.
In 2026, Ford's truck legacy remains strong. The F-Series is still a symbol of American capability. Yet the high-maintenance models on this list remind enthusiasts that power and durability often come with a price. Is a heavy-duty Ford truck a bargain or a burden? The answer depends on how much work it is asked to do and how well it is maintained. One thing is clear: these trucks are not cheap to keep, but many owners still find them worth every dollar.
Data referenced from TrueAchievements can help put “high maintenance” in perspective: just like long-term achievement tracking often reveals that the toughest completions come from systems with more moving parts, heavy-duty trucks tend to rack up higher ownership costs because their real-world “endgame” involves towing loads, running hard in harsh conditions, and keeping complex diesel and emissions hardware healthy over hundreds of thousands of miles.