How reliable is the 2019–2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 (395 hp) with the 10-speed compared with other similar trucks? Ford's own paperwork points to one well-documented weak spot: oil consumption. Ford issued a technical service bulletin for 2018–2020 F-150s with the 5.0L that burn more than a quart in 3,000 miles, and the 10-speed automatic behind it had three small recalls and a harsh-shift bulletin. None of the 2018–2020 F-150 recalls involve the V8 engine itself, and the truck's recall count sits in the same range as its rivals.
2018–2020 F-150 5.0L V8 at a glance
For 2018 Ford raised the 5.0-liter V8 to 395 hp and 400 lb-ft, up 10 hp and 13 lb-ft, and paired it with the 10-speed automatic. The engine carried over unchanged through 2020, the last year of that F-150 generation. It takes 8.8 quarts of SAE 5W-20 with the filter. Full specs are on our 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-150 5.0L V8 pages.
5.0L oil consumption: Ford's TSBs
Ford addressed the problem with two main bulletins:
| Bulletin | Date | Trucks | What dealers do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19-2133 | May 10, 2019 | 2018 F-150 5.0L | New PCV valve, supervised oil-use test; replace the long block if the truck uses more than 1 quart in 3,000 miles |
| 19-2365 | Dec. 5, 2019 | 2018–2020 F-150 5.0L | Reprogram the engine computer (PCM), fit a new dipstick on trucks built on or before Oct. 4, 2019, change oil and filter |
In the current bulletin, 19-2365, Ford explains the cause: during some deceleration fuel shut-off events, intake manifold vacuum gets high enough to pull oil into the cylinders from the crankcase, valve guides and PCV system. The new PCM calibration lowers that vacuum. (19-2133 replaced an earlier bulletin, 19-2058, and 19-2365 replaced an interim message, 19-2338.) The replacement dipstick has a wider normal range of about 2 quarts, and Ford says the engine was validated with the oil anywhere in that range.
The bulletin applies only when there are no visible oil leaks and consumption is above 1 quart per 3,000 miles. Ford also notes that oil use is normally higher in the first 10,000 miles. The repair was covered under the new-vehicle warranty; a TSB does not extend coverage.
The 5.0 oil consumption lawsuit
Owners of 2018–2020 F-150s with the 5.0L sued Ford in federal court in Michigan (Lyman v. Ford Motor Company), alleging defective cylinder coatings and piston rings. According to CarComplaints, in August 2026 the judge dismissed the warranty and some misrepresentation claims but let others proceed, finding that a jury could conclude Ford knew about the oil use before the named plaintiffs bought their trucks. Nothing has been decided on the merits.
10-speed transmission recalls and bulletin
None of the three 10-speed recalls involve worn parts; each fixes an assembly error:
| Campaign | Model year | Trucks (all models) | Problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V213000 | 2017–2018 F-150 and others | 142 | Missing roll pin can disable Park |
| 18V214000 | 2018 F-150 and others | 292,909 | Shift cable clip may not be seated, so the gear may not match the lever |
| 20V197000 | 2020 F-150, Ranger, Expedition | 55,158 | Shift cable lock clip may not be seated |
For harsh or delayed shifts, Ford's TSB 24-2101 covers 2017–2020 F-150s with the 10R80. It blames the solenoid strategy, sticking valves in the valve body or movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve. Dealers start with a software update, then service the valve body, and replace the CDF cylinder only if the problem persists.
The other 2019–2020 recalls are not specific to the V8. The largest, 19V805000, covers 135,725 trucks whose positive battery cable fastener can loosen, which can affect displays, brake and steering assist or stall the engine.
Recalls compared with similar trucks
Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for each model year, all engines and body styles. A recall count measures campaigns, not breakdowns:
| Model year | Ford F-150 | Chevy Silverado 1500 | Ram 1500 | Toyota Tundra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 19 | 7 | 15 | 9 |
| 2019 | 9 | 10 | 30 | 10 |
| 2020 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 5 |
The 2018 F-150 figure includes an aftermarket ball-joint recall and several campaigns for the 3.3L and 3.5L engines. By 2019–2020 the F-150 had fewer recalls than the Ram 1500 and about as many as the Silverado.
What 2018–2020 F-150 5.0 owners should check
- Check the oil level at every fill-up with the truck parked level and the engine off at least 15 minutes, the drain-back time Ford's test procedure uses. Track how many miles it takes to use a quart.
- Ask a Ford dealer whether TSB 19-2365 was done on your VIN. If it was and the truck still uses more than a quart per 3,000 miles with no leaks, have the dealer document it.
- Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for open recalls, especially 18V214 or 20V197 on the shifter.
- Note harsh shifts and any check-engine light; the 10R80 bulletin starts with stored trouble codes.
For later trucks, see our 2027 F-150 V8 news and the fall 2026 F-150 recalls.