Starter Motor for the 2015–2020 Ford F-150

What 2015–2020 F-150 owners report about the electrical system

Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA, the US federal vehicle-safety regulator, that mention the starter on the 2015–2020 Ford F-150, and 679 filed under its electrical system. Those 24, by model year, as of September 18, 2026:

• 2015 F-150: 3 complaints
• 2016 F-150: 2 complaints
• 2017 F-150: 7 complaints
• 2018 F-150: 6 complaints
• 2019 F-150: 5 complaints
• 2020 F-150: 1 complaint

NHTSA publishes complaints as owners wrote them and does not verify them, so read them as a pattern rather than a diagnosis.

A 2017 F-150 owner, NHTSA complaint 11646420: "The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact’s husband attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact tested the battery, but no issue was found. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter had failed."

A 2018 F-150 owner, NHTSA complaint 11650248: "When I tow my boat the starter overheats and when I stop to get gas I have trouble starting the engine or it won't start at all until the engine cools completely."

Recalls that cover the starter motor on the 2015–2020 F-150

• 20V467000, 2020 models: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge.

A recall repair is free at any Ford dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you pay anyone for this part — us included.

Which starter motor a 2015–2020 F-150 takes

Starters differ by engine and transmission, and stop-start engines use a heavier-duty starter than the same engine without it. The 2015–2020 Ford F-150 came with several powertrains, among them 2.7L V6 Automatic 4WD, 3.3L V6 Automatic RWD, 3.5L V6 Automatic 4WD and 5.0L V8 Automatic 4WD. That is why we ask for the VIN, or the year, engine and trim, and confirm the part against it before you pay rather than after it arrives.

What we source it from

5 starter motors from Bosch, Cardone, Denso, Remy and Valeo, new and remanufactured, $199.99 to $249.99, with flat $30 shipping anywhere in the US. If a part we confirmed as a fit does not fit your vehicle, we cover the return and the replacement.