Mechanic Reveals the Pickup Trucks He’d Never Touch – Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Either!

You count on your mechanic to help you make sound decisions about your vehicles, whether it’s maintaining the one you have or choosing your next one. If you’re thinking about a new pickup truck, consider their insights on which models might not be worth the investment. Here are three trucks mechanics often caution buyers about – and why they might not deliver the reliability you need.

3. Ford F-150 (2018)

MSRP: $27,705-$60,520

While the 2018 Ford F-150 has an undeniable edge in style, it’s often undercut by serious mechanical issues that have left many owners frustrated. “The 2018 F-150 may be the baddest-looking Ford truck on the roster,” said Tomasz Mazurkiewicz, CEO of Truck1. “It unfortunately also appears to be the most poorly functioning piece of machinery.”

A primary issue? Transmission problems that have reportedly plagued this model year. According to Mazurkiewicz, these malfunctions not only disrupt the driver’s experience but can also lead to high repair bills if left unchecked. There are numerous reports of engine stalls and faulty transmissions, particularly affecting the EcoBoost models. “There is no denying that the F-150 looks good. Unfortunately, the 2018 variant has one too many issues, be it transmission failure, or downshifting. Nobody likes to make compromises, especially when it comes to such purchases,” he said.

In short, if you’re looking for a reliable, stress-free driving experience, the 2018 F-150 might be a gamble.

2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019)

MSRP: $28,300-$57,700

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has all the makings of a stylish, appealing pickup, but a few major flaws in its performance have left mechanics advising against it. The main culprit? The truck’s dynamic fuel management system. Although the system was intended to boost fuel efficiency, many Silverado owners report it leads to frequent misfires and lifter failures.

Mazurkiewicz explains that repairs for lifter issues can quickly add up, often reaching thousands of dollars. “To add insult to injury, lifter replacement along with repairs starts in [the] thousands, which [turns] purchasing this model into a gamble,” Mazurkiewicz said. Beyond the engine problems, complaints about low interior quality and tech issues make this truck an even harder sell for buyers hoping for value.

For those looking for long-term dependability, the 2019 Silverado might be more hassle than it’s worth.

1. Nissan Titan (2020)

MSRP: $36,190-$59,280

The 2020 Nissan Titan rounds out the list as another truck that has disappointed in terms of performance and reliability. Although competitively priced, the Titan falls short in dependability. “The 2020 Titan… for some reason did not record nearly as much dependability scores as some of its competitors even though its entry-level price was lower than theirs,” Mazurkiewicz said.

One of the biggest complaints from Titan owners? The truck’s nine-speed automatic transmission, which has reportedly been inconsistent and prone to shifting issues, creating a less-than-smooth driving experience. “There were shifting problems because of the nine-speed automatic transmission, which was severely inconsistent and it made the driving experience quite terrible,” noted Mazurkiewicz. Plus, its towing and payload capacity are below that of competitors, making it a tough choice for those who need a true work truck.

While it’s a tempting option at first glance, the 2020 Titan lacks the reliability and ruggedness that many truck buyers prioritize.