2023 PB, should I buy it?

[Captain Dirty Beard]

1st post here, and 1st F150 (maybe)

I recently put a deposit down on a 2023 Lariat Powerboost 502A. This was a service loaner and has 1100 miles on it. Wanting to capitalize on the 1.9% /72 financing as well as a 10,000 off MSRP, it seemed like a pretty good decision. Until I started poking around this forum.

I must say, this truck or drivetrain configuraton sure seems to have it's fair share of issues. From the 12v battery problem, to other threads talking about power loss on acceleration and potentially being a transmission replacement, stating that I'm getting cold feet may be an understatement. I am supposed to go pick up the truck on Saturday, but not sure I should now.

I spent enough time on automotive forums to know that people generally only complain about problems, and the vast majority of owners that are happy with their purchase never make a peep.

Just trying to get a general idea of overall ownership satisfaction, and anything else I should be aware of before Ford has me by the fruits.

I'm perfectly fine with replacing/upgrading the 12v battery, but if this truck needs a transmission shortly after purchase, I'll make sure it stalls on some train tracks.

Any advise, comments, encouragement, or flaming are all welcome. Thank you

Sponsored

 

[powerboatr]

It has full factory warranty
And buy a ford esp
It's new...
Regardless that it's pb or not a pb

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

It has full factory warranty
And buy a ford esp
It's new...
Regardless that it's pb or not a pb

Thanks.

Im not really concerned about the warranty, I would get rid of it before the warranty expires anyway. My concern is more about leaving my wife stranded somewhere or in the middle lane of a highway full of road ragers because the thing won't accelerate or shuts down completely. Like I saids, I understand that forums are mostly for people that complain about their vehicle, just mainly trying to gauge the overall satisfaction of PB owners here, and if the odds of getting a good truck are in my favor or not.

 

[UncleFester]

The 2023 models have most of those APIM and electrical problems taken care of. I recently got rid of a 2021 and picked up a 23 and all the little gremlins are gone. They are great trucks, enjoy it.

 

[Ricksc]

Personally I would not buy one. Too many issues. Just a personal point of view. Sure there’s plenty of people who love them. My view is the technology is changing fast and it’s not there yet. Guess depends on what you want it for.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

Unless you must have the generator for your business or tailgate parties, see if they have a regular 3.5l Ecoboost available. That would be a much "safer" reliable choice.

 

[Bossharp]

Or perhaps the 5.0...Thats a proven motor.

 

[madsend81]

I have a '23 PB and really like it. Great low end torque, a real workhorse. Seeing drives at 26 mpg at times makes me smile, especially with gas prices as $$ as they are in CA right now.

I'll admit it hasn't been 100% problem free. It did act up on my hands free cellphone calls, but I can't be sure it's not my cellphone. I have a thread on here about it. Some others reported the same thing, but we all have Motorola phones.

Other problems have been linked to poor 12V batteries. Ask the dealer to put brand new batteries in the truck.

 

[EricR]

We love our 21 Lariat PB.

My wife never wants to take her Fusion hybrid (a rather nice car, btw). Oh, let's take the truck, she'll say!

If you'll be pulling a travel trailer, and the PB you are looking at has the Pro Power on Board 7.2kW - it is an absolute no brainer.

 

[mxwrk]

I have a 22 PB. Has had a couple of the issues described but no regrets in my purchase. I would buy the same platform again. Never left me stranded anywhere, and I’ve taken it to the middle of nowhere with no cell service without stressing

 

[Kodiak]

I have a 22 PB 502a and it is a dream truck. As you said you come to forums with problems so it really seems like "everyone" has an issue but that usually is not the case. The PB did have some BMS battery management issues and couple that with some "off" OEM batteries and that was a real issue, but if you are willing to buy a new 3rd party decent battery, with one of the latest OTA updates you should not see that issue as much if at all.

With that said you mentioned that you will not keep the truck long, so an ESP is not needed. If that is the case then resale value is probably important to you and if it is, only get the PB if it has the 7.2kw Pro Power On Board (PPOB).

If you do get it and it is problem free, you will love this truck. Good luck with your decision.

 

[STM]

I have 40,000 miles on my 2022 PB Lariat.. Have had some electronics issues one time that has nothing to do with the PB..
This is the best truck I have owned.. Stupid amount of low end torque... Great mileage.. I sit in my truck for long periods working and the AC runs on battery with the engine running about 4 to 6 minutes every hour!
Pro power on board is unbeatable..
Yes.. You hear mostly from people who have had issues as you have mentioned.. I would buy it again without any hesitation...

 

[Samson16]

Don’t even think about a PowerBoost. Get a Tundra. They’re far more reliable I’m told.

I’m tired of selling the absolute best all around truck ever made. My ‘22 PB has 18,500 glorious trouble free miles. It’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I am still enjoying walking out to take it somewhere, anywhere.

 

[DM2059]

I had a 23 Platinum PB for 8500 miles. I experienced the cats go bad and the abrupt transition from gas to EV problem. When the battery was being replaced for the third time and it crossed over the 30 days out of service requirement, I filed LL and bought a Tremer with the 3.5. I should have done that from the get go. Only problems I have now are with Apple carplay and the tailgate doesn't open all the time.

 

[Womps]

If you are getting rid of it before the warranty expires you won’t realize a cost benefit from the Power Boost over an Eco Boost or the Coyote. Keep the $ in your pocket now and go for the cheaper powertrain.

Sponsored