2023 PB, should I buy it?

[PB2021]

would not be touching a Tundra right now. The 22/23 MY with the 3.5 twin turbo has just been recalled for machining debris in the engines after several spun main bearings.

We have a 21 PB. Outside a few recalls it has performed great. Based on our experience I would buy it again over any other powertrain option in the F150.

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[Davexxxx]

I wish I had a link to the thread but not long ago, someone posted a similar type thread, that initially had the vibe of a PB flame job.

There have been real problems, that some people experienced AND some of those problems were not handled very well by Ford.

But the point is, that in that thread, the overwhelming number of respondents, loved their trucks.

This is the totality of problems I've had with my 2023 PB and its been fixed ever since.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/no-more-battery-problems.24011/

I love my truck.

IF I didn't have need for the built in generator, or need to use it as a mobile office (something the hybrid excels at), would I buy a PB?

Possibly not but its a no brainer choice, if you do have those needs.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

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.

I appreciate your insight.

Yeah, Im of the camp that as these vehicles continue to get packed with teechnology, the reliability will always suffer. Manufacturers are in a constant battle to release the latest and greatest to try and lure people into buying their products.

I like it for the looks, the insane power, the nice interior, its ability to tow a small camper easily etc.

If I was looking solely for reliability, I'd search the country for the cleanest Gen1 Tundra I could find.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

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.

Thank you,
I couldn't find a 2023 Ecoboost on a dealer lot around here, that was also a Lariat and 502A. I have a 2022 MACH1 so am well versed in the Coyote, but the torque that the Powerboost makes, outdoes the Coyote easily, especially at this altitude

 

[LCMM55]

I u are towing with i

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

If u are towing with it check the door labels for cargo capacity. My xlt is 1609, some lariat and above options only ha e as low as 1200 Pounds

 

[Cobra129]

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

Same as you, I purchased a 2023 PB Lariat with 650 miles (~$10K off MSRP) in Florida soon it after the owner failed to keep for whatever reason. It Came with an extended Ford ESP Gold warranty to 48K. I will purchase a Ford extended warranty soon. I now have 23,000 miles+ and my only problem was its currently in the shop for a failed Catalytic Converter, who'd thunk it....

I absolutely love the truck, love driving it and with only one or two minor battery issues early, early on, it has performed flawlessly, especially for three long distance trips to Canada, Central US and out to the Rocky Mountains in winter. People who complain, many rightfully so, always get more attention than the ones who just enjoy their vehicles. Not saying there aren't issues, I just haven't seen any on my vehicle...Cheers!

 

[Eskram]

You're going to find a mix of haters and lovers of every drivetrain. Ford sells thousands of trucks every year and the member base here is a very small percentage of that number, and the ones who do have issues are probably a smaller percentage of that.

Are there some PB horror stories? Sure, but I suspect the vast majority of them on the road do not have major issues. Ford is really pushing the PB in newer model years (partly to meet EPA numbers) and it seems they have a lot invested in its future.

It's not unproven tech, or even new really - just new to the F150. Ford has been building hybrids for years. I wouldn't hesitate, as the PB has a lot of advantages over the other platforms. Am I biased? Sure, I love my PB.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

would not be touching a Tundra right now. The 22/23 MY with the 3.5 twin turbo has just been recalled for machining debris in the engines after several spun main bearings.

We have a 21 PB. Outside a few recalls it has performed great. Based on our experience I would buy it again over any other powertrain option in the F150.

Much appreciated. Yeah I wouldn't touch a new Tundra either. Plus the interiors are sub-par as is typical of Toyota

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

You're going to find a mix of haters and lovers of every drivetrain. Ford sells thousands of trucks every year and the member base here is a very small percentage of that number, and the ones who do have issues are probably a smaller percentage of that.

Are there some PB horror stories? Sure, but I suspect the vast majority of them on the road do not have major issues. Ford is really pushing the PB in newer model years (partly to meet EPA numbers) and it seems they have a lot invested in its future.

It's not unproven tech, or even new really - just new to the F150. Ford has been building hybrids for years. I wouldn't hesitate, as the PB has a lot of advantages over the other platforms. Am I biased? Sure, I love my PB.

I appreciate your insight. The concept is great, and the power is awesome. Naturally aspirated engines really struggle at this altitude, and when taken up to 7-8000 feet, REALLY struggle so having the forced induction and the hybrid drive is really advantagious for me. Any way to check if the 12v battery is in the batch of duds? I was planning on just replacing it anyway considering this is a 2023, and has probably just sat on the lot for the better part of a year

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

Same as you, I purchased a 2023 PB Lariat with 650 miles (~$10K off MSRP) in Florida soon it after the owner failed to keep for whatever reason. It Came with an extended Ford ESP Gold warranty to 48K. I will purchase a Ford extended warranty soon. I now have 23,000 miles+ and my only problem was its currently in the shop for a failed Catalytic Converter, who'd thunk it....

I absolutely love the truck, love driving it and with only one or two minor battery issues early, early on, it has performed flawlessly, especially for three long distance trips to Canada, Central US and out to the Rocky Mountains in winter. People who complain, many rightfully so, always get more attention than the ones who just enjoy their vehicles. Not saying there aren't issues, I just haven't seen any on my vehicle...Cheers!

Thank you for your response. Yeah it seems like a good deal at this price, certainly can't get anything nearly this powerful in other brands for the same money. When you say "battery Issues" early on, are you talking about the 12v battery under the hood, or the main battery for the hybrid system?

 

[Cobra129]

Thank you for your response. Yeah it seems like a good deal at this price, certainly can't get anything nearly this powerful in other brands for the same money. When you say "battery Issues" early on, are you talking about the 12v battery under the hood, or the main battery for the hybrid system?

I had TWO no-start early on and not sure what the issues were. First, I had to have a jump start, which now I carry a portable rechargeable power pack (NOCO Boost, never have used it though). Second time, it wouldn't start for about 15 minutes, tried every starting trick and then all of a sudden, viola', it started. I have never replaced any batteries in the truck, and it has performed beautifully ever since, NO battery issues even with the OEM batteries still in in the truck. I'm learning more and more of the nuances of this computer on wheels everyday... Cheers

 

[bdginmo]

Thank you for your response. Yeah it seems like a good deal at this price, certainly can't get anything nearly this powerful in other brands for the same money. When you say "battery Issues" early on, are you talking about the 12v battery under the hood, or the main battery for the hybrid system?

It's the 12v battery that had problems. BTW...in the PB there are actually two of them. One in the engine compartment and a smaller one in the passenger compartment under the rear passenger seat wired in parallel. If you disconnect the engine compartment battery the 12v circuits stay energized because of the second battery.

One thing to note is that the hybrid architecture in the F-150 is fairly new. It's not the same as the tried and true Atkinson cycle ICE paired with the power split device transmission with the integrated motor/generator used in most other Ford hybrids like the Maverick. The F-150 uses a standard Otto cycle ICE paired to a traditional transmission with the traction motor/generator placed between the two.

 

[Captain Dirty Beard]

It's the 12v battery that had problems. BTW...in the PB there are actually two of them. One in the engine compartment and a smaller one in the passenger compartment under the rear passenger seat wired in parallel. If you disconnect the engine compartment battery the 12v circuits stay energized because of the second battery.

One thing to note is that the hybrid architecture in the F-150 is fairly new. It's not the same as the tried and true Atkinson cycle ICE with the power split device transmission with the integrated motor-generator used in most other Ford hybrids. The F-150 uses a standard Otto cycle ICE mated to a traditional transmission with the traction motor/generator placed between the two.

Thanks. Do people upgrade the small 12v in the passenger compartment as well? For sure Im going to replace the engine bay battery with an X2 or similar.

 

[James Stoody]

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

Let’s see. I’ve owned Infiniti,MB, Cadilac,Audi,Acura,Mazda,Chevy, other Fords, and drove Ram and Silverado before getting my 23 PB Patinum. The Ram and Chevy have a slightly smoother ride and drivetrain but not the performance. This ford puts a smile on my face everytime. Admittedly low mileage for one year of only 6k but no problems. Shop just for one oil change. I’ll drive it first while my Audi, Mazda and vette. sit in the garage.

 

[ajnov073]

I have a ‘22 Lariat 502a PB with 46k . Great acceleration and gas mileage. I had a few minor issues at the beginning which Ford fixed without issue and it has been great since. Love this truck. I would not hesitate to buy another PB. Good luck with your decision.

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