Would a XL Have Fewer Problems?

[Bossharp]

I'm really glad I am NOT ordering a high trim new 2024 after reading about so many problems on the 2021-2023 trucks..I almost wish I hadn't gone in 5 pages of this sub forum lol! I understand there's a lot of folks with no problems at all but what worries me is all the problems caused by updates and how vulnerable some of the basic functions are like just starting the truck. I held off from buying a 2023 (single cab short bed) just to get the 12" screen.
After reading about so many problems with battery issues especially not driving enough to fully charge on the higher trims I have already decided to upgrade the factory battery to the best most powerful one that will fit as one of my first mod's because I consider reliability to start and run vital..even if it sits for weeks. I have decided a extended warranty with first day loaner to be a absolute necessity. Especially buying the truck from Granger. What really concerns me more than anything else is how long many dealers have to sechdel out any service or warranty problem basically keeping your truck hostage. And not just waiting for parts!
So my question is if you buy a XL SHOULD you have fewer problems?

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[Rinn69]

^^^ Yup, what he said.

I'm seriously considering getting a Windows laptop just to do some Forscan mods, like changing the BMS Status Of Charge to 90% and turning off the ASS, double honk, etc...

 

[JJSnell]

Ideally, just following basic numbers it should have less problems.
Less componentry, less wiring, less circuits, motors, ....less problems.
(Self edit)
Didn't want admin to delete another post.
Long story short, thru COVID people worked (still work?) in positions they weren't qualified for. Not just auto, but construction, restaurant, our new friggin mail carrier!?!?
I would be more wary of a 'new' 2024 truck taking shortcuts of "deleting 2800 parts" over a '21-'23 truck that slogged through some crappy years.

Sorry for the long answer...
Short? Yes your XL will have less probs than decked Plat\Lim\Lariat....

 

[Buyer2021]

Just remember that forums such as this are magnets for problem reports (much more so than 'no-problem' reports) but still represent a very small fraction of all owner experiences.

FWIW my 'semi-loaded' Lariat has been problem-free, and I certainly enjoy the amenities and tech features it provides above an XL trim truck.

Yes, as always, 'YMMV'.

 

[5.ramb0]

No problems with my 21 xl so far. I’ve only had it for 2 years though and I’ve only put 21k miles on it so far.

 

[HammaMan]

The XL has all of the same systems in it that every other trim has in the 'issue department'. 23s are a bit of a stripped bastard child for this generation with odd electrical issues in some trucks. If I were in the market for a 24, not sure I'd get a job 1. Job 1 2022 was a sweet spot before the deletes went crazy.

 

[tony72cutlass's']

The XL has all of the same systems in it that every other trim has in the 'issue department'. 23s are a bit of a stripped bastard child for this generation with odd electrical issues in some trucks. If I were in the market for a 24, not sure I'd get a job 1. Job 1 2022 was a sweet spot before the deletes went crazy.

Job 2 2021 was good too

 

[My 2ND Ford]

No guaranty that you will have a problem free truck by buying the basic version. I'm sure all the trucks share the same basic architecture as far as software and hardware. The higher trims will have more/ different modules to control functions that your truck won't have. As for battery problems, remember that a lot of the 2022's and 2023's that were on chip hold sat for months without use, thereby running the batteries down causing damage to them. Get yourself a good charger/maintainer and get used to putting the truck on it when necessary.
Having low battery voltage happen over a period of time because of non use is nothing new, it's just that these vehicles are more susceptible to low voltage affecting them. The more complicated the system, the easier it is to clog the plumbing.

 

[Fordphanatic]

I have had minimal problems with my Platinum. The biggest was waiting for bluecruise to be released to the 2021's. My battery was replaced under warranty. It died again so I bought a interstate agm battery myself. No battery problems since replacing. Ford for the most part is sending OTA updates to my truck on time so I really can't complain. With that being said less options, features,components there is less of a chance for something breaking.

 

[Samson16]

I'm really glad I am NOT ordering a high trim new 2024 after reading about so many problems on the 2021-2023 trucks..I almost wish I hadn't gone in 5 pages of this sub forum lol! I understand there's a lot of folks with no problems at all but what worries me is all the problems caused by updates and how vulnerable some of the basic functions are like just starting the truck. I held off from buying a 2023 (single cab short bed) just to get the 12" screen.
After reading about so many problems with battery issues especially not driving enough to fully charge on the higher trims I have already decided to upgrade the factory battery to the best most powerful one that will fit as one of my first mod's because I consider reliability to start and run vital..even if it sits for weeks. I have decided a extended warranty with first day loaner to be a absolute necessity. Especially buying the truck from Granger. What really concerns me more than anything else is how long many dealers have to sechdel out any service or warranty problem basically keeping your truck hostage. And not just waiting for parts!
So my question is if you buy a XL SHOULD you have fewer problems?

Is less than zero problems possible? Because zero is the number for many of us so far…

 

[WhiteLightningnshitshadow]

Looking at what repeat problems tend to look like, an XL wont save you.

Driveline vibrations between 50-65 for both ecoboosts, stupid ML transmissions, pinion seal leaks, weak transfer cases, paint problems on the roof, etc.

There's no nice way to say this either unfortunately, but that 2024 XL/xlt/tremor fascia is rough.

 

[Bryan Simon]

I have an early 21. XLT 301a. Mid level XLT 4x4,
Options over base trim level—bucket seats/console, step boards, HDPP wheels
scheduled for production-retail on the first day retail scheduling commenced.
All builds prior to this were for dealer stock, and that probably continued thru December 2020.
Mine built on 1-24-21
Has been pretty much trouble free.
Did have battery issues and it was replaced at about 18months.
Other issues were all recalls—wiper motor and arms, chaffing wiring at rear end.

The less fluff included means less stuff to fail.
This truck to me is the most decked out pickup I’ve ever owned.
First truck with an automatic and power windows.

Ive always been pretty content with Tilt, carpet, and a stereo in the pickup.
Still have nothing but disdain for any automatic trans.

 

[DEEPDOWN]

I'm really glad I am NOT ordering a high trim new 2024 after reading about so many problems on the 2021-2023 trucks..I almost wish I hadn't gone in 5 pages of this sub forum lol! I understand there's a lot of folks with no problems at all but what worries me is all the problems caused by updates and how vulnerable some of the basic functions are like just starting the truck. I held off from buying a 2023 (single cab short bed) just to get the 12" screen.
After reading about so many problems with battery issues especially not driving enough to fully charge on the higher trims I have already decided to upgrade the factory battery to the best most powerful one that will fit as one of my first mod's because I consider reliability to start and run vital..even if it sits for weeks. I have decided a extended warranty with first day loaner to be a absolute necessity. Especially buying the truck from Granger. What really concerns me more than anything else is how long many dealers have to sechdel out any service or warranty problem basically keeping your truck hostage. And not just waiting for parts!
So my question is if you buy a XL SHOULD you have fewer problems?

Depends on one's personality. I would never own a low-end trim level; call it snobbery or what you want, but i enjoy tech features. My 2022 Tremor 502A (all options except Torsen diff and factory delete Park Assist/Stop Start), has been a joy to drive for the last 14 months. Different strokes......

 

[Snakebitten]

I've posted the following multiple times, so sorry for the fan boy nature of the facts......

One XL Powerboost, now in service for 2.5 years
One Platinum Powerboost, in service for 50 weeks
One KingRanch Powerboost, now in service for 18 months

None of the trucks have ever seen a service writer at a dealership.
Full disclosure: It has required the acquisition of the Mongoose and FDRS license to address the shortcomings of Ford's OTA infrastructure. And several updates regarding drivability improvements definitely affected both 2021 trucks in a good way. They are better trucks today than they were when originally manufactured.

I'm just one person, but in my experience that's statistically hard to ignore. A sample of 3 Powerboost and have all been very solid. No one knows the exact number, but supposedly Ford has built well over 200,000 Powerboost at this point.

Also, some issues are a matter of perspective.
One owner might experience the unfortunate SSN issue and be done with the truck. The financial hit they take to get out from the truck is $ignificant!
Another owner might be miffed by SSN experience, but chose to hang on until the remedy was provided.
You will get 2 very different opinions of the virtues of a Powerboost from those 2 owners.

As consumers, both gentlemen are justified in their approach, but both trucks were exactly the same. They were manufactured and released with a very unfortunate software glitch.

 

[Gros Ventre]

I've posted the following multiple times, so sorry for the fan boy nature of the facts......

One XL Powerboost, now in service for 2.5 years
One Platinum Powerboost, in service for 50 weeks
One KingRanch Powerboost, now in service for 18 months

None of the trucks have ever seen a service writer at a dealership.
Full disclosure: It has required the acquisition of the Mongoose and FDRS license to address the shortcomings of Ford's OTA infrastructure. And several updates regarding drivability improvements definitely affected both 2021 trucks in a good way. They are better trucks today than they were when originally manufactured.

I'm just one person, but in my experience that's statistically hard to ignore. A sample of 3 Powerboost and have all been very solid. No one knows the exact number, but supposedly Ford has built well over 200,000 Powerboost at this point.

Also, some issues are a matter of perspective.
One owner might experience the unfortunate SSN issue and be done with the truck. The financial hit they take to get out from the truck is $ignificant!
Another owner might be miffed by SSN experience, but chose to hang on until the remedy was provided.
You will get 2 very different opinions of the virtues of a Powerboost from those 2 owners.

As consumers, both gentlemen are justified in their approach, but both trucks were exactly the same. They were manufactured and released with a very unfortunate software glitch.

Hear, Hear! I agree. I'm just moving into the software dominated truck management world... My perception is that Ford has produced an elegantly engineered truck, But... there ar esome things to pay attention to. The Battery issue seems, to me, to be one of a bad batch of batteries. There are so many plugs around the truck I'm suspicious that if even one is not seated properly some gremlins can creep in. Are there issues with software? Maybe. At the end of the day my PB is trucking along just fine. My only real gripe is the Bonded Neutral configuration of the generator.

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