What year do F150s have plastic oil pans?
Plastic oil pans appear on some Ford F-150s, particularly certain EcoBoost models starting in the mid-2010s. Not all F-150 engines use plastic pans, and materials can vary by year, trim, and production run. The only reliable way to know for a specific truck is to check the engine type and consult Ford’s parts data or the vehicle’s documentation.
Timeline and engine variants
The material of the F-150 oil pan is not uniform across the lineup. Plastic pans have been reported on several EcoBoost-powered trucks from around the 2015 refresh onward, but many other F-150 engines (such as V8 and some base V6 configurations) have used metal pans. Here is a general breakdown to guide what to look for.
EcoBoost variants (2.7L and 3.5L)
In many EcoBoost-equipped F-150s, produced from around 2015 onward, owners and repair guides have noted plastic oil pans as part of the engine design. This pattern has been observed across multiple model years, though exact materials can vary by trim level and production changes.
- 2015–present: 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost variants commonly reported to have plastic oil pans in various configurations. Always verify for your specific vehicle using Ford’s parts catalog or a VIN lookup.
In practice, the presence of a plastic oil pan on EcoBoost F-150s depends on the exact engine variant, model year, and production batch. A VIN-based parts search is the most reliable method to confirm.
Other engines (V8 and base V6)
Many F-150s powered by naturally aspirated or other non-EcoBoost engines often use metal oil pans (steel or aluminum). The shift to plastic pans is less common in these variants, though materials can vary by generation and market.
- 5.0 V8 (Coyote) and base V6 configurations: typically metal oil pans, though exceptions may exist depending on generation and options. Verify with official parts diagrams for your exact truck.
Because Ford has updated engine designs and materials over time, there can be variations even within the same engine family. Always confirm with a VIN-specific parts lookup to be certain.
How to confirm for your truck
To determine your own F-150’s oil pan material, use these verification methods. They are reliable regardless of the model year or engine family.
- Check the VIN against Ford’s official parts catalog or dealer service portal to see the exact oil pan specification for your vehicle.
- Inspect the oil pan visually when safe to do so (with the engine cool). Plastic pans typically have a different texture and may appear lighter than metal pans.
- Consult your owner’s manual or service documentation; some manuals note the oil pan material or replacement part details.
- Ask a Ford dealership or an experienced independent shop to pull up the exact part number for your VIN, which will indicate the pan material.
Having the precise part number or official diagram eliminates ambiguity about which material your specific F-150 uses.
Summary
Plastic oil pans are not universal in the Ford F-150 lineup. They have been reported on many EcoBoost-equipped trucks starting around the 2015 refresh and continuing in later model years, but other engines commonly use metal pans. To know for sure, verify your vehicle’s engine, check the VIN against Ford’s parts database, or consult a dealer. If you’re planning maintenance or repairs that involve the oil pan, relying on an authoritative parts source will prevent misidentification.
