What year does the Ford F-150 have an aluminum body?
The Ford F-150 began its aluminum-body era with the 2015 model year, with production starting in late 2014. Ford announced the switch in 2014 as part of a strategy to reduce weight and improve efficiency. Since then, the F-150 has used aluminum alloy panels on most exterior surfaces, paired with a high-strength steel frame.
How the shift unfolded
The following milestones trace the transition from a conventional steel body to an aluminum-bodied pickup and how it has shaped the F-150 since.
- 2014 — Ford publicly confirms plans to switch the F-150’s exterior panels to aluminum alloy to cut weight, improve fuel economy, and boost payload efficiency.
- 2015 model year — The F-150 debuts with an aluminum-alloy body on most exterior panels (hood, doors, fenders, tailgate) while retaining a high-strength steel frame; production of the new body style begins in late 2014.
- Early years — Ford and its network address questions about dent resistance, repair costs, and paint adhesion; the company emphasizes testing results and rolls out training for body shops to handle aluminum repairs.
- Ongoing refinement — Through subsequent model years, Ford progresses with manufacturing improvements, corrosion protection, and paint processes to maximize the benefits of the aluminum body while maintaining durability expectations.
In short, the 2015 model year marked the official entry of the aluminum-body F-150 in the market, with the change rolling out across the lineup and becoming the standard approach in subsequent generations.
Durability and repair considerations
Although aluminum panels offer weight savings and efficiency gains, they require different repair techniques and equipment compared with traditional steel bodies. Ford has provided guidance and training to authorized repair shops to ensure proper dent repair, panel replacement, and paint work, aiming to minimize long-term maintenance concerns for owners.
Current status and implications for owners
Today, the aluminum body remains a defining feature of the F-150. It contributes to improved fuel economy and payload efficiency, while also influencing repair costs and procedures. Buyers should be aware that aluminum repairs may require specialized methods and parts, but the overall engineering benefits have been a steady feature across model years since 2015.
Summary
The Ford F-150 shifted to an aluminum body with the 2015 model year, following a 2014 announcement, and has maintained aluminum exterior panels across its modern generations. The change was designed to reduce weight, boost efficiency, and improve performance, with ongoing refinements to manufacturing and repair processes over time.
Which Ford F-150 is aluminum?
Since 2015, Ford has made their popular F-150 truck out of aluminum. Then, in 2017, they also started creating their F-Series Super-Duty trucks out of aluminum as well. This trend continues until today, with these two models using aluminum bodies, and all other Ford trucks having the typical steel bodies.
What year did the Ford F-150 change to an aluminum body?
2015
In 2015, Ford introduced the aluminum-bodied F-150 and spent the last six years refining mass market aluminum manufacturing best practices.
Does the Ford F-150 aluminum body rust?
Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum does not rust like traditional steel, which gives the Ford F-250 aluminum body a considerable advantage in terms of longevity and maintenance costs.
What is the best year of the aluminum Ford F-150?
2015-2020: The 13th Generation
These features are a few of the reasons why this generation is considered the best years for a used Ford F-150. 2015: The first year of the new aluminum body, the 2015 Ford F-150 set a new standard for the industry. It offers improved fuel economy, better handling, and a quieter ride.
