Ford F-150

Importing a used Ford F-150 from the USA

The Ford F-150 has been America's best-selling vehicle for more than four decades, which is exactly why it is such a rewarding truck to import. Volume means choice: any given month there are thousands of clean, well-documented used F-150s across the United States in every configuration imaginable, from frugal V6 work trucks to 700-horsepower Raptor R monsters. If you want to import a used Ford F-150 from the USA, you benefit from that depth of supply and from the fact that most of these trucks are built in Michigan or Missouri, which is directly relevant to how customs treats them.

From launch to today

Three recent generations matter for importers. The 12th generation (2009–2014) still used steel bodies and offered the first EcoBoost V6. The 13th generation (2015–2020) was the landmark aluminium-body truck, shedding weight and adding the 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost engines plus, from 2017, a 10-speed automatic. The current 14th generation (2021–present) refined the formula further, added the PowerBoost full hybrid, a huge available interior screen, the fold-flat centre console and, on some trims, an onboard generator (Pro Power Onboard). A mid-cycle refresh for 2024 updated styling and electronics.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The engine menu is deep. Base trucks use a 3.3-litre Ti-VCT V6 (~290 hp). The 2.7-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (~325 hp) is a strong all-rounder. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 (~400 hp) is the enthusiast's choice for sound and simplicity. The 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (~400 hp, 500 lb-ft) is the towing champion, and it also forms the basis of the 3.5 PowerBoost hybrid (~430 hp). A 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbo-diesel was offered from 2018–2021. At the top sit the Raptor (3.5 High-Output EcoBoost, ~450 hp) and the supercharged 5.2-litre Raptor R (700 hp). From 2017 nearly everything runs through the 10-speed automatic co-developed with GM.

Trim levels and variants

The range spans XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited, plus the off-road Tremor and Raptor. Cabs come as Regular, SuperCab (small rear doors) and the popular SuperCrew (full four-door). Beds are offered in 5.5, 6.5 and 8-foot lengths. For European use, a SuperCrew with the 5.5-foot bed is the most manageable combination.

Used availability in the USA

Availability is effectively unlimited. Fleet and lease returns keep XLT and Lariat SuperCrews plentiful; Texas and the Midwest are prime hunting grounds. Typical used examples run 2015–2022 with 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Southern trucks avoid road salt, which is worth prioritising given the F-150's aluminium body panels but steel frame.

When importing makes sense

The F-150 is for a buyer who wants a genuine full-size American truck — real towing capability, a spacious cab and V8 or twin-turbo power. It is large for German streets, so it rewards someone with the space to park it and a use case (towing, trade, lifestyle) that justifies the footprint.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

Ford F-150 reliability is generally strong, but each engine has a signature weak point. The 3.5 EcoBoost from roughly 2017–2019 is known for cam-phaser rattle on cold start; listen carefully and check whether phasers were updated. The 10-speed automatic drew complaints and technical service bulletins for harsh shifts and occasional harsh downshifts, and there were recalls related to it — confirm the software is current. The PowerBoost hybrid had early software and battery-contactor recalls. Some 5.0 Coyote engines consume oil; check levels and history. On aluminium-body trucks, galvanic corrosion around steel fasteners and the steel frame is the rust concern rather than the panels themselves.

How US versions differ

US trucks use mph clusters, red rear turn signals on many trims (requiring a compliant rear fog lamp and lighting review), and headlamps aimed for right-hand traffic. SYNC infotainment defaults to US units and maps. Mechanically the truck is identical to what Ford would build for any market, and the frame, driveline and engines are unaffected by the conversion.

From US purchase to registration

Select and inspect the truck in the US, verify the VIN and build plant, secure payment in escrow, move it by land to an export port such as Houston or Newark, ship by RoRo or container across the Atlantic, clear customs at an EU port like Bremerhaven, complete a TÜV individual approval under §21 StVZO, and register locally. USCar Trader coordinates all of it as your independent intermediary — never as the seller.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Keep the two levies separate. EU import duty: under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026, a vehicle of provable US origin shipped directly to the EU can qualify for a 0% rate through 31 December 2029. The F-150 is normally assembled in Dearborn or Kansas City, so its VIN typically begins with a 1, which points to US build — but qualification is never guaranteed and the VIN must always be verified. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies to every import without exception and is calculated on customs value plus duty and freight. We never promise duty-free status.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Plan for European lighting compliance (rear fog lamp, headlight aim, side marker treatment), an odometer conversion or documentation, and possibly speed-limiter and emissions checks. After the examiner issues the individual approval, the registration office issues German plates. Very large trucks may attract questions on dimensions and lighting height, which the TÜV examiner will confirm.

Pre-purchase checklist

Decode the VIN and confirm US assembly. Order a Carfax/AutoCheck report for accidents and branded titles. Inspect the frame and fasteners for corrosion on Northern trucks. Cold-start the engine and listen for cam-phaser rattle on 3.5 EcoBoost. Confirm the 10-speed shifts cleanly and software is updated. Check oil consumption on 5.0 V8s. Verify a clean, transferable title and closed recalls.

Import FAQ

Is the F-150 built in the USA?

Yes, in Dearborn, Michigan and Kansas City, Missouri. The VIN usually starts with a 1, but it must still be verified for the 0% duty check.

Which F-150 engine is best for importing?

The 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost V6s and the 5.0 V8 are the most sought after; the 3.5 is strongest for towing.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes, the German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies on every import regardless of origin.

Are the 10-speed automatic problems serious?

They are usually resolved by software updates and TSBs; confirm the truck shifts smoothly and is up to date.

Can I import a Raptor?

Yes, the Raptor and Raptor R are importable as used vehicles subject to the same inspection and approval process.

Will an F-150 pass TÜV?

Yes, after lighting adjustments and an individual approval; its size may prompt extra checks but is not a barrier.

What mileage is typical?

Most used imports are 2015–2022 with 30,000–90,000 miles.

Is USCar Trader a dealer?

No. We are an independent broker; we take no manufacturer margin.

See the full Ford in the Carhub, compare it with the Ford Ranger, the Ford F-250 Super Duty or the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and browse current F-150 listings.