Every so often, a pickup truck is launched that would wow the critics and sell in huge numbers. Those trucks ultimately get marked as “instant classics” and become forever enshrined in automobile history as among the best trucks ever. We’ve already compiled our take on the best overlanding vehicles and a number of well-built trucks made that list.
Unfortunately, there’s a flip side to that coin. For every decent pickup truck to hit the market, you can count on a monumental failure that simply disappoints. We’ve compiled our ten worst pickup trucks. Hopefully, you’ve never had the pleasure of owning a model from this list. And if you did, we could only hope your experience was better than the ordinary.
These are the top 10 worst-rated pickup trucks over the last half-century or so, listed in no particular order.
1 – 2004 Ford F-150
Worst Pickup Truck for Electrical Issues
There’s no arguing the F-150 is still the most popular pickup truck in America but something tells us that the manufacturing and design team at Ford would take this one model back if they could.
The 2004 Ford F-150 was one of its most unreliable model years. Normally when a particular model year has issues, the problem is limited to one primary component. But once a more reliable replacement for that component is slapped on the vehicle, the pickup truck should typically be in pretty good shape.
In the case of the 2004 F-150 pickup truck, there are so many potential problem areas it’s nearly impossible to prepare for just one. Anything connected to the electrical system can go kaput. If the starter didn’t go out, the spark plugs and plug wires failed. This often led to problems with the flywheel, which resulted in transmission problems.
Ford would ultimately redeem itself with better and more reliable F-150s throughout the years. But the 2004 pickup truck should be avoided at all costs.
Pickup Truck Specs:
- Engine: 5.4L V8
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Auto RWD
- Horsepower: 380 hp
- Torque: 450 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
2 – 2005 Nissan Titan
One of the Worst Pickup Trucks All-Around
The 2005 Titan contends for the worst truck ever. In Nissan’s defense, these Titan trucks did have plenty of interior space and a decent towing capacity. But unfortunately, that’s where the highlights stop.
2005 began a string of recalls that would become a trend for the Nissan pickup truck. The primary issue with the 2005 Nissan Titan pickup truck was a massive oil leak. This led to many blown head gaskets and countless engine issues for owners. The rear axle was also reported to be faulty and could explode and give out all of a sudden.
Honestly, we’re a little surprised that the pickup truck made it through over a decade of production (2003 to 2015 for the first generation) and even got resurrected in 2020. Fortunately, the Nissan Titan turned things around. The current model is actually a respectable pickup truck.
Pickup Truck Specs:
- Engine: 5.6L V8
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Shiftable Auto 4WD
- Horsepower: 305 hp
- Torque: 379 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 9,500 lbs
3 – 2006 Honda Ridgeline
Worst Pickup Trucks Designs
In 2006 Honda released its very own pickup truck in the form of the Honda Ridgeline. Though Honda has been known for releasing decent and dependable models, this offering was a failure for the brand and pickup trucks everywhere. The 2006 Ridgeline pickup truck is a stain on Honda’s otherwise impeccable track record as an auto manufacturer.
The initial reception to the 2006 Ridgeline pickup truck was quite positive, thanks to the enthusiasm of Honda fans. However, it didn’t take too long for the Ridgeline to reveal its true colors. Failing brakes, engines, and suspensions quickly frustrated Ridgeline pickup truck owners. In addition, the bulky body had the appearance of a rugged, capable truck. However, it was difficult to place anything in the tiny space in the back, making the overall design look odd, to say the least.
Honda eventually went back to the drawing board with the Ridgeline, unveiling a more durable and visually appealing design. Still, they had to deal with the shame of the 2006 model years.
Pickup Truck Specs:
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Auto 4WD
- Horsepower: 255 hp
- Torque: 252 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
4 – 2003 Chevrolet SSR
Worst Pickup Truck Design Concept
The 2003 Chevrolet SSR was a wildcard design and a poor attempt by the brand to capture the “rustic” pickup truck look. While there was nothing mechanically wrong with the 2003 Chevrolet SSR, it just wasn’t practical or well-received. It couldn’t do anything you needed a truck to do, like towing and off-roading. It wasn’t very visually appealing as a throwback, either.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 5.3L V8
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Auto RWD
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 331 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs
5 – 2002 Subaru Baja
One of the Worst Pickup Trucks/Station Wagons
The 2002 Subaru Baja was an off-road focused release that only made it a few short years. This wagon met its end in 2006 after only three years in circulation. Perhaps most striking about the Baja was its looks. It’s just plain ugly. Just by looking at it, you’d wonder if it’s a car or a truck.
It wasn’t that the Baja was the worst truck to buy. It was also manufactured and released at the wrong time. Released into the showroom at the same time the Outback and Legacy models were released, they simply outclassed the Baja, making it look outdated and unattractive.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 2.5L Flat 4
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Manual AWD
- Horsepower: 165 hp
- Torque: 166 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 2,400 lbs
6 – 1972 Ford Courier
One of the Worst Pickup Trucks of the 70s
Coming from a time when things were still built to last, the 1972 Ford Courier was a travesty. It seemed like all of Ford’s penny-pinching in manufacturing was distilled into this particular truck. It literally fell apart from the interior to the exterior. Some drivers even reported that they pressed the brakes, and something on the vehicle could fall off.
The 1972 Courier was also known for prevalent engine failures. The puny engine also just churned out 74 horsepower, which was pretty pathetic for a pickup. The electricals were shoddy as well. Somehow, this Ford pickup made it another nine years on the pickup truck market, all of which were equally unimpressive.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 1.8L 4-Cylinder
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Manual RWD
- Horsepower: 74 hp
- Torque: 92 lb-ft
7 – 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona
One of the Best-Looking Terrible Pickup Trucks
The 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona was actually a popular truck among pickup truck enthusiasts. Maybe one of the most popular on our “worst pickup truck” list. It was a hit among consumers – and rightfully so. The truck was extremely visually attractive and had emblems and badges to complement the menacing RAM look.
However, looks can be deceiving. That massive rear wing may look flashy, but it made accessing the bed difficult. Under the hood, the RAM contained the 5.7L V8 HEMI, one of the worst editions of the motor ever created. It suffered from the Hemi tick issue and short-lived spark plugs. In addition, the 3,400-lb. towing capacity was nothing to write home about.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 5.7L V8 Hemi
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Auto RWD and 4WD
- Horsepower: 345 hp
- Torque: 375 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 3,400 lbs
8 – 2007 Chevy Silverado
One of the Worst Pickup Trucks to Turn It Around
The Chevy Silverado actually ranks multiple years for the least reliable trucks – but 2007 was especially bad. There’s a long list of problems for the Silverado in 2007 that left a bad taste in the mouth of many Silverado owners. It’s surprising Chevy was able to turn the Silverado into the powerhouse it is now.
The 2007 Silverado was a clunky pickup truck with a terrible motor. In addition, rusting brake system problems plagued the model that year, and terrible steering, faulty axle systems, and engine failures made this beast extremely difficult to steer. The only upside is the towing capacity, but with the cost of repairs, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 4.8L V8
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Auto RWD
- Horsepower: 295 hp
- Torque: 305 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 10,300 lbs
9 – 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
One of the Most Useless Pickup Trucks
The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was an attempt to combine the Ford Explorer SUV and a pickup truck – an effort that crashed and burned on the market. This makes truck number three for the Ford pickup truck roster on this list. But in defense of the automaker, their reputation isn’t as bad as this list makes it seem.
The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was doomed from the initial release – mostly because of the design, but it had mechanical problems as well. Spark plug and radiator issues plagued this model, in addition to complaints regarding the limited bed space.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 4.0L V6
- Drivetrain: 5-Speed Manual RWD
- Horsepower: 205 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,300 lbs
10 – 2005 Hummer H2 SUT
One of the Most Terribly Over-Sized Pickup Trucks
The Hummer was one of the most popular modified pickup trucks in the 2000s. The H2 SUT was initially popular, especially among celebrities. When the 2005 Hummer H2 SUT hit the scene, it was commonplace to see them up and down the avenues of the biggest celebrity cities, including Los Angeles and New York.
However, the design flaws quickly led to the downfall of this modified pickup truck. A large vehicle like this – with almost zero bed space, was not the optimal truck and had virtually no use beyond the visual aspect. Even that was questionable, as the bulky truck/SUV had difficulty carrying the large body.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 6.0L V8
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Auto 4WD
- Horsepower: 325 hp
- Torque: 365 lb-ft
- Max Towing Capacity: 6,700 lbs
Dis-Honorable Mention: Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU)
The world’s first and only pickup with a rotary engine built between 1974 and 1977. While cheap, it wasn’t really able to tow or pull much. It was quick though thanks to its very light body of 2,800 lbs and engine that can rev up to 7,000 rpm.
Pickup Trucks Specs:
- Engine: 1.3L Wankel rotary engine
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Manual/Auto
- Horsepower: 110 hp
Back to the Drawing Board
Fortunately for most of these automakers, these models were eventually revamped and rectified. Some marquees were eventually retired and replaced by new models. However, we can only expect that there will be another one that might test this list eventually. Faulty designs and flaws are a major part of the auto industry and motoring history.
