Ford F-150 Complaints

39,812 consumer complaints on file.

#11766769September 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2016 Ford F-150, 5.0L, 6R80 transmission, 112,083 miles. Safety Recall 26S28 was performed on 08/05/26 at an authorized Ford dealer. The wrench/powertrain warning recurred on 08/15/26. On 08/20/26, at 111,998 miles, the dealer found DTCs P0720 and P0722 (output shaft speed sensor) and stated in writing that the transmission molded leadframe must be replaced. Ford denied coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 because those codes are not on the program's list. The transmission then failed on two consecutive days, within about 85 miles of driving since the dealer visit. On 09/23/26, while I was accelerating across two lanes of traffic, the engine revved abnormally high during an upshift, as if the transmission failed to engage a gear. It then stayed in 3rd, and I had to make a left turn from a stop at an intersection in 3rd gear with greatly reduced power. On 09/24/26, after crossing a four-lane highway intersection, the warning appeared while I was accelerating uphill. The transmission stayed in 3rd at a complete stop and would not downshift to 1st. Shifting through Park and using manual mode did not restore 1st gear; only an engine restart did. In both events the warning light cleared itself while the fault continued, so the dashboard gave no indication of the problem. Turning left across oncoming traffic and pulling away from stops near highway traffic with reduced power is a safety risk. The recall remedy did not prevent this failure, and the repair the dealer says is required is being denied under the related program.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766816September 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Re: Recurring Knock Sensor Failure — 2024 Ford F-150 STX (2.7L) I am writing to document a recurring mechanical issue with my 2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2.7L, currently at approximately 30,900 miles, purchased new. First Incident (late XXX): While driving, the check engine light illuminated, indicating a knock sensor fault. I brought the vehicle to Ted Britt Ford in [XXX], where it remained for five days for sensor replacement. I requested a loaner vehicle, which the dealership stated was unavailable, requiring me to rent a replacement vehicle at my own expense. Second Incident (XXX): Following a period of heavy rainfall, the check engine light returned with an identical knock sensor fault. The vehicle was again taken to the same dealership and held for five days for repair. When I again requested a loaner, I was informed one could not be provided because the vehicle was not originally purchased at that dealership. Rental Costs: Across both repairs, I have incurred rental vehicle expenses for a combined 10 days due to the dealership's lack of loaner availability. Suspected Root Cause: Based on the pattern of failures — particularly the correlation with heavy rain — I believe water may be intruding into the engine compartment through the hood cowl area and affecting the knock sensor. I have found numerous other reports from Ford F-150 owners describing similar symptoms, which suggests this may be a broader design or manufacturing issue rather than an isolated incident. Concerns: Given that this is a low-mileage, recently purchased vehicle experiencing the same failure twice within approximately three to four months, I am concerned this issue will recur once the vehicle is out of warranty, at which point repairs would no longer be covered. I believe this pattern warrants investigation, and potentially a recall, given the apparent frequency of similar complaints among other owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766824September 24, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime Running Lights stopped working. Unable to fix unless the whole light assembly is replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766299September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The transmission was a hard shifting and vibrating. While driving 35-45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed and fluids were replaced. After 3 days, the failure reoccurred. The Ford customer service was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766300September 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2022 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly downshifted and slipped gears and jumping up gears. This occurred while taking off and slowing down creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed. I had my truck into a dealer in 2025 ( under warranty 44K miles )and they had admitted they were short handed for transmissions and after eight days I called them and they said just come pick it up as they did not find any issues. Fast forward to this year 68K miles and they said it needed to be completely replaced with a new one for $14,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766337September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2018 Ford F-150 XLT Power Train / Transmission (10R80 10-Speed Automatic) ~100,000 miles (99,737) While accelerating, typically at neighborhood speeds, we sometimes get a hesitation/delay in shifting, which causes a pause and then a hard shift jerking forward, which makes it unreliable at times. Not getting any dashboard warning lights, and has had the transmission flushed at 80k miles by a Ford dealership. A Ford dealership diagnostic inspection confirmed an internal mechanical defect: a failure/migration of the internal Teflon-sealed sleeve on the CDF clutch drum. The dealership technician also noted harsh upshifting between gears 3 and 4, and harsh downshifting between gears 6 and 5. The sudden, unpredictable loss of power during low-speed acceleration creates an immediate safety hazard. It leaves the vehicle vulnerable to rear-end collisions when merging into moving traffic, navigating busy intersections, or pulling out onto roadways, as the truck fails to accelerate when commanded. Furthermore, the violent gear slamming can cause momentary loss of traction or driver distraction under low-grip road conditions. Researching, what we're experiencing is very common with the 10R80 transmission that we have, and documented in TSB 23-2152, and TSB 25-2126. From what I'm reading, Ford redesigned the CDF drum in 2023 to try and correct the manufacturing issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766343September 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety defect involving my 2015 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Cab. While operating the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and total loss of control. Without warning, the gas pedal lost all tension, the truck abruptly downshifted and went into limp mode, and both the check engine and wrench warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe. It appears that the failure of this component frequently causes an output shaft speed sensor malfunction, leading to the exact dangerous loss of power I experienced Given the high frequency of these reports from other owners. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon experiencing these symptoms, I promptly scheduled an appointment at my local Ford dealership. Despite the service department confirming that the transmission lead frame is failing, Ford refused to perform the repair citing that my specific trouble codes are not currently approved under their policy. This is unacceptable, as these symptoms are identical to those addressed in recall 26S28 and Ford has previously acknowledged that these specific codes are directlv related to this component's failure in other mode years. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe Given that my vehicle exhibits all the symptoms described in the existing recall, it is clear that this is a systemic manufacturing defect that Ford is failing to adequately address. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and Ford's restrictive repair criteria, as this defect poses a significant risk to myself and the public on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766357September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting that the Corporate Ford Company is knowingly requiring a software update that minimizes a safety hazard instead of eliminating a safety hazard (NHTSA Recall 26V237). Here are the facts: ---Lebanon Ford service said that they cannot tell me what the software update 26S28 will do to fix the danger of driving my vehicle. The mechanic (Michael) said that the software update is meant to fix the transmission molded lead frame, but that it does not. My research about this software update states that the truck will unexpectedly downshift to 4th gear (instead of downshifting to 1st gear without the update). This downshifting issue poses a danger to people driving on the highway! Consider trucks suddenly downshifting to 4th gear in front of you on the highway (some towing)! Ford Recall: 26N04 is a fix that will eliminate danger, but Ford is NOT fully implementing it! Molded Lead Frame Failure The Issue: The internal wiring harness (the lead frame) holds the speed and temperature sensors. When it fails, it sends bad data to the computer. Symptoms: Erratic shifting, a wrench light on the dash, or a check engine light with speed sensor codes. Unexpected Downshifts (Recall 26V-237) --THIS IS THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT DOES NOT SOLVE THE DANGEROUS RISK. On XXX, Ford did NOT complete the Recall 26N04 (Ford #), only the NHTSA 26V237 software update, which does not eliminate dangerous driving on the highway. I am attaching the event information that I gave to Lebanon Ford at the time of service. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO CRASH AND NO CASUALTIES, I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, DRIVE MY 2016 FORD F-150 ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE FORD IS ONLY LESSENING THE SYMPTOM, WHICH IS STILL A DANGER TO PEOPLE. FORD CAN FIX THE PROBLEM TO ELIMINATE DANGER, BUT THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO SO.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766395September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission gear indicator of the instrument cluster will flicker. At the same time the transmission will cluck while changing gears. The issue occurs for a couple days and then goes away. At the same time the transmission temperature gauge will bounce 60-80 degrees. After some time the same issues occur. Searching online this appears to be related to the lead frame. There has been an updated lead frame, but only certain conditions/codes will result in replacement by Ford. I've had all the recommended software updates, but issue persists. Last update on 9/21/2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766413September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The high-voltage battery in my Ford F-150 Lightning is exhibiting significant degradation and erratic power availability. The vehicle will no longer charge above approximately 60% state of charge. Upon startup, available power can suddenly drop from 100% to approximately 50%, and the indicated available power continues to fluctuate unpredictably while the vehicle is being driven. I am concerned this condition could result in an unexpected reduction or loss of propulsion power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard. Car is scheduled to go to dealer on 10/8/2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766537September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The truck has 55,000 miles on it. The truck shifted very harshly when slowing down creating a traction hazard. The harsh shifting cannot be mitigated by adjusting how it is driven. After a few days a wrench symbol appeared on the dash screen while driving on the interstate, I immediately drove the truck to the Ford dealership after the wrench symbol appeared. Code P07F7 was recovered. I was told that the torque converter is bad and the CDF hub is failing. I was told that the transmission will have to be replaced or rebuilt. The Ford dealerships own transmission specialist showed me how the faulty design is the cause for the break and showed me the new design Ford uses for the replacement parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766549September 23, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) shifts harshly and erratically, hangs in gear, and lost 2nd gear entirely, causing unpredictable acceleration and gear engagement in traffic. First reported to a Ford dealer on 6/8/2021 at 25,883 miles (dealer called it normal). Repairs: internal teardown at 32,920 miles (damaged clutch, input shaft, torque converter hub); valve body repair under TSB 24-2101 at 63,483 miles; CDF hub and friction plate failure diagnosed at 77,584 miles (TSB 25-2126 failure mode); loss of 2nd gear at 88,449 miles. Pre-repair scan 9/2026 shows P0732, P076F, P07F6 (incorrect gear ratio, gears 2, 7, 9). Transmission being rebuilt again 9/2026. The engine also suffered timing chain and crankshaft failures requiring a full engine replacement at 66,108 miles and another timing repair at 77,584 miles. Three catalytic converter failures. Nearly 200 days in Ford dealer service departments.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766192September 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving up the Interstate I565 heading towards Decatur Al from Huntsville Al. I was cruising at about 80 mph. All of a sudden my trucks transmission downshifted into first gear causing my back end to fish tail and the RPM's maxed out in the red and the engine lost all power. After that it would not start and I had it towed to the Ford Dealership. They did nothing and they charged me. They went ahead and took care of the recall then: because an intermittent loss of signal from the output shaft speed (OSS) sensor / internal lead frame can cause an unexpected downshift to first gear regardless of vehicle speed. Recall DetailsPrimary/Initial Recall: Campaign 24S37 (NHTSA 24V444) in June/July 2024, covering over 550,000 U.S. vehicles (approx. 668,000 globally).Follow-up / Re-repair Recall: Campaign 26S45 (NHTSA 26V378) issued mid-2026 for roughly 44,963 vehicles where the prior PCM software fix was improperly applied or missed.Affected Vehicles: Select 2014 Ford F-150 trucks built at Dearborn and Kansas City plants (built mid-2013 through late 2014) What Happens & Safety RiskSymptom: Sudden, unintended drop to first gear, potentially causing rear-wheel lock-up, skidding, or a sudden reduction in vehicle speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766196September 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and the MC was empty. No leaks could be found from lines or around the wheels Truck was towed to an independent shop where the diagnostic determined the master cylinder seal had failed and leaked brake fluid into the brake booster. I believe the Hitachi master cylinder failure is a known Ford defect. It has been recalled on the 3.5L model F150's but not the 2.7L and 5.0L models. My loss of brakes could have led to serious or fatal traffic incidence. The master cylinder is defective on all models of the years involving the recall of the 3.5L models. The recall should be extended before someone loses their life. Please look to extend the recall to include the other models of F150s.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766222September 22, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
Door simply will not open and power lock isn’t working either
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766228September 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
I believe whats happening is - The transmission is downshifting too early, and applying a significant and random amount of braking resistance. This braking goes off and on at random. It prevents the driver from braking in a controlled manner, as this random and unpredictable additional braking caused by - i think - the transmission is constantly changing. Therefore sometime my truck will randomly and suddenly slow down, then accelerate. As a driver, I am always trying to match the trucks random braking, and brake calmly. Its impossible to do. This has caused me to nearly rear end people at stop lights, Fly out of my lane and into oncoming traffic while turning, or other people nearly rear end me. It is hard to explain exactly whats happening, but imagine a second person stepping on and off the brakes, at random times, and trying to drive normally with this extra braking. Also, the E brake turns itself on at random times and will remain locked up and catches fire. Thats happened a few times The tailgate also doesnt latch properly and will come open while driving. I have had it at the dealer for service 4 seperate times, but since there are no codes, they have yet to fix anything. I refuse to drive it anymore
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766023September 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I am filing an emergency complaint against Ford Motor Company for failure to provide a safety recall remedy within a reasonable timeframe under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. My vehicle has an active safety recall (Recall 20S31) for a compromised brake master cylinder, making it entirely unsafe to operate. The vehicle is currently grounded and inoperable at my residence. Ford Corporate has kept the required repair parts on a national backorder for over 3 months. On August 18th, Ford Corporate sent me a formal written denial explicitly refusing to provide a rental vehicle or alternative transportation while my truck sits stranded. Ford is forcing me to choose between driving a vehicle with known catastrophic braking failure or having no transportation, actively violating federal recall compliance guidelines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766075September 22, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, there was a misfire in the engine, the vehicle hesitated and accelerated slowly while driving in gasoline mode and depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure mostly occurred while accelerating from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, where the failure was duplicated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the dealer associated the failure with the recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766076September 22, 2026
SUSPENSION
Driver side front coil spring cracked/collapsed NOTE: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2017-2018 FORD F-150
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766083September 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The top rail that holds the sliding rear window came unglued. It appears that the installer did not use primer on the plastic trim piece before applying the urethane. It is a well-known, common factory defect. This is a danger because an unsecured window can fly forward after applying the brakes or in a collision. It would also be a danger to someone sitting in the back seat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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