Ford F-150 Complaints (2023)

626 consumer complaints on file.

#11754155August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly lost the selected gear, its slipped, shifted violently, RPMs flared, unexpectedly downshifted from 5th to 1st. So I took it in and they said it was my torque converter going out, and that it wasn’t something that they were aware of being a problem. This occurred when accelerating, merging onto a highway, turning, or just when driving straight. 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 can cause strain and damage to other parts on the transmission as well. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754209August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts down violently from 10th to 8th gear, and rapidly jumping from 10th to 8th to 10th, causing harsh shifts. This occurred while driving on a highway or above 60mph. Just cruising and traveling. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754167August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission has suddenly lost propulsion, jerked, and hard down shifted impacting braking. This occurred while trying to merge onto freeways and making turns into lanes containing traffic, 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-circuits. I've also experienced similar issues with this transmission after warranty repairs had been completed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753728July 30, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I was practicing backing up while turning my new approximately 3,000 lb equipment trailer for safety & maneuvering skill purposes. There was no payload in my trailer that I was towing. While slowly maneuvering & turning my equipment trailer in reverse at 1–3 mph, our 2023 Ford F-150 XLT suffered a commanded, abrupt, unexpected sudden acceleration while in reverse, which was not via the gas pedal or my input. The trailer violently jackknifed, made a loud noise on impact to the truck resulting in damage to the truck bed’s right quarter panel at the rear, and a broken right tail light. It happened so fast I had to slam on the break hard, since the truck felt like it would keep backing into the jackknife position with powertrain seeming to struggle to overcome the break for a short instant. I believed at that instant that a mechanical or software or both malfunction caused this since this happened so fast and abruptly. Also to note, the parking break has often turned on or off automatically both during this incident and prior to, both while the vehicle was moving motionless. After looking at the damage, it first appeared to me to be less than a $1,000.00 repair bill, since only a small portion of the right rear corner of the fender was dented and the tail light broke. On Monday and Tuesday however I was surprised to learn after getting estimates that the damage is around $4,000 or more, since the entire quarter panel needs to be replaced - aluminum Quarter panels cannot be welded, and it’s is an 8 foot bed with a huge quarter panel and lots of painting required. I have learned Ford Motor Technical Service Bulletin’s TSB 24-2070 and TSB 24-2176, or possibly other TSB(s) could be the cause. No other vehicles were involved. I drove truck to Bill Brown Ford service department, Livonia, MI 7/29 for a diagnosis. I’m Referencing XXX report number XXX taken XXX on this situation, and [XXX]'s "Reccomended Service" write up # XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753479July 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle came in for service and the gear selector lever on the steering column was found to be loose. Upon further inspection it was found that the two phillips head screws that hold the gear selector lever to the column assembly had come loose and one had fallen out completely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752520July 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Since shortly after buying my F-150 truck, I have had an ongoing issue with the Brake problem notification light coming on. I have spoken to the local Ford Dealership about this issue several times and had no resolution. They told me they could do an inspection, but it would cost me over $500, and only if they found a warranty issue that they were responsible for would they reimburse me the cost of the inspection. They also said that if the notification light was not on when they did the inspection, they would be unlikely to find an issue even if one existed. The warning light can go days or weeks without appearing and can stay on anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or so. I have tried to get the truck to the dealership several times, but it always goes off before I can get there (the dealership is about 40 minutes drive from my house). I am concerned because the warning light comes on more often these days but I still can not get the truck to the dealership with the light on. As the issue appears to be increasing in frequency, I am getting more concerned. The first time this appeared was approximately August 2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752501July 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The torque converter inside my transmission on my 2023 f-150 “started coming apart” and has spread metal throughout my entire transmission and transmission cooler. There was no warning signs or lights that were shown to me other than when I noticed the problem which prompted me to immediately set up an appointment with my local ford dealer for a diagnosis and check up. It is a safety hazard because it can cause Sudden Gear Slippage & Power Loss: The torque converter may lose its ability to transfer power to the transmission, causing sudden drops in acceleration or unintended revving where the engine speeds up but the vehicle does not. This is extremely dangerous when trying to merge onto highways.Violent Shuddering: A faulty lockup clutch causes a harsh bucking sensation—often described as driving over a heavy rumble strip—usually between 35 and 70 mph. This can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.Severe Overheating: Slippage and failing parts generate massive amounts of excess friction and heat. This boiled transmission fluid can melt internal seals, leading to fluid leaks, permanent clutch damage, and a potential engine bay fire if the fluid hits hot engine components. It can also cause Unintended Stalling and the vehicle shut off at stop lights or when driving. The truck is only 3 years old with 70,000 miles which is just outside of the powertrain 65,000 mile warranty. It was investigated and diagnosed by Trilakes ford in Branson. It has since been brought up to ford for a goodwill warranty claim to see what they can do to help with the $13,682 repair cost estimate that was given to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752362July 23, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver's side headlamp has a significant amount of shadows within the beam. This is in both the low beam and high beam modes. The shadows are highly visible on the road, and create a significant distraction while driving. This distraction is made significantly worse by the vehicles adaptive headlight system, as the shadows move on the road then you turn the steering wheel. The causes the driver's eyes to focus on the moving shadows, rather than on the road ahead. Additionally, the shadows in the headlamp significantly reduce visibility on the driver's side of the car, making it far more difficult to see animals or debris in the road. The vehicle was purchased new and the issue has been prevalent since the very beginning. Ford customer service will not help. Ford dealers tell me that the see the issues, and it should be that way, but are unwilling to replace the headlamp assembly because the cannot determine the root case (code), and are fearful that Ford will just charge them back for the warrant repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751549July 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's tire was flat. The vehicle was driven to a nearby church parking lot. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an abnormal speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while making a right turn. The vehicle was driven to the residence and inspected. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side tire had been rubbing against the brake line bracket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 49,270.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749988July 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway and the right, rear window shattered and blew glass all over the inside of my truck (the cab). There was no incident, no stress cracks, etc. The window simply “exploded”. I drove to the nearest Ford Dealership, assuming it would be covered under my bumper to bumper warranty. After the dealership had my vehicle a full week, they informed me Ford would not pay. I told them to order the window and replace it as I needed my vehicle back. I ended up being without my truck for two weeks. I paid $591.60 and called Ford today, to ask for reimbursement. I was told they cannot do so as the warranty only covers “windshields” for 12 months. I reminded the agent that this is a rear passenger window to no avail. After a little research, I’ve found that hundreds of F-150 owners have had this occur. *My granddaughter could have been in that seat as it was the rear passenger seat! This is a dangerous issue. I am still cleaning up glass, I continue to find all over the cab.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749547July 10, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dealer identified Water intrusion into the rear wiring, harnesses is causing corrosion in the PIN connectors, which therefore leads to flickering tail lights which could be mis interpreted as braking or a turning. I also experienced random acceleration from slow speeds and a failure to decelerate. [XXX] 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
#11749360July 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
driving approximately 20 miles an hour, gently applying the brake as I was approaching a stoplight when the brake suddenly engaged forcefully causing the car to jerk to a stop unexpectedly. There was a warning across the dash that said " forward collision is not available" and that disappeared. A local dealership said this was an ABS issue and reprogrammed it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748873July 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle is a BEV with regenerative braking. At various times while driving, when the regenerative braking is engaged, the brake lights illuminate to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down. The problem is there is no indication inside the vehicle for the driver to know when the brake lights are on. This seems like a potential safety hazard. The driver can feel the effects of the regenerative braking and knows the vehicle is slowing but does not know when the slowing is enough to illuminate the brake lights.The driver's only option to ensure the brake lights are activated is to apply additional braking via the brake pedal but additional braking may not be the safest action to take in some situations. Depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions it would be safer for the driver to know when their brake lights are illuminated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748315July 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning ER Platinum Ford Case Number: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Failed: Battery overheated far beyond safety limits. No indication on dash. Safety: When it was finally checked, 3 sensors reported temps of 399, 419, and 419F. The service manager verified the temps. A photo of the diagnostic screen is available. These temps made a battery fire a significant possibility putting myself and others on the road around me in danger. The car is at the dealer in Hays, KS being looked at. There was no indication on the dashboard that there was any problem. According to information I have uncovered, these temperatures are over 3x the safety limits specified by FORD. 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
#11747158June 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The contact was concerned that the failure might occur while driving in an area where there was no phone service as the residence was in the countryside. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746384June 25, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hello, My range should be 320 mph on my F150 lightning. It is 226 fully charged was lower the last charge. This effects safety, time and money wheh traveling. I took it to the dealer and they said that there is nothing they can do. That I should run the range down to zero miles and that should reset the range. That didnt work. I have had several propulsion proplems. So many that I won a Lemon law suit. According to the NHTSA the range loss is tied to the systematic battery or drivetrain defect and ford refuses to honor my warranty and my extended warranty or address a potiential safety hazzard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745962June 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver's side rear light is full of moisture and some water. It is available for inspection. The Ford dealership in Beeville Texas Coastal Bend Ford inspected it already and informed me that it would cost $1,400 to replace and that it was only going to get worse. They also informed me that Ford allows a certain percentage of moisture and water to be in there safely. When you see the pictures this is definitely unacceptable and unsafe. This is causing the reverse lights to flicker intermittent. The moisture accumulation inside the lights can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lamp function. Inoperative reverse lamps may reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the driver's intention to operate the vehicle in reverse gear increasing the risk of injury or crash. I bought the vehicle from a Ford dealership in Austin Texas less than 10 days ago. I reported it to them and they stated it wouldn't be covered under warranty. The best assessment in my opinion of cause is going to be microcracks in the outer lens. Because my truck is a 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch, and there is a known recall for the same issue for 2022-2023 Lariat and Platinum models, so this can't be a coincidence. Refer NHTSA recall number 23V-418
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745190June 19, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally report a concern regarding excessive rear brake wear on my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. My vehicle currently has approximately 21,000 miles, and I have been informed that the rear brake pads and/or rotors require replacement significantly earlier than would be expected under normal driving conditions. Given that the F-150 Lightning utilizes regenerative braking technology, I expected brake component wear to be substantially reduced compared to conventional vehicles. Vehicle Information: Owner: [XXX] Model: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 21,000 miles Selling/Servicing Dealer: Shultz Ford Date of Purchase: December 2023 I am concerned that the level of rear brake wear may indicate a defect, design issue, or improper brake system operation. I respectfully request that Ford review this matter and determine whether this condition is covered under warranty, subject to a Technical Service Bulletin, or associated with any known issues affecting this model. Please advise what diagnostic steps Ford recommends and whether assistance with repair costs may be available. I would also appreciate information regarding any similar complaints, investigations, or known issues related to excessive rear brake wear on the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a timely resolution of this concern. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 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
#11745066June 18, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, VIN [XXX], 42,370 mi. The rear light bar has microcracks allowing moisture intrusion. Water droplets are visible inside the red lens across the tailgate and inside the white reverse lamp (photos attached, taken 5/30/2026). This is the warning condition named in recall 25SB6 (NHTSA 25V731) and predecessor 23S30 (NHTSA 23V418): water droplets in the lightbar outer lens, which can cause inoperative or flickering reverse lamps. On 6/15/2026 I took the truck to Koons Baltimore Ford, 6970 Security Blvd, Baltimore MD 21244, Advisor Rahim King, RO [XXX]. The dealer's own repair order Line B states: RECALL 25SB6 REVERSING LAMP INSPECTION, VERIFIED OPEN RECALL, at $0 warranty pay. After verifying the open recall on this VIN, the dealer still refused to replace the moisture-failed light bar under the recall. Instead, they have charged me $190 customer-pay to check and advise on water in the red bar and white reverse light, the identical defect the recall fixes for free. The dealer also tried to bill my third-party extended service plan and told me to file an auto insurance claim. All three are improper: a federal recall remedy must be provided free by the manufacturer (49 USC 30120), not charged to the customer, an insurer, or a service contract. SAFETY RISK: A truck backing up without working reverse lamps is more likely to strike a pedestrian or a child below the driver's sightline, since others are not alerted the vehicle is reversing. Reverse lamps are federally required. This failure can result in serious injury or death. REQUEST: Please document (1) the recurring light bar moisture and reverse-lamp defect, (2) the dealer's refusal to remedy a verified open recall free of charge, (3) the improper $190 diagnostic charge, and (4) attempts to shift recall cost to the customer, a service contract, and auto insurance. I can provide RO [XXX] and photos. 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
#11745047June 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today 6/18/2026 I was stopped at a stoplight and the engine cut off as if often does and when the light changed and I stepped on the gas instead of restarting the car went into park and remained off until I restarted the truck. This is similar to the safety issue built into the truck if stopped and the front door is opened the truck automatically goes into park. This is the second time it has happened in the past year- the truck being stopped at a light and the engine stops running and when I step on the gas instead of restarting it has gone into park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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