Ford F-150 Complaints
39,812 consumer complaints on file.
- #11695586October 25, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I took my 2017 Ford F150 XLT super cab 4 x 4 into Matthews-Currie Ford dealership. It was diagnosed unsafe to drive. They replaced the transmission & driveshaft. The truck still was not functioning correctly. Took it back into the same dealership where they determine the engine was also bad. They ordered a junkyard engine that leaked all of the oil due to a loose or faulty oil pan plug. & had the truck in their possession for well over two months. The truck still does not operate correctly & they are refusing to stand behind their work. No warning lights. No indications of problem other than how it drove. There is no cooperation from another dealership due to this one working on it prior. I pay for an extended warranty that nobody wants to honor due to the fact that this dealership has worked on it and they don’t want to get involved after having all of this work done by somebody else. My safety was put at risk due to the fact that the driveshaft & transmission & engine were all failing at the same time & the dealership proved that by not letting me leave with my vehicle. Once they diagnose the issue. They said it was on roadworthy. This put me in a position of having to rent vehicles out of my own pocket & be reimbursed 50% of the cost of rental. They had the truck returned to them due to problems. They did not diagnose when I asked them to do a full diagnosis of the vehicle when I noticed it had an immediate problem one day into owning it. This worries me because not only do they want to not honor their work. They have caused additional electrical problems to the radio. & the air conditioner not cooling as it did before they replaced the engine. They stated maybe I should try to buy a more extensive Extended Warranty & they would consider fixing it. They treated me very unprofessionally & could not give a descriptive explanation of where they got the replacement used engine who rebuilt the transmission & why the electronics & air conditioner failed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695552October 25, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view camera intermittently failed to display image when truck arrived to dealer from manufacturer in Jun 2025 before purchase. Problem confirmed by dealer. Camera replaced by dealer but problem persisted within weeks of purchase. Rear view camera displayed distorted (inverted/reversed) images, flickered on/off, then finally completely failed again. Images/video of camera failing captured and provided to dealer who was able to reproduce problem but has been unable to fix problem over past 4 months due to a reportedly backordered part (coaxial cable). Lack of rear view camera reduces rear visibility when in reverse increasing risk of collision and increases risk of injury to pedestrians, particularly small children. Problems sound identical to those described in media reporting for multiple other Ford recalls on back-up cameras for other models and model years of the F150 raising suspicion that recall may need to be expanded to 2025 F150s
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695375October 24, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was intermittently distorted while reversing. A message to call the dealer was displayed. Two unknown dealers were contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695385October 24, 2025POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced erratic and unexpected transmission shifting and a loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be repaired or possibly replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was repaired under an Emissions recall. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 125,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695407October 24, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Backup camera doesn't work. Ford keeps recalling backup camera all of the time, but mine still isn't included by the recalls. Why would mine not be included?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695467October 24, 2025VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Transmission shifted into 1st gear while doing 65 mph on the freeway. The rear tires locked up as a result and the truck spun out in front of on coming traffic putting myself and my 6 month old nephew in a life threatening situation. This is not okay. I was told the most recent recall done on this vehicle was done to not allow this to happen. This issue has been an on going problem with these trucks and Ford has still yet to rectify the problem. This can cause serious bodily harm to myself and others around these vehicles. I feel Ford needs to do something about this issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695507October 24, 2025EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NHTSA Safety Defect Report – 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Tailgate Light Bar Condensation My 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has moisture and condensation building up inside the rear tailgate light bar. It looks exactly like the issue described in Ford recall 23S30, also known as NHTSA recall 23V-418. Even though my VIN is not included in that recall, my truck is showing the same symptoms. The condensation collects behind the lens, especially around the reverse light section, and becomes worse after it rains or after I wash the truck. Lately, I’ve noticed the reverse lights flicker at times, which makes me think the moisture is getting into the electrical components. If the reverse lights go out or stop working properly, it becomes a safety concern because other drivers and pedestrians may not see that I’m backing up. This could easily cause an accident, especially at night or in parking lots. I brought the truck to a Ford dealer and was told that my VIN isn’t part of the recall and that I’m just outside of the 36,000-mile warranty. The truck currently has around 37,000 miles. They said they couldn’t replace the light bar unless Ford adds my VIN to the recall. The issue clearly matches the same defect Ford already acknowledged, which involves moisture getting into the tailgate light bar due to cracks or poor sealing. I believe Ford’s recall should be expanded to include more 2023 model trucks like mine that are having the same problem. It’s not an isolated case, and I’ve seen other owners reporting identical issues online with newer builds. Since this involves lighting that affects safety when reversing, it should be handled even if the truck is just outside warranty coverage. I can provide photos and a short video showing the condensation inside the light bar and the flickering reverse lights if needed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695493October 24, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who had started the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be completed due to the 12-Volt battery only being at 42 percent charge. The contact was informed that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that recently, the display screen turned blue when he shifted into reverse (R). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695409October 24, 2025POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle into the dealer for regular service, the contact was informed that the rear axle hub was fractured. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 32,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695186October 23, 2025POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fourth gear to first gear. The contact stated that the air bags and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. In addition, the air bags and the check engine warning lights were no longer illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed lead frame. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 227,588.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695222October 23, 2025LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to open the front driver’s side door, the power door lock actuator failed. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20M04 (Power Door Lock Actuator Failure); however, the VIN was not included in the CSP. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695225October 23, 2025POWER TRAIN
The transmission progressively became worse--skipping gears, lurching, clanking, hesitating and losing power. It became unsafe to drive. A complete rebuild of the transmission we required. There is a defect int he transmission that allows bushing/rings to move around.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695280October 23, 2025POWER TRAIN
My 10R80 transmission in my F-150 as an absolute mess. Brand new, less than 16k miles. Hard shifting up and down, shift delays, & clunks. The shift delay between gear 1-3 (it likes to skip gear 2) is downright dangerous. Leaving my parking garage at work, while actively slowing down, the truck decides to shift (very much delayed) from gear 1-3, propelling my truck forward and almost striking my parking garage gate. The transmission behavior on this truck is both unacceptable and dangerous. Imagine a city/pedestrian scenario. I took it to the dealer, was told "they could not replicate" and they sent me home with no solution. They said there were no error codes. I was told they "reflashed the transmission." There has been no observable improvement. Ford knows this transmission is an absolute mess and refuses to do right by the customer. They answer only to their real customer, the board of directors.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11694950October 22, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rearview camera was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,005.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11694957October 22, 2025POWER TRAIN
Transmission had been shifting erratically & wrench appeared on dash. Had truck towed to dealership & was told lead frame was bad. Replaced for $2054. After one day wrench appeared on dash. Took back to dealership and was told clutch pack exploded & required new transmission. Mileage 120,308.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11694978October 22, 2025ENGINE
Complaint Summary (What Happened): The cam phasers (variable camshaft timing system) failed on my 2017 Ford F-150 4x4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This is a widely known issue on these engines. The failure causes a loud rattling/knocking sound during startup and can lead to engine timing problems or internal damage. My truck only has 108,000 miles, has been well maintained, and is just outside of the extended warranty coverage Ford issued for this exact issue. Safety Risk: The cam phaser failure causes erratic engine timing, which can lead to power loss or stalling during operation. This creates a safety hazard while merging, towing, or driving at highway speeds. The loud knocking sound and hesitation also distract the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and acceleration when needed for safety. Problem Confirmation: Yes, the problem was confirmed by a Ford dealership. They diagnosed cam phaser failure and quoted approximately $6,300 for the repair. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership service department. Ford Motor Company was contacted but declined to assist financially since the issue occurred just after the extended warranty expired. Warning Signs: No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The first symptom was a loud rattling/knocking noise on cold start, which worsened over time. The issue started around 85,000 miles. The check engine light just came on at 108,000 miles. Availability for Inspection: The failed components remain installed on the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. However, I am looking to get this fixed as soon as possible.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11694984October 22, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blue screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,776.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695038October 22, 2025POWER TRAIN
vehicle going downhill at about 65 mph shifted to lower gear and warning light (wrench image) comes on dash. truck would not accelerate going up next hill for several seconds and then warning light went off and operation/acceleration resumed and secondary light also cleared This had occurred on another occasion but second warning light stayed on. Service station checked code and indicated that the code was for a sensor in the transmission which they cleared. Have had several instances of intermittent warning light and loss of acceleration which have cleared after several seconds or when I pulled off road and put it in Park and then back in Drive
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695101October 22, 2025POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shifted hard into gear. The contact also stated that the gear shift indicator displayed the incorrect gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11695106October 22, 2025POWER TRAIN
Shifts from 6th to 5th gear without warning. Cruise control is deactivated and can’t shift lower than 3rd gear. Sometimes will only stay in 5th gear. Possible faulty output shaft speed sensor.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0