Owners filed 2,188 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
07053170,531 milesMedian miles at failure
1,814 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train
639
5
0
3
Engine
395
5
1
2
Steering
362
3
1
3
Service Brakes
155
12
1
6
Electrical System
155
5
7
5
Vehicle Speed Control
78
4
0
0
Visibility/Wiper
67
0
1
0
Unknown or Other
66
0
1
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
38
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
25
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)19V075000
Filed Feb 11, 20191,263,051 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission16V248000
Filed Apr 27, 2016153,581 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights12V190000
Filed May 3, 201210,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission11V582000
Filed Dec 8, 201116,091 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Risk. THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical System › Software11V128000
Filed Feb 24, 20118,022 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Risk. IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Structure › Body10V659000
Filed Dec 29, 201014,737 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Risk. IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2026351,072 milesGA
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted from sixth gear into second gear. In addition, several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 351,072.
Power Train
Filed Aug 24, 2026110,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with leadframe sensor failure. The contact was informed that the leadframe sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2026150,000 milesSC
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the WRENCH icon was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure was self-corrected, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2026218,000 milesKY
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that smoke was covering the roadway. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, there was oil leaking around the manifold. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving to the dealer for a scheduled recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 2026159,599 milesOH
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. While driving 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that while in third gear, the vehicle shifted to fourth gear unexpectedly. The transmission failed to shift above fifth gear. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. After turning off the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the wrench symbol was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the sensor. The transmission sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure persisted over time. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2017 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The manufacturer declined to provide any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 159,599.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2026TX
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel intermittently went blank. The contact used an OBD machine to retrieve a fault code related to the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor. The contact was informed that the OSS sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026300,000 milesKS
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into low gear, and the rear wheels locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost traction and slid uncontrollably before coming to a stop on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer required that the owner pay out-of-pocket for the rear differential replacement, even though the rear differential failure was directly associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000.
Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026CO
Transmission software safety recall was identified due and performed by Phil Long Ford Pro team. Following the software update they vehicle 2011 F150 Raptor [XXX] developed shifting issues 4th-5th gear and 5th-6th gear shifting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 2026120,000 milesMO
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his fiancé was stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated violently after depressing the accelerator pedal, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed through a yard, into a road sign, before crashing into the rear of a parked vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The driver sustained whiplash and soreness in various parts of the body but had not sought medical attention. A Police report was filed. The road sign was damaged. The driver coasted the vehicle back to the residence before the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. A diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure or duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 8, 2026MO
Made a complete stop and vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and could not stop.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 8, 2026TN
While driving at highway speed my f150 justdown shited to third gear after stoopping it wouldn't take off.Ihad to shut engine off to get back to first gear .
Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 9, 2026MD
I am having a lead frame issue. At various speeds, the vehicle will just down shift, locking the tires and causing a hazard for other drivers which could be a very dangerous situation. I was impacted from the rear due to this occurrence. It causes extreme jerkiness when doing this which is also injurious to my back and neck and shoulders.
Electrical System
Filed May 16, 2026MI
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “We lost power while driving, along with a weird downshift today, 5/16/2026. This is happen one other time, however not as bad.” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? “It could have been way worse, lucky there was a left turn lane that avoided us being rear ended by the vehicle behind us.” Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “Not for this time, but it will be going in first thing Monday. We did have it looked at back in April when it did a weird downshift while driving, but they couldn’t find an issue then.” Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? “No, but it will be after this incident.” Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? “No warning lights, just loss of power and an intense downshift. The first time the downshift thing happened was back in April, but nothing more. We had a mechanic look at it, but nothing happened for him then.”
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 11, 2026CA
I contacted ford about my molded lead frame because my truck has a issue with the transmission and they denied my coverage to repair the problem and it’s is expired so the won’t fix the issue.
Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2026MI
My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immediate risk to me and others! Causing a fatal high-speed rollover or a multi-vehicle collision due to this malfunction! This was a recall 19S07 for my year of truck but my Vin was somehow was not on the list which I guess makes me not qualified unless I get into a crash and then have a lawsuit.
Power Train
Filed May 11, 2026MO
I've sent earlier not sure if it went through transmission dropingvout of gear at any time putting my. Life in danger, and family, hope I don't end up needing a lawyer if a major fatality happens
Power Train
Filed Apr 26, 2026WV
When taking off the vehicle will shift into 5th gear trying to take off then hard shift down to 1st then up to 3rd and violently jerk forward. When pressing the brake pedal at a stop light it will jerk forward. When going uphill the vehicle will struggle in 5th gear and then downshift to 4th and loose power and gain power and doesn’t move unless at high rpm’s ( 3000-4000). When on the interstate it will start to move and then loose power then gain power over and over. It will be moving fine then but when taking off it will be stuck in 1st gear and refusing to shift which will then cause dangerous situations with going through intersections
Power Train
Filed Apr 22, 2026TN
I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety failure on my Ford F-150 that persists after having the recommended recall service (19S07) performed. While traveling at highway speeds, my vehicle experienced an uncommanded downshift from 6th gear to 1st gear. This caused an immediate and violent deceleration, nearly resulting in a high-speed rear-end collision. This exact failure is the core safety issue addressed by Ford's powertrain control module (PCM) recall, yet the "fix" provided has failed to protect the vehicle from this life-threatening defect. I took the truck to Bolivar Ford in Tennessee for resolution. However, the dealership refused to perform any further repairs under the recall. They stated that because of my current mileage, the recall coverage has "expired." Furthermore, they diagnosed the issue as a faulty lead frame sensor—the very component linked to these downshift events—and quoted me $2,500 just to begin the repair process. A safety recall is intended to permanently rectify a defect that poses a risk to life and limb. The fact that the vehicle is still performing this dangerous maneuver after the recall was "accomplished" suggests the initial remedy was insufficient or the underlying hardware remains defective. I am requesting that Ford Motor Company intervene to ensure this vehicle is repaired at no cost to me. Given the severity of the safety risk, I do not believe mileage should disqualify a customer from having a documented, lethal defect correct
Power Train
Filed Apr 21, 2026150,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from second gear to first gear. The contact almost lost control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated during the failure; however, an unknown warning light illuminated several days later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown recall repair for the computer was performed but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the vehicle remained with the dealer for several days. The dealer informed the contact that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power Train
Filed Apr 21, 2026TX
I was driving 70mph and my truck went from sixth gear down to first gear. I almost wrecked. The odometer went to zero and a little wrench showed up on the dash. I had to pull over and turn off the vehicle.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 11, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.