Owners report the transmission downshifting on its own at speed, sometimes straight into first gear, locking or skidding the rear wheels, getting stuck in gear or entering limp mode, often with the speedometer dropping to zero and a wrench warning light. Dealers and mechanics pointed to the transmission lead frame, output speed sensor, wiring harness or a valve body solenoid.

How common

77 of the 300 complaints we read (26%), roughly 548 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 118,500 miles (middle of 44 reports that give one)

Hard to fix

11 owners say a repair did not last or the dealer could not find the cause

Safety

Can affect control

Related recalls

Owners mention 19V075000, 16V248000, 12V190000, 11V128000. Check the VIN for it.

Before you buy: Ask whether the transmission lead frame and output speed sensor recall repair or powertrain control module reprogramming was done, and watch for sudden downshifts or a dead speedometer on the test drive.

• Transmission downshifted to first gear and then limited the truck to under 10 mph; the dealer said the lead frame recall program had expired. · filed Jun 2025
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side the road. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission molded lead frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 19N01, because the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11665060

• Transmission unexpectedly downshifts into first gear, causing loss of vehicle control, recurring on and off. · filed May 2025
  Read the owner's complaint

  Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear result in a loss of vehicle control happened on September 20, 2024 and continue on and off.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11660189

• Transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the odometer stopped working; the dealer said this VIN wasn't included in the related recall. · filed May 2025
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the odometer became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11659465

Owners report the EcoBoost engine stumbling, shaking, misfiring or losing power when accelerating hard to merge, pass or tow, often in wet or humid weather, sometimes with a flashing check engine light or limp mode. Repairs mentioned include coils, spark plugs, an intercooler deflector and software updates, which did not always fix it.

How common

55 of the 300 complaints we read (18%), roughly 392 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 40,000 miles (middle of 9 reports that give one)

Hard to fix

16 owners say a repair did not last or the dealer could not find the cause

Safety

Can affect control; 2 reports mention a crash; 1 report mentions an injury

Before you buy: Accelerate hard on the test drive, ideally in damp weather, and ask whether the intercooler deflector, software update or ignition coil repairs were done.

• Instrument panel went dark and the vehicle lost power mid-turn, causing a crash and rollover with severe injuries. · filed Feb 2025
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owned a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH and making a left turn, in the middle of the turn, the instrument panel turned off, and the vehicle jerked forward before losing automotive power. The contact was not able to clear the intersection in time and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled over onto the driver’s side. The contact was thrown halfway through the window while the vehicle was flipping over onto the side of the vehicle, and the contact lay underneath the vehicle. Soldiers arrived at the scene and lifted the vehicle to release the contact out of the driver-side door. The air bags had deployed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was unaware if a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained a crushed pelvis, six fractured ribs, and nerve damage. Medical attention was required for the injuries. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11643389

• Moisture buildup around the intercooler in humid weather gets drawn into the engine, causing misfires. · filed Jul 2023
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving for an extended period in humid weather, condensation would build up around the intercooler. The moisture around the intercooler then got sucked into engine combustion chamber resulting in engine misfire. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11534530

• Engine shakes and misfires with black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating at higher speed, and the problem continued after an ignition coil was replaced. · filed Jan 2018
  Read the owner's complaint

  WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND APPEARS TO MISFIRE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE AND BLACK SMOKE APPEARS FROM THE EXHAUST. THIS OCCURS MOSTLY WHILE TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED IN THE BEGINNING AND THE CODE REFERENCED A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE IGNITION COILS WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED WITHOUT ANY CODES APPEARING.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11061414

Owners report the electric power steering suddenly losing assist, stiffening, binding or locking up, making the wheel very hard to turn, sometimes with a loud noise, a steering fault message or the wheel not returning to center. Dealers diagnosed the electric power steering assist or its module.

How common

37 of the 300 complaints we read (12%), roughly 264 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 63,000 miles (middle of 17 reports that give one)

Hard to fix

3 owners say a repair did not last or the dealer could not find the cause

Safety

Can affect control

Before you buy: Turn the wheel lock to lock when parked and at low speed, and watch for a power steering fault message, stiffness or sticking on the test drive.

• Electric power steering suddenly stopped working with no warning while backing out of a parking spot. · filed Jul 2023
  Read the owner's complaint

  Electric power steering stopped working with no warning. One second it was working, the next second nothing. Happened backing out of a parking spot or it could have caused a serious if not fatal accident.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11532557

• Electric power steering assist failed intermittently, sometimes recurring while driving after a restart temporarily fixed it. · filed Feb 2023
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Auto Trak" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. However, the failure reoccurred inadvertently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11506247

• Power steering assist failed at highway speed with warning lights on, requiring extra effort to steer to the shoulder. · filed May 2022
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the “Steering Assist Fault” and “Advance Traction Fault” warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the automatic feature of the turn signals became inoperative. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road by using extra effort to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact then drove to his workplace and parked the vehicle. However, the failure reoccurred upon restarting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was associated with an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11465516

Owners report the rear window suddenly shattering or cracking with a loud pop, often minutes after the rear defroster was turned on.

How common

24 of the 300 complaints we read (8%), roughly 171 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 74,000 miles (middle of 6 reports that give one)

Safety

Injury risk

Before you buy: Inspect the rear glass for cracks and ask whether the rear window has been replaced.

• Rear windshield glass developed a crack with no impact to explain it. · filed May 2023
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that there was a crack on the passenger's side rear windshield. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 89,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11521383

• Rear window shattered with a loud bang while driving, which the owner traced to a rear defroster malfunction reported in many other trucks. · filed Mar 2022
  Read the owner's complaint

  I was driving about 8-0 mph when I heard a loud bang! Thought someone had crash my Truck but only to find out My rear window shattered! Doing my research I found out it was from the rear defrost malfunction that cause it! On top of that O read over 100 complaints on the same thing!! I also been having problems with my truck since I got it! Landers South I’m SOUTHAVEN MS on Goodman Rd! They have had my truck more then a then Five times since I purchased the Truck and I was told it was a Good truck and have been fully inspected!!! Which later I found out it was only had a safety check which also was false! Please Help!!!

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11456852

• Rear passenger window shattered while driving after turning on the rear defroster, which no longer illuminates its indicator light. · filed Oct 2020
  Read the owner's complaint

  TURNED THE BACK WINDOW DEFROST ON SINCE BACK WINDOW AND MIRRORS WERE ICED OVER. WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN THE BACK PASSENGER WINDOW SHATTERED. HAVE TONNEAU COVER ON BOX AND NO OTHER CARS AROUND. REAR DEFROST LIGHT INDICATOR NOW DOESN'T TURN ON.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11364771

Owners report hard brake pedals, no power assist or a pedal sinking to the floor, often right after starting the truck or on cold mornings, leading to near misses. Dealers found failed brake vacuum pumps, sometimes failing again after replacement.

How common

23 of the 300 complaints we read (8%), roughly 164 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 40,000 miles (middle of 7 reports that give one)

Owner cost

$600 (middle of 3 owners who gave a price)

Hard to fix

9 owners say a repair did not last or the dealer could not find the cause

Safety

Can affect control; 1 report mentions a crash

Before you buy: Ask whether the brake vacuum pump has been replaced under recall, and test the brakes right after a cold start.

• Vacuum pump previously replaced under recall has failed again, and the truck is behaving erratically. · filed Feb 2024
  Read the owner's complaint

  The vacuum pump recall was replaced in 2016 and it’s bad again. I have the emissions warranty with ford I am 6 owner the other 5 owners were resale so I get the one time lifetime emission warranty. the truck is doing all kinds of crazy stuff

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11570009

• Brake pedal would not depress properly when starting the truck, with the brake system and ABS warning lights on; the manufacturer said it could not help because a recall had expired. · filed Nov 2021
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal failed to depress as needed. The contact stated that the check braking system and ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The contact stated that he was informed that an unknown recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11438919

• Brake pedal sinks to the floor and must be pumped to slow the truck, along with transmission jerking and other issues; owner says two dealerships have refused to complete required recall repairs for years. · filed Oct 2019
  Read the owner's complaint

  IN 2016 I WENT TO GET RECALL REPAIRED FROM FRANKLIN TN DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM, THEY REFUSED, IN 2019, THEY CLAIM THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FORD, ONLINE IN EMAILS TO ANOTHER DEALER, I HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD WHEN TO BRING TRUCK IN TO GET ALL RECALLS REPAIRED. BOTH DEALERSHIPS ARE IN TN. WHEN IN FIRST GEAR, THE TRUCK WILL JERK BACK DOWN AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO GO TO 2ND GEAR WITHOUT PRESSING HARD ON GAS, LOUD FAN NOISE FROM THE HOOD, BREAKS GO TO THE FLOOR AND I HAVE TO PUMP TO FEEL TRUCK SLOWING DOWN, AIR AND HEAT CONTINUE TO NOT WORK, AIR WON'T GET COOL AND HEAT WON'T GET HOT, BOTH DEALERSHIPS HAVE REFUSED TO REPAIR OR BLAMED FORD FOR NOT GIVING THEM WHAT THEY NEEDED TO FIX THE RECALLS. I AM DOCUMENTING SO MY FAMILY WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THIS TO ATTORNEY. THE DOWN SHIFT HAPPENS WHEN THE TRUCK IS IN DRIVE MOVING ON ANY AND EVERY STREET, PARKING LOT, STOP LIGHT/SIGN. THE LOUD FAN NOISE FROM THE ENGINE ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE TRUCK IS STARTED, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE FLOOR FOR 8 YEARS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY/NIGHT WHEN DRIVING.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11269260

Owners report trouble shifting into or out of reverse, reverse lights and the backup camera not working, a blank gear display, and the truck lunging or moving in the wrong gear. Some tie it to a faulty transmission range sensor or range selector.

How common

11 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 78 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 130,000 miles (middle of 9 reports that give one)

Safety

Can affect control

Related recalls

Owners mention 12V190000, 16V248000. Check the VIN for it.

Before you buy: On a test drive, shift into reverse and check that the gear display, reverse lights and backup camera all work and the truck engages gear smoothly.

• Gear selector display failure caused the truck to be in reverse instead of drive, backing into a garage door. · filed Apr 2022
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact was parked in the residence driveway and had moved the shift lever into "drive" and depressed the accelerator pedal to begin to move forward down the driveway. The contact stated that the vehicle was in "reverse" and not in "drive" and the vehicle backed into the garage door at approximately 2 MPH, hitting the door with the trailer hitch. The contact stated that the "PRNDL" illumination on the dashboard was not functioning and he observed that the "check engine" was also illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer and it was diagnosed that the "Lead Frame" and the "Transmission Range Selector" needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V190000 (Power Train, Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11462267

• Truck took about five seconds to respond when shifting into reverse and moved on its own, requiring the brake to stop it; dealer found the transmission range sensor had failed. · filed Dec 2018
  Read the owner's complaint

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY SHIFT INTO REVERSE. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN TIMES IN TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS & WYNNE FORD, HONDA, LINCOLN (2655 TRENTON RD, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V190000 (POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-16590270. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11160720

• Truck had difficulty shifting into reverse and the reverse position indicator failed to show; owner says the manufacturer told him to complain to NHTSA to get the VIN added to a recall. · filed Jun 2018
  Read the owner's complaint

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTLY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO INDICATE THAT IT WAS IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS STATED THAT IT COULD POTENTIALLY BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V190000 (POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). APPLE FORD OF LYNCHBURG (2113 LAKESIDE DR., LYNCHBURG, VA) WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO COMPLAIN TO NHTSA ABOUT GETTING THE VIN ADDED TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11103360

Owners report loud popping or squeaking on sharp turns, stability warnings, loose steering and uneven tire wear, with dealers finding a failed or worn steering gear or rack and pinion.

How common

8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 57 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 19,500 miles (middle of 3 reports that give one)

Safety

Can affect control

Before you buy: Listen for popping or squeaking on sharp turns and ask whether the steering gear or rack and pinion has been replaced.

• Tires wear unevenly on the outer edges even after an alignment; a shop found the rack and pinion bolt was worn out and could not be replaced without the whole steering assembly. · filed Oct 2018
  Read the owner's complaint

  WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED MY TIRES WEARING ON THE OUTSIDES AFTER GETTING AN ALIGNMENT DONE IT STILL CONTINUES. AFTER TAKING IT TO A SHOP AND THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM, THE NOTED THAT THE RACK AND PINION BOLT WAS WORN OUT AND THEY CAN'T REPLACE IT WITHOUT REPLACING THE WHOLE STEERING ASSEMBLY

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11133316

• Steering locks up while turning either direction on any road; an identical truck needed the rack and pinion replaced for the same issue. · filed Dec 2016
  Read the owner's complaint

  STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE IN MOTION ON ANY ROAD SURFACE. SAME PROBLEM WE HAD WITH OUR OTHER TRUCK THAT IS A ONE SERIAL NUMBER OFF. WITH THAT TRUCK THE DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK HAD 15000 MILE. THIS TRUCK HAVING PROBLEM NOW HAS 19,500 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK WITH THE PROBLEM NOW IS CONSTANTLY HAVING THE STEERING LOCKING UP AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW. *TR

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10936474

• Power steering and turn signals failed together after an oil change; dealer found the steering rack and pinion had failed. · filed Oct 2016
  Read the owner's complaint

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. AFTER LEAVING AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE ADVANCE TRACK SERVICE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING AND TURN SIGNALS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V316000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10914795

Owners report the truck failing to start, and rear tail lights, brake lights and turn signals not working, with a failed body control module found in some cases.

How common

4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 28 of all 2,137 on file

Typical mileage

around 71,234 miles (middle of 3 reports that give one)

Safety

Reduced safety margin

Related recalls

Owners mention 11V128000. Check the VIN for it.

Before you buy: Check all rear lights and turn signals and ask whether the body control module has been replaced.

• Body control module failure caused rear brake and turn signal lights to stay on and the key to fail to program. · filed Apr 2024
  Read the owner's complaint

  The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rear driver’s side turn signal and brake lights were inadvertently illuminated and the key failed to program. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer refused to look at the vehicle since it was not included in a recall. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with body control module (BCM) failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V128000 (Electrical System) however, this VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11586140

• Rear turn signal and brake light do not work and a front turn signal flashes rapidly, despite bulbs and fuses checking out fine, preventing the truck from passing inspection. · filed Mar 2021
  Read the owner's complaint

  THE RR TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE RR BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE RF TURN SIGNAL FLASHES FAST. THE RF RUNNING LIGHT DOES NOT STAY LIT WHEN USING THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CHECKED ALL BULBS, THAT ARE FINE, FUSES FINE. I SHOULD NOTE, TILL IT IS FIXED I CAN'T GET IT INSPECTED, AND THEREFORE CAN'T GET IT REGISTERED.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11403339

• Rear tail light and turn signal stopped working due to a failed body control module, and the truck has not been repaired. · filed Sep 2019
  Read the owner's complaint

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULLINAX FORD OF MOBILE (7311 AIRPORT BLVD, MOBILE, AL 36608, (251) 344-4000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PROVIDED THE SAME DIAGNOSIS AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,234.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #11258973

Owners report the vacuum brake booster failing or leaking, leaving a hard pedal with no assist and the truck unable to stop.

How common

4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 28 of all 2,137 on file

Hard to fix

2 owners say a repair did not last or the dealer could not find the cause

Safety

Can affect control

Before you buy: Ask whether the brake booster has been replaced and check for a hard brake pedal on the test drive.

• Right after starting, the brake pedal is mushy with no brakes in reverse and ABS activating in drive; a replaced vacuum booster did not fix it. · filed Aug 2015
  Read the owner's complaint

  THE BRAKES ON OUR TRUCK HAVE STARTED TO FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED. IT USED TO BE LESS FREQUENT AND ONLY AFTER SITTING OVER NIGHT BUT HAS INCREASED IN OCCURRENCE AND IS NOW OCCURRING EACH TIME YOU START THE VEHICLE. IF YOU PUT THE TRUCK IN DRIVE, THERE IS A MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN. IN REVERSE, THE PEDAL IS MUSHY AND THERE ARE NO BRAKES. ONCE THE TRUCK HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES AND YOU HAVE PUMPED THE BRAKE, THE BRAKES SEEM TO WORK OKAY. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS REPLACED THE VACUUM BOOSTER BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND MORE FREQUENTLY, IT IS WORRIES ONE THAT IT MAY HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING. WE TRAILER A LOT AND WE LIVE ON A VERY STEEP GRADED ROAD.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10747842

• After being parked overnight, the truck had no brakes for several minutes until pumped repeatedly; dealer replaced the leaking brake booster at owner's expense. · filed Jun 2015
  Read the owner's complaint

  AFTER THE TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR A WEEK, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE IT. THERE WERE NO BRAKES FOR ABOUT 3-4 MINUTES. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE BRAKES WOULD BE INADEQUATE UNTIL THEY HAD BEEN DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER THAT, THEY WOULD BE FINE UNTIL IT WAS PARKED FOR MORE THAN A FEW HOURS. ON JUNE 3, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOKED AT. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD A LEAK, AND THEY PROCEEDED TO REPLACE THE BOOSTER AT MY EXPENSE. THEY ARE NOW OPERATING TO MY SATISFACTION.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10730951

• Brake booster leaked and gave no assist right after starting until vacuum built up, at times leaving the truck unable to stop from moving. · filed Jan 2015
  Read the owner's complaint

  BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN A 2 YEAR SPAN. THE LAST TIME WITHIN 3 MONTHS. VACUUM BOOSTER LEAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT RUNNING. WHEN STARTED AND PUT INTO GEAR THE BRAKES WILL NOT WORK UNTIL IT THE SYSTEM CAN GAIN VACUUM, APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 30 SECONDS. IF VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR YOU CANNOT STOP IT FROM MOVING. IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO GET INTO SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE VACUUM BOOSTER HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS SUMMER (2014) FORD HAD 1200 OF THE BOOSTERS ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE NUMBER THAT WERE FAILING IN THE F150'S. MY VEHICLE COULD NOT BE FIXED FOR 6 WEEKS WHILE THE DEALER WAITED FOR THE PART. IF THE ISSUE IS IGNORED THE BOOSTER WILL HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE CAUSING BRAKE SYSTEM TO STOP WORKING AND A POTENTIAL FOR A ACCIDENT. *TR

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10678844

Owners report grinding or abnormal noise on cold starts, a check engine light, power loss and limp mode from a stretched or failed timing chain.

How common

4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 28 of all 2,137 on file

Safety

Safety impact unclear

Before you buy: Listen for rattling or grinding at a cold start and ask whether the timing chain has been replaced.

• Timing chain failed again causing engine power loss and limp mode; owner says Ford will only fix it if he pays out of pocket. · filed Apr 2017
  Read the owner's complaint

  FORD F150 2011 ECOBOOST ENGINE. IN 2015, TRUCK STARTED TO LOOSE POWER GOING UP HILLS OR CARRYING A LOAD IN TRUCK BED. THEN THE TRUCK WENT INTO LIMP MODE ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. SO IN JANUARY 2015, FORD REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AT 60,000 MILES. NOW TWO YEARS LATER AND 40K MILES SINCE - TRUCK IS HAVING TIMING CHAIN ERRORS AGAIN. ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT AND CODES SET SAYING TIMING CHAIN ERRORS. SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE. FORD SAYS TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I PAY.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10981007

• Timing chain makes a loud grinding noise on cold starts and is known to stretch and eventually break, per a Ford service bulletin. · filed Apr 2017
  Read the owner's complaint

  PRIMARY TIMING CHAIN WEAR. ACCORDING TO TSB. 15-0044,THE STRUCTURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN IS INFERIOR TO THE POINT IT STRETCHES. IF IT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL BE COMPROMISED AND A FULL RE-HAUL OF ENGINES INTERIOR WILL BE NEEDED. A LOUD GRINDING NOISE IS ALWAYS HEARD UPON STARTUP IN A "COLD" START UP.SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON LINE CONCERING FORD'S BELOW STANDARD OF MATERIAL / COST OF ANY REPAIRS. ALSO MENTIONED IS AFTER REPAIRS ARE DONE, SAME TROUBLE RETURNS IN SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER REPAIRS. UNKNOWN THE AFFECT THE TIMING CHAIN WILL HAVE ON VEHICLE IF IT BREAKS IN TRANSIT. NOTE: AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, THE ISSUE HAS STARTED AS SOON AS VEHICLE PURCHASED REACHES "OUT OF WARRANTY" MILEAGE STATUS.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10979619

• Timing chain stretched, causing an engine malfunction. · filed Mar 2017
  Read the owner's complaint

  TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED, ENGINE MALFUNCTION.

  NHTSA complaint ODI #10965737