Complaints about the 2015 Ford F-150 peaked in 2019, with 238 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 31, 2015 to Sep 30, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-237 | Apr 14, 2026 | Loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into… | Powertrain | 1,392,935 | Software update |
| 21E-027 | Apr 12, 2021 | Ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of… | Suspension | 2,394 | Part replacement |
| 20V-332 | Jun 8, 2020 | Brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster | Brakes | 292,311 | Part replacement |
| 20V-098 | Feb 21, 2020 | Incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable | Engine and cooling | 13,854 | Part replacement |
| 19V-278 | Apr 8, 2019 | During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged | Engine and cooling | 131,068 | Part replacement |
| 18V-894 | Dec 18, 2018 | Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage | Engine and cooling | 410,289 | Part replacement |
| 18V-568 | Aug 31, 2018 | If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the… | Seat belts | 1,619,112 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-652 | Oct 16, 2017 | Doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch | Latches and locks | 1,101,107 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-526 | Aug 28, 2017 | Left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket | Seat belts | 117,423 | Part replacement |
| 17V-331 | May 22, 2017 | These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision | Latches and locks | 14,410 | Refund or buyback |
| 15V-867 | Dec 22, 2015 | Affected vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped | Seat belts | 2,590 | Part replacement |
| 15V-614 | Sep 30, 2015 | While using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle may falsely detect an obstacle in its path and may unexpectedly apply the brakes | Driver assistance | 33,481 | Software update |
| 15V-279 | May 12, 2015 | Affected vehicles may have been built with a steering upper intermediate shaft that was improperly riveted | Steering | 8,963 | Part replacement |
| 15V-251 | Apr 28, 2015 | Affected vehicles may have loose or missing underbody heat shields | Structure | 73 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1,720 complaints on file, page 1 of 86.
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint 11768071The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair appointment was cancelled because the manufacturer had cancelled the recall.
NHTSA complaint 11768011Had recall 26S28 PCM reprogram done. After recall, check engine light on with code P0721, truck went into limp mode with wrench light after the gear quickly shifted down from a high gear. Dealer will not replace lead frame.
NHTSA complaint 11767921The contact's husband owns a 2015 Ford F-150. While the owner was driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake warning light became displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The driver was forced to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. Despite the failure, the driver was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and used another vehicle to purchase brake fluid for the vehicle. After refilling brake fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty after test driving the vehicle. The owner attempted to move the vehicle out of the driveway; however, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact then discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and associated the failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the recall; however, the contact was informed that the part for the repair was on backorder and would not be available for almost two months. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint 11767382Just over a month ago, I had my local dealership's mobile service come to perform the covered warranty reset on the powertrain module. Last week, while driving apx 40mph, vehicle went into what I now know was "limp mode" 3 times within a few minute span -- felt like vehicle shifted into neutral, wrench light came on, but did not stay on for more than a few seconds. Had a diagnostic appointment yesterday, and was informed that the molded leadframe and oss sensor need replaced, at a cost of over $1600, including the $233 I paid for diagnostics. Today I found my letter from July regarding Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04. Everything in the letter matches my vehicle's issues, but I am being told by Ford that because my vehicle is not displaying the "correct" code per the service bulletin, it is not eligible for free warranty repair. How is it not eligible? This is a confirmed problem with the entire part, but they don't want to fork over the money to repair a cheaply made component, so they are offering bandage fixes, and paring down the eligibility criteria so narrowly that nobody qualifies to have the problem addressed. This seems predatory and negligent.
NHTSA complaint 11767170My Ford F-150 had recall 26S28 performed by J Allen Ford through mobile service at my home. Before the recall, my truck was operating normally with NO transmission issues—no skipped shifts, hard shifts, unexpected downshifting, warning lights, or other symptoms. I arrived home 10–30 minutes before the technician and the recall was completed at my home. Approximately 1–2 hours later, I drove to the store and the truck immediately began skipping shifts, downshifting unexpectedly, and having hard/harsh shifts. None of these problems existed before the recall. The truck was then towed to J Allen Ford. They checked for codes, inspected the engine, and tested the transmission. They stated there were no lead-frame codes and said they believed the problem was internal to the transmission. The truck has now been at J Allen Ford for over a month. Both J Allen Ford and I contacted Ford Motor Company. I reached a Ford department that could potentially assist, and they also contacted J Allen Ford. I was told the recall department would not assist because there were no lead-frame codes. J Allen Ford also stated Ford would not provide financial assistance because of the truck's age. I understand that I cannot personally determine what caused the transmission failure. However, the timing is extremely concerning: my truck had no transmission symptoms before the recall and developed serious transmission problems within 1–2 hours afterward. **I am asking Ford Motor Company to help resolve this issue and repair my vehicle. I should not be left responsible for the cost of repairing a major transmission problem that did not exist before Ford's recall service was performed. I need Ford to investigate what happened and provide assistance in getting my truck repaired and safely back on the road.**
NHTSA complaint 11767002The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear into first gear. The powertrain warning light and Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated after the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a PCM software update and leadframe wiring harness replacement were performed; however, the failure persisted, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle could not be test-driven due to a safety hazard. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to address the safety hazard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 186,214.
NHTSA complaint 11766921The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with an abnormal sound. The transmission seized in fifth gear and failed to shift as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbine speed sensor and internal lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was 163,000.
NHTSA complaint 11766898While driving my 2015 F-150 in live traffic, the vehicle suffered an abrupt, catastrophic powertrain and electronic control module failure, resulting in an immediate engine stall and severe traffic hazard. Multiple cluster warnings (Check Engine, Cross Traffic, Hill Assist) illuminated, followed by a total mechanical shutdown into a permanent "No Start" condition. The truck was towed to a Ford dealership.The diagnosis by the certified Ford technician (Repair Order #5804) confirms the root cause mirrors the exact hardware defect covered under Ford Recall 26S / NHTSA Campaign 26V237000. The transmission internal molded lead frame and Transmission Range (TR) Sensor suffered a severe electrical short circuit due to thermal degradation in the fluid.Crucially, this failure triggered a sudden, uncommanded downshift that forced the transmission into 2nd gear at driving speed. This created a violent rotational speed shock that physically shattered the internal planetary gears and clutches. This severe mechanical explosion left the "EXCESSIVE METAL" found in the oil pan, completely destroying the transmission internals.Simultaneously, the internal short circuit back-fed destructive voltage directly into the PCM reference circuit, immediately blowing the 10-amp main power supply circuit (Fuse F93). Because the shorted PCM completely killed module communication ("NO COMMUNICATION WITH PCM"), the computer was physically incapable of saving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to replacement. The "TRANS TR SENSOR CODES" only surfaced once a new PCM was installed to restore communication. Ford is wrongfully denying my $8,581.23 recall reimbursement of my transmission and pcm solely because the defect itself completely destroyed the computer’s ability to log data before repairs began.
NHTSA complaint 11766840The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The contact stated that prior to receiving the recall notification, the vehicle experienced unexpected transmission downshifts into first gear while driving, and the vehicle failed to shift into first gear intermittently. The wrench warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the vehicle failed to shift into first gear, and it was diagnosed that internal transmission failure had caused metal contamination into the transmission fluid. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to address the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint 11766658Transmission 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.
NHTSA complaint 11766395I 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.
NHTSA complaint 11766343The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11766083The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH and towing a trailer, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted into second gear, causing the trailer to strike the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed on each occurrence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on several occasions, but the dealer was unable to correct the issue. The contact stated that after the last occurrence, the vehicle became undriveable and failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer performed the recall repair at the residence; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the transmission failed and needed replacement at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
NHTSA complaint 11764629I am reporting a potentially serious safety issue involving my 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat 2.7L EcoBoost (129,610 miles at recall service; now approximately 130,155). On XXX, Orchid Isle Ford in [XXX] performed recalls 24E03 and 26S28 (Service Order XXX). Before this recall service, I had never experienced the engine-stalling problem described below.Since the recall work, my truck has unexpectedly shut off more than six times. While slowing for a traffic light, the RPM smoothly drops and the engine quietly shuts off. I do not have to be completely stopped. I must put the transmission in Park and restart the truck, after which it generally operates normally. The truck also intermittently takes longer than normal to start. No check-engine light appears when it stalls.There was also a previous frightening incident on Saddle [XXX] before the recall service. While transporting a truck full of girls to a volleyball game, the truck unexpectedly and rapidly downshifted. A wrench warning briefly appeared. We turned the truck off and restarted it, and the warning disappeared. Recall 26S28 is relevant because it addresses an intermittent Transmission Range Sensor signal to the PCM that can cause unintended downshifting. I returned the truck to Orchid Isle Ford on XXX. They could not reproduce the stall during an 8-mile test drive and found no active codes. Their testing found fuel-pump pressure/injector readings, battery, and compression were normal. The vehicle continues to stall.The battery was recently replaced and the fuel pump was replaced XXX.I cannot establish that the recall programming caused the stalling, but the timing is concerning. I have also found reports from other 2.7L EcoBoost owners describing low idle/near-stalling after PCM updates, including reports associated with 24E03.I request that NHTSA investigate whether PCM programming, 24E03/26S28, Transmission Range Sensor/PCM communication, or related powertrain issues could cause shut INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.
NHTSA complaint 11764512The technician from the local Ford dealership came out to fix NHTSA recall 26V237 on 8/7/26. The fix for this was to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module software. My husband got into his truck 3 days later, (8/10/26), and after driving half a mile the check engine light came on and the truck began to drive rough. He immediately took the truck to our local mechanic, (not at the Ford dealership). The next day we were told the PCM was fried and we would need to tow the truck to the Ford dealership for the fix. My husband explained the situation and they denied culpability. The truck had never had any computer, or computer related issues, until the PCM was "reprogrammed".
NHTSA complaint 11764132While driving on the [XXX], close to [XXX], throttle response was lost on the vehicle. Immediately put the hazards on, turned them off momentarily to indicate a turn off to the shoulder, traffic was right behind me, with some fast movers. “Hill start assist not available” was displayed on the main panel and “trac off”/ traction control. Below approx 10 mph the vehicle started shaking violently and we came to a stop. Turned the vehicle off and started looking in the manual and online for associated issues. Was able to restart the vehicle with no annunciated issues and continued driving at a cautious speed. A few minutes later the same issue arose. Had to pull over and reset the vehicle. By this time we had committed to taking the vehicle to the Ford service center on the interstate and made it there after occurring 4-5 more times where we had to pull over during the worst time of day, avoiding traffic on the on/off ramps. We had to use heavy braking once as we were disabled and there was another disabled vehicle also pulled over and we had to stop before them with enough safety clearance. We made it to Ford. According to SB 16B32B, our truck qualifies for an expired recall based on the [XXX] plant and the production date. Ford produced P2112 code for throttle body issues. We paid for the repairs. Requesting a re-inquiry of SB 16B32B. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11763952I took my sick disabled mother's truck to the same dealership that she bought the truck from in 2018 with a full cash payment. The truck is a 2015 Ford F-150 platinum edition and it only had 40 thousand miles on it at the time and the person i believe that was over the service department was the first person i talked to at this dealership and i told her that my mother was sick and disabled and on oxygen and we use this truck for her medical transportation to her doctor's appointments and that the truck is our only means of transportation and that i am a burned out full time caregiver in need of urgent help to get the truck fixed and any recalls fixed so the truck would be safe to drive again and she told me its okay and that she has been there before and it made me feel so good to finally have someone that understands how it feels so she immediately had a brand new 2026 Ford F-150 XLT texas edition loaner truck already waiting for me after she said that she could get me in but without a loaner vehicle and she immediately called me back and said she got a loaner for me but i thought it was odd that she managed to get one that fast well to find out the loaner truck was pulled right from their fleet inventory and still had the factory monroe sticker still on the windshield and after awhile i noticed the dealer plates where expired and she arranged the entire process to bring the truck in on August 1st at 8:45am on a Saturday morning to have all of the recalls fixed and any damage or mechanical issues that may have been caused by the recalls and we brought them a very well maintained fully running truck except the engine light was showing because of a violent downshifting after the dealership called and said the truck was completely fixed and running great downshifting fixed. Driving home same day the truck started pouring smoke, sparks, grinding, and slapping barely made it in driveway catastrophic totaled truck sitting at dealership lot since August 12th!!
NHTSA complaint 11763850My 2015 Ford F-150 experienced multiple sudden downshifts at highway speeds 75 mph and then started downshifting at lower speeds. Heavy clunking heard and wrench warning lamp came on with a very general warning message and turned both off after moving to the side of the highway and restarting the car. Warning sign returned while driving at significantly lower speeds on city streets, locked up tires when turning from a low speed twice. Extremely unsafe and could have caused a serious accident if people were following close behind me. Took it to the dealership to get repaired and they diagnosed DTC P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor - No Signal) and confirmed that the signal failure caused the transmission to lock in 3rd gear and operate at maximum line pressure. Technician notes it resulted in damage to forward, direct, and overdrive clutches and recommended the replacement of the entire transmission ($5,739 for parts). I paid $8,636.93 out-of-pocket at a Ford dealership for this service repair.
NHTSA complaint 11763766I was driving my f150 and all of a sudden it downshifted with a bang into 5th gear. I slowed down and noticed my transmission wouldn't downshift into any other gear. I had to stop truck with it stuck in 5th gear and transmission cooling fan sounded like a turbo fan. There was a wrench light that displayed and when I checked the codes it came up with P0720/P0721/P0722. All pointed to transmission issue. Shortly after they came out with the safety recall and after the "fix" my truck thru P0722 code again. Then the customer satisfaction program sent out letter said they would replace the lead frame at no cost even if you had over 150k. I paid over $400 dollars and multiple trips to dealer, and they stated that the truck didn't display Fords specific DTC Codes. My codes were identical to recall in 2014, and deadbeat ford won't replace my lead frame even though it's the same issue since 2011. When will the NHTSA step in an require ford to fix a well-known issue with this transmission?
NHTSA complaint 11763752Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.