NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
85 reportsClear category filter5,000 miles · Feb 17, 2018
Service Brakes
WHEN I COME TO A STOP THE BRAKES WILL BE FIRM AND THE GO SOFT AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. ALSO WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES I HAVE TO PUMP THEM SO THEY WILL WORK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I'M EITHER AT A STOP SIGN OR A STOP LIGHT. ITS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP. THE WORSE PART IT HAPPENS SEPARATELY AND THE DEALERSHIP THINK…
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WHEN I COME TO A STOP THE BRAKES WILL BE FIRM AND THE GO SOFT AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. ALSO WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES I HAVE TO PUMP THEM SO THEY WILL WORK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I'M EITHER AT A STOP SIGN OR A STOP LIGHT. ITS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP. THE WORSE PART IT HAPPENS SEPARATELY AND THE DEALERSHIP THINKS I'M CRAZY.
NHTSA ODI #11073364
9,050 miles · Jan 24, 2018
Service Brakes
I WAS SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF F150'S ON THE WEB WITH BRAKE PEDALS SUDDENLY GOING TO THE FLOOR DURING ALL TYPES OF STOPPING SITUATIONS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO SPAN 2016-17 MODELS REGARDLESS OF ENGINE. IT STARTED YESTERDAY WITH A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP FAILURE AND PUT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A RELATIVELY SAFE INTERSECTION TODAY... NO BRAKE…
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I WAS SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF F150'S ON THE WEB WITH BRAKE PEDALS SUDDENLY GOING TO THE FLOOR DURING ALL TYPES OF STOPPING SITUATIONS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO SPAN 2016-17 MODELS REGARDLESS OF ENGINE. IT STARTED YESTERDAY WITH A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP FAILURE AND PUT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A RELATIVELY SAFE INTERSECTION TODAY... NO BRAKES. I'VE SEEN MASTER CYLINDERS REPLACED TO DEALERS STATING THAT IS THE NORMAL OPERATION. THAT LAST PART IS PRETTY LAME... BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR? THE BRAKE INITIALLY SEEMS TO WORK AND THEN THE PEDAL SINKS SLOWLY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING FORCE AT THAT POINT. AT A FULL STOP IN PARK, I CAN REPEAT THE FAILURE. TOUCH THE BRAKE AND IT APPEARS TO BE OK. QUICKLY TOUCH IT AGAIN AND IT IMMEDIATELY SINKS TO THE FLOOR. APPARENTLY KNOWLEDGEABLE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN ABS SOLENOID STICKING CYCLING BRAKE FLUID BACK TO THE RESERVOIR INSTEAD OF BEING APPLIED TO BRAKE PRESSURE. THIS SOUNDED MUCH MORE LOGICAL THAN REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER UNLESS THE ABS IS INTEGRATED INTO IT IN SOME MANNER.
NHTSA ODI #11064748
6,267 miles · Nov 17, 2017
Service Brakes
MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WENT OUT AT 6,267 MILES- BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WHILE AT INTERSECTION- WAS ABLE TO PUMP UP - HAD TO PUMP UP EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND FAILED ONCE AFTER PUMPING UP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11047116
10,000 miles · Nov 9, 2017
Service Brakes
I GOT IN MY TRUCK AND STARTED DRIVING. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION I STARTED TO BRAKE. THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THE TRUCK DID NOT BRAKE. I ENDED UP PAST THE STOP SIGN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK SLOWLY TO MY HOUSE. I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN WHERE THE TRUCK DID NOT BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11045017
4,500 miles · Nov 5, 2017
Service Brakes
I WAS COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPING. I RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUSHED IT AGAIN. THIS TIME THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID AND IT WAS FULL.
NHTSA ODI #11043430
4,300 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Service Brakes
THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A "BRAKE LIGHT" SIGN TURN ON INSIDE DASHBOARD, AND THE BRAKES DO NOT BRAKE WHILE IT IS IN MOTION. WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE PAD, THE PAD GOES ALL THE WAY IN BUT DOES NOT STOP MY VEHICLE AT ALL. IT WORKS SOMETIMES, BUT MY STOPPING IS NOT GUARANTEED EVERY TIME. ALSO, WHEN I AM AT A RED LIGHT, MY ENGINE IS SUPP…
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THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A "BRAKE LIGHT" SIGN TURN ON INSIDE DASHBOARD, AND THE BRAKES DO NOT BRAKE WHILE IT IS IN MOTION. WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE PAD, THE PAD GOES ALL THE WAY IN BUT DOES NOT STOP MY VEHICLE AT ALL. IT WORKS SOMETIMES, BUT MY STOPPING IS NOT GUARANTEED EVERY TIME. ALSO, WHEN I AM AT A RED LIGHT, MY ENGINE IS SUPPOSED TO SHUT DOWN THEN START BACK UP ONCE I RELEASE THE BRAKES (2017 F150). HOWEVER, MY ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT DOWN AT ALL. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES AND HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED, HOWEVER, NOTHING HAS CHANGED. NOW, MY DEALERSHIP IS AVOIDING ME BY NOT PICKING UP MY PHONE CALLS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR MY SAFETY, AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
NHTSA ODI #11024537
4,500 miles · Sep 10, 2017
Service Brakes
THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN CORPUS CHRIST, TX BACK IN APRIL 2017. AUGUST 26, 2017, I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLORADO AND REALIZE MY BREAK PEDAL WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND SUDDENLY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHICH WOULD BE A DISASTER IF AN EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NECESSARY IN SOME SITUATION. FORTUNATELY, IT HAPP…
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THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN CORPUS CHRIST, TX BACK IN APRIL 2017. AUGUST 26, 2017, I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLORADO AND REALIZE MY BREAK PEDAL WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND SUDDENLY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHICH WOULD BE A DISASTER IF AN EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NECESSARY IN SOME SITUATION. FORTUNATELY, IT HAPPENS WHEN I WAS ON A PARKING LOT TRYING TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN ROAD FROM A SHORT BREAK. I DID NOT TAKE IT VERY SERIOUS AS THERE IS ONLY ABOUT 4500 MILES ON THE TRUCK, AND THE BRAKE DID FUNCTION OKAY WHEN YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN ON HIGHWAY (I MEAN SLOW DOWN, NOT TO MAKE A STOP), BUT NOT UNTIL I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN DENVER. AFTER THAT, I HAD TO BE VERY VERY VERY VERY CAREFUL WHENEVER I NEED TO PERFORM A BRAKE SINCE I REALIZE IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR THE VEHICLE TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP EVEN DRIVING IN NEIGHBORHOOD AT ABOUT 25 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO ALL THE WAY DOWN EVEN WHEN YOUR TRANSMISSION IS AT PARK. SO I CANCELLED EVERYTHING I PLANNED IN COLORADO AND STAYED HOTEL FOR 2 DAYS UNTIL CORPUS WAS CLEARED FROM HURRICANE HAZARD. I DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK VERY VERY VERY VERY CAREFULLY AND SENT IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY WHEN I GOT HOME, WHICH WAS THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017. THE TECH IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE AND GOT THE MASTER CYLINDER ORDERED AND REPLACE ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2017. I UNDERSTAND THE DEALER IS VERY BUSY BECAUSE OF THE HURRICANE, AND I DO APPRECIATE THE THEY MANAGE TO GIVE ME A LOANER VEHICLE TAURUS TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, THE MASTER CYLINDER DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE TECH AND THEY HAVE TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT, WHICH WOULD TAKE ANOTHER 10 BUSINESS DAYS. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I HOPE FORD, IF NOT, NHTSA COULD TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUS BEFORE SOMEONE GOT INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11022500
6,400 miles · Sep 6, 2017
Service Brakes
ON 08/07/2017 WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY 281 IN SAN ANTONIO, TX MY 2017 FORD F-150, V8 SUPER CREW, 4X4 FTX EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. MY BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKE ACTIVATION AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT TWO LANES TO AVOID IMPACTING THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. ONCE ON TH…
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ON 08/07/2017 WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY 281 IN SAN ANTONIO, TX MY 2017 FORD F-150, V8 SUPER CREW, 4X4 FTX EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. MY BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKE ACTIVATION AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT TWO LANES TO AVOID IMPACTING THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. ONCE ON THE SHOULDER I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP AFTER TRAVELLING SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING (NOISE, SERVICE LIGHTS, ETC.) PRIOR TO, DURING OR AFTER THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY FOUR MONTHS OLD WITH 6400 MILES ON IT. IF THERE WAS NO SHOULDER OR CLEAR LANES IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT LIKELY RESULTING IN INJURIES. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY MAKE MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SIDE ROADS BUT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS WHILE I WAS STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN FACING SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO PUMP IT SEVERAL TIMES TO MAKE THE VEHICLE STOP AGAIN. THE OTHER TWO TIMES I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR AND MISSED MY TURN (RIGHT) AND PROCEEDED PAST THE TURN APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS AND HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. THEY INDICATED IT WAS LEAKING INTERNALLY AND GAVE NO EXPLANATION WHY A SERVICE LIGHT OR OTHER WARNING DID NOT COME ON AND THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL FOR THAT PART.
NHTSA ODI #11021717
7,100 miles · Aug 15, 2017
Service Brakes
THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT. THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, UPON GETTING IT BACK THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP ADEQUATELY, AND IT WAS RETURNED AT THAT MOMENT. THEY "BLED THE BRAKES" AGAIN AND RETURNED IT. THERE WAS ONLY 1 WORK ORDER FOR THIS. THE TRUCK SAT FOR A WEEK AND NOT THE BRAKES ARE SOFT AND INCONSISTENT. I RETURNED IT…
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THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT. THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, UPON GETTING IT BACK THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP ADEQUATELY, AND IT WAS RETURNED AT THAT MOMENT. THEY "BLED THE BRAKES" AGAIN AND RETURNED IT. THERE WAS ONLY 1 WORK ORDER FOR THIS. THE TRUCK SAT FOR A WEEK AND NOT THE BRAKES ARE SOFT AND INCONSISTENT. I RETURNED IT TO FORD AND THEY STATED IT WAS WORKING AS EXPECTED; HOWEVER IN A PANIC STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO DO MORE THAN 50% STOP EFFORT AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION I PRESSED THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, AND HAD HARDLY ANY BRAKE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. SINCE THEY DID NOT TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS THIRD ATTEMPT TO GET THE BRAKES FIXED. I THEN CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND THEIR ANSWER IS JUST TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND IT FALLS OUTSIDE THE RECALL NOTICE FOR A REPLACEMENT MASTER CYLINDER. HOWEVER THAT IS THE INITIAL FAILURE. I SUSPECT ADDITIONAL ISSUES; BUT FORD IS FAILING TO ADDRESS THEM.
NHTSA ODI #11015427
6,600 miles · Jul 25, 2017
Service Brakes
I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I NEED TO MAKE A HARD STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO HELP SLOW ME DOWN. WHILE THERE IS SOME BRAKING, IF YOU ARE STOPPED AND PUSH HARD ON THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11010500
Official recalls
17Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V053. The instrument cluster may lose power after initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as gear position or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Apr 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
Apr 11, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Mar 11, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Jun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Apr 8, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Equipment:electrical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Dec 18, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
Aug 31, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. 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 B-pillar area.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. 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 B-pillar area.
Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.
Structure:body:roof And Pillars
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. 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 B-pillar area.
Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.
Apr 4, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
Oct 24, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S36.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Consequence: The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S36.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Consequence: The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S36.
Oct 16, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S33.
Sep 25, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C17.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C17.
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C17.
Aug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed October 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C12.
Aug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 and Mustang vehicles. The air bag inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may rupture in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S26.
May 22, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
Structure:body:door
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
May 22, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Seats
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Jan 24, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C01.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Consequence: If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C01.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Consequence: If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C01.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA26001 · Unintended Transmission Downshift And Rear Wheel Lock-up
Opened Jan 30, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were equipped with the “6R80” transmission, while the MY 2017 vehicles were equipped with either the “6R80” transmission or the “10R80” transmission. This investigation was limited to MY 2015-2017 Ford F-150 with the “6R80” transmission. ODI identified 329 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) related to this investigation and sixty percent of these consumers were interviewed to confirm the details of their allegations. Consumers reported that their vehicles’ transmission suddenly downshifted to a lower gear, often to 1st or 2nd gear, without driver input or advance warning. Consumers described the downshift events to be regular and repeated occurrences, with some consumers stating that they no longer drive the vehicle due to safety concerns. Forty-three percent of consumers reported experiencing at least one wheel lockup event, during which the rear tires locked, screeched, or skidded during the transmission downshift. ODI also found that 114 of the 329 consumers reported having their vehicle’s molded lead frame or valve body assembly (which comes with a molded lead frame) replaced, 80 of which were confirmed through consumer submitted repair invoices. In its response to ODI’s Information Request, Ford provided an assessment of potential root cause of failure for the subject vehicles and how this failure is different from the failure associated with MY 2011-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles that was addressed by four safety recalls (16V-248, 19V-075, 19V-433, and 24V-444). Ford has identified that the defect in the recalled vehicle population involved lead frame supplier production issues resulting in signal loss from the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor. Ford has identified that the alleged defect in the subject vehicle population involved degradation of electrical connections within the lead frame due to thermal cycling and vibration over extended time in service resulting in signal loss from the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). Signal loss from the TRS can result in an unintended shift to neutral, unintended upshift, or unintended downshift which are regulated by a gear “shift map” based on the vehicle’s speed at the time of signal loss. According to Ford’s “shift map”, at speeds between 35-64 mph, the maximum allowable downshift would be to 2nd gear (i.e. a 6th to 2nd gear downshift event) which Ford has designated to represent the worst-case scenario for subject vehicles. Ford has also acknowledged that the worst-case scenario may also involve temporary wheel lockup. However, Ford has stated that the failure mechanism in the MY 2011-2014 F-150 vehicles—previously addressed through recalls—primarily involved OSS sensor signal loss that could result in 6th to 1st gear downshift events. This OSS-related failure mode is distinct from the TRS-related signal loss identified in the subject vehicle population. ODI has identified an additional potential safety defect associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Preliminary testing performed by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research Test Center (VRTC) showed that when the TRS experiences an intermittent signal loss, one possible outcome is a change in vehicle direction. Specifically, if a vehicle is operating in reverse up an incline when the TRS signal loss occurs, then the vehicle may shift into neutral causing the vehicle to change directions and roll forward. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to, among other things, perform component-level testing and vehicle testing, as well as review additional technical information to better understand the alleged defect that has been identified. To review the reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE25002 · Unintended Transmission Downshift And Rear Wheel Lock-up
Opened Mar 21, 2025 · Closed Jan 30, 2026
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were equipped with the “6R80” transmission, while the MY 2017 vehicles were equipped with either the “6R80” transmission or the “10R80” transmission. This investigation was limited to MY 2015-2017 Ford F-150 with the “6R80” transmission. ODI identified 329 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) related to this investigation and sixty percent of these consumers were interviewed to confirm the details of their allegations. Consumers reported that their vehicles’ transmission suddenly downshifted to a lower gear, often to 1st or 2nd gear, without driver input or advance warning. Consumers described the downshift events to be regular and repeated occurrences, with some consumers stating that they no longer drive the vehicle due to safety concerns. Forty-three percent of consumers reported experiencing at least one wheel lockup event, during which the rear tires locked, screeched, or skidded during the transmission downshift. ODI also found that 114 of the 329 consumers reported having their vehicle’s molded lead frame or valve body assembly (which comes with a molded lead frame) replaced, 80 of which were confirmed through consumer submitted repair invoices. In its response to ODI’s Information Request, Ford provided an assessment of potential root cause of failure for the subject vehicles and how this failure is different from the failure associated with MY 2011-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles that was addressed by four safety recalls (16V-248, 19V-075, 19V-433, and 24V-444). Ford has identified that the defect in the recalled vehicle population involved lead frame supplier production issues resulting in signal loss from the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor. Ford has identified that the alleged defect in the subject vehicle population involved degradation of electrical connections within the lead frame due to thermal cycling and vibration over extended time in service resulting in signal loss from the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). Signal loss from the TRS can result in an unintended shift to neutral, unintended upshift, or unintended downshift which are regulated by a gear “shift map” based on the vehicle’s speed at the time of signal loss. According to Ford’s “shift map”, at speeds between 35-64 mph, the maximum allowable downshift would be to 2nd gear (i.e. a 6th to 2nd gear downshift event) which Ford has designated to represent the worst-case scenario for subject vehicles. Ford has also acknowledged that the worst-case scenario may also involve temporary wheel lockup. However, Ford has stated that the failure mechanism in the MY 2011-2014 F-150 vehicles—previously addressed through recalls—primarily involved OSS sensor signal loss that could result in 6th to 1st gear downshift events. This OSS-related failure mode is distinct from the TRS-related signal loss identified in the subject vehicle population. ODI has identified an additional potential safety defect associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Preliminary testing performed by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research Test Center (VRTC) showed that when the TRS experiences an intermittent signal loss, one possible outcome is a change in vehicle direction. Specifically, if a vehicle is operating in reverse up an incline when the TRS signal loss occurs, then the vehicle may shift into neutral causing the vehicle to change directions and roll forward. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of consumer data, information provided by Ford, and preliminary testing conducted by NHTSA’s VRTC, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26001). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to, among other things, perform component-level testing and vehicle testing, as well as review additional technical information to better understand the alleged defect that has been identified from this Preliminary Evaluation. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE18008 · Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire
Opened Aug 3, 2018 · Closed Dec 17, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:pretensioner
On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY 2014-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, and Super Crew Cab Vehicles. On August 24, 2018, Ford Motor Company recalled (FSA 18S27 - NHTSA #18V568) the affected population. Ford's investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners may generate sparks during deployment in excess of Ford's specification. Sparks in the pretensioner exhaust gases inside the lower portion of the B-pillar may subsequently ignite combustible components contained in the B-pillar, such as insulation or carpet, and may cause a subsequent vehicle fire. ODI also requested relevant information from other manufacturers to assess the potential scope of post-crash pretensioner fires. Ford will notify owners and require dealers to remove B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall notification began September 28, 2018.Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 11143035, 11130056, 11129828, 11128761, 11127993, 11127880, 11124717, 11123419, 11119651, 11119626, 11114065, 11113160, 11111822, 11097937, 11078447, 11014688
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