The vehicle dossier US · 2014

2014 Ford
F-150Problems & recalls

1,533 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Transmission & drivetrain appears in 424 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 1,533 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Transmission & drivetrain424 reports
Brakes343 reports
Other components341 reports
Engine188 reports
Electrical system162 reports
Steering159 reports
Visibility142 reports
Fuel system72 reports
Air bags31 reports
Body & structure31 reports
Suspension10 reports
See original component labels
POWER TRAIN417
SERVICE BRAKES288
ENGINE178
STEERING158
UNKNOWN OR OTHER148
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM146
VISIBILITY/WIPER117
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL99
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM63
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC42
AIR BAGS31
STRUCTURE:BODY26
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)23
WHEELS22
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW18
SUSPENSION10
SEATS9
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR9
SEAT BELTS9
BACK OVER PREVENTION9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES5
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS5
TIRES4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD4
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING4
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS3
STRUCTURE3
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
VISIBILITY2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
WHEELS:RIM1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HAND HEATER:WIRING HARNESS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:OUTPUT1
PARKING BRAKE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
Other/I am not sure1
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 13 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 22, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

65,000 miles is the median among 1,009 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 37,500–103,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

8 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jun 9, 2026 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Campaign 26V378000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S45. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

Manufacturer campaign: 26S45

Read campaign 26V378000 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Campaign 24V444000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S37.

Manufacturer campaign: 24S37

Read campaign 24V444000 at NHTSA
Jun 8, 2020 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 20V332000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 20S31

Read campaign 20V332000 at NHTSA
Jul 25, 2017 Safety recallSEATSCampaign 17V472000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.

Manufacturer campaign: 17S17

Read campaign 17V472000 at NHTSA
May 24, 2016 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUIDCampaign 16V345000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

Manufacturer campaign: 16S24

Read campaign 16V345000 at NHTSA
Nov 7, 2014 Safety recallSEATSCampaign 14V710000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 and Flex vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with a reduced clearance between the seat frame and the seat track assembly. This can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress the passenger front airbag when the passenger seat is occupied by an adult passenger. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will widen the gap between the seat frame and seat track assembly and recalibrate the seat OCS, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C10.

Manufacturer campaign: 14C10

Read campaign 14V710000 at NHTSA
Nov 5, 2014 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 14V709000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C09. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised not to use their cruise control system.

Manufacturer campaign: 14C09

Read campaign 14V709000 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2014 Safety recallSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMCampaign 14V316000

A do-not-drive advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured May 26, 2014 to June 19, 2014, and equipped with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The affected vehicles may have an incorrectly installed EPAS gear motor position sensor magnet that can lead to a total loss of steering control while driving.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPAS steering gear, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been remedied. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S09.

Manufacturer campaign: 14S09

Read campaign 14V316000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

98 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 29, 2026 Other25H05 S1Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest ProgramNHTSA ID 11031792

Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031792 at NHTSA
Feb 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54601Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypa…NHTSA ID 11029052

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11029052 at NHTSA
Nov 19, 2025 Other25H05This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed …NHTSA ID 11026013

This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed on one or more electronic modules in the affected vehicles.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11026013 at NHTSA
Oct 10, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 53040While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford an…NHTSA ID 11008948

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11008948 at NHTSA
Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 24-2188This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with …NHTSA ID 11005305

This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11005305 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52476All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles own…NHTSA ID 10254138

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10254138 at NHTSA
Mar 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52334Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similar…NHTSA ID 10251951

Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150°F (65°C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster or slower and is not detrimental to the engine function or durability and has no short or long term effects on the engine. This an operating characteristic of the 5.0L engine and no repairs should be attempted. This information along with an example audio clip has been added to the WSM Section 303-00 Engine System  General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > PPT F > Step F2.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251951 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51536For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identif…NHTSA ID 10235153

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235153 at NHTSA
Jun 22, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 50876Some 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may require service to the brake vacuum pump. The brake vacuum pump removal and installation procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-07, has been update…NHTSA ID 10214831

Some 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may require service to the brake vacuum pump. The brake vacuum pump removal and installation procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-07, has been updated to include RTV sealing surface cleaning and preparation.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10214831 at NHTSA
Jun 21, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 22-2219Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated w…NHTSA ID 10214754

Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10214754 at NHTSA
May 24, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 50804Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to ac…NHTSA ID 10212957

Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privacy requirements.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10212957 at NHTSA
Apr 29, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 49761Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mecha…NHTSA ID 10191525

Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65à’C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPMs. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise is not detrimental to the engine function or durability and has no short or long term effects on the engine. This an operating characteristic of the 5.0L engine and no repairs should be attempted.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10191525 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Mar 27, 2024 ClosedUnintended Transmission DownshiftRQ24005

In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury, and included approximately 153,581 vehicles. Ford identified the root cause of the unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear to be intermittent signal loss from the transmission’s Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor due to solder joint cracks on the OSS circuit board as a result of manufacturing process issues. The OSS sensor is mounted onto the molded lead frame and transmits changes in transmission shaft speed to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The remedy program described in safety recall 16V-248 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In December 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-010) to assess the scope and remedy effectiveness of safety recall 16V-248. As a result of this ODI investigation, Ford issued safety recall 19V-075 to expand the scope of 16V-248 to include MY 2011-2013 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions and included approximately 1,263,051 vehicles. The remedy program described in safety recall 19V-075 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In June 2019, Ford issued safety recall 19V-433 as the remedy program used to service MY 2013 Ford F-150 5.0L and 6.2L vehicles in accordance with safety recall 19V-075 did not contain the necessary updates to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 107,857 vehicles. On March 27, 2024, ODI opened this Recall Query (RQ24-005) to investigate the scope of the above-described safety recalls. At the time that this investigation was opened, ODI had received 86 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, in MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles. As a result of this Recall Query, Ford filled safety recall 24V-444 on June 14, 2024, to include MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles and expand the scope of safety recalls 16V-248, 19V-075 and 19V-433. The remedy program described in safety recall 24V-444 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 552,188 vehicles. In its May 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford concluded that a predominant root cause for the intermittent OSS signal loss has not been identified outside of the original safety recall (16V-248). Ford’s investigation also concluded that the primary causes of the defect in MY 2014 F-150 vehicles were related to the molded lead frame and the control assembly transmission main. In the May 2024 response, Ford identified 2,184 total reports that described unintended vehicle transmission downshifting and rear wheel lock-up events; 1,441 warranty claims and 743 reports from consumer complaints, field reports, consumer surveys, and lawsuits/legal claims. Note that the values presented here and in the table above represent the total number of reports which can include a single consumer with multiple reports of the same event as well as a consumer with reports of multiple distinct events. Of the 1,441 warranty claims, 551 warranty claims involved repair of the molded lead frame (38%) and 509 warranty claims involved repair of the control assembly transmission main (35%). Ford has also stated that the PCM programming used to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting was implemented starting with MY 2015 vehicle #1 production and onward. In view of the safety recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ24-005). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Recorded closure: Jul 29, 2024

Campaign reference in the source: 24V444

Find investigation RQ24005
Opened Feb 29, 2016 ClosedMaster Cylinder External LeakPE16003

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

Recorded closure: Jul 26, 2016

Campaign reference in the source: 16V345000

Find investigation PE16003

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