The vehicle dossier US · 2019

2019 Ford
F-150Problems & recalls

1,327 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Transmission & drivetrain appears in 730 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

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

Ford / Lincoln · 21N03-S4

3.5L cam phaser program

Historical deadline: Jan 2023

The document describes cam-phaser rattle after an extended shutdown or knocking at warm idle.

Both deadlines stated in this document have passed. This page explains the historical response, not a current entitlement.

Read coverage & conditions

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 1,327 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Transmission & drivetrain730 reports
Engine374 reports
Other components292 reports
Electrical system99 reports
Visibility36 reports
Body & structure31 reports
Air bags24 reports
Fuel system24 reports
Brakes22 reports
Steering21 reports
Suspension10 reports
See original component labels
POWER TRAIN718
ENGINE321
UNKNOWN OR OTHER130
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM94
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING49
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL42
STRUCTURE:BODY27
BACK OVER PREVENTION26
VISIBILITY/WIPER25
AIR BAGS24
STEERING21
SERVICE BRAKES20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM20
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS18
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
SUSPENSION10
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS10
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL10
WHEELS9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR7
SEATS5
VISIBILITY5
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION5
TIRES4
STRUCTURE4
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR4
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK3
SEAT BELTS3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LOCK1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR:CRITICAL FASTENERS1
WHEELS:HUB1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1

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 9 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 23, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

60,000 miles is the median among 432 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 24,000–92,000 miles.

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

02 / Official safety campaigns

9 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 recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 26V373000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."

Manufacturer’s stated response

,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

Manufacturer campaign: 26C28

Read campaign 26V373000 at NHTSA
Jun 27, 2025 Safety recallBACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARECampaign 25V442000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Manufacturer campaign: 25S72

Read campaign 25V442000 at NHTSA
Nov 8, 2024 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 24V852000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Manufacturer campaign: 24C39

Read campaign 24V852000 at NHTSA
Apr 14, 2022 Safety recallBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERACampaign 22V252000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

Manufacturer campaign: 20C19

Read campaign 22V252000 at NHTSA
Feb 21, 2020 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 20V097000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.

Manufacturer campaign: 20C03

Read campaign 20V097000 at NHTSA
Nov 12, 2019 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESCampaign 19V805000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.

Manufacturer campaign: 19S40

Read campaign 19V805000 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2019 Safety recallSEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLYCampaign 19V633000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Manufacturer campaign: 19C07

Read campaign 19V633000 at NHTSA
Apr 8, 2019 Safety recallENGINECampaign 19V278000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 19S11

Read campaign 19V278000 at NHTSA
Dec 18, 2018 Safety recallENGINECampaign 18V894000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 18S45

Read campaign 18V894000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

331 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.

Jul 2, 2026 Emissions25E10-S1NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control …NHTSA ID 11035464

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

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

Source record 11035464 at NHTSA
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
Mar 25, 2026 Other25N17Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer EvaluationNHTSA ID 11030282

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING · BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS · LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030282 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
Feb 17, 2026 OtherSSM 54589Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center displ…NHTSA ID 11029595

Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software.

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

Source record 11029595 at NHTSA
Feb 17, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54592For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosi…NHTSA ID 11029081

For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article.

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

Source record 11029081 at NHTSA
Dec 13, 2025 Emissions25E10Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped With 3.3L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ReprogrammingNHTSA ID 11027044

Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped With 3.3L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

Campaign / software reference: 25E10

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

Source record 11027044 at NHTSA
Dec 2, 2025 Other25L02Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly ReimbursementNHTSA ID 11026928

Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement

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

Source record 11026928 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
Nov 12, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54366Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powe…NHTSA ID 11025611

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

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

Source record 11025611 at NHTSA
Oct 30, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 25-2475This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2301. Reason for update: update the Part List Description. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Dela…NHTSA ID 11024874

This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2301. Reason for update: update the Part List Description. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as necessary as needed to ensure proper function. Add a new line to the repair order to document any additional

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

Source record 11024874 at NHTSA
Oct 24, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54326Some 2018-2025 F-150 and 2018-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a tailgate step may exhibit a step assembly that binds/will not open or opens/pops up while driving. This could be due to an incorrect adjustment of the tai…NHTSA ID 11024532

Some 2018-2025 F-150 and 2018-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a tailgate step may exhibit a step assembly that binds/will not open or opens/pops up while driving. This could be due to an incorrect adjustment of the tailgate step assembly. Before replacing any components for this concern, follow the revised Tailgate Step Adjustment procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-04.

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

Source record 11024532 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 Jan 27, 2023 ClosedWindshield trim molding Item detachmentPE23001

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. 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: Feb 8, 2024

Campaign reference in the source: 24V031

Find investigation PE23001

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