NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Transmission down shifts while accelerating, slips when starting from a dead stop, and shifts extremely hard when shifting. It is a safety risk especially when pulling out at an intersection, as it stops (or will slip) in the middle of the intersection. It has not been confirmed by the manufacturer or dealer, only by the article from USA Today. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone, as it just started yesterday. There were no early indications or warning signs prior to it starting yesterday (08/06/2025).
My transmission down shifts while driving and locks up my rear wheels. It almost caused me to wreck on the highway today.
Having issues with lead frame. Truck is a 2015 F150 3.5 Ecoboost with the 6R80 transmission. Every so often the orange wrench appears and dash looses what gear and where it is in the column. Have taken pictures as well as pulled the codes that appear P0707, P0706, P1702. It will randomly happen from time to time. Currently buying all the parts to replace the issue part and seeing if there’s a recall for said part
Truck started making a loud sound from engine compartment on startup after towing camper 150 miles. The sound started to get louder and started to notice exhaust smells in the cabin. I took the truck into dealer to find out that the exhaust manifolds were warped leaking on both sides of engine due to a stud being broken that holds the manifold in place the tech said it sounds like a diesel. The service advisor at the dealership said that it is a "common problem" on the 3.5L twin turbo engine. The cab of the truck fills with the exhaust fumes to the point where the driver gets headaches unless the windows are open. I asked if there was a recall on this problem and they said NO. The same manifolds was used for years on that motor, since then Ford redesigned the manifolds to use extra studs into the heads that are already there but now want the consumers to pay to install the new design to keep the fumes out of the cab. Looking online it seems to be a problem that the turbos are heating the manifolds to the point that they warp and snap the only stud used on the rear portion of manifolds for owners that tow with the truck (that has a tow package and rated at 12500 capacity) FYI I'm only towing 5000 pounds. My concerns are that the exhaust fumes can overcome the driver an cause them to pass out or become impaired by the carbon dioxide poisoning.
Erratic shifting of the transmission while driving. Dropped into lower gear causing me to skid on a wet surface. Luckily was only driving at 45 mph or it could have been worse or caused an accident.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blank image while in reverse(R), and the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there was a recall on the VIN vehicle for the rearview camera. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed that the recall was for the door latches and not the rearview camera. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Transmission slips into third at high rate of speed exceeding 45 mph. Transmission will stay in third causing slow acceleration on turns.
Seems to be the same Lead Frame issues as previous years. Rough downshifts, flickering gear indicator on the screen, shuts off when in park (not safety related) for short term, fails to initially crank after previous unintended shut off.
For the past 3 days, I have had intermittent loss of steering from a power steering failure while driving on interstates/highways. Almost completely unable to steer it to safety on the side of the road. Ford has a recall(15S18), but I was told its vin-specific. My truck's vin does not fall under the recall, yet im having the same problems as the recall claims. Reaching out to see if this can be resolved and have a recall initiated. Thank you
i was driving my truck down the highway and all of a sudden my rears wheels locked up making me lose control of my truck take goodness i did'nt rollover no my transmission is shifting threw gears from 1st to 6th to 3rd this is my second f150 that i have had my old one had the same problem but my old one didnt lock up my tires my phone number is [XXX] [XXX] but please text because at work you cant use my phone my truck is parked in the garage im afraid to drive it need assistance in fixing it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for State Inspection, the contact was informed that the frame was severely rusted and that the vehicle would fail inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
My vehicle has the 6r80 transmission and has random down shift and up shift associated with a lead frame going bad in the transmission
First time this incident happened (around April 2025) while driving on the highway. Going about 70 mph and the truck dropped down into second or first gear almost causing an accident. Had to pull over on the side of the road. Check engine light was on the dash. Turned off the truck And let it sit a little bit and restarted it and it seemed to be OK. This most recent incident happened on Saturday, July 5th 2025 , truck kept dropping down into first gear and then just would not go anywhere. Had it towed to Auto clinic and they diagnosed the truck with not recognizing the gear selection position. They stated that this truck should have fell under the recall status for 2015-2017 f150’s as it is doing the exact same thing that they have seen many trucks get fixed for because of the recall. The Auto clinic recommended I file a safety report and also contact Ford.
I have a power rear window, the tracks that hold the window in place have fallen loose to the point the window leans inward and which in turn wind and rain are coming in causing the interior is getting wet. This will damage the inside of the truck making repair costly
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front passenger's side and seat heater and cooler were inoperable. The contact stated that upon inspecting underneath the passenger's side seat, the contact noticed that the module wiring was burned and melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the wiring and a connector underneath the front passenger's side seat had melted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Galvanic corrosion of transfer case.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear from 6th gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up temporarily, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, while driving, the transmission only shifted from 3rd to 5th gear. The following day, the vehicle continued to drive normally through all the gears as designed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Began experiencing hard shifting unexpectedly. Took it into dealership and they advised my lead frame assembly needed replacement. In research, I found this is currently under investigation by the NHTSA's office for my year and transmission model.
While parked and shut off at a gas station in Lakeside, CA, my 2015 Ford F‑150 XLT spontaneously caught fire under the hood. The fire appeared to originate in the fuse box area, specifically where the fuel pump relay is integrated. The incident posed significant risk, occurring near a fuel pump while my child was in the vehicle. A gas station employee assisted with extinguishing the fire. The cause is believed to be an electrical short. There were no modifications or recent repairs.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while towing a trailer and driving approximately 30 MPH, the electronic trailer braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The contact stated that minutes later there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact removed the main fuse, and the electronic trail brake was released. The contact determined that the Electronic Trailer Brake Control Module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Problem: Engine unexpectedly goes to idle speed after accelerating up to highway speeds. Cruise control was not engaged at time of failure. This has happened three times, all after a cold start up, and all within 2 miles of home. The most recent occurrence being 6-19-25. At time of failure, multiple warning screens come up on the dash, including "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "Service Advance Trac", "See Manual" (with a picture of a wrench). No check engine light comes on, and no error codes are set. Engine does not respond to accelerator pedal, engine will only idle roughly. When this occurs, the only remedy is to pull over to the side of the road, shut off the engine, then restart the vehicle. Each time this has happened, the engine starts and runs normally with all warning messages cleared from dash. Safety Concern: Unexpected loss of power can increase the likelihood of an accident, especially in heavy traffic. This truck is used frequently for towing, and an unexpected loss of power can create a loss of trailer control. Dealer Contact: Last September when this issue initially cropped up, the truck was taken to our Ford dealer for diagnosis. They kept the truck for approximately two weeks, driving it daily without having the issue reoccur. They performed diagnostics on electronic modules but found no concrete issue. Inspection: Truck has not been inspected by the manufacturer, only the dealer. Warning Lamps and Messages: "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "Service Advance Trac", "See Manual" (with a picture of a wrench)
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee. The contact stated that due to the persistent failure, the contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred four times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NNHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
electronic throttle body has failed and been replaced 2 times in 51756 miles. when failure occurs while in traffic truck engine loses power leaves me in dangerous situation. The latest time was [XXX] at 51756 miles in the mountains of Colorado. Repair done at Mike Maroone Ford of Longmont, Colorado. Feel this should be a recalled part. No prior warning before failure occured00 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message “Hill Start Assist Unavailable” was displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The message Automatic Cruise Active turned off was displayed. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that before the transmission downshifted, the accelerator pedal felt loose. The message “Hill Start Assist Unavailable” was displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The message Automatic Cruise Active turned off was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed due to the cost. Most recently, the contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,950.
Today, [XXX] while driving at highway speed this vehicle experienced a unrequested transmission downshift, from 6th to 3rd, causing unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration. I was located in the center lane of an Interstate and travelling at 70 mph when this incident happen which force the traffic behind me to take rapid accident avoidance actions. I did not hear any audible or see any visual warnings that this incident was about to happen. This vehicle will be taken to Starling Ford located at 3000 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, Fl 32780 on June 16, 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Truck is at 135,000 miles and needs its 3rd oil pan due to faulty engineering. Ford is not covering repairs or offering assistance for previously repaired products. I bought truck certified pre-owned with extended warranty. The oil pan was cracked at that time and needed to be replaced at first service. On average oil pans are lasting less then 70,000 miles. How is this allowed to continue to occur.
Intake manifold actuator fails prematurely. Code P2007 and P2005
At highway speeds, under moderate acceleration, the vehicle downshifts unexpectedly. It causes sudden loss of torque. Has happened when trying to overtake and caused sudden vehicle deceleration in the passing lane, which is dangerous.
This vehicle was purchased by a friend with the factory tow package. No modifications were made before my purchase three years ago. I installed a factory brake controller for a travel trailer I purchased. The software was enabled with Forscan, and the dealer updated the software to the latest available. Even with a new seven way plug, the truck displays "trailer disconnected" when using the slide brake and also never shows any output when braking. The brakes do engage but very mildly. The travel trailer brakes normally on my other vehicle. There are no fault codes and no obvious connection issues. The dealership today said they do no know the cause and would likely be unable to resolve it.
Broken clock spring
On or around May 28, 2024. My husband and, I were going to a recital. He was already in the truck.I told him. Pick me up at the mailbox.( I had mail to go in box).I started walking down the driveway(paved). The next thing, I was on the cement screaming. I had been hit, with the truck. My husband ran to help. He said, he didn’t see me. And, the beepers ( sensors)didn’t go off.Rescue was called, checked me out. Did not transport. But, I went to hospital later. Bruises and a broken right arm. Several weeks went by. I really didn’t believe the sensors,didn’t work.We were in a parking spot. But, the truck in reverse. Waited for people to go by. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. We did see people on the camera. Recently, I was behind the truck again. The sensors did not go off! We are very cautious now. Aware of the problem. Why hasn’t this truck been in the recall lists?. The accident was visible on our ring. I have video. But could not figure out to download. I can sent by email.
The transmission jumps gears at any speed, I was researching the topic and saw the NHTSA is probing some F150s for a similar problem. And I was wondering if my vehicle was in the affected line of production.
an unrequested transmission downshift that allegedly causes the vehicle to decelerate rapidly.
Transmission is downshifting at high speeds unexpectedly and without apparent cause. Ford has issued a recall already for the same year and model for the same issue, but my VIN is not associated with the recall.
Upper rail for sliding rear window came off causing the rear slider to fall into the back seat. This is a known problem with 2015 and newer F150's with a rear sliding windows. Ford refuses to acknowledge the issue and take responsibility for it. It is a failure of the adhesive that holds the top rail for the slider to the window.
Transmission jumps while driving in and out. Backup camera went black.
Truck down shifts hard while driving. Hill assist warning light comes on and truck goes into limp mode and looses power going 60 mph. Pull over truck runs very rough. Turn truck off and back on screen says hill assist not available. Press ok and truck runs normal again. Happens every few days. Definitely could be dangerous if it happens on a bigger highway. Has happened 5 times over last few weeks at different speeds.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather and attempting to depress the brake pedal, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rattling sound was coming from the cam phasers and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
I have 80,000 and my transmission went out driving up a mountain road No waring light no over heating it just stop going . My shop believes it was from the factory the trans pump went out.I see your looking into this year for trans problem.
Shortly after I bought the vehicle in 2015, the transmission would frequently make a loud metal on metal sound when accelerating as the transmission downshifted from 5 gear to 3rd. I took it to the dealer several times. They said it was a manufacturers fault from a bad batch of transmissions and not something the dealer could permanently fix or was responsible for. No other indications. I am concerned the transmission could lock up and cause an accident. Date of the incidents is from November 2015 to present.
Driving home today, my truck just started downshifting without warning. My truck was almost rear ended. I had about 5 min until I got home. It would take off and drive fine for a moment, and then out of nowhere drop all the way down to first gear. Very dangerous!
I noticed in the fall of 2024 that my transmission stared shifting hard between 30-40 mph during acceleration. I had the local Ford dealership check out the issue and they stated I needed a new transmission and included an estimate. I decided to seek information from 2 independent transmission shops and they could not confirm that I needed the transmission replaced at that time. The vehicle has been driving fine and I recently started to notice the hard shift again at 30 mph. Every once in a while, when the hard shift occurs, it seems like I lose power to the drive train and my vehicle slows down to about 15 mph and vehicles need to go around me. It only lasts for a few seconds and then the acceleration will continue to drive normal. I do notice an increase in RPM's from time to time as well while shifting around 30 mph but does not feel like it is slipping. Once through this area of shifting, the vehicle operates normally shifting through other gears. There were no warning lights or other symptoms leading to this issue. I did notice that there was an article posted with a possible transmission issue from this year vehicle that is being investigated concerning sudden down shifting while driving. Here is the article [XXX]. I am wondering if this is part of this issue? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving with cruise control engaged, on dry road, no significant weather or wind gust, cruise control disengaged. Tried to reengage but took numerous tries. Once engaged, Tried to CNCL the cruise control and it would not disengage. Had to jump on the brakes. Seconds matter.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, there was a hissing sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front driver side wheel hub and vacuum line to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuator were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Pulled into traffic and car had sudden loss of power, several alerts showed up and car could not move and just idled.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to coast over to the right side of the road and waited for tow assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Shutter from the torque converter and sudden down shifting. There was no accident but the problem exceeded to point where I had to get my transmission rebuild, it cost me about 3,700 to rebuild it.
Lead body failure. Causing it to downshift suddenly when driving, higher rpm, and non-start condition.
Vehicle suddenly downshifts into a lower gear while accelerating from a stop or cruising at constant speed. Wrench icon comes on the dash and check engine light comes on. Turning off the engine and back on will stop the issue and restore the power.
Transmission abruptly shifted down from high gear to low gear causing it to lock up at a fast speed. My son hit his chest on steering wheel bc it was so abrupt