This page covers 10 recalls and 2176 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford F-150.
The 2011 F-150 generates its heaviest complaint volume around the powertrain, specifically the transmission. Owners frequently report abrupt, uncommanded downshifts, often dropping multiple gears at once, sometimes straight to first gear at highway speeds. The result is sudden, violent deceleration accompanied by high engine revving, and owners describe struggling to maintain control during these events. Hard shifting, jerking during acceleration, and erratic gear selection at low speeds round out the transmission picture. Steering is the second-most-reported system, with owners describing loss of power assist, stiffness, or unexpected changes in steering feel while driving. The engine category draws a notable share of complaints as well, though the transmission behavior is clearly the dominant theme owners return to across this model year. The uncommanded high-speed downshift pattern is the most consistently described complaint.
2,176
Total Complaints
42
Crash-Related
18
Fire-Related
23
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Ford F-150 has 10 recalls, the most serious being a transmission that can unexpectedly drop into first gear at any speed, causing sudden deceleration and rear wheel lockup that raises the risk of losing control.
A separate transmission concern involves the brake-transmission shift interlock, which can fail and allow the gear selector to be moved out of Park without the brake pedal depressed, creating a rollaway or pedestrian strike risk. There is also a body control module recall where an internal electrical short can cause the module to overheat and start a fire in an unattended vehicle.
On the brakes side, trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine have a recall covering the electric vacuum pump, which can fail when moisture enters through the engine vacuum harness, reducing brake assist. Two related recalls cover the transmission range sensor: when the shift lever is placed in Reverse, the sensor may not send the correct signal, leaving the backup lamps dark and the gear indicator showing the wrong position.
At a glance
What can fail
A sensor malfunction may cause the transmission to suddenly downshift to first gear, which could slow the rear wheels abruptly and reduce vehicle stability.
What the fix does
The Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed at a dealer to correct the sensor problem.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 6-speed automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear while driving, regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to fix the downshift issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric vacuum pump can fail if moisture enters through the engine vacuum harness. This may reduce brake assist right after starting, potentially increasing stopping distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric vacuum pump and vacuum harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed, which can cause loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software at no cost to fix the transmission downshift issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission output-shaft speed sensor may intermittently lose its signal to the engine control module. This can cause an unexpected downshift to first gear, potentially making the rear tires slide or lock up and causing loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to correct how the transmission responds to sensor signals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission range sensor may be calibrated incorrectly for reverse gear, preventing proper gear selection and starter interlock operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission range sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Transmission Range Sensor may be manufactured incorrectly. When shifting into Reverse, the sensor might not signal the dashboard or activate the backup lights, making it unclear to others that the vehicle is backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Transmission Range Sensor and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake shift interlock switch may not work properly, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake shift interlock switch if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake transmission shift interlock switch may be defective, allowing the gear shift to move out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle could then move forward or backward unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake transmission shift interlock switch and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body control module may have an internal short circuit, affecting certain 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles built during a specific six-day production period.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the body control module at no cost if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
