NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls and 1484 owner complaints for the 2014 Ford F-150.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2014 Ford F-150 centers on the powertrain, with transmission behavior drawing the most reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe unexpected downshifts, sometimes dropping multiple gears at highway speeds, along with sluggish or skipped shifts and rear-wheel lockup during the event. A wrench warning light appearing on the instrument cluster and a blank or inoperative speedometer often accompany these episodes, and some owners report the vehicle entering a reduced-power "limp" mode requiring a restart to clear. Brake complaints make up the second-largest group, though at lower volume. On the transmission side, the downshift complaints are consistent enough across reports that a pattern is clear: the truck shifts abruptly without driver input, the speedometer drops out, and the powertrain warning light illuminates together.
1,484
Total Complaints
38
Crash-Related
15
Fire-Related
26
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Ford F-150 has 12 recalls, with the most serious being a power steering defect that can cause total loss of steering control and a separate transmission issue that can force an unexpected downshift into first gear at any speed.
The steering concern affects trucks where the electric power assist steering motor position sensor was incorrectly installed, leaving the driver unable to steer. The transmission defect involves a loss of signal between the output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module, causing a sudden drop to first gear regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving. Note that a prior repair attempt for the transmission issue did not fully resolve the problem for some vehicles, and those trucks are covered under a separate recall.
Brakes are another significant area: on trucks with the 3.5L engine, the brake master cylinder can leak fluid into the brake booster, reducing front brake function and requiring more pedal effort and distance to stop.
Two seat-related recalls round out the list. On certain vehicles, reduced clearance between the seat frame and track can interfere with the passenger airbag sensor, preventing proper airbag suppression in a crash. Separately, bolts used to install seats, seatbacks, or seatbelt anchors on some trucks may fracture. There are also brake light switch recalls covering trucks where the brake lights can illuminate with a delay or not at all, leaving following drivers without warning.
At a glance
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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 →
What can fail
The transmission output shaft speed sensor may lose signal to the powertrain control module, causing the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software at no charge to restore proper transmission shifting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission output shaft speed sensor can lose signal to the engine computer, causing the transmission to suddenly shift into first gear at any speed.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine computer software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The output shaft speed sensor may malfunction, causing the transmission to suddenly downshift to first gear, potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the powertrain control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid may leak from the master cylinder into the brake booster, causing the brake pedal to require more effort and travel farther. Front brakes may not work as well, though rear brakes remain functional.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where they will replace your brake master cylinder.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may develop a leak, allowing brake fluid to seep into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors may have been installed with improperly manufactured bolts that could fail to secure these components.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected bolts with proper ones at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder's rear cup seal can roll out of position, allowing brake fluid to leak from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and brake booster if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The space between the seat frame and track is too narrow, causing the passenger weight sensor to read incorrectly and fail to deploy the front airbag for an adult passenger.
What the fix does
Dealers will widen the gap between the seat frame and track, then recalibrate the weight sensor system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may not be properly adjusted, causing the brake lights to fail to illuminate when you apply the brakes.
What the fix does
Your dealer will adjust the brake light switch to ensure the brake lamps illuminate properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal position switch may be improperly adjusted, causing brake lights to illuminate late or not at all.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch to restore proper brake light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The magnet in the steering motor position sensor may be installed incorrectly. This can cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire electric power assist steering gear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sensor magnet in the electronic power steering gear may be installed incorrectly, which can cause a complete loss of steering control while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electronic power steering gear at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
