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At a glance
This page covers 26 recalls and 1599 owner complaints for the 2015 Ford F-150.
Powertrain and brakes account for the largest share of complaints filed against the 2015 F-150. On the transmission side, owners frequently describe sudden, unexpected downshifts at highway speeds, often dropping multiple gears at once, sometimes accompanied by the vehicle entering limp mode, reduced speed, and warning lights illuminating on the dash. Several owners report the truck becoming undrivable after these events, with at least a few describing internal damage findings like metal debris in the transmission pan. On the brake side, owners report a range of concerns including reduced stopping performance and brake-related warning indicators. Engine complaints, while less numerous, include exhaust manifold bolt failures that owners say can lead to heat damage near sensors and stalling while driving. The sudden-downshift pattern appears across many reports and tends to occur without warning at freeway speeds, leaving the vehicle moving significantly slower than surrounding traffic.
1,599
Total Complaints
44
Crash-Related
13
Fire-Related
43
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Ford F-150 has 26 recalls, the most serious being a transmission that can suddenly downshift into second gear at speed, causing loss of vehicle control and raising the risk of a crash.
Fire risk appears across several recalls. The engine block heater cable can corrode, short-circuit, or be damaged by engine heat, causing wiring to overheat or melt; prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and follow-up campaigns address it. Missing or loose underbody heat shields can allow fuel and vapor lines to degrade or melt. Front seatbelt pretensioners can also ignite carpet or insulation inside the B-pillar area when they fire in a crash.
The steering column's intermediate shaft can separate from its flex coupling without warning, leaving the driver with no steering control. Adaptive cruise control can falsely detect an obstacle and brake unexpectedly, risking a rear-end collision from a following vehicle.
On the restraint side, front seatbelt pretensioner cables may not be properly crimped and can fail to hold an occupant in a crash, and the left rear inflatable seatbelt buckle can pull free from its bracket. Side doors can open while driving if the latch freezes or the actuation cable is kinked. The brake master cylinder on 3.5L EcoBoost models can leak fluid into the brake booster, increasing stopping distance. Wiper linkage can corrode and seize, leaving the driver without wipers, and the electric tailgate latch can release on its own, dropping cargo onto the road.
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
A software issue may cause the 6-speed transmission to suddenly downshift to second gear, which could result 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
The transmission range sensor may lose signal to the powertrain control module, causing the transmission to suddenly shift down into second gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper linkage can corrode and seize, which stops the wipers from working.
What the fix does
A dealership will replace the windshield wiper linkage.
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
The engine block heater cable installed during a previous recall may lack sufficient heat protection. High engine temperatures could damage it, causing short circuits, melted wiring, heater failure, or tripped household breakers when plugged in.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the block heater and cable. The heater element and/or cable will be replaced as needed, or the heater will be disabled if parts are unavailable.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The block immersion heater may be positioned too close to hot engine parts, damaging its cable and creating a potential electrical hazard.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the heater location and cable, replacing damaged parts at no cost. If parts are unavailable, the cable will be disabled temporarily.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric tailgate latch may malfunction and unlatch itself while driving, allowing unsecured cargo to fall from the truck bed.
What the fix does
A Ford or Lincoln dealer will modify the tailgate and frame wiring harnesses and install a new tailgate handle release switch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine block heater cable connectors may have been damaged during a previous recall service, potentially causing an electrical short that could overheat or melt the wiring.
What the fix does
Stop using the engine block heater immediately. A dealer will disable it. Once replacement parts are available, a dealer will install them before the heater can be used again.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged during a previous repair, creating a potential failure point.
What the fix does
Dealers will disable the engine block heater. When replacement cables are available, dealers will replace the heater cord at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water and contaminants can damage and corrode the block heater cable connectors, causing electrical short-circuits that may overheat or melt the wiring.
What the fix does
The block heater will be disabled at a dealer. Once replacement parts are available, a dealer will install them. Do not use the block heater until replacement is complete.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water and contaminants can enter the engine block heater cable's splice connector, causing corrosion and damage that may prevent the heater from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will disable the block heater cable at no cost. Once parts are available, dealers will replace the engine block heater cable at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the front seat belt pretensioners may briefly ignite exhaust gases that could catch fire in the B-pillar area, causing injury or property damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the B-pillar, modify floor covering and sound insulation, and apply heat-resistant tape.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During a crash, the front seat belt pretensioner may deploy and create sparks that ignite carpeting or insulation in the B-pillar area.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove B-pillar insulation and wiring tape, then install heat-resistant tape to prevent ignition.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the door latch and freeze, binding the mechanism. Latch cables may be bent or kinked during assembly, also causing binding. This can prevent doors from opening or closing, or prevent full engagement with the striker, allowing doors to open while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install water shields on door latches and inspect and repair any bent or kinked cables.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The door latch actuation cable may bend or kink, or water may enter the latch and cause it to freeze. Either condition can cause doors to open while the truck is driving, even though they appear closed.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the door latch cables, repair them if needed, and install water shields over the latches at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle may have a rivet that wasn't properly secured. During a crash, the seat belt assembly could separate from its mounting bracket, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the left rear seat belt buckle rivet and replace the buckle assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle may not be securely attached to its mounting bracket, reducing its ability to restrain occupants in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly and replace the attaching rivet as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Chrome door handle covers installed as an accessory may cause doors to unlatch during a side impact collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pretensioner cable in the driver or front passenger seat belt assembly may not be properly crimped, which could prevent the seat belt from properly restraining occupants during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver and/or front passenger seat belt retractor and pretensioner at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat belt pretensioner cables may not be properly crimped, which could cause the belts to fail restraining occupants during a crash and increase injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver and passenger seat belt retractors and pretensioners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Adaptive Cruise Control system may incorrectly detect an obstacle ahead and unexpectedly apply the brakes while the system is active.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the cruise control module with updated radar software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Adaptive Cruise Control may unexpectedly brake when passing large, reflective vehicles, potentially causing a trailing vehicle to crash. The collision warning light and audible tone may also activate.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the cruise control module with updated radar software to prevent unexpected braking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering upper intermediate shaft may have been improperly riveted during manufacturing, potentially causing steering failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft and replace it 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 intermediate shaft may have been improperly riveted during manufacturing. If the rivet fails, the shaft could separate from its flex coupling, causing sudden loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your intermediate shaft and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Metal heat shields under the vehicle may be loose or missing. Without them, fuel and vapor lines could degrade or melt, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will check for missing heat shields and fasteners, then install any missing parts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody heat shields may be loose or missing on affected vehicles, which help protect the undercarriage from engine heat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing heat shields and fasteners, then install any missing components at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
