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
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford F-150 body problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Ford F-150 have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 68,976 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 F-150 | 26 |
| 2008 F-150 | 18 |
| 2009 F-150 | 27 |
| 2010 F-150 | 62 |
| 2011 F-150 (this page) | 23 |
| 2012 F-150 | 18 |
| 2013 F-150 | 33 |
| 2014 F-150 | 25 |
| 2015 F-150 | 122 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 F-150 body assembly shows repeated failures in glass, latching mechanisms, sealing, and corrosion protection. The most serious issue is rear sliding windows shattering without external impact—owners describe explosions and loud bangs occurring while stationary, during defrost activation, or at highway speeds. Glass fragments spray into both the cab and truck bed. Ford acknowledges the problem with at least two service bulletins and offered 50% reimbursement in some cases, but owners report the defect spans model years 2010–2014 with no recall. Door latch failures are equally dangerous: driver and passenger doors fail to latch, pop open while driving, or unlock spontaneously on the highway. One rear door lock failed twice on the same vehicle five years apart. Water intrusion is chronic—headliner leaks persist despite multiple dealer visits, A/C condensation drains into the passenger floorboard destroying carpets and causing mold, and one firewall leak from the A/C compressor soaked the cabin. The truck also rusts aggressively: rear bumpers corrode around backup sensors and structural components like quarter panels and subframes corrode with no drain provisions. Ford's rust warranty is virtually worthless, requiring perforation before coverage applies. One owner suffered a knee injury from slipping off the running boards.
Same Ford F-150 body reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rear sliding window spontaneous shattering
Right or passenger side rear sliding window (cab divider) shatters without external impact, sometimes triggered by rear defrost activation, sometimes during normal use or storage. Glass fragments scatter into cab and truck bed, creating safety hazard.
When: 45,000 miles; various mileage; under 30 days ownership; during defrost use; while stationary in storage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or explosion sound; Window spider-webbed or completely shattered; Glass fragments in cab and bed; Shattering while rear defrost on; Shattering while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement window cost $667; Ford offered 50% coverage at dealership; glass manufacturer responsibility questioned by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletins exist (at least 2 per narrative #1); Ford offering 50% cost reimbursement in some cases; owners report issue documented across 2010–2014 F-150 model years online
Driver and passenger door latch failure
Door handle does not return to closed position; door fails to latch securely and pops open during driving or when parked on flat or inclined surfaces. 'Door ajar' warning activates while vehicle in motion.
When: Ongoing for several months; early mileage (2 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Door handle sticks in open position; Door fails to latch when closed; Door ajar warning light triggers while driving; Door opens unexpectedly while vehicle in motion; Doors close independently on flat or inclined surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: Not covered under premium warranty per dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claims unaware of problem on 2011 model; recall exists for 2009–2010 F-150 (Campaign 11V049000) but not expanded to 2011
Rear door lock failure while in motion
Both rear passenger door locks failed simultaneously while vehicle moving, allowing doors to swing open. Repeated failure on same vehicle (two occurrences years apart).
When: May 25, 2019 and May 1, 2024 (5-year interval)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger doors unlock while vehicle in motion; Doors swing open uncontrollably; No obvious cause for failures
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts ordered from Ford each time
Front passenger door unlatching during driving
Front passenger door randomly unlatches while vehicle in motion and will not re-latch until manual intervention of the latching mechanism.
When: Highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Door unlatches randomly while driving; Door will not latch without manual repositioning of latch mechanism
Rust on rear bumper, side panels, subframe, and quarter panels
Premature rust developing on rear bumper around backup sensors, side panels near wheels, underneath panels, and quarter panels. Subframe corroding with no drain plug for water. Rust warranty does not cover until hole is rusted through.
When: 3.5 years of ownership; around 134,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust on rear bumper around backup sensors; Rust on side panels and wheel wells; Excessive corrosion on subframe with water accumulation; Quarter panel rusting
Repairs/costs cited: Rear bumper requires replacement; dealership claims cannot warranty without perforation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Rust warranty limited to holes rusted through vehicle body only
Headliner water leak from rear
Water leaks from rear headliner into cab, causing moisture buildup, mold, mildew odor, and visual obstruction. Persists despite multiple dealer service visits.
When: Brought in 2013 and 2014; continues to present
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping from rear headliner; Moisture buildup inside vehicle; Mold and mildew odor; Visual obstruction from condensation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attributed to third brake lamp seal; no permanent fix achieved
Air conditioner drain leak into passenger floor
Water from air conditioner system drains improperly into passenger-side floorboard, soaking carpets and creating standing water. One case involved leak through firewall from A/C compressor area.
When: While A/C running; over extended time period
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling on passenger side floorboard; Carpets soaked and destroyed; Mold and mildew growth; Musty odor
Repairs/costs cited: Rugs required complete replacement; one case involved firewall leak repair
Fuel door spring mechanism failure
Spring mechanism securing fuel door breaks and no longer provides secure seal. Owner reports seeing similar issue on other F-150s of same model years.
When: Within last year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel door does not stay secure; Spring mechanism broken or non-functional
Running board slipping hazard
Running boards are slippery, causing foot to slip and occupants to fall. Reported owner injury requiring 60 days of medical care for knee damage.
When: Multiple occurrences over ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Foot slips off running board when stepping on it; Loss of stability when entering vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and selling dealer contacted but no action taken
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2011 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2011 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 45,363 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 68,976. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,363; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.