Going up a steep hill in colorado on interstate i70 and the truck started hopping and lurching, dropping my speed from 60-40. The truck lost power almost causing me to be rear-ended on a busy highway. Due to the steepness of the climb, I had to pull over on the side of a busy highway. The dealership said this is a misfire common in the ecoboost trucks. This was the third time this happened…
2011 Ford F-150 cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Ford F-150 have filed 98 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 46,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
98
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 F-150 | 42 |
| 2008 F-150 | 32 |
| 2009 F-150 | 47 |
| 2010 F-150 | 23 |
| 2011 F-150 (this page) | 98 |
| 2012 F-150 | 94 |
| 2013 F-150 | 116 |
| 2014 F-150 | 41 |
| 2015 F-150 | 87 |
5crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 98 cruise control complaints filed for the 2011 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 98 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 17 model years of Ford F-150 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 F-150 generates a large cluster of complaints centered on loss of engine power during acceleration, particularly in wet, rainy, or humid conditions. Owners describe the truck shuddering, stuttering, and losing most or all power when attempting to pass or merge on highways—situations where power is essential for safety. The check engine light typically flashes or illuminates, and the truck may enter "limp mode" and refuse to accelerate past 40 mph. After a few seconds to a minute, power usually returns and the truck resumes normal operation.
Multiple owners identify moisture accumulating in the intercooler (charge air cooler) as the culprit. This condensation supposedly enters the engine during hard acceleration, shorting out spark plugs on the cylinder bank and causing misfire. Owners report Ford issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) directing dealerships to reprogram the ECU and install heat shields or moisture deflectors, yet these fixes frequently fail to stop the problem from recurring. Spark plugs often foul prematurely and require replacement—a cost owners say Ford does not cover under warranty.
Separate but equally serious complaints involve unintended acceleration when the brake pedal is depressed while cruise control is engaged. Multiple owners report that tapping the brake to disengage cruise control caused the truck to accelerate instead; reapplying the brake only increased engine speed further, making the vehicle uncontrollable. Two such incidents resulted in collision damage. Owners also report transmission downshifts from third to first gear without warning, brake pedal stiffness, and poor fuel economy after misfire events. Dealerships often cannot replicate these failures and decline to repair them.
Same Ford F-150 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of power and engine misfiring during acceleration (moisture-related)
Engine stumbles, stutters, shudders, and loses power when accelerating hard or at highway speeds, especially during or after rain and high humidity. Check engine light flashes or illuminates. Owners report intercooler condensation issue where moisture enters the engine from the charge air cooler (CAC/intercooler), grounding spark plugs and causing misfire. Occurs most frequently during passing maneuvers and highway merges, creating immediate safety hazards.
When: Typically occurs after extended driving in rain/humidity or high-altitude driving; some instances at 20–80K miles; one complaint at 500 miles; weather dependent (rain, fog, wet roads, high humidity); cold and warm conditions both reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders, stutters, lurches, sputters, coughs; Loss of power and lack of acceleration response; Check engine light flashes or stays on; Engine enters 'limp mode' with reduced power; Violent vibration originating from engine/drivetrain; Misfire codes (often cylinder #6); Rough idle, hesitation at steady speeds before acceleration; Turbo feels like it's not charging ambient air; Vehicle slows unpredictably during pass attempts
Codes mentioned: P0016, Cylinder #6 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealerships performed several fixes: reprogrammed ECU, installed heat shields/moisture deflectors (lower air deflector), replaced spark plugs and ignition coils. TSBs 12-2-10, 13-08-01, and 13-8-1 referenced. Owners report these fixes often do not resolve the problem. One owner paid $255.66 for TSB 13-08-01. Aftermarket solutions mentioned: drilling 1/16" hole in intercooler low point or installing $400–$500 oil catch can separator. Spark plugs reported as fowled or cracked prematurely due to water intrusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSBs (12-2-10, 13-08-01, 13-8-1) but no official recall found in narratives. Owners report Ford claims moisture/water in intercooler is root cause but have not issued comprehensive fix or warranty coverage. Ford reportedly said some repairs are 'normal wear and tear' not covered by warranty. Dealers unable or unwilling to permanently resolve issue; some told owners they could not help if problem could not be replicated.
Unintended acceleration (cruise control malfunction or engine control)
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly either when brakes are applied while cruise control is engaged, or engine revs to high RPM without driver input. In several cases, tapping the brake to deactivate cruise control caused the truck to accelerate instead. In one extreme case, the engine went to full throttle (7000 RPM) after light accelerator tap in cold weather. Vehicle did not decelerate when brake was reapplied.
When: Reported at 10K, 31.9K, 110K miles; one instance at -2°F ambient temperature; one during cold start after 7-minute idle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal is depressed while cruise control is engaged; Cruise control does not disengage when brake pedal or off-switch is pressed; Vehicle speed increases to 80+ MPH uncontrollably; Engine revs to 7000 RPM without driver input; Brake effort increases dramatically; rear wheels spin during braking attempt; Brakes become extremely hot and smoking after incident; Vehicle continues to accelerate despite multiple brake applications
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership kept one vehicle for two weeks and drove 273 miles but could not replicate the problem. One owner reported brakes were extremely hot and smoking after incident. No repairs documented as successful for this failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships told owners they cannot fix what they cannot replicate. Ford regional manager stated same position. No recalls or TSBs cited for this specific failure in the narratives provided.
Cruise control sensor failure
Cruise control does not function; sensor failure prevents system engagement. Owner reports it is either a sensor near steering column or near master cylinder under the hood. Part failure appears to be straightforward component wear, not engine-related.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; complaint filed soon after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not engage or work; No other engine or drivability symptoms reported
Repairs/costs cited: Owner estimates $150 cost to replace sensor. Owner has knowledge of repair but lacks funds; stated they could install it in 30 minutes.
Timing chain rattle and power loss on acceleration
Check engine light illuminates with code P0016 indicating timing chain loosening over time. Owner reports prominent rattle on cold start-up lasting 2–3 seconds. When attempting to pass, truck loses power and will not accelerate past other vehicles. Ford is aware of issue per owner research; described as affecting 2011–2012 F-150 EcoBoost models nationwide and in Canada.
When: Cold weather start-up; during passing attempt at 55 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Prominent rattle on cold engine start, lasting 2–3 seconds; Loss of power when attempting to pass; Inability to accelerate past slower vehicle; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: P0016
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified; owner believes timing chain repair needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford is aware of the issue per owner statement; no recall or fix mentioned in narrative
Transmission downshift issue (3rd to 1st gear shift)
Transmission randomly downshifts from 3rd gear to 1st gear while driving, typically during highway travel. This creates sudden deceleration and potential rear-end collision hazard. Related to recall 16S19.
When: Multiple incidents, one at 31.9K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Random downshift from 3rd to 1st gear; Sudden deceleration without warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced transmission at independent shop due to this issue. Another owner references recall 19S07 issued in February but Ford dealer lacked software to fix as of May.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice 16S19 exists for this issue. Recall 19S07 issued February 2019. Dealerships unable to replicate problem or lacked necessary software to implement fix.
Brake system issues (sudden hard-pedal resistance)
Brake pedal suddenly requires extra effort to depress or brings truck to a very slow stop. Occurs intermittently without warning. Separate from cruise control issues but reported alongside engine misfire complaints in at least one narrative.
When: Intermittent; reported over several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden increase in brake pedal effort; Brake requires hard depression to slow vehicle; Delayed or sluggish brake response
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealership appeared frustrated and offered no solutions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership offered no diagnosis or remedy; owner felt dealership 'threw their hands up'
Erratic idle and idle surge in cold conditions
Engine idle becomes erratic or surges, particularly during cold-weather start-up or when vehicle is stopped with engine running. Related to moisture and cold temperature sensitivity.
When: Cold weather conditions; at idle while stopped; during cold start-up
Symptoms owners cite: Engine idles erratically; Idle surge (RPM spikes uncontrollably); Engine stumbles or stutters while in reverse on cold days
Poor fuel economy (8.5–12 MPG on F-150 EcoBoost)
Fuel economy degradation reported following misfire and power loss issues. Owner averaged 8.5–12 MPG on one trip (Pennsylvania to Florida and back), well below expected F-150 EcoBoost efficiency. Owner notes this persists after multiple dealer visits and TSB applications.
When: Ongoing after misfire incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Significantly reduced fuel economy (8.5–12 MPG reported); No improvement after dealer service or TSB updates
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs attempted for fuel economy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Synthesized from 98 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My truck has shuddering problems during acceleration to pass. The weather was rainy and very wet. This is not the first time I have experienced the problem. While visiting louisiana in the summer of 2012 I experienced the same issue and while in san antonio, I had the catalytic converter replaced. *tr
Had cruise control 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 cruise control problem on the 2011 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 98 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 83 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 25,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 46,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.