2011 Ford F-150 electrical problems

Vacuum pump seizes, producing a buzzing noise in the front fender well and potentially causing loss of brake assist or 4WD engagement. One owner reported the service manager stated 'nine out of ten times the vacuum pump is the problem,' with Ford issuing a TSB and redesigning the pump for newer models due to vendor switching. Owners report the pump fails early with no warning indicator on the dash.

When: May 2015 at unspecified mileage; TSB referenced as TSB issued by Ford

Symptoms owners cite: Buzzing noise in front left fender well upon start-up; Noise fades during operation but returns upon restart; Hard brake pedal indicating loss of brake assist; Potential 4WD engagement loss

Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement quoted at over $900; part only available through Ford; one owner reported 120-day backorder for replacement fuse block (unrelated)

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSB for pump issue; switched vendors and redesigned pump in newer models; service manager familiar with problem

Multiple owners report violent shuddering, loss of throttle response, and stalling during acceleration at highway speeds (45+ mph, up to 75 mph), sometimes with subtle backfiring. One owner was nearly hit by a semi while on a grade; another experienced violent shaking while passing traffic. Diagnostics show misfires on cylinders 3, 4, and 6; mechanics replaced individual coils and plugs with no resolution. Owners express fear of injury due to sudden loss of power on busy roads.

When: Ongoing for years; one incident reported in July 2014 on Parkway; another complaint from 2017-2019 timeframe

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders violently during hard acceleration; Loss of power and throttle response; Unable to regain normal driving conditions for several minutes; Subtle backfire; Check engine light illuminates intermittently; Sputtering, shaking, and chugging during hard acceleration

Codes mentioned: P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire, P0306 Cylinder 6 misfire, P0301 Cylinder 1 misfire

Repairs/costs cited: Coil and plug replacement attempted; one estimate $250 for complete coil set; turbo cooler deflector ($200) suggested in some cases; no durable fix confirmed

Fuse number 27 in the main fuse block melts internally, destroying electrical connections and causing crank-no-start conditions. Ford issued TSB 15-0137 identifying the issue; dealers report this as a 'temporary repair' with no permanent solution available. Owners cite long back-orders (120 days) for replacement fuse blocks that Ford claims are unavailable or not an improvement over the defective original.

When: November 2015 reported; affects vehicles at 51,881 miles and higher

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start intermittently; Problem disappears temporarily then returns; Loss of electrical functions related to fuse 27

Repairs/costs cited: TSB 15-0137 temporary fix applied; replacement fuse block ordered but unavailable due to 120-day backorder

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 15-0137 issued; Ford told dealer issue is temporary repair only; fuse blocks claimed unavailable with no improvement design available

Driver side seat belt pretensioner replaced under warranty at 45,736 miles; high-resistance wiring in driver side connector repaired at 50,687 miles (owner charged $236.99 despite claiming warranty coverage); passenger side pretensioner replaced under warranty at 57,414 miles. By 83,610 miles, owner had experienced four separate SRS faults. One owner expresses frustration that no other vehicle owned in 25+ years experienced this many SRS issues.

When: 8/3/2015 at 45,736 miles; 10/28/2015 at 50,687 miles; 5/2/2016 at 57,414 miles; ongoing as of 9/11/2017 at 83,610 miles

Symptoms owners cite: SRS fault indicator illuminates; High-resistance wiring in connectors; Pretensioner failures

Repairs/costs cited: Pretensioner replacement (twice); connector cleaning and reseating; owner charged $236.99 for what he contends was warranty work

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial pretensioner replacements covered under warranty; no apparent comprehensive solution addressing root cause

Vehicle accelerates on its own without foot on throttle while owner is braking hard. ABS activates and pulses. Owner braked with both feet, pumped brakes, but truck continued to accelerate as if building up pressure, then shot forward like a bullet and struck vehicle in front at low speed. Owner states truck continued accelerating even after collision and when feet were on brakes. This is described as a 'life threatening situation' with potential for fatal consequences.

When: At intersection, speed building from stop

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without throttle input; Vehicle accelerates despite hard braking; ABS activation and pulsing; Inability to control vehicle despite both feet on brakes; Continued acceleration even after collision

Defroster button light fails to illuminate when pressed. Shortly after, rear window (typically passenger side) shatters due to electrical short in heating element. Shattered glass remains intact due to factory tint in some cases, showers into vehicle in others. One glass specialist reported replacing 14 Ford truck rear windows in recent months due to this problem. Multiple owners report children in back seat at time of shattering. Service managers confirm seeing five to ten vehicles with identical issue. Despite numerous complaints, Ford has not issued a recall and claims the defect is not covered by warranty.

When: Various dates 2014-2018; incidents occurring on cold mornings (15-45°F) or shortly after defroster activation

Symptoms owners cite: Rear defroster button light intermittently fails to illuminate; Loud pop or bang sound; Rubber smell or burnt smell; Rear window spontaneously shatters with spider-web cracking; White smoke from window area; Shards of glass in rear seats

Repairs/costs cited: Window replacement cost approximately $800; heated seat replacement quoted at $100 deductible; glass specialist charges standard window replacement fee

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claims no recall exists and no customer satisfaction program in place; glass not covered under warranty; dealers advise glass specialist for repairs

Vehicle loses all electrical power and motive power while driving at highway speeds (30-65 mph), forcing owner to coast to shoulder or risk collision. Restarting is possible but vehicle enters limp mode or refuses to start. One incident blamed on alternator strike by ice block kicked up from truck ahead; electrical fire erupted from damaged alternator.

When: Various incidents; one 2015 incident on highway; another rainy condition incident

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of brakes; Engine shuts off without warning; Vehicle does not restart after loss of power; Electrical fire from alternator damage

Repairs/costs cited: One alternator replacement cost $1,055; battery replacement under warranty in one case; vehicle towed for diagnosis in others

Battery light illuminates; battery is replaced but alternator is diagnosed as charging too much, causing light to return immediately. Dealership confirms alternator is bad and overcharging; states no aftermarket alternators available for this year/make. Owner pays $1,055 for Ford OEM alternator replacement.

When: Started at 45°F morning temperature

Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates on dash; Light returns immediately after battery replacement; Alternator overcharging

Repairs/costs cited: OEM alternator replacement cost $1,055; dealership confirms no aftermarket options available

BCM fails, causing multiple cascading electrical issues including: instrument panel lights randomly on/off, door dinging noise when doors not ajar, parking brake indicator randomly illuminating, door locks failing to operate from inside (requiring key to manually lock from outside), vehicle not starting, hazard lights independently activating, windows failing to adjust, and rapid turn signal flashing indicating failure. In one case, BCM was drained from wet conditions when located in unprotected area that collects water during rain. Diagnosis typically requires independent mechanic; dealers sometimes refuse to diagnose vehicles not included in specific recall campaigns.

When: Various mileages from 40,000 to 208,000 miles; water damage incidents occur during rain

Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel lights randomly illuminate and turn off; Door dinging when doors not ajar; Parking brake indicator randomly illuminates; Doors fail to lock/unlock from inside or with remote key; Vehicle will not start; Battery drains due to BCM powering down; Hazard lights independently activate; Windows fail to adjust; Rapid turn signal flashing; Complete electrical shutdown while driving

Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement cost not specified in narratives but typically several hundred dollars; one vehicle not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 11V128000 addresses electrical system issues but some VINs excluded from campaign; dealers cite recall campaign exclusion when refusing diagnosis

Brake pedal fails to respond when depressed, causing vehicle to slide into intersection at low speed on first occasion. On third occurrence at 30 mph, brake pedal failed to respond and vehicle clipped rear of Jeep traveling 60 mph, causing Jeep to flip twice. Both drivers sustained injuries requiring medical attention and police report filed. ABS warning light illuminates during low-speed incident. Failure unable to be duplicated or diagnosed at body shop.

When: Three separate occasions; collision at approximately 59,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Brake pedal fails to respond when depressed; Vehicle slides into intersection uncontrolled; Loss of braking ability at highway speed

Repairs/costs cited: Body shop unable to determine cause; vehicle damage repaired but failure mechanism unknown

Fuel gauge does not register full when tank is filled; while driving, gauge reads empty and low fuel warning activates (10 miles to empty) despite tank containing 20+ gallons. When refueling, high-pressure gas fume release occurs from filler neck with audible 'whoosh' sound. Engine struggles to start and requires 2-3 tries; check engine light illuminates for 3-20 minutes then clears. Ford vehicle health report references engine, transmission, and emissions issues. Owner reports Ford has known of problem with 36-gallon tanks since 2008 but offers no solution. Vehicle serviced eight times with no resolution.

When: Ongoing issue; complaint filed suggesting known problem since 2008

Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not read full when tank is filled; Gauge reads empty while 20+ gallons remain; Low fuel warning message activates prematurely; High-pressure gas fume release from filler neck; Audible 'whoosh' sound when refueling; Engine starting difficulty requiring 2-3 attempts; Check engine light intermittent illumination

Repairs/costs cited: Eight service visits with no corrective results

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford allegedly aware of issue since 2008 but has not issued solution

Vehicle downshifts and upshifts rapidly while driving at any speed (20-70 mph); shift indicator light flickers on and off; eventually enters neutral mode and will not accelerate. Vehicle loses all power to ignition (no dash lights) and cannot be restarted until owner unplugs and replugs ECU connector. After restart, vehicle drives but issue recurs. Mechanic installed new range sensor in transmission valve body without resolution. Owner notes vehicle has only 87,000 miles and transmission fluid has been replaced and level checked.

When: Ongoing issue at 87,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Rapid downshift and upshift cycling; Shift indicator light flickers off and on; Vehicle enters neutral mode and will not accelerate; Loss of all electrical power to ignition; No dash lights illuminate; Vehicle cannot restart until ECU connector cycled

Repairs/costs cited: New range sensor installed in transmission valve body without resolution

Odometer displays significantly higher mileage than actual distance traveled. Owner traveled from Sacramento to Arkansas (approximately 2,100 miles according to owner) but odometer advanced 8,000 miles farther than actual distance. Dealer claims no issue exists despite documentation.

When: Ongoing; most recent service in Arkansas with continued discrepancy upon return to Sacramento

Symptoms owners cite: Odometer reading exceeds actual distance traveled by thousands of miles

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states no issue present despite documented discrepancy

Transmission fails to engage in reverse; reverse indicator does not display on PRNDL; backup lamps do not operate. After shift into park and back to drive, transmission slams into gear and operates. Issue recurs. Independent mechanic cites safety recall for codes and behavior; dealer denies recall exists and demands payment for repair. Issue constitutes safety concern as vehicle is undrivable.

When: January 2015; issue occurred on prior day as well

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to engage in reverse; PRNDL does not display reverse indicator; Backup lamps inoperable; Transmission slams into gear after reset; All gears fail to engage on some attempts

Repairs/costs cited: Midas independent shop identified safety recall concern; Ford dealer refuses to acknowledge recall and demands full payment

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership claims no recall exists despite independent mechanic citation of recall

Rear doors on crew cab lock haphazardly; will not unlock consistently either manually or from interior, regardless of whether vehicle is stationary or moving. Owner has children in car seats in rear seats and expresses life-or-death concern in emergency situations where doors cannot be opened. Remote key unlock also fails. Issue is intermittent and ongoing.

When: Approximate date 5/01/2019; described as off-and-on problem

Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors lock haphazardly; Rear doors will not unlock manually; Rear doors will not unlock from interior; Remote key unlock fails; Failure occurs both stationary and in motion

Windshield wipers activate on their own approximately every ten seconds even when powered off. Fuse must be removed to disengage wipers. Failure occurred alongside brake failure.

When: At approximately 59,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers swipe independently approximately every 10 seconds; Wipers activate when powered off

Repairs/costs cited: Fuse removed to disable wipers

Driver side brake light inoperable; driver side turn signal flashes rapidly indicating bulb failure. Bulb replacement attempted but failure persists. Independent mechanics diagnose body control module replacement as necessary. Some VINs excluded from NHTSA Campaign 11V128000 (Electrical System) for similar issues.

When: At 142,000+ miles; multiple instances reported

Symptoms owners cite: Driver side brake light inoperable; Driver side turn signal flashes rapidly; Failure persists after bulb replacement

Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement attempted; BCM replacement required

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some vehicles excluded from NHTSA Campaign 11V128000

Speedometer needle fluctuates while driving at any speed. Vehicle loses power; wrench icon (MIL) warning light illuminates. Dealers unable to diagnose issue or duplicate failure; one recall repair performed with no resolution.

When: At approximately 55,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer needle fluctuates; Vehicle loses power; Wrench icon (MIL) illuminates

Repairs/costs cited: One recall repair performed without resolving issue

Back left door speaker wires severed; insulation cracked on most wires in harness where door connects to body in door jam. No external signs of pinching or damage; wires appear degraded from repeated bending motion of door opening/closing. Copper exposed on multiple wires creating fire risk. Owner expresses concern remaining doors have same problem, potentially causing inability to unlock door, window failure in emergency, or electrical fire.

When: Discovered during speaker repair investigation

Symptoms owners cite: Speaker wires severed in door jam; Insulation cracked on multiple wires; Exposed copper on power and window wires; Speaker function intermittent when harness manipulated

Repairs/costs cited: Owner repaired speaker connection; identified substandard wire not rated for door flex cycles

Check engine light illuminates intermittently from first week of ownership and continues flashing while driving. Vehicle undergoes repeated repairs with parts replaced multiple times: spark plugs (crack and short out), cam phasers, sensors, coil replacements. After numerous service attempts, dealer identifies sheared parts inside engine and requests engine replacement from Ford. Ford declines recommendations and stops returning phone calls; dealer continues fielding requests while customer awaits resolution on rental vehicles.

When: Started week of purchase; ongoing for extended period with 15 rental vehicles

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light flashing continuously; Engine light comes on since purchase week and persists; Spark plugs crack and short out; Sheared parts identified inside engine

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple spark plug sets replaced; cam phasers replaced; sensors replaced; sheared parts identified in engine requiring replacement

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford declines dealer engine replacement requests; stops returning calls from dealer

During highway acceleration to pass slower vehicle at 70-75 mph, vehicle shakes violently and undergoes rapid deceleration. Three coils failed, causing vibration and deceleration. Owner had vehicle repaired.

When: Highway incident during pass attempt

Symptoms owners cite: Violent vehicle shaking during acceleration; Rapid deceleration; Control difficulty

Repairs/costs cited: Three coil replacements performed

Vehicle experiences loss of power and downshifts to first gear, or completely loses all power to pedal. Wrench logo (MIL) illuminates. After turning ignition off and on, vehicle only moves in first gear, will not downshift, and speedometer will not function. Check engine light illuminates for days then turns off until downshift event recurs. Behavior matches NHTSA recall 16V-248 for same year/make/model.

When: Multiple occasions at high speed

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Downshift to 1st gear or complete power loss; Wrench logo (MIL) illuminates; Vehicle limited to 1st gear after event; Speedometer non-functional after event; Check engine light intermittent

Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at 65 mph. Mechanic diagnoses mass air flow sensor requiring replacement. After repair, check engine warning indicator fails to illuminate on subsequent diagnostic scans.

When: At 37,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning at highway speed; Check engine light fails to illuminate after repair

Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow sensor replacement performed

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford notified of failure; no indication of recall or TSB

Passenger side rear window defroster electrical short caused fire and window shattering. Following incident, passenger seat heater and rear defroster fail to operate. Owner's leg became so hot from seat heater before failure that it hurt; would have burned skin had owner been wearing shorts. Auxiliary power plug blew fuses in two devices.

When: Incident during normal commute on cold day

Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater overheats dangerously; Rear defroster shorts and catches fire; Rear window shatters; Passenger seat heater and defroster fail after incident; Auxiliary power fuses blown

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claimed glass not covered under 75,000-mile extended warranty

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford extended warranty does not cover glass; dealership denies responsibility