This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford F-150 wheels problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Ford F-150 have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the wheels at roughly $400 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See wheels across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
| Model year | wheels complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 F-150 | 4 |
| 2008 F-150 | 4 |
| 2009 F-150 | 6 |
| 2010 F-150 | 8 |
| 2011 F-150 (this page) | 10 |
| 2012 F-150 | 13 |
| 2013 F-150 | 21 |
| 2014 F-150 | 18 |
| 2015 F-150 | 31 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels 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.
Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT HUB INTEGRATED WHEEL END (IWE) AREAS AND WHEN SHIFTED INTO 4X4 MODE, THE NOISE WILL CEASE. MODELS 2008-2013 F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, MARK LT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the plastic trim covers on the aluminum wheels come loose and fall into traffic due to adhesive failure. One owner retrieved a cover from the street after watching other vehicles swerve to avoid it.
The most common complaint is lug nut failure. Multiple owners state that factory lug nuts swell, split, or crack until they cannot be removed without damage. Costco and Ford dealership mechanics confirm this happens regularly. One owner paid $165 for replacement lug nuts at a Ford dealer and was warned the problem could occur again. At least one owner found three lug nuts broken and one missing during normal driving, leaving the tire loose on the wheel.
The factory-supplied lug wrench does not fit the factory lug nuts, making roadside tire changes impossible without additional tools or roadside assistance.
One owner reports the OEM tire specification (P235/75/R17) is unavailable except from Ford and one online retailer, while alternative sizes from most dealers are incompatible with the towing package. Another owner experienced violent jerking at 70 mph that was suspected to be a wheel defect, though the vehicle was never repaired.
Same Ford F-150 wheels reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Plastic wheel cover adhesive failure
Glue bonding plastic trim covers to aluminum wheels fails prematurely, causing covers to detach and fall into traffic. Covers use a proprietary adhesive system that is difficult to reattach.
Symptoms owners cite: Plastic covers loosening on wheels; Covers falling off while driving; Remaining covers loose or adhered inconsistently
Repairs/costs cited: Covers available for physical inspection; proprietary adhesive system limits aftermarket reattachment options
Lug nut swelling and seizure
Factory lug nuts swell, crack, or split, making them impossible to remove without damage. Multiple dealers and mechanics report this as a known recurring problem. Owners report difficulty during tire rotation and flat tire emergencies.
When: 154,000 miles on one example; detected during routine tire rotation
Symptoms owners cite: Lug nuts swollen and difficult to remove; Lug nuts split or cracked; Unable to remove lug nuts without damage to fastener; Lug nuts break during removal attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Full lug nut replacement reported at $165 for four wheels; dealers acknowledge poor design; replaced fasteners may fail again per dealer warning
Factory lug wrench incompatibility
The OEM lug wrench supplied with the vehicle does not fit the factory lug nuts, making emergency roadside tire changes impossible without additional tools.
Symptoms owners cite: Factory lug wrench will not fit factory lug nuts; Unable to change flat tire without assistance or additional tools
Repairs/costs cited: Owner must carry separate lug wrench or use hammer and roadside assistance
Wheel vibration and jerking
Vehicle exhibits violent jerking at highway speed (70 mph) attributed to defective wheels. Dealer attempted tire rebalancing without success; mechanic suspected wheel defect but vehicle was not repaired.
When: 11,991 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking at 70 mph highway speed; Clicking or grinding noise during turns and deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Tire rebalancing attempted as temporary fix but failed to resolve issue
Non-standard tire size specification
Factory door placard specifies P235/75/R17 tires, which are not readily available through most tire retailers. Towing package version appears to have incorrect OEM specification; owner reports only Ford dealership and one online retailer can source the specified size or acceptable substitutes.
Symptoms owners cite: Factory tire size unavailable from most retailers; Tire size specification may be factory error; Towing capability safety concern with alternative tire sizes
Repairs/costs cited: Only Ford, Tire Rack, and limited dealers stock compatible sizes; alternatives are P265/60/R18, P275/55/R20, or P255/65/R17
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford maintains specified tire size is correct factory equipment; will not acknowledge possible specification error
Lug nut breakage during normal use
Lug nuts break or go missing during normal driving, creating a safety hazard where tire can become loose and potentially detach from vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Lug nuts break during driving; Lug nuts go missing; Tire becomes loose on wheel
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2011 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $400 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, wheels issues most often appear around 83,719 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.