This article supersedes TSB 20-2028 to update the description of Labor Operation D. Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford F-150 cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Ford F-150 have filed 41 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 44,000 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
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 F-150 | 23 |
| 2011 F-150 | 98 |
| 2012 F-150 | 94 |
| 2013 F-150 | 116 |
| 2014 F-150 (this page) | 41 |
| 2015 F-150 | 87 |
| 2016 F-150 | 38 |
| 2017 F-150 | 16 |
| 2018 F-150 | 20 |
When does it fail?
Of the 41 cruise control complaints filed for the 2014 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 41 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.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
FORD: AFTER EXTENDED OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IN HIGH HUMIDITY OR DAMP CONDITIONS, VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT STUMBLE AND/OR MISFIRE ON HARD ACCELERATION. MODEL 2013-2014 F-150.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 F-150 in this cluster experiences multiple serious drivability and safety failures. The most common is transmission downshift without warning—vehicles suddenly drop from higher gears into first or third at highway speeds, causing RPM spikes, loss of acceleration, rear wheel lockup, and violent jolts. Many owners cite recall 24S37 (PCM reprogramming) that failed to fix the problem; dealers then quote $1,600–$2,554 for lead frame replacement. Owners report out-of-pocket costs exceeding $1,800 after failed recalls, with unclear warranty terms.
Electronic throttle body failures are nearly as prevalent: complete loss of throttle response, wrench symbols on dash, and limp mode forcing dangerous coasting to the roadside. Some owners replace the same throttle body twice. Unintended acceleration also occurs—accelerator pedals stick or fail to respond, causing sudden speed spikes. One owner accelerated to 80 mph and could only stop by shifting to neutral.
Cruise control bugs include failure to disengage even after brake pedal application and off-button presses; one vehicle coasted at 70 mph through a stop sign and red lights. Steering wheel switch malfunctions cause unintended speed changes. One owner stopped using cruise control entirely due to safety risk. A few owners report brake system failure and transmission slipping. Dealers consistently claim they cannot replicate or diagnose intermittent issues, and some refuse to treat these as safety concerns.
Same Ford F-150 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission abrupt downshift (lead frame/output speed sensor)
Transmission suddenly downshifts multiple gears without warning while driving at highway or city speeds, often accompanied by RPM spike, speedometer malfunction, and wrench symbol on dashboard. Some owners report rear wheel lockup; others report the transmission shifts unexpectedly back to normal after restart. Owners state recall 24S37 (PCM reprogramming for 6R80 transmission) failed to resolve the issue, and dealers subsequently recommend lead frame replacement.
When: Highway speeds, city speeds, any speed; occurs randomly and repeatedly, sometimes multiple times per trip or over successive days; some started early-mid 2024, others reported 2013-2018 timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift from 4th-6th gear to 1st-3rd gear without input; RPM spike and speedometer reading drop to zero simultaneously; Wrench symbol and limp-mode activation on dashboard; Loss of acceleration after downshift; Vehicle jolts and throws occupants forward; Rear wheel lockup in some instances; Rough idle after event
Codes mentioned: P0720 (output speed sensor fault), Wrench symbol / limp-mode indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote lead frame replacement at $1,600–$2,554. Owners report recall 24S37 (software patch) did not resolve issue; one owner paid $1,869.64 out of pocket after recall failure. One owner reports replacement of lead frame ($1,859.64 out-of-pocket cost) did not permanently solve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24S37 (PCM reprogramming for 6R80 transmission lead frame issue). Extended warranty program 19N01 for lead frame covers vehicles under 200,000 miles. Owners report Ford denies coverage for lead frame replacement after recall fails, citing unclear warranty terms.
Cruise control failure to disengage
Cruise control remains active even after driver applies brake pedal and presses the off button. Vehicle maintains speed or continues at reduced speed despite braking and switch input. In one severe case, vehicle continued at 70 mph through stop sign and traffic lights. Eventual disengagement occurs only after 10+ minutes or multiple restart cycles.
When: While using cruise control on highway at various speeds (55–70 mph); intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal application does not disengage cruise control; Off button press does not deactivate cruise control; Vehicle maintains speed despite braking effort; Cruise control finally disengages after extended time or vehicle restart; No warning light or message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate issue at dealership; owners report no repair performed. One owner researched and found clock spring replacement may solve similar issues in other F-150 owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or programs identified in narratives. Dealers claim no knowledge of issue and decline to address as safety concern.
Steering wheel switch control malfunction (affecting cruise control)
Steering wheel switches become erratic and jumbled; activating one function (e.g., radio volume) inadvertently triggers a different function (e.g., speed increase or station change). Owner reports never using cruise control due to risk of unintended speed changes. Dealer replaced switch pack without resolving issue; owner believes clock spring replacement may be needed.
When: Intermittent; occurred during dealer service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel switch controls produce incorrect functions; Radio, Bluetooth, and cruise control switches malfunction simultaneously; Unintended speed changes when operating other controls; Unpredictable occurrence pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced switch pack but problem persisted. Owner reports other F-150 owners solved similar issues via steering column clock spring replacement.
Electronic throttle body failure / throttle actuator control
Throttle body becomes unresponsive, stuck in open position, or fails to engage, resulting in complete loss of throttle control and power. Vehicle enters limp mode and wrench symbol appears on dashboard. Driver must coast to shoulder and restart engine to regain power. Some owners report repeated failure of the same part within warranty and after.
When: Highway speeds (55–80 mph), city speeds (30–40 mph), during acceleration or passing; first instance commonly early in vehicle ownership (5,000–56,000 miles); recurrence after initial repair in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of throttle response and acceleration; Engine shuts off or severely limps; Wrench icon and check engine light appear; Vehicle must be restarted to regain power; Rough idle and shuddering when stalled; Loss of power during lane changes or passing
Codes mentioned: P2112 (throttle actuator control system fault), Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement cost $250–$667 out-of-pocket; some covered under powertrain warranty or partial Ford customer satisfaction programs (case numbers cited: CAS-11570094). One owner replaced same part twice. Parts may be on national backorder due to safety recall status for certain model years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs partially covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs with case numbers assigned (e.g., CAS-11570094). Class action lawsuit exists for affected years; some owners' VINs excluded from coverage. Extended warranty for throttle control issues cited as 10 years / 150,000 miles by one owner; Ford charged only diagnostic fee in that case.
Unintended acceleration / stuck accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck in depressed position or becomes unresponsive to driver input, causing vehicle to suddenly accelerate to high speed. Owner must apply heavy brake pressure and sometimes shift to neutral to regain control. No floor mat interference. Brake restrained vehicle until neutral shift in one case.
When: During acceleration, lane change, and parking maneuvers; low mileage (5,000–56,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck in depressed position; Vehicle suddenly accelerates to 70–80 mph; Pedal unresponsive to lift or does not come up; Tire spin on damp pavement; Engine racing at full throttle / max RPM; Blue wrench icon and loss of throttle response
Codes mentioned: Blue wrench icon (no diagnostic codes found in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection found no codes and no obvious cause. One repair involved turbo booster failure requiring replacement of driver-side turbo and passenger-side turbo O-ring; failure recurred weeks after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction case opened and partially covered (CAS-15580321, closed 9/1/2018 without resolution per owner account). No recalls applied to some instances.
Brake booster / vacuum system / master cylinder failure
Complete loss of brakes with grinding noise and inability to stop vehicle at stop sign. Brake booster, vacuum system, and/or master cylinder failed. Occurred twice within 9,000 miles on same vehicle; second instance reported to NHTSA.
When: Approximately 9,000 miles apart; second instance not specified in detail
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure at stop sign; Grinding noise from brake system; Brake pedal fully depressed but ineffective; Vehicle rolls through stop sign
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster, vacuum, and master cylinder replaced twice by dealership. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford contacted; owner informed no relief available under Ohio lemon law.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Steering wheel switch controls (cruise control, radio, blue tooth functions) become erratic and switch functions become jumbled (ie. Activating the radio volume control switch may change the radio station or increase vehicle speed). Problem is intermittent, but did occur during a dealer service visit. The dealer replaced switch pack, but problem still persists. I conducted my own research and…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 26,000 and 56,591 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,000; a quarter make it past 56,591. 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/2014/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.