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 ↗2014 Ford F-150 electrical problems
severe 106 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
106
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
10fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 106 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 106 electrical 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 electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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 electrical 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 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the software. The software may be too sensitive to the position of a locating magnet in the assembly causing the activation of the pinch point threshold prematurely. The window will stay open when it should have closed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with Electronic Shift On-The-Fly (ESOF) 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Ford F-150s describe seven distinct electrical problems.
The most dangerous is a fuel pump fuse (Fuse 27) that overheats and chars inside the main fuse box without tripping properly, sometimes leaving owners stranded at highway speeds or risking fire. Many learned about this from dealer technical service bulletin TSB 15-0137, which offers a paid relocation kit rather than a recall.
Rear window defroster systems fail catastrophically—overheating glass until it shatters without warning, sometimes while the truck is parked with the defrost running, other times while driving. Owners report loud popping sounds and broken glass that could injure occupants, plus an electrical burning smell preceding the failure.
Cooling fan relays have burned internally, showing melted plastic housings and arcing inside, causing fans to run continuously with the ignition off and draining the battery.
Heater motors and blower speed control modules overheat inside the dash, melting through and igniting fires in the engine bay and cabin—some while parked, others while driving. Owners describe smoke, flames, and fire departments extinguishing total losses.
Alternators catch fire without warning during startup or operation.
Brake system electronics cause the brake pedal to lock solid at highway speeds with a "check brake system" warning, leaving drivers unable to stop.
Multiple owners report engine stalling while driving—sometimes triggered by a failing fuel pump relay, other times without stored error codes—forcing coasting to safety.
Wipers, door locks, cruise control, airbag monitoring, and instrument clusters exhibit intermittent electrical faults that dealers cannot reproduce, leaving safety concerns unresolved.
Same Ford F-150 electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Fuse (Fuse 27) Overheating and Burning
Fuse 27 (20-amp) in the main fuse box overheats and chars in its socket instead of tripping, causing fuel pump loss and potential no-start conditions without warning. The fuse block melts internally. No error codes appear.
When: 2009–2014 F-150s; failures reported at various mileages (65,000 to 230,000 miles); often first noticed as hard starts or battery drain
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start or cranks without firing; Fuel pump loses power intermittently or completely; Battery warning light appears coincident with power loss; Engine dies while driving at highway speeds with no warning; Fuse charred and melted in socket when inspected; Multiple no-start events requiring jump starts
Repairs/costs cited: Ford TSB 15-0137 offers a Fuel Pump Fuse Relocation Kit (part EL3Z-14293A) at cost (~$270); kit relocates fuse to a larger capacity slot; some owners replaced fuse with higher-amperage unit temporarily; repeated fuse replacements without cure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 15-0137 issued; Ford offers paid relocation kit; warranty coverage inconsistent; some dealers deny warranty coverage despite TSB reference; no recall issued despite widespread reports
Rear Window Defroster Overheat and Glass Shattering
Rear window defroster heating element overheats, causing the glass pane to shatter suddenly without impact or external cause. Owners report electrical burning smell and loud popping/cracking sound preceding failure. Affects multiple rear window configurations (sliding windows, fixed panes).
When: Within minutes of activating rear defrost or within 2–3 minutes after engine start with automatic defrost; can occur while parked or driving at speeds 25–70 mph; failure mileage ranges 30,000–119,000
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop or bang from rear window; Electrical burning/melting plastic smell; Rear window glass shattered into pieces; No external impact or object striking glass; Glass remains in window frame or falls into cab/bed; Rear defrost activated or warming up truck before departure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of entire rear window assembly costs approximately $700–$1,000 (quoted by dealers); glass replacement covers material only; owners responsible for labor and full window unit replacement; no parts cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford initially denies awareness or recall; dealers state no recall exists; widespread owner research identifies problem on 2009–2016 F-150s; over 200 similar complaints found by owners online; Ford does not acknowledge defect
Cooling Fan Relay (HI-Power FoMoCo O101K 8T2T-14B192-AA) Burning and Sticking
High-power cooling fan relay in battery junction box (BJB) fails internally, showing arcing, overheating, melted plastic housing, and detached bi-metal switch components. Relay sticks in the on position, causing fan to run continuously even with ignition off.
When: Discovered after approximately 20 minutes of normal driving; battery discharged after ~9-hour parking period
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan runs continuously with truck parked and ignition off; Fan produces engine-on sound even when engine is off; Dead battery after short parking intervals; Relay outer plastic housing shows visible melt/burn marks; Tapping relay lightly shuts fan off momentarily; No overheat condition or cooling system malfunction present
Repairs/costs cited: New relay (same part number, Ford-stocked) purchased and installed at local Ford dealer; old relay showed arcing and detached bi-metal piece inside; new relay functioned properly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; one owner's research identified part number from Ford Motorcraft manual; dealer had replacement in stock
Alternator Fire
OEM alternator catches fire suddenly during startup or early operation without prior warning signs. Produces smoke, pop/explosion sound, and flames from under the hood.
When: During startup in driveway (one case after remote start); under 10,000 miles on replacement engine (5,000 miles in another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Small pop/explosion sound from under hood; Smoke and flames emerge from hood area; Fire visible within minutes of startup; No prior warning or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic confirmed OEM alternator as cause; fire damage extensive; fire extinguisher use required; fire department response needed in some cases; vehicle totaled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer service dismissive; dealership offered no support; Ford Motor Company case filed but treated as 'negative feedback' only; no recall or warranty coverage
Brake System Pedal Lock and Loss of Braking
Brake pedal becomes physically locked in place without warning while driving, preventing pedal depression. 'Check brake system' warning flashes on dash. Pedal remains rigid until vehicle is restarted.
When: Occurred at highway speeds (70 mph); multiple episodes within same day; most recent episodes 4 times in weeks following dealer diagnostics
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal physically locked; cannot be depressed; 'Check brake system' warning on dash; No brake pressure regardless of foot force applied; Pedal responds normally after vehicle restart; No stored error codes detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics unable to reproduce problem; no repairs performed; loaner vehicle and diagnostics fee discount offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford corporate refuses engagement without reproducible diagnosis; Ford customer service offers no assistance; dealer unable to diagnose; owner reports escalation attempt required
Engine Stall While Driving (Fuel Pump Relay/Fuse Related)
Engine shuts down completely without warning while driving at highway or surface speeds. No error codes stored. Attributed to fuel pump relay failure or failing fuse in some cases. Vehicle restarts normally after shutdown.
When: Multiple occurrences: accelerating onto interstate, heavy traffic driving, interstate at 70 mph; September 2019 incidents; one case with technician present during stall
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies suddenly at speed; No stored error codes or dash warning before stall; Vehicle coasts to safe stop; Restarts and runs normally after shutdown; Multiple stalls over short timespan (2–3 in one day); Technician confirmed fuel pump fuse involvement
Repairs/costs cited: Technician traced failure to fuel pump circuit/fuse; one case cited as known recurring issue at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owner attempted Ford customer service but automated system does not offer defect reporting path
Electrical Fire in Engine Bay and Cabin (Heater Motor, Blower Module, Wiring Harness)
Fires originate from heater motors, blower speed control modules, electrical harnesses, and hood accent lights in the engine bay and cabin. Owners report smoke, flames, and melting plastic. Some fires occur while parked; others during operation or after remote start.
When: Varied timing: parked in driveway after startup, during driving, minutes after remote start; mileage range 78,000–230,000
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and flames from under hood or engine bay; Smoke in cabin from dashboard area; Burning plastic/electrical smell; Heater motor melted out of dash; Dash catching fire underneath passenger side; Hood accent light short circuit; Prior heater malfunction (stopped working moments before fire)
Repairs/costs cited: Heater motor replacement or electrical harness repair required; one case cited high resistance in harness requiring replacement of burned pigtail and harness rework; fire extinguisher use; fire department response; vehicles totaled in multiple cases; repair shop assessment ongoing in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Motor Company case filed; treated as 'negative feedback'; no warranty coverage or proactive recall; dealership and Ford customer service dismissive; no assistance offered
Multiple Electrical Faults: Wipers, Door Locks, Cruise Control, Airbag Monitoring, Instrument Cluster
Various electrical systems exhibit intermittent faults including continuous wiper operation in off position, door lock remote/button dysfunction, cruise control not disengaging, airbag warning light cycling on and off, and instrument cluster failure (speedometer, navigation, dashboard).
When: Wipers: intermittently running every 20–30 seconds in off position; radio low battery warning when key removed; door locks: intermittent remote unresponsiveness; cruise control: one occurrence, then resolved; airbag light: multiple occurrences over years; instrument cluster: months 10+ after transmission recall
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers run in off position every 20–30 seconds; Radio/ignition low battery warning with key removed; Remote door lock/unlock not responding intermittently; Both remote batteries replaced; issue persists; Cruise control will not disengage with brake pedal press; Airbag warning light on; no pattern detectable; light disables all airbags when lit; Speedometer, navigation, dashboard info system not working; Instrument cluster failure requiring restart to resume function
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper fuse pulled until repair possible; door lock issue persists with no replication by dealer; cruise control issue resolved without repair; airbag issue unresolved despite multiple dealer visits; no parts replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to replicate most issues; no repairs performed; no warranty coverage; owner reports no dash warnings or error messages to aid diagnostics
Synthesized from 106 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Approx. speed of 50 mph vehicle suddenly dropped into 1st gear resulting in rapid deceleration. Both speedometer and tach were fluctuating and had no direct correlation with actual vehicle motion. Defect was momentary and truck resumed to normal shifting pattern and normal speedometer/tach function.
On 12-26-21 tried to start truck, It cranked but did not start. called for a tow to the dealer. while waiting on tow I looked up fuse information to the fuel pump. after locating fuse that controls power to fuel pump relay I pulled fuse and it was burnt on one side of the prong. I called off tow and got home and did some research for this problem seems 09 thru 14 this particular 20amp fuse is…
After turning on the rear defroster for about 2-3 minutes the right rear window shattered. (if looking from behind its the far right out of the 3 part window. ) iturned it on and drove on a straight road for 1/4 to 1/2 mile at aprox 35 MPH. We heard a loud pop/bang and looked around and found the shattered window. No puncture mark or hole from any object hitting it. Apparently this is a common…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 106 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 77 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 38,500 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,500; 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.