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 ↗2015 Ford F-150 electrical problems
severe 110 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
110
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
4fires
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 110 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 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 110 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 8 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 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 F-Super Duty and 2015-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles may require replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) for various reasons. While performing a programmable module installation (PMI) using the Integrated Diagnostic Service (IDS) scan tool, an error message may state: Configuration Failed, Would You Like To Retry? This may be due to improper module replacement steps. Make sure that the original module is installed in the vehicle, delete the vehicle session, then start a new vehicle session. Once the session starts, run the PCM PMI and install the new PCM only when the scan tool instructs. Finish the PMI by following the prompts given by IDS. If the original PCM is not
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2022 F-250-F-550, 2015-2020 F-150 and 2018-2022 Expedition vehicles without push button start and passive entry may exhibit a condition where it is difficult to insert the ignition key and/or turn it to the accessory position when removing the ignition lock cylinder per the functional lock cylinder service procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14. This may be due to debris or contamination in the ignition lock cylinder. If this concern occurs, use a suitable shop vacuum to dislodge or remove debris or contamination by placing the vacuum hose over the lock cylinder, without the key installed, for 30 seconds. Insert the ignition key and reattempt turning it to the accessory
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power loss and throttle body failures dominate complaints. Multiple owners report the engine cutting out entirely while driving at highway speeds, with warning lights illuminating (hill assist, service advance trac, check engine) before power returns—sometimes after a restart. Several instances describe throttle body replacement as the fix, and one owner reports three separate throttle body failures across 135,000 miles. Dealerships often cannot replicate the issue initially, and some owners mention online forums suggest damaged throttle bodies as the common culprit.
Wiring harness and electrical module failures cascade through multiple vehicle systems. One owner experienced simultaneous failures of running boards, airbag warning, climate control, windows, mirrors, backup system, and cross-traffic warnings after returning to the vehicle—solved temporarily by harness replacement, then recurring. Another had a low-pressure fuel pump with melted connector plug, leading to replacement of the fuel pump driver, body control module, and engine control module. A third experienced alternator wires severed by rubbing against protective housing at just 15,000 miles.
Brake pedal plastic grommet failures cause loss of acceleration, illuminated hill assist warnings, and stuck brake lights. The small disk breaks apart, and dealers sell only the entire brake assembly rather than the part itself. Owners also report tailgates opening randomly while driving or parked, requiring fuse removal to prevent issues during towing. Rear defroster electrical faults cause window shattering from internal arcing or thermal stress, with moisture entering after damage. Seat cooler systems overheat to dangerous temperatures (115–150°F) despite ambient conditions of 75–90°F. Push-button start buttons shut off the engine while driving when accidentally touched. Door locks freeze or fail, trapping occupants; power windows and locks malfunction intermittently. Trailer brake controllers overheat and smoke without warning messages. Lastly, adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems engage unexpectedly, applying hard brakes during highway passing maneuvers.
Same Ford F-150 electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Engine loses power and cuts out at highway speeds; throttle becomes unresponsive; multiple warning lights (hill assist, service advance trac, check engine) illuminate. Often cannot be replicated by dealership initially. Occurs repeatedly at intervals some owners claim is every 45,000 miles.
When: 45,000 mile intervals reported; mileage varies widely; some fail early in ownership; one owner at 41k, 79k, 135k miles
Symptoms owners cite: loss of acceleration at 40-75 mph; engine shuts down; throttle unresponsive; hill assist light on; service advance trac disabled; check engine light; wrench light; rough idle; RPM drops to 500 or below
Codes mentioned: P2450, check engine light present but dealers sometimes report no codes stored
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement at Ford dealership; one owner paid $324.55 for third replacement out of warranty; $770 replacement cost mentioned; often covered under extended warranty if purchased
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealerships recommend throttle body replacement; online forums indicate Ford knows about electronic throttle body issues across vehicle classes; no recall issued despite multiple complaints
Electrical System Cascading Failures / Wiring Harness Defects
Multiple vehicle control modules and wiring harnesses fail in sequence; one initial failure (fuel pump, alternator wires, harness damage) causes secondary failures in body control module, engine control module, and fuel pump driver. Owners experience total loss of electrical power, dashboard going dark, power steering offline, and inability to restart.
When: 3,000-15,000 miles on some vehicles; one owner with fresh engine at 5,000 miles experienced repeat failure; one at 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: entire electrical system goes dark; power steering offline; dashboard display dead; loss of power/engine cuts out; won't restart; battery won't charge fully; multiple warning messages cycling; turn signals inoperable; radio dead; fuel pump connector melted
Codes mentioned: U0151-00 (loss of ECM/PCM communication), U0100-00 (ECM/PCM fault), anti-lock brake system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement ($1,376 for aux transmission pump and harness per one invoice); fuel pump replacement; fuel pump driver replacement; body control module replacement; engine control module replacement; one Ford field engineer required to diagnose; multiple repeat repairs on same vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford field engineer deployed in at least one case after multiple failed repairs; no recall; warranty coverage varies by component and ownership duration
Brake Pedal Plastic Grommet Failure
Small plastic disk (grommet) on brake pedal assembly breaks into pieces. Loss of this part causes unintended limp mode, brake lights stay on, and hill assist warning light activates. Unrelated to actual brake function but triggers electronic safety systems.
When: 54,000 miles (owner with only local driving); low-mileage vehicles affected despite careful use
Symptoms owners cite: loss of acceleration/limp mode; brake lights stuck on; hill assist disabled light; no fault codes at dealership; plastic pieces on floorboard
Repairs/costs cited: Entire brake pedal assembly replacement required; dealer does not sell the small plastic disk alone (approximately $5 cost); full assembly costs hundreds; new design incorporated in replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged seeing this in Ford Fusions but claimed not common in F-150s; no recall; newer brake assembly uses redesigned grommet
Power Tailgate Unintended Deployment
Electric tailgate opens randomly while vehicle is parked, during driving, or while towing. Tailgate drops unexpectedly at speeds of 40 mph or higher, and while reversing, creating safety hazard especially when towing trailers.
When: One owner reports 60 days of recurrent failures; failures happen at various speeds and conditions
Symptoms owners cite: tailgate opens when vehicle starts; tailgate opens during driving; tailgate opens while parked; tailgate opens while towing trailer; clicking noise on passenger floor when closed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner must remove tailgate fuse to prevent failures during towing; one owner uses manual workaround (lock/unlock door sequence); vehicle beyond warranty with no recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified; issue has been noted on 2017-2019 F-250 Super Duty trucks which received a recall, but 2015 F-150 not included
Rear Defroster Electrical Arcing / Window Shatter
Rear defroster electrical connectors arc internally, creating smoke and extreme heat that shatters the rear sliding glass window. Smoke fills cabin; rear connectors hang freely and spark; damage occurs with no warning messages.
When: At 3.5 years / 15,000 miles; failure on cold-start or during normal driving; one incident on interstate at 7:40 AM
Symptoms owners cite: white electrical smoke from rear seat area; burning smell (wire-related); rear window shatters spontaneously; defrost turned on at time of failure; moisture entering cracked window; rear visibility loss
Repairs/costs cited: Rear window replacement required; service manager confirmed short in rear defroster wiring; connector and wiring repair needed; one owner reported dealership unwilling to cover as defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer care and dealerships initially declined to recognize defect; one service manager confirmed the issue as a known problem (stating 'sees it all the time'); technical service bulletin TSB ASI-32259 exists for 2013 models with similar defect; no recall for 2015 model year
Seat Cooler System Thermal Runaway
Front seat back cooling system (TED—Thermal Electric Device) fails to regulate temperature and reaches dangerous levels. Seat backs reach 115–150°F or higher, causing burns to anyone touching them.
When: Occurs consistently when cooling function selected; issue present in multiple 2015 models reported on F150Forum.com
Symptoms owners cite: seat back reaches extreme temperatures after 30 minutes; burns to occupants' backs; temperature at map pocket exceeds 115°F in 75°F ambient; temperature reaches 150°F+ in 90°F+ ambient
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cited in narratives; issue documented and discussed on F150Forum.com with thermal images provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall mentioned
Push-Button Start / Engine Shut-Off While Driving
Pressing the push-button start/stop switch while vehicle is in drive or reverse and moving causes engine to shut down completely. Occurs at speeds of 35–70 mph. Dealership states this is normal operation.
When: Early in ownership; one at 6,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts off while in drive at 35 mph; engine shuts off while in drive at 70 mph; loss of power steering (temporarily); vehicle slows down in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: No repair made; dealership stated this was normal operation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed behavior is 'normal' per design; no safety fix applied
Door Lock and Window Lock Failures
Power door locks fail; doors won't unlock using key fob, keypad, or manual key in cold weather or randomly. Child became trapped in rear doors below-freezing conditions. Window locks fail intermittently. Front driver and passenger doors unlock at highway speeds despite being manually locked.
When: Below 14°F temperatures; one owner child trapped; failures occur at 12,000 miles and higher; issues progress from rear doors to all doors
Symptoms owners cite: door won't unlock with key fob; door won't unlock with keypad entry; door won't unlock with key; all doors eventually become dysfunctional; window lock fails intermittently; doors unlock at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed in narratives; vehicle at dealership for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No safety recalls found for this issue; owner found online forums with other F-150 owners reporting same lock problems
Alternator Wiring Degradation / Severed Wires
Wires connected to alternator are severed by rubbing against the protective housing designed to shield them. Causes complete electrical system failure with no warning and the truck becomes undriveable.
When: 3.5 years / 15,000 miles; initial charging light warning on 11/6, failure on 11/13 after 3 days of not driving
Symptoms owners cite: charging system warning light appears initially; entire electrical system fails; dashboard goes dark; power steering offline; vehicle only 3.5 years old with 15,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Wires severed by rubbing; wiring repair needed; Ford refused to cover repair (6 months out of 3-year warranty)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial; no recall; dealership blamed design flaw or quality control issue
Trailer Brake Controller Overheating / Smoking
Integrated trailer brake controller overheats and smokes when trailer is connected. No dashboard warning messages appear. Pulls fuse to prevent fire or failure. Issue occurs on multiple 2015 F-150s per owner research.
When: Immediately upon connecting 7-pin trailer electrical connector
Symptoms owners cite: trailer brake controller smoking; controller getting hot; no error messages on dashboard; controller at risk of melting/catching fire
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership reprogrammed trailer brake module; fuse pulled as temporary prevention
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership reprogrammed module; issue acknowledged as problem with model year per owner's online research
Trailer Brake Output Stuck On
Trailer brake output remains constantly engaged after refueling while towing. Disconnecting 7-way plug releases brakes. Gain adjustment to zero does not fix issue. Multiple complaints on F-150 forum of same failure.
When: While towing; after refueling in one instance
Symptoms owners cite: trailer brakes engaged constantly; brake output stuck on at 7-pin connector; gain adjustment ineffective; turning off gain to zero does not resolve
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replacing trailer brake module and tow module per forum posts cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response in narrative; dealers reportedly handling with module replacement
Adaptive Cruise Control / Collision Warning False Activation
Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support system engage unexpectedly without any object in path. System applies hard brakes causing sudden deceleration in traffic. Occurs while passing vehicles or on clear roads with no traffic ahead.
When: At highway speeds while passing 18-wheeler; on clear road with 1/4 mile of open space ahead
Symptoms owners cite: collision warning alarm activates without vehicles present; hard brake application when passing; brakes applied causing near-collision with following traffic; false activation on clear roads
Repairs/costs cited: Ford recall 24E03 for powertrain control module software update issued; owner states reprogramming did not fix issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall for adaptive cruise control reprogramming; after reprogramming, issue continued; manufacturer advised to turn off feature; no complete fix
Battery Charging Failure / ECM/PCM Communication Loss
Battery won't charge fully even when new; vehicle turns itself off; ECM/PCM communication lost; anti-lock brake system codes thrown. Battery tested good; starting system functional; problem persists through multiple dealer repair attempts.
When: 20,000 miles; issue recurring after multiple dealer repairs
Symptoms owners cite: battery won't fully charge; vehicle won't start; vehicle turns itself off; ABS codes present; ECM/PCM communication loss codes
Codes mentioned: U0151-00 (loss of communication with ECM/PCM), U0100-00 (ECM/PCM fault), anti-lock brake system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Auxiliary transmission pump replacement ($1,376); transmission control module replacement ($1,490); multiple repeat visits; booster required to start vehicle at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution after two separate major repairs; dealers unable to identify root cause
Instrument Panel / Dashboard Display Failures
Instrument panel fails to illuminate after starting; no speed, engine, or transmission information displayed. Safety hazard as driver cannot see vital data. Delayed illumination (45 seconds) or complete darkness reported. Multiple electrical malfunctions since vehicle was new.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; non-starting issues reported
Symptoms owners cite: instrument panel does not come on after start; 45-second delay before display illuminates; wrench warning icon appears after delay; no speed or engine data visible
Repairs/costs cited: No repair made; dealership could not duplicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to replicate; no fix applied
Heated/Cooled Seat Wiring Melt
Front passenger seat heater/cooler module wiring burns and melts underneath seat. Wiring and connector damaged by overheating. Vehicle not repaired due to cost.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: seat heater and cooler inoperable; melted wiring underneath seat; burned connector
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring and connector replacement needed; not repaired due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance
Brake Light Housing Melting / Condensation
Third brake light housing melts from excess heat generated by bulbs. Melting allows large amounts of condensation to enter when raining. Problem worsens over time. Ford wants to use same problematic part for repair.
When: Issue first noticed approximately one year before complaint; ongoing progression over time
Symptoms owners cite: third brake light housing melting; large amounts of condensation inside housing; moisture damage from rain
Repairs/costs cited: Ford charges for repair but plans to install same defective part design; owner has photos documenting progression over year-long period
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford charges for repair; no design improvement; same part offered as replacement; owner found same issue affecting dozen other 2015 F-150s and countless others in online forums
Cross-Traffic Alert Sensor Damage / Moisture Intrusion
External damage to rear cross-traffic system lens cover allows moisture to enter, disabling window defroster and power window locks. Multiple warning messages appear. Repair part on backorder.
When: 90,000 miles; triggered by external vehicle backing into truck
Symptoms owners cite: cross-traffic collision warning appears; tail collision warning appears; window defroster inoperative; power window locks inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Repair part on backorder; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response; part availability not addressed
Push-Button Start Intermittent / No Remote Start
Engine fails to start consistently using push-button start or remote start on ignition fob. Unreliable for elderly/disabled owners who depend on remote start capability. Problem progressively worsens from intermittent to complete no-start.
When: Problem first appeared intermittently in May 2022; progressively worse by June 2022 when vehicle dropped at dealer
Symptoms owners cite: push-button start fails intermittently; remote start fails to start engine; problem progressively worsens; no start capability when needed
Repairs/costs cited: Reproduced by Kirk Brothers Ford in Vicksburg, MS but no cause determined after 10+ working days of diagnostics; only one technician assigned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No diagnosis; no resolution
Radio / Sync System / APIM Failure
Radio Bluetooth connectivity fails; system requests software upgrade from version 5.8 to 5.11. Radio controls on steering wheel become intermittent. Dealer states APIM (Audio/Phone Integration Module) replacement needed at high cost.
When: 8-year-old truck with low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth connectivity lost; radio controls on steering wheel intermittent; system requires software upgrade
Repairs/costs cited: APIM replacement required; dealer quotes 'off the charts' price
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggests APIM replacement; no warranty assistance mentioned
Backup Camera Display Failure
Backup camera fails to display when vehicle placed in reverse on several occasions but displays incorrectly while in drive on other occasions.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: backup camera does not display in reverse; backup camera displays while in drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repair; not diagnosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall noted; not diagnosed or repaired
Tailgate Detachment / Wiring Damage
Tailgate detaches from vehicle on its own. Detachment damages wiring cable on rear of vehicle. Computer wires damaged require replacement before tailgate failure can be diagnosed.
When: 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: tailgate detaches completely; rear wiring cable damaged; computer wires damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Computer wires damaged and must be replaced first; tailgate wiring repair needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but no response received; vehicle not repaired
Engine Stall / Multiple Control Module Cascade Failure
Engine stalls at low speeds after startup; vehicle refuses to enter traffic and stalls repeatedly. Multiple control modules fail in sequence (fuel pump driver, body control module, engine control module) trying to resolve same underlying issue. Suggests single-point failure causing cascade of module replacements.
When: Early in ownership; issue emerged after morning startup
Symptoms owners cite: engine stumbles and hesitates on acceleration; vehicle stalls after ~1 mile of driving; will only idle then stalls when put in drive; rough running after restart attempts; low pressure fuel pump shorted; melted connector plug
Repairs/costs cited: Low-pressure fuel pump replaced; harness plug repaired; fuel pump driver replaced; body control module replaced; engine control module replaced (after Ford field engineer visit); vehicle at dealership for 2+ weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford field engineer deployed; ECM replacement finally resolved issue; concern raised about inadequate fusible link protection and cascade failure design
Synthesized from 110 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Several non starting issues. On one occasion, instrument panel did not come on after starting the vehicle. It would have been unsafe to drive the vehicle with no indication of speed, engine/transmission information, and other vital data. After several restarts, instrument panel came on after a 45 second delay. A wrench warning icon was displayed on the instrument panel. Took the vehicle to my…
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 110 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 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 26,000 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,000; a quarter make it past 69,000. 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/2015/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.