Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford F-350 electrical problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 14 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Ford F-350, 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
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.
In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 F-350s cite electrical and brake failures that pose real safety hazards. A driver towing an RV on a mountain descent experienced engine stalling and loss of power, forcing him to rely solely on truck brakes while descending at 80 mph—the brakes overheated and cooked the pads, rotors, calipers, and wheel bearings. Another owner's front seat warmer wires caught fire and melted underneath the seat at 115,000 miles.
Backup cameras fail to function or freeze mid-reverse, eliminating visibility—one owner backed into a parked car in his driveway because the camera image was frozen. Another reports the camera fails entirely, creating a back-over danger. Owners have also reported all dashboard warning lights staying illuminated, steering wheel controls (horn, cruise, buttons) going dead with airbag lights on, and brake lights stuck in the on position while parked.
Battery catastrophic failure flooded wiring with acid, damaging brakes and other electronics, with repair costs exceeding $1,800. A brake system wiring short near the axle caused the brake pedal to require excessive force. One owner reports being taken to a dealer recently for service, only to have the truck fail to start afterward due to battery failure.
Several complaints reference odometer fraud involving the same model, though unrelated to electrical systems. Automatic start systems malfunction repeatedly even after dealer repairs.
Same Ford F-350 electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Loss and Overheating at High Altitude
Owner reports engine stalling while towing, intermittent severe power loss, overheating on mountain descent (7,200 ft altitude). Diesel exhaust filter contamination suspected. Engine limp mode prevented proper braking assistance, forcing dangerous reliance on truck brakes alone and causing brake overheating.
When: Higher altitudes; owner had vehicle serviced 3 times with no permanent resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while pulling loaded RV; Intermittent severe loss of power; Engine overheating on descent; Loss of engine brakes and tow-haul mode; Brake pedal pulls violently left then right; Intermittent wiper activation on startup
Repairs/costs cited: 3 dealer repair attempts; owner reports issue not fixed
Seat Warmer Electrical Fire Hazard
Front passenger seat warmer wires caught fire and began melting underneath the seat at 115,000 miles. Owner observed smoke and burning odor, physically disconnected wires to stop the fire. Seat belt warning light illuminated after incident.
When: 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Seat warmer overheating; Burning odor and smoke from under seat; Melting wires underneath seat; Seat belt warning light illuminated; Main information center failed to activate certain electrical systems intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disconnected wires; vehicle not taken to dealer for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed no recall on VIN; opened case and referred owner to NHTSA
Brake System Wiring Failure and Short
Brake system wires routed through axle centerline experienced insulation wear and shorted, causing brake pedal to become hard and require excessive force. Repair shop rerouted wires to axle backside and clamped externally. Manufacturer provided no repair recommendation or verification of repair sufficiency.
When: Approximately 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal difficult to apply; Requires excessive force on brake pedal; Wire insulation coating worn through axle routing
Repairs/costs cited: Repair shop rewired brake lines to back of axle and clamped wires on outside
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no repair recommendation or solution
Battery Catastrophic Failure and Acid Corrosion
Both factory-installed batteries experienced catastrophic failure shortly after recent dealer service, releasing battery acid that corroded wiring throughout truck. Acid damage affected brake system and other electronics. Factory cover hid the failure; free copper cable posed fire and electrocution hazard.
When: Less than 3 years old; after recent dealership service
Symptoms owners cite: Truck will not start; Both large batteries catastrophically failed; Battery acid corrosion destroying wiring; Damage to braking system electronics; Damage to other exposed electronics; Large chemical spill
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted over $1,800 in damages
Backup Camera Freeze and Failure
Backup camera image froze on screen during reverse operation, eliminating driver awareness of vehicle motion. Owner backed into vehicle without noticing, causing collision damage. Multiple complaints of intermittent and complete backup camera failure creating back-over hazard.
When: Intermittent; failures reported at unknown mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Camera image freezes on screen while reversing; Complete camera failure with no image or warning; Driver unable to see vehicle movement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but owners report not receiving notification; Ford denies repair authorization under recall despite notice sent
Instrument Panel Warning Lights Stuck On
All instrument panel warning indicators remained illuminated when vehicle was started. Dealer unable to reproduce or diagnose the failure during service visit.
When: 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel warning indicators remain illuminated after startup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; referred contact to NHTSA
Steering Wheel Control Module Failure
Steering wheel controls (cruise control, horn) and all associated buttons ceased functioning. Airbag warning light illuminated. Owner suspects defective clockspring component.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of cruise control function; Loss of horn control; All steering wheel buttons non-functional; Airbag warning light illuminated
Brake Light Electrical Fault
Brake lights remained continuously illuminated even when vehicle was not in use and parked. Owner had to disconnect batteries to disable the lights.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stuck in illuminated position; Lights remain on when vehicle is parked
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disconnected batteries to resolve
Automatic Start System Recurring Malfunction
Automatic start feature repeatedly malfunctions with false warnings displayed. Vehicle taken to dealership multiple times; technicians report repair completed but issue recurs within minutes.
When: Repeated failures; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic start system malfunction; False warning messages displayed; Erroneous fault codes or warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reports repair completed but issue persists
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The backup camera fails to function when truck is in reverse causing a back over danger to children it was specifically supposed to address.
Engine stopped once in the road pulling a 40 ft.r.v. .intermintley severe loss of power and trying to overheat. Comeing down a 7200 ft. Mountain I lost the r.v. Brakes,engine brakes & the tow haul mode (to help slow down) all I had was the truck brakes going around 80 m.p.h. By the time I got stopped all 4 wheels were smokeing cooking the related parts, rotors, brake pads, calipers,wheel…
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 Ford F-350?
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-350?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 143,927 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 $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-350.
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.