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 ↗2017 Ford F-150 body problems
moderate 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 84 body complaints filed for the 2017 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 84 body 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 body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 body 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.
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2023 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles may exhibit dust ingress into the cabin through the doors or air extractors. This may be due to the climate control system being in recirculation mode as a result of the recirculation button being on or automatic strategies for heating/cooling efficiency. To minimize dust ingress when driving in off-road or secondary road conditions, make sure that all doors and windows are fully closed and the climate control system is switched to defrost on and the instrument panel and footwell air vents are switched to off. Temperature and fan settings may be adjusted as desired. Alternatively, max defrost can be activated which w
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2022 F-150 and 2017-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles may experience issues with the tailgate center step moulding. If there is an issue with the center molding (warped, damaged condition, loose, or if the molding is missing), the trim cover is now available separately. It is no longer necessary to replace the entire rear step assembly (402A48).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 F-150, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty and 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a vista roof opening panel may exhibit a binding/sticking, glass stuck open or closed, noisy operation including chatter, rattling, or grinding. This may be due to the glass panel brackets cracking and/or breaking apart. The glass panel brackets are serviceable separately from the frame assembly and require the roof opening panel glass to be moved to the vent position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the roof opening panel glass brackets
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across these 50 narratives is the frozen door latch problem in cold temperatures. When the thermometer drops below 32°F—often much lower—door latches won't close, won't open, or open unexpectedly while the truck is moving. Owners describe being unable to access the vehicle, having to tie doors shut with cargo straps, and holding doors closed with their hands while driving to the dealership. Children have been locked inside vehicles or unable to exit. Ford issued Recall 17V652000 and various Technical Service Bulletins (18N03, FSA 18N04, 19N03) with lubricants and weather seals, but multiple owners report the fix failed immediately—some within hours of pickup. The dealerships and Ford have told owners there is no permanent solution, that the fix was "warrantied for 2 years only," and that some VINs are not covered despite identical symptoms.
Water intrusion is a secondary but serious issue. Rain leaks through door seals and window channels, saturating floormats and wetting the interior. Clogged or improperly connected drain tubes are cited. One owner's ECU was destroyed by water damage, and extended warranty denied the claim. The electric tailgate also opens unexpectedly without warning while driving—a hazard for cargo and following vehicles—with no dashboard indicator light and no way to disable it.
Additional concerns include frame rust severe enough to create holes and disconnect bed-to-cab connections, engine failures requiring replacement, brake system failure causing an uncontrolled roll, a wiper attachment that falls out and impairs visibility, running boards that won't extend properly, and moonroof frames fracturing. Dealerships and Ford have repeatedly stated they cannot repair certain defects or have denied warranty coverage on paint, frame, and interior water damage.
Same Ford F-150 body reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Door latch freezes in cold weather, won't close or latch
Door latch mechanism becomes inoperable when temperatures drop below freezing (typically 15–32°F), preventing doors from closing and latching properly. In some cases doors will not open either. Latch typically resumes function once temperature warms.
When: Below freezing temperatures, typically 15–32°F; recurs seasonally and has persisted across 2015–2017 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Door won't latch closed when attempted to close in cold weather; Door opens unexpectedly while driving in cold conditions; Door won't open (latched frozen in closed position); Door ajar warning light illuminates; Interior light stays on; Door requires forcing or multiple attempts to latch; Doors swing open on turns or acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report Ford applied deicer, penetrating oil, grease, stronger grease, silicone lube, and TSB 18N03 / FSA 18N04 treatment. Dealerships have been unable to provide a permanent fix; failures recurred within hours to days after repair. Some owners applied silicone spray and heated latches with hair dryers as temporary workarounds. Parts do not exist for vehicles outside recall scope per dealer statements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); TSB 18N03 / FSA 18N04 / TSB 19N03 issued. Many vehicles outside recall date range. Recall warranty stated as limited to 2 years. Manufacturer has not issued expanded recall despite complaints spanning 2015–2017 model years. Ford stated fixes are 'customer satisfaction programs' rather than recalls for some affected vehicles. Dealers have stated 'fix' did not work and no further remedy available.
Door latch fails to unlock when frozen
In freezing temperatures, door latches become stuck in the locked position and won't open via the unlock button, key fob, or inside/outside door handles, trapping occupants inside the vehicle.
When: Below freezing temperatures; recurs seasonally
Symptoms owners cite: Door won't open (locked position frozen); Unable to unlock from inside or outside; Child locked in rear seat; Required 30 minutes of heating before door would open
Repairs/costs cited: Owners heated latches with hair dryer and applied silicone lubricant. One owner had to hold door closed while driving to dealership. No permanent manufacturer fix identified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall for locked-in-place condition. Dealerships unable to provide solution.
Water intrusion into cabin via door seals and drain tubes
Excessive water leaks through door seals and window channels into the vehicle cabin during rain, saturating floormats and wetting interior components including headliner. Drain tubes either improperly connected or clogged, allowing water to pool.
When: During rain events; affects vehicles with and without sunroofs
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping from grab handles; Dome light filled with water; Floormats soaked by rainwater; Headliner stained and getting wet; Water entering between sunroof and panel; Vehicle stalled while driving due to electrical damage from water ingress
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership connected/cleaned drain tubes. Failure recurred (clogged tube). Body shop identified water leak between sunroof and panel. One owner reported computer destroyed by water intrusion, requiring ECU replacement. Extended warranty denied claim stating only mechanical failures covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referred to NHTSA Hotline. No specific recall or TSB cited. Manufacturer did not provide resolution.
Electric tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving
Electronic tailgate release engages without driver input, causing tailgate to open while vehicle is in motion. No warning light on 2017+ models. Owner cannot disable the tailgate lock.
When: While driving and parked; occurs at least a dozen times per owner report
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens without any action by driver; Tailgate opens while vehicle is in motion; Cargo at risk of falling out; No dashboard warning light to alert driver; Cannot manually lock tailgate to prevent operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited but stated no solution available. Previous model years had indicator light (removed from 2017 design).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy available per dealership. Ford Canada issued recall for identical trucks but U.S. model not recalled.
Running boards fail to extend or retract on command
Power-operated running boards either fail to extend when door is opened, or extend briefly then immediately retract, forcing occupants to take a large step into or out of vehicle.
When: Intermittent; occurs when vehicle is on and off
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards attempt to extend but immediately retract; Running boards fail to extend at all; Occupant forced to take large step to enter/exit vehicle; Occurs on both driver and passenger sides, front and rear
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Water leaks through windows during rain
Driver and passenger window seals allow rainwater to enter cabin, soaking floormats and door panels. Defective sliding track on rear glass sliding window allows moisture ingress.
When: During rain; noted at approximately 11,000 and 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Floormats soaked by rainwater while parked in driveway; Rear sliding window track detached from window; Moisture entering cabin; Water damage to interior
Repairs/costs cited: Owner requested extended warranty coverage; denied (stated warranty covers mechanical failures only). One owner received repair estimate but did not complete repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty claim denied. Referred to separate company for interior damage. No recall issued.
Frame rust and deterioration
Severe corrosion on main frame and bed-to-cab connections, creating unsafe structural integrity. Holes 1–2 inches in diameter present in main frame. Truck bed and cab connections so rusted they disconnected.
When: Noted during shock replacement; first owner, always maintained
Symptoms owners cite: Holes 1–2 inches in diameter in main frame; Truck bed and cab connections rusted and disconnected; Frame corrosion deemed unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed frame replacement necessary. Owner declined to drive truck due to safety concerns and did not authorize repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised frame replacement required but offered no warranty coverage or assistance.
Dashboard separation from mounting
Dashboard is separating from the vehicle structure at the mounting points.
When: Approximately 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard separating from mounting
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspected but did not provide diagnosis or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied repair claim. Claim number issued and later closed.
Wiper blade attachment fails, wipers lose contact with windshield
Steel key stop on wiper arm mounting falls out of keyway, causing wipers to bounce and lose contact with windshield, impairing visibility during rain.
When: During wiper operation in rain
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers bounce and lose contact with windshield; Impeded visibility during heavy and light rain; Key can fall out due to vibration and gravity; Key can fall out when vehicle is moving or stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership examined but stated condition is unrepairable. Ford indicated no fix available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated condition is unrepairable. Design flaw acknowledged (key inserted into wiper arm rather than knurled knob). No warranty action taken.
Paint deterioration on new vehicle
Paint pitting and flaking off in several areas on a new vehicle, considered a manufacturing/quality defect.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Paint pitting and flaking off in multiple areas
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for repair out of pocket after warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford insists condition is not a warranty issue and is customer-pay.
Engine failure requiring replacement
Engine stalls while driving with check engine light illuminated. Engine fails to restart. Independent mechanic and dealer both diagnose catastrophic engine failure requiring complete engine replacement.
When: At approximately 82,000 and 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Check engine warning light illuminated; No restart capability (first owner report); RPM fluctuation and overheating (second owner report); No warning light before loss of motive power in second case
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced at dealer. First owner's repair was completed; second owner's vehicle not repaired and dealer offered only partial cost coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered minimal assistance (partial coverage in one case).
Oil pan leak—defective design not recalled
Defective oil pan on vehicles from Kansas and Detroit plants causes oil leak. Owner aware of TSB 23/2083 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but no recall issued.
When: Discovered during oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak
Codes mentioned: TSB 23/2083
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states no recall exists and cannot perform warranty work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refusing to issue recall despite known defect affecting specific production plants.
Brake system failure—brake pedal loss of pressure
Brake pedal goes to the floor and vehicle loses braking ability while stationary. Vehicle rolls forward uncontrolled in driveway and strikes fence.
When: Immediately after engine start while vehicle stationary in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor; Complete loss of braking; Vehicle rolls forward uncontrolled; No power to drivetrain (vehicle rolling under own momentum)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer for body repairs (hood and front end damage). Owner filed insurance claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information provided regarding investigation or remedy.
Engine overheating and stalling at highway speeds
While driving 65–70 mph, RPMs fluctuate, engine overheats, and vehicle loses motive power with no warning light. Vehicle unable to restart.
When: At approximately 88,000 miles, highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: RPM fluctuation; Engine overheating; Loss of motive power; No warning light before failure; Vehicle unable to restart after stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to dealer. Diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure. Engine replacement required but not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and informed contact of possible partial cost coverage (not committed).
Moonroof frame fracture and inoperability
Moonroof becomes inoperable due to fractured frame that prevents it from closing properly.
When: At approximately 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Moonroof inoperable; Frame fractured; Roof fails to close properly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership did not diagnose or repair the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but referred owner to NHTSA Hotline without providing assistance.
Subframe damage requiring replacement
Subframe fails and requires replacement. Driver's side front wheel shaking during braking.
When: At approximately 98,882 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle jolts forward; Driver's side front wheel shaking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed subframe replacement needed but repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified. No assistance provided.
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Arrived at work on 12-23-19 at 8 am (walgreens parking lot). Shut my front driver door and the rear window of my f-150 pickup shattered.
Driver and passenger front doors will not latch all the time. Has been to the dealership twice. First time they did a temporary fix. The 2nd time on december 29, 2017 it was looked at a 2nd time and a 'permanent fix' was applied to the door latches. After picking the truck up it is still not fixed. Ford is putting out faulty permanent fixes. The truck was parked when I noticed the problem was not…
I've added all 4 doors not latch closed at different times. I also had my front driver's door pop open while driving, this happens when the temperature is cold and freezing. I've spoken with two different Ford dealers and they both said they haven ne er heard of this problem. I have spoken with people who own the same vehicle and they say it's common and Ford really doesn't have a fix or if…
The door latches become inoperative in below freezing weather and require the inside of the cabin to be heated for approximately 30 minutes before they will work. I have had both fsa's completed by a Ford dealer for this problem, but the problem still exists. This issue presents a safety problem because the doors will not latch closed and could swing open during driving.
Door latches freezing causing doors to open while driving. While driving in cold temperatures the door latches don't work. I was driving several times and when you go around a corner or turn the vehicle left or right the doors swing open. Ford has installed weather seals but they said that the fix is not working as I have proven I was told there is nothing more they can do at this time and will…
Had body trouble with your 2017 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 body problem on the 2017 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 84 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 10,250 and 40,235 miles, with the median around 21,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,250; a quarter make it past 40,235. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/2017/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.