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 ↗2017 Ford F-150 cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford F-150 have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 14,000 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
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 F-150 | 116 |
| 2014 F-150 | 41 |
| 2015 F-150 | 87 |
| 2016 F-150 | 38 |
| 2017 F-150 (this page) | 16 |
| 2018 F-150 | 20 |
| 2019 F-150 | 8 |
| 2020 F-150 | 4 |
| 2021 F-150 | 9 |
3crashes
4injuries
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
These 16 complaints describe throttle and cruise control failures in 2017 F-150s that create uncontrolled acceleration or sudden deceleration. Owners report the accelerator pedal sticking without foot pressure, requiring emergency braking or gear shifting to stop the truck. Several incidents occurred at highway speeds—one while passing traffic, another on a wet curve at 72 mph with a child in the cab, and another resulting in a rear-end collision at 55 mph. A few owners describe the truck accelerating even as the brake pedal was fully depressed. Some complaints involve cruise control malfunctioning—either not disengaging on demand, engaging brakes without obstacles ahead, or disabling randomly during highway operation. One owner found the accelerator pedal assembly loose, bolts unfastened from the factory. Intake manifold runner control codes (P2005, P2007, P2019) and throttle sensor failures appear in complaint narratives. Owners cite a molded lead frame failure in the transmission valve body (linked to an earlier recall on 2011 models) and a known clock spring issue with cruise control. Dealerships have been unable to reproduce most issues during diagnostic testing. Ford has not issued a recall for these failures on the 2017 model, and the manufacturer has declined assistance in reported cases.
Same Ford F-150 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended Acceleration – Stuck Pedal
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck or does not release when foot is removed from the pedal. Engine continues to accelerate to high RPM without operator input, often requiring emergency braking, neutral gear, or ignition shutdown to regain control.
When: Multiple incidents while passing traffic, in stop-and-go traffic, and at highway speeds. One incident occurred within 20 minutes of a previous failure.
Symptoms owners cite: pedal does not release; continued acceleration without foot pressure; truck accelerates to 70 mph uncontrolled; pedal feels stuck or gets stuck
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cannot reproduce issue in service. One owner found all three accelerator pedal assembly bolts completely loose and hand-turnable.
Unintended Acceleration – Brake Pedal Insufficient
Vehicle accelerates while brake pedal is fully depressed. Braking force is insufficient to stop or slow the vehicle, even with hard pedal pressure. Results in loss of vehicle control.
When: Highway speeds (55 mph, 72 mph) while on curves or off-ramps. At least two incidents resulted in collisions.
Symptoms owners cite: brake pedal goes to floor but vehicle continues accelerating; vehicle fishtails and loses traction; rear-ended another vehicle; struck gate and landed on brick wall
Repairs/costs cited: One rear-end collision reported; vehicle towed but repair status unknown. One collision with gate resulted in vehicle airborne and destroyed.
Cruise Control Failure – No Disengagement
Cruise control does not disengage when brake pedal is applied. Vehicle continues at set speed or accelerates despite braking input. Occurs on wet roadways and during highway maneuvers.
When: Highway speeds (72 mph) on rainy conditions approaching off-ramps. Vehicle accelerated into curve while operator attempted to brake.
Symptoms owners cite: cruise control will not disengage when brakes applied; vehicle accelerates into turn; brakes go to floor with no effect; engine revs and vehicle accelerates after braking
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle shut down by operator using off button; restarted without issue.
Cruise Control Failure – Unwanted Engagement or Random Disengagement
Cruise control engages unprompted or disengages randomly during highway driving. Adaptive cruise control engages brakes without obstacles or traffic in front of the vehicle. Clock spring issue reported.
When: Highway speeds (70 mph). One self-parking feature backed vehicle into boulder during parking.
Symptoms owners cite: cruise control randomly disables; adaptive cruise engages brakes without reason; hill descent control warning illuminates unexpectedly; forward collision warning triggered without cause; self-parking feature engages improperly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue with clock spring noted by owner.
Throttle Response Lag and Unintended Minor Acceleration
Throttle body is slow responding to gas pedal commands, creating unsafe acceleration delay during passing maneuvers. Unexpected minor acceleration occurs in stop-and-go traffic.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: throttle body slow to respond to pedal input; unsafe delay in acceleration; unexpected increase in speed in stop-and-go traffic
Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure
Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) system fails to respond to PCM commands. Solenoid or actuator failure, or mechanical failure within runner system. Results in poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, engine surge, and significant power loss.
When: Highway operation; power loss and surge occur without warning.
Symptoms owners cite: poor engine performance; reduced fuel efficiency; engine surge; significant power loss on highway; vehicle slows unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: P2005, P2007, P2019
Repairs/costs cited: Ford response is replacement of entire intake manifold at owner cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford aware of defective parts but has not issued recall.
Throttle Sensor Failure
Throttle position sensor fails, causing uncontrolled deceleration or loss of power output. Symptoms match TSB SSM46829 (Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control).
When: At 14,000 miles; first failure occurred at highway speed (75 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle decelerated to 30 mph without warning at 75 mph cruise speed; failure recurred after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed and repaired at Eddie Preuitt Ford, Inc., but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and did not assist.
Transmission Valve Body Molded Lead Frame Failure
Lead frame on transmission valve body fails, causing loss of power or ability to accelerate. Owner notes this issue appears in earlier recall (6R80, recall number 19507) for 2011 trucks but persists in 2017 models.
When: At approximately 100,000 miles on one truck; another truck failed at 77,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: loss of acceleration ability on freeway; powertrain malfunction warning message; reduce power warning message; truck gets stuck in gear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall for 2011 trucks but issue appears to persist in 2017 model despite presumed fix.
Gauge Cluster Electrical Failure in Cold Weather
Instrument cluster fails to illuminate on cold mornings in Colorado. Only flashing lights appear; all other gauges and warning systems remain inoperative. Issue resolves after 10 minutes as vehicle warms.
When: Cold weather in Colorado; occurs each morning.
Symptoms owners cite: gauge cluster does not illuminate; only flashing lights appear; all gauges and warning systems inactive; resolves after approximately 10 minutes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes Ford previously fixed this issue on earlier model year vehicles.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control 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 cruise control problem on the 2017 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 10,000 and 24,319 miles, with the median around 14,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 24,319. 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/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.