Failure modes owners describe
Tail light / blind spot sensor module water intrusion
Water or fluid leaks into the rear tail light housing, causing the blind spot sensor, cross traffic sensor, front windows, air conditioning, and radio control to fail. Air bag warning light illuminates despite no deployment condition.
When: Not specified by owners
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot sensor failure; Cross traffic sensor failure; Front windows inoperable; Air conditioner stops working; Radio controls unresponsive; Air bag failure warning light; Multiple advanced feature failures
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,850 for parts and labor; owners report this is a known Internet-documented issue affecting many Ford vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No acknowledgment reported by owner
Door latch freezing in cold/wet weather
Door latches freeze and fail to engage or disengage in cold or wet conditions below freezing. Doors open unexpectedly while driving without the door handle being activated. Latching mechanism freezes on the interior of the door.
When: Cold, wet, or freezing conditions; multiple owners report ongoing issues despite prior recall repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Doors open unexpectedly while driving; Doors will not latch shut; Door latches freeze, preventing secure closure; Doors unable to be closed for extended periods in cold; Interior lights come on, door open warning illuminates; Driver must hold door shut while driving; Passenger nearly fell out of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report recall notice addressed and door spacers or water test suggested by dealers, but problem persists; some owners use hair dryers to thaw locks or hold doors shut while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice issued but problem not resolved; dealerships advised owners no further fixes available; owners report Ford has not acknowledged safety concern despite ongoing failures
Rear window spontaneous shattering
Rear sliding glass window or fixed rear glass spontaneously shatters or explodes without impact. Multiple instances linked to rear defroster wire overheating, melting, or catching fire. Window may shatter shortly after starting vehicle or when defroster engages.
When: Upon startup or remote start; cold weather; various mileages (22,681 to 54,000 reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window spontaneously shatters; Glass fragments scatter into cabin; Burning electrical smell present; Rear defroster wires overheat or catch fire; Plastic defroster cover blown off or melted; Metal connections on defroster mechanism broken; Black smoke from defroster wiring; Smoldering and melting wires inside rear window frame
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report rear defroster wiring is defective and can be pulled as a temporary fix; wires run unprotected and short; owners cite multiple online forum reports of identical issue; Ford dealerships have replaced glass and noted issues to Ford for coverage determination; repair estimate mentioned $400–$800+ for replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships reported issue to Ford; no current recall exists; customers waiting for Ford decision on coverage; owners state Ford and dealerships claim no authority to address issue without recall
Engine stall or shutdown while towing or driving
Engine intermittently stalls when coming to a stop while towing, or suddenly shuts off during normal driving without warning. May occur after refueling or during deceleration.
When: While towing after loading; upon stopping; after refueling; various mileages (15,000 to 154,000)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at stops while towing; Vehicle suddenly shuts off in middle of road; Complete loss of engine power; Loss of power steering when engine shuts off; Check engine light illuminates; Hill start assist failure messages
Codes mentioned: P0706, P0707, P1702, P1721
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 18-2249 addresses 2.7L EcoBoost built on or before 27-NOV-2017; solution is PCM reprogramming (0.3 hours labor); owners report mechanics suspect moisture issue or electrical faults; front tires rubbing on coil springs housing reported as physical cause requiring spacers (not factory-provided, owner responsible)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 18-2249 issued for 2018 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost stall while towing; eligible for warranty coverage; 2017 owners state no assistance provided and vehicle not repaired despite dealer notification
Auto START/STOP system unintended activation and system failures
Auto START/STOP feature activates inadvertently, causing multiple electrical systems to malfunction simultaneously. Vehicle loses power to brakes, steering, and all electrical functions; check engine light illuminates.
When: While driving at various speeds (55 mph to 70 mph reported); intermittent, recurs within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Auto START/STOP activates without driver input; Multiple electrical systems malfunction; Check engine warning light; Complete loss of electrical and engine power; Loss of power steering and braking; Hill start assist failure; Brake-related error messages; All dash warning lights illuminate sequentially
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report no diagnosis possible; no fault codes generated; no warning lights present when failures occur; dealers unable to recreate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed no recalls on VIN; owners referred to NHTSA Hotline
Rear window and interior electrical fire
Fire originates from rear defroster wiring or electrical connections behind front seats. Wiring smolders, melts, or ignites; rear window shatters from heat before or after fire. Smoke and flames present inside cabin with no warning.
When: Upon remote start or vehicle startup; cold weather conditions; mileages 22,681 to 47,000
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and heat inside cabin; Burning electrical smell; Fire spontaneously ignites; Rear defroster wires smolder and melt; Loose defroster contacts; Rear window shatters from heat; Sparks inside vehicle; Flames behind front seats; No warning lights or indicators before fire starts
Repairs/costs cited: Owner at 47,000 miles suffered 3rd degree burns on arm; dealerships confirmed loose rear defroster contacts; owners cite pulling defroster fuse as only prevention method; vehicle can be total loss (insurance declared totals at 47,000 and 54,000 miles)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships submitted photos and reports to Ford; manufacturer not contacted by owner in one case; no recall or service campaign in effect; owners cite online forums showing pattern across multiple vehicles
Tailgate electronic lock unintended opening
Electronically controlled tailgate randomly unlocks and drops open without driver input, often triggered by key fob signal interference. Tailgate opens at least 50% of uses, sometimes while driving.
When: While driving on city roads and highways; first occurred early December, frequency increased to nearly every use
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate randomly unlocks and drops open; No warning or notification when tailgate opens; Tailgate release activated on dashboard without touching; Key fob in driver's hand triggers unlock; Loud warning only when shifting into reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed issue and heard tailgate unlock while holding key fob; owner reports no warning system notifies driver when tailgate is open until reverse is engaged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for F250-F450 models, not F150 per dealer; no F150 recall in effect for this issue
Rear window blue screen / frozen camera display
Backup camera display freezes, shows static lines, or displays yellow screen when vehicle is put into reverse. Frozen image appears to work but nothing moves on screen, creating a false sense of clearance behind vehicle.
When: Intermittent; occurs on first use after parking overnight and during subsequent reversals
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera frozen image; Static lines on camera screen; Yellow screen on camera display; Camera appears to work but does not update; No movement visible on frozen screen; Camera fails to activate upon shifting to reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Ford replaced camera once but issue recurred; owner disconnected all tailgate wires and issue persists, indicating problem is not camera unit itself; owners report common issue on F150 forums
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Camera replacement performed but issue not resolved; dealers unable to diagnose root cause
Sunroof binding, motor failure, and glass shattering
Sunroof binds or gets stuck while opening or closing, continues trying to open for several seconds while bound, then stops operating. Motor overheats from continued attempts and may burn out, risk of fire or plastic melting. Glass may spontaneously shatter.
When: While driving when attempting to use sunroof; owners report repairs needed within 2 years of ownership; leaking reported after initial track repair in 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof binds up and stops; Motor continues trying to open while binding; Motor burns out from binding; Sunroof will not open at all; Sunroof does not fully close; Potential fire or plastic melting from motor overheating; Sunroof leaks when it rains; Glass shatters during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Repair quoted at $400 with 4-hour labor; moonroof ramp/guide jaw parts (FL3Z1651070B/FL3Z1651071B) identified as failure point; owners cite numerous online videos documenting this issue; dealership employees noted they see this issue often and that glass shatters from this malfunction; repair cost over $3,800 for some owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealership repair available at owner expense
Wiring harness abrasion and short circuits
Wire bundles running from body control module to sensors and electrical systems are worn through from abrasion, causing shorts. Wiring lies unprotected in a channel along rocker panel and is subject to chafing. 110V power converter wiring shorts out with 12V DC, creating fire risk.
When: Not specified; discovered during repair of rear window control failure
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window opens by itself and will not close; Window controls become dead/unresponsive; Multiple electrical systems fail; Wire bundle worn through and shorted; Wires in rocker panel channel abraded; 110V AC shorted with 12V DC creating fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Wire bundle between body control module and rear sensors was found worn through; unprotected wiring in channel along rocker panel is root cause; potential for fire from 110V and 12V mixing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Described as installation and assembly issue by dealer; owner charged $500 to repair
Blind spot and cross traffic sensor failure with traction control loss
Blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, stability control, and traction control systems fail simultaneously. Failure occurs when wire running between spare tire and bumper/trailer hitch assembly chaffs through insulation.
When: During rain storm when traction control failure caused loss of vehicle control; wire chafing discovered on inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot sensor failure; Cross traffic sensor failure; Stability and traction control disengages; Tire pressure monitor fails; Airbag and seatbelt restraint system indicators fail; Loss of traction control during wet conditions; Vehicle loses grip and control in rain
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified wire chafing between spare tire and bumper/trailer hitch assembly; reported as installation and assembly issue; owner charged $500 repair cost; first responder stated this could have been fatal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported; dealer identified as installation issue
Instrument cluster and gauge failures
Instrument cluster goes out and stops displaying gauges, fuel level, speedometer, odometer, and does not operate wipers, blinkers, or defroster. Occurs when vehicle is stationary in cold weather.
When: After parking overnight in cold weather; intermittent, recurring within days or weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster lights out; Gauges not working; Fuel gauge frozen; Speedometer frozen; Odometer not working; Wipers inoperable; Blinkers inoperable; Defroster inoperable; Radio out; Transmission not in park error message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: First failure: dealer performed master reset; issue recurred 7 days later; second failure: dealer replaced a module; 2017 F150 built at Dearborn, MI plant has identical issue to recall 17C01 (NHTSA 17V053000) but not included in recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17C01 (NHTSA 17V053000) issued for some 2017 F150s built at Dearborn, MI plant, but complainant's identical-year, identical-plant vehicle excluded from recall
Charging system and battery drain issues
Charging system displays 'Charging System Service Now' alert after vehicle sits unused for a month. Battery drains overnight repeatedly despite replacement. Alternator, serpentine belt, and alternator fuse check out normal.
When: After parking vehicle for extended period; recurring nightly battery drain
Symptoms owners cite: Charging system service alert; Battery drains overnight repeatedly; Battery fully charged but drained next morning; Vehicle will not start next morning; Jerking motion before complete electrical failure
Repairs/costs cited: Code reader showed no codes; battery holds charge when on charger (fully charged in 5 minutes); alternator and battery tested normal at auto parts store; serpentine belt not worn; alternator fuse intact; PCM discharge did not resolve; owner seeking mechanic shop consultation to avoid dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership not willing to help solve problem after purchase
Transmission shift indicator and gear detection failure
Gear display goes blank and vehicle does not engage properly in gear after refueling. Transmission indicator lights flicker and go out during driving, vehicle downshifts suddenly and slows without input. Errors appear intermittently with no warning.
When: After refueling and during interstate driving (55 mph); intermittent failures, not reproducible on demand
Symptoms owners cite: Gear display goes blank; Indicator lights flicker and go out; Vehicle downshifts and slows suddenly; Feels like not in first gear; Indicator lights come back on after a few seconds; Everything returns to normal after restart
Codes mentioned: P0706, P0707, P1702, P1721
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suspects moisture problem from heavy rains; occurred once in rain and once in dry conditions; mechanic unable to replicate issue and could not identify root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported
Heated and cooled seat electrical failure
Heated and cooled seat buttons illuminate and show power is being supplied, but seats do not heat or cool. Module wiring pigtail is burned out with burnt terminals, preventing function despite power present.
When: Not specified; discovered during inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heat buttons illuminated but no heat output; Seat cooling buttons illuminated but no cooling output; Power present at buttons and controls; Burned wiring pigtail under passenger seat; Burned terminals on heated/cooling module
Repairs/costs cited: Burned wiring pigtail and burnt module terminals identified; replacement module and pigtail available; owner hesitant to replace to avoid voiding possible safety recall; reported as common on Ford F150 Forum
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall in effect
Radio and infotainment system failures
Radio cuts out randomly or fails to operate after startup. Radio requires battery disconnect or extended wait period to restore function.
When: Typically when truck starts; intermittent, recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cuts out randomly; Radio does not work on startup; Radio requires battery disconnect to reset; Radio requires hour-long wait to restore function
Repairs/costs cited: Described as typical issue by owner; no specific repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported
Passenger seatbelt retractor failure
Passenger side seatbelt does not retract after use and must be hand-fed and manually pulled back by user.
When: Occurred at unknown time during ownership; discovered on occasion of use; mileage over 71,000 miles (out of warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt does not automatically retract; Seatbelt must be hand-fed and pulled manually
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted over $500 for seatbelt assembly replacement; vehicle out of 3-year/60,000-mile warranty at 71,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty does not cover; owner out of warranty period
Moonroof track and drive motor failure
Moonroof track assembly stops operating correctly, preventing moonroof from opening or closing. Motor may become defective with limited use.
When: Within 2 years of ownership; after only 20 opening attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Moonroof will not open; Moonroof will not close properly; Moonroof track not operating; Motor defected with minimal use
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported two repairs in 2 years costing over $3,800 total; Ford techs acknowledge seeing sunroof issues all the time; friends with same vehicle report sunroof shattered while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; customers responsible for repair costs
Capless fuel system overfill and spraying gas
Capless fuel tank shutoff mechanism does not stop fuel flow at full tank, causing gasoline to spray in an arc for several seconds during refueling, covering people and ground with fuel.
When: During refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Gas does not stop flowing at full tank; Gasoline sprays in arc for 3-4 seconds; Gas covers vehicle occupants and ground; Approximately 16-24 oz of gas sprayed per incident
Repairs/costs cited: Issue reported as 'separate serious safety issue' by owner but no repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported
Rear brake light and turn signal failure
Rear passenger brake light does not illuminate when brakes are applied but lights up when vehicle power is on. Rear turn signal does not function but reverse light operates. Indicates short circuit in electrical system.
When: Unknown timing; discovered by other driver notifying owner
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake light does not function with brake pedal; Rear brake light illuminates with ignition on; Rear turn signal does not function; Reverse light operates normally; Vehicle not warning driver of electrical failure
Repairs/costs cited: CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicle at 46k miles; Ford dealership requires upfront payment for inspection; not yet diagnosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership has not inspected due to cost requirement
Multi-function switch stalk wiper failure
Multi-function switch stalk fails, causing windshield wipers to stay activated at the slowest mode continuously, obstructing driver view and causing distraction.
When: Not specified; affects 2015 models and newer
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers stay on in slowest mode; Wipers activate without driver input; Obstructs driver view; Causes driving distraction
Repairs/costs cited: Part number FL3Z-13K359-AC identified; issue documented in online videos for 2015+ models; described as common malfunction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service campaign mentioned
Electrical throttle body failure and power loss
Vehicle suddenly loses all engine power while driving without warning. Described as electrical throttle body malfunction by service department, though warranty does not cover the failure.
When: While driving; vehicle under 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly loses all power while driving; Engine shuts off without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership determined cause as electrical throttle body malfunction; extended warranty does not cover this component per dealership claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated warranty does not cover electrical throttle body malfunction despite vehicle being new with less than 51,000 miles
Vehicle electrical system total shutdown
Vehicle loses all electrical and engine power completely without warning while driving. No fault codes are generated and no warning lights illuminate before failure. Loss of power to steering and brakes creates immediate safety hazard.
When: While driving; recurs within days; mileage 208,003; also reported at 154,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power; Complete loss of engine power; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; All electrical systems shut down; No warning lights before failure; No fault codes generated; Vehicle coasts to side of road
Repairs/costs cited: No codes generated; dealers unable to diagnose or recreate issue; vehicle returned without repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance provided
Airbag deployment without impact
Passenger side airbag deploys during normal driving without any collision or impact to vehicle.
When: During normal highway driving with 11-year-old passenger seated
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag deployed without impact; Hill assist warning, parking aid warning, ABS, airbag, and traction control icons illuminated upon startup; No collision or impact prior to deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealerships initially stated vehicle was safe to drive despite warning lights illuminated; airbag deployed 3 days later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships cleared warnings and approved vehicle as safe without diagnosis
APIM module failures (all-in-one infotainment processor)
Audio/Phone/Information Module experiences cascading electrical and component failures. Vehicle systems lose function including dashboard lights, braking systems, electrical components, and infotainment. Multiple related errors flash on dash warning drivers of failures while driving.
When: Intermittent; recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Advanced track warning light comes on; All dash lights go off one at a time; Low oil warning; Limited braking warning; Tire pressure warning; All electrical components turn off while driving; Brakes lock up and grind; Backup camera fails to activate; Instrument cluster fails; Radio does not work; Vehicle loses all infotainment functions
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster sensor replaced first at $900; APIM replacement quoted at $2,500+ with unclear prognosis; dealer unable to determine root issue and using trial-and-error approach; owners cite common issue on online forums related to failing APIM module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.