When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start or no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. For Lincoln vehicles, this information is now listed in the Technical Inspection and Post Road Test Sections of ePDI on the PTS website. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford F-250 electrical problems
severe 46 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6fires
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Ford F-250 we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 46.
Owners have filed 46 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.
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.
OEM Security system interface with aftermarket lock systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2017 Escape, MKC, Fiesta, F150, Expedition, Navigator, Mustang, Transit, Focus, C-Max, MKX, Taurus, MKS, Flex, MKT, and Edge and 2017 Explorer, Fusion, MKZ, Super Duty, Transit Connect and Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 might exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in Transport mode. Engineering is aware of this possibility and it is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transportation mode. It is beneficial to extended battery life to keep the vehicle in Transport Mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. If the vehicle should exhibit a blank screen or other SYNC symptoms after it has been taken out
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread electrical failures across the 2017 F-250. Power tailgates open on their own while driving—sometimes repeatedly, at highway speeds, during gear shifts, or when using remote locks. One owner lost cargo at 65 mph; others report tailgate damage when towing trailers. Dealership repairs including harness replacement and module swaps often fail to stop the problem. TSBs 10/17 and 17-2196 address water intrusion as a root cause, but some trucks fall outside the TSB coverage window.
Battery cable corrosion and melting appear as critical issues. Owners describe positive-side terminal corrosion resembling "grey cottage cheese" or melting like "grey marshmallow"—the design leaves bare cable exposed to battery gases. Corrosion or melting leads to sluggish starting and adaptive steering faults. Cable assembly replacement costs quoted at $2,300–$4,600, with parts chronically on back-order.
Fuel pump control module overheating and failure causes cranks without starts. Low fuel pressure warnings precede engine fires in at least two cases; one owner's truck caught fire at highway speed with zero prior warning. Block heater fires occurred even after two separate recall attempts—recall service in 2019 replaced only the cord, not the low-mounted, corrosion-prone connector.
Cascading electrical failures affect instrument clusters, HVAC, radio, windows, and warning lights. Water intrusion through roof seams or unsealed cup holder designs damages console electronics and wiring. Doors fail to lock/unlock in cold weather, and one owner's engine shut off completely while driving, leaving no power steering. Dealers cite TSBs but claim many problems fall outside warranty or recall coverage, even when noting "many 2017–2019 vehicles have this problem."
Same Ford F-250 electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Power tailgate opens or activates on its own
The electronic tailgate deploys without driver input while driving or parked, sometimes repeatedly. Owners report tailgate opening at highway speeds, during turns, when shifting gears, or when unlocking doors remotely. Damage occurs when tailgate hits trailers or RVs, or cargo ejects from truck bed.
When: Throughout vehicle life; some complaints at low mileage (37,000 miles in one case), others at higher mileage. Occurs sporadically but persistently over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens or drops on its own while driving; No warning to driver when tailgate is open; Tailgate activates repeatedly when button pressed once; Opens when shifting to reverse, releasing parking brake, or shifting to drive; Opens when using remote FOB to unlock doors; Damage to tailgate and cargo loss
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced wiring harness, switches, master control module; TSB 10/17 and 17-2196 address issue. Some repairs ineffective. Part HC3Z 14300 A cable assembly involved in some cases. Repair costs not specified but described as significant.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Recalls 18N03 and 20M04 address door lock actuators and door latch; some tailgate issues fall outside existing TSB coverage (e.g., complaints #26 mentions August build truck falls outside TSB timeframe covering only trucks built through July). TSB 17-2196 mentions water intrusion into wiring harness as root cause.
Battery terminal and cable corrosion and melting
Passenger-side positive battery cable terminal shows severe corrosion (described as 'grey cottage cheese' appearance) or melting (described as 'grey marshmallow'). Design flaw exposes bare cable to battery gases before connector, causing corrosion to travel down cable. Terminal melting poses fire risk.
When: Early in vehicle life; within 2 years of ownership in one case. Occurs on original equipment batteries within their 36-month warranty period in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive corrosion on passenger-side positive battery terminal and cable; Terminal melting without visible battery damage; Battery cables leaking acid from top of battery; Sluggish starting (may be secondary effect of voltage issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers either cleaned and treated cable/connector ($0 reported in one case where corrosion halted with treatment) or recommend replacing entire wiring harness (cable assembly part HC3Z 14300 A) at $2,300–$4,596.59. Parts reported on back-order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer claimed cable failed due to 'normal wear and tear' despite original batteries not exceeding 36-month warranty life. One owner contacted Ford Consumer about known issue on other models but not theirs. No recalls identified in narratives for this problem.
Fuel pump control module failure and electrical fire hazard
Fuel pump control module overheats, melts into fuse box, or develops internal faults. Pin 25 in connector C1035A reported melted, causing poor connection. Module failure causes crank-no-start condition and can cause electrical fire hazard. Related to fuel system failures and low fuel pressure warnings.
When: At mileage ranging from 55,000 miles to 75,688 miles; one case at 154,000 miles involved secondary failure after incomplete recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during driving; Crank but no start condition; All sensor fault message on dashboard; Low fuel pressure warning on dashboard; Yellow engine light (check engine); Smoke from engine bay or hood; Vehicle fire
Codes mentioned: P064A (fuel pump control module internal fault), P027A (fuel pump control module circuit pin 25 melted), P0087 (fuel pressure too low), P008A (fuel pump control module circuit issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of battery junction box, wiring repair, and fuel pump control module. Repair cost $2,600 out of pocket in one case (parts and labor at independent shop). Dealership diagnostics charged separately (one quoted $465.88 for adaptive steering fault diagnosis related to voltage issues).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21M05 and field service actions (identifiers redacted) address some tailgate electrical issues; one complainant notes callback for recall work was incomplete, with other related recalls not performed. No specific recall identified in narratives for fuel pump module failure itself.
Engine fire and fuel system failures
Vehicle catches fire at low fuel pressure warning or while plugged in to block heater. Causes include secondary fuel filter housing fractures (6.7L diesel), block heater cable moisture accumulation in cold climates, and defective wiring. Some fires are total losses.
When: Varies widely: block heater fire at 136,000+ miles after 2 years of prior recall repair attempts; fuel system fire at highway speed with no prior warning; one at 36,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Low fuel pressure warning light illuminated immediately before fire; Smoke from side mirror, hood, or engine bay; Flames erupting from engine compartment; Fire spreading quickly and fully engulfing vehicle; Vehicle parked overnight with block heater plugged in during 0-degree temps; fire department noted moisture in block heater cable
Repairs/costs cited: Block heater recall 18S45 disabled heater in one case (5/30/2019); recall 19G01 (10/28/2019) replaced cord only, not addressing low mounting location or terminal corrosion root cause. Fuel fire damage renders vehicle total loss; block heater fire (2021) also total loss after GFCI breaker tripped.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V-894 (dated 12/18/2018) identified block heater cable susceptibility to moisture and fire in females connector angled 45° or greater, low mounting position, and unshielded location. Recalls 18S45 and 19G01 addressed with partial fixes. One owner reported Ford legal department redirected them to insurance company; Ford declined further involvement stating they would not contact owner again.
Door latch and lock actuator failure in cold weather
Door latch fails to function properly, preventing door from closing securely or locking/unlocking in freezing temperatures. Latch freezes or actuator becomes unresponsive, making door unsafe for travel.
When: Cold weather (below freezing temperatures); one incident at 55,000 miles with unknown design cause.
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar light illuminated on dash; Door not fully latching when closed; Door will not close at all; In freezing weather: doors will not unlock or open on first attempts; After door opens in cold, latch is half-locked, difficult to close; Door wiring damaged (cause unknown per dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers noted wiring damage and latch failure but stated issues not tied to recalls or safety programs. One dealer suggested parts cost would be significant. Customer Satisfaction program 20M04 addresses door lock actuators; program 18N03 addresses door latch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Recall 18N03 and 20M04 available for door latch and lock actuator issues, but dealers initially stated failures fell outside recall/program coverage. One owner reported receptionist mentioned hearing of similar issues at that dealership.
Electrical system failures affecting multiple components (FCIM, APIM, dashboard)
Electrical control modules (fuel control input module, air/power integration module, or instrument cluster) fail, causing cascading failures in lighting, HVAC, radio, windows, turn signals, and warning lights. Related to voltage sag under load or water intrusion.
When: Occurs at various mileages (28,000 miles, 56,000 miles, 96,000 miles, 140,000 miles); some persistent over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster lights and gauges blank or inoperable; Radio and compass inoperative; Overhead console blank; HVAC, phone connection, navigation not working; Screen slow to come on when starting truck; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (airbag, battery, etc.); Turn signals malfunction or go crazy; Electric windows stop functioning; Exterior lights and horn malfunction intermittently; Water intrusion detected at roof/cab interface affecting display
Repairs/costs cited: One case required software update. Another required instrument cluster module replacement due to design glitch. Water damage cases required wiring replacement; one declined under warranty as 'user error.' APIM module failure requires replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 17-0018 and 19-2373 do not cover some failures. One owner reported Ford declined repair under TSB coverage and refused to diagnose issue for free. One case noted 'many vehicles 2017 to 2019 having same problem' per dealership.
No-crank, no-start and ignition switch failures
Engine fails to start or cranks without starting. Key fails to turn in ignition or becomes stuck. BJB relay module identified in one case as cause of repeated no-start requiring towing.
When: Occurs intermittently at various mileages (25,000 miles, 85,000 miles, 140,000 miles). One case repeated multiple times with multiple tows.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but will not start; Key will not turn in ignition; Key cannot be pulled out of ignition after turning off engine; Multiple start attempts required before engine starts; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle leaves driver stranded
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced twice in one case (at owner's expense, no dealer involvement). BJB relay module replacement quoted at $1,400 for vehicle with 25,000 miles. Repair costs vary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed awareness of at least one failure but reported no recall available. One case referenced as 'known failure' with no recall. Some cases referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Block heater electrical corrosion and fire risk
Block heater cable and connections corrode or become susceptible to moisture accumulation and fire, particularly in cold climates. GFCI breaker trips when block heater plugged in during freezing temperatures.
When: Noted in vehicles subject to recall; one fire incident at 136,000+ miles (2 years after prior recall attempts in 2019).
Symptoms owners cite: GFCI breaker trips when block heater plugged in during 0-degree temps; Moisture accumulation in block heater cable connector; Smoke and fire from engine compartment while block heater plugged in; Vehicle fire (total loss)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 18S45 disabled block heater. Recall 19G01 replaced cord only. One owner still experienced fire 2 years later, suggesting cord replacement did not address root cause of low mounting position and terminal corrosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 18V-894 (12/18/2018) identified susceptibility in female connector angled 45° or greater, low mounting position, and unshielded location. Recalls 18S45 (5/30/2019) and 19G01 (10/28/2019) issued; however, partial fix (cord replacement) did not prevent fire in complainant's truck.
Water intrusion and liquid damage to electrical components
Water enters vehicle through roof leaks or cup holder design flaw, damaging interior displays, console electronics, and wiring. Liquid leaked into console from unsealed cup holder assembly caused smoke and console light failure.
When: Occurs early in vehicle service life (5,000–56,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Water intrusion at roof/cab interface; Liquid leaking from unsealed cup holder into console; Console lights fail after liquid intrusion; Smoke emerging from console; Cabin fills with smoke; Vehicle display affected by water intrusion; Wires require replacement due to water damage
Repairs/costs cited: One case required wiring replacement due to water damage. Cup holder design flaw identified as root cause in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One warranty claim declined as 'user error' in liquid damage case. No recalls identified in narratives for water intrusion or cup holder design flaw.
Adaptive steering fault and voltage-related failures
Adaptive steering system generates fault code when electrical system voltage drops. Steering wheel turns unexpectedly to 10 o'clock position when driving straight. Related to battery cable corrosion or insufficient charging system output.
When: Occurs after battery replacement or corrosion detected; mileage ~75,000 miles in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive Steering Fault service required message on dashboard; Steering wheel turns to 10 o'clock position unexpectedly when driving straight; Sluggish starting (related to voltage issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires new positive battery cable wire harness at quoted $4,596.59. Diagnostics charged separately at $465.88 per dealership estimate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner contacted Ford Consumer noting issue is known on other models/years but not specifically on their truck. No recall identified; no recall coverage mentioned.
Electrical system overload during high-demand usage (snowplow)
Electrical system fails when snowplow mounted on vehicle and used, causing loss of instrument panel lights and other failures. Voltage sag under high electrical load.
When: Occurs consistently during snowplow operation at ~86,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel lights turn off during snowplow use; Multiple electrical failures during high electrical system usage; Failure reoccurs consistently during snowplow operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested software update; if failed, large battery and large alternator would need installation. Neither software update nor repair was completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle could not be repaired under TSB 17-0018 and 19-2373, suggesting electrical system capacity issue recognized but no solution available for this vehicle.
Seat massage function intermittent or inoperative
Driver and passenger seat massage features operate intermittently and fail to function for full duration. Lumbar and seat portion work for shorter than designed 20-minute duration.
When: Occurs on 2017 F-250 Platinum at unknown mileage; issue known by dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat massage lumbar function intermittent; Seat massage portion intermittent; Function stops before 20-minute designed duration
Repairs/costs cited: TSB issued for seat massage problem. Dealership quoted $800 repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for problem; Ford acknowledges awareness of issue and knows how to correct it, but does not cover under warranty on this vehicle.
Wiper blade speed malfunction
Windshield wiper blade speed rate of action randomly increases and decreases on its own without driver input.
When: Occurs on 2017 F-250 Platinum; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Wiper speed randomly increases on its own; Wiper speed randomly decreases on its own
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned in narrative.
Door lock and unlock failures
Door lock and unlock functions fail via remote key fob or interior switches. Doors will not lock or unlock, trapping occupants or leaving vehicle unsecured.
When: Mileage and timing not specified in narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not lock from remote FOB; Doors will not unlock from remote FOB; Interior door lock switches do not function; Doors do not respond to unlock/lock commands
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narratives.
Engine shutdown while driving
Engine shuts off suddenly while driving with no prior warning. All dashboard warning lights appear. Loss of power steering. Vehicle can be restarted after brief delay.
When: Occurs while driving at 30 mph on mountain road; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly with no prior indication; All small dashboard icons illuminate simultaneously; Loss of power steering; Engine restarts after turning off key and waiting ~1 minute
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned in narrative.
120-volt dash outlet repeated failure
120-volt outlet in dashboard faults out repeatedly and cannot be repaired despite multiple dealer service visits.
When: Mileage not specified; has been to shop at least 4 times.
Symptoms owners cite: 120-volt outlet faults out repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits (at least 4) have not resolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford CSR initially claimed dealership could not duplicate issue, then claimed Ford cannot fix it. CSR suggested filing complaint with Better Business Bureau as response.
Heated seat module overheating
Front passenger-side seat heater module reaches abnormally hot temperature with no warning light. Safety risk of burn injury.
When: Occurs at ~120,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater module reaches abnormally high temperature; No warning light illuminated to alert driver
Repairs/costs cited: Owner diagnosed need for heated seat module connector wire and control module replacement. Parts ordered for owner's expense repair (vehicle not repaired per narrative).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no assistance provided.
Reverse camera failure
Backup/vehicle camera does not work when truck is in reverse, intermittently or consistently.
When: Occurs on vehicle out of warranty per complainant; mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera does not work when in reverse; Camera intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: TSB issued for problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford will not repair due to vehicle being out of warranty.
Brake system electrical interference
Applying brakes causes airbag warning light to illuminate, A/C compressor to shut down, turn signals to malfunction, and brake pedal to feel soft. All symptoms resolve when brake is released.
When: Occurs typically when exterior air temperature above 80 degrees; mileage ~28,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light illuminates when braking; A/C compressor shuts down when braking; Turn signals malfunction when braking; Electric windows stop functioning when braking; Brake pedal feels soft when braking; All symptoms clear when brake pedal released
Repairs/costs cited: FCIM replaced and reprogrammed but issue remains.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No further assistance indicated in narrative.
Hood ajar message and knock sensor wiring failure
Hood ajar warning message displays and alarm system warning light illuminates. Knock sensor and wiring harness require replacement. Failure recurs after repair.
When: Occurs at ~96,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Hood ajar warning message displayed on dashboard; Alarm system warning light illuminated; Failure recurs after initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor and wiring harness replaced; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no assistance provided.
Reduced fuel economy and multiple electrical faults
Fuel economy drops significantly. Multiple electrical systems fail including cross traffic alert, blind spot system, airbag display, turn signals, A/C, power windows, mirror deployment, and fuel consumption monitoring.
When: Mileage not specified; noted as 'major drop' in MPG.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy drops significantly; Cross traffic alert system failure; Blind spot system failure; Airbag display failure; Turn signal cadence abnormal; A/C failure; Power window intermediate failure; Mirror deployment failure; Fuel MPG display inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response indicated.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Ford F-250?
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 2017 Ford F-250?
It's a meaningful issue. 46 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 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 25,500 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,500; a quarter make it past 65,000. 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/2017/Ford/F-250.
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.