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 ↗2019 Ford F-150 electrical problems
severe 59 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 59 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 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.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2126. Reason for update: update the Part List and Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference from the phone being connected into the media hub using a universal serial bus (USB) cable during SYNC system boot up. To correct his condition, advise the customer to disconnect the USB cable from the phone. If the center display screen displays normally, reconnect the phone. If the concern persists, disconnect the phone from the USB cable, cycle the ignition off and open the driver's door so the interior lights come on. Close the door, star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 23-2350 to update the Issue statement and the Service Procedure. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solen
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2019 F-150's electrical system as unreliable and dangerous. Engine stalling while driving—with loss of power steering and brakes—recurs without warning; dealers find no codes and cannot fix it. The Sync 3 infotainment system goes black after Ford's OTA software update, disabling navigation, hands-free calling, and radio. Screen resets persist even after APIM (the main control module) replacement. Backup cameras fail completely, showing blue or black screens in reverse, despite an existing recall for identical failures on 2020 models that excludes 2019 VINs.
Water intrusion through failed seals causes the most dangerous failures: BCM corrosion leading to uncontrolled horn and light cycling, wiring shorts, and spontaneous fires while parked. Vehicles have caught fire in driveways and parking lots with no warning lights beforehand. Battery management fails—vehicles won't start despite fully charged batteries, and the system doesn't disable auto start-stop when battery is weak.
Doors fail to unlock, tailgates open while driving, windows won't operate, and the air conditioning quits. Dealers consistently report they cannot reproduce these faults or that Ford controls the software and blocks repair. Owners are stranded, charged $1000+ for out-of-warranty fixes, or told nothing can be done. Multiple owners mention identical problems in online forums, suggesting a widespread systemic issue Ford acknowledges but does not address.
Same Ford F-150 electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and no-start
Engine shuts off while driving or at stop, fails to restart, or restart requires repeated attempts. Some owners report the transmission appears to shift unexpectedly (10th to 1st gear). Occurs at highway speeds, traffic lights, or during deceleration. Owners receive 'Auto Start-Stop Shift to P Restart Engine' messages; dealers often find no error codes or cannot reproduce the problem.
When: Random; occurs while slowing to stop, at traffic lights, while actively driving, after highway drives. One case at 1 year of ownership; others at 22k-80k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; Vehicle fails to restart or requires multiple restart attempts; Loss of power steering and brakes; Clicking sounds; no starter activity; Check engine light or 'Auto Start-Stop Shift to P Restart Engine' message; Transmission slips from 10th gear to 1st gear
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (no specific code reported), Auto Start-Stop Shift to P Restart Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Jump start restores function temporarily; dealers cannot diagnose. One owner replaced battery, mechanic recommended alternator replacement (not completed). No repair attempted in most cases due to inability to reproduce.
Sync 3 infotainment system failure
Infotainment touchscreen goes black, becomes unresponsive, or displays backup camera when driving forward. Voice recognition fails after OTA (Over the Air) software update. Navigation, phone, and radio controls malfunction or become inaccessible. Screen resets each time truck is turned off and back on. Hands-free calling and Bluetooth pairing fail. APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) controller replacement needed; dealer cites inability to update software due to Ford manufacturer control of software.
When: Began after OTA software update (April 2023 timeframe noted in one complaint). Failures at 22k, 60k, 85k, 92k miles and higher. Intermittent or persistent depending on case.
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen displays black or blank; Screen unresponsive to touch; Backup camera screen appears while driving forward; Recurring pop-up screens requiring driver interaction; Loss of voice recognition and hands-free phone connectivity; Navigation and radio functionality fails; Climate and radio controls unavailable
Codes mentioned: No error codes reported in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: APIM replacement required. Repair costs $1000+ out of warranty. One owner had APIM replaced twice; failure persisted. Dealers unable to update software or fix issue via software update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford states no software update available to fix Sync 3 malfunction. No-charge APIM replacement for vehicles under warranty; out-of-warranty repairs at owner's expense ($1000+). Manufacturer referred multiple owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Backup camera failure
Backup camera becomes inoperable, displays blue or black screen, or glitches intermittently in reverse. Warning message states 'Camera unavailable' or 'Camera is inoperable.' Issue identical to NHTSA Recall #22V252000 affecting 2020+ F-150s, but 2019 models not included in recall despite same failure mode. One owner reports camera replaced 7 times without resolution.
When: Random onset; one case reported failure starting 1-16-24. Occurs whenever vehicle placed in reverse.
Symptoms owners cite: Blue or black screen in reverse; Camera intermittently unavailable; Message 'Camera unavailable' or 'Camera is inoperable' displayed; Reduced visibility and safety when backing up
Codes mentioned: No specific codes; warning message only
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports camera replaced 7 times by dealer with no resolution. Recall #22V252000 exists for 2020 F-150s but excludes 2019 VINs. No repair completed in most cases; owners advised camera not covered under applicable recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #22V252000 (Back Over Prevention) issued for 2020+ F-150s. 2019 F-150s with identical issue explicitly not included in recall. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Electrical fire and shorting
Vehicle catches fire while parked after extended rest. Electrical system shorts out and ignites. One case involved dome light turning on with ignition off, alarm triggering, and wiring harness smoking behind seat. Another case involved passenger-side cowl seal failure allowing water to enter BCM (Body Control Module), causing corrosion and computer short. Fires initiated in engine compartment on passenger side.
When: After 4 days parked; after extended idling and parking. Water intrusion cases related to heavy rain or weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle spontaneously catches fire while parked; Sparking and smoking from engine compartment; Dome/cargo light turns on with ignition off; Alarm goes off repeatedly (every 15 minutes); Wiring harness smoking; Multiple warning lights and door ajar messages; Horn and lights activate uncontrollably
Codes mentioned: No codes reported before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and cab destroyed in fire cases. One case: cowl seal replacement recommended by dealer. Second case: water intrusion into BCM; BCM and key reprogramming needed. Third case: wiring harness damage. No repairs completed due to vehicles caught fire or severely damaged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist for fire-related failures in same make and model, but affected VINs not included in recall scope. Manufacturer advised to contact fire department and safety board.
Water intrusion and corrosion
Water enters vehicle through failed seals (passenger-side cowl seal, taillight assemblies) during rain or wet conditions. Water intrusion into BCM causes corrosion, computer short, and multiple cascading electrical failures. Moisture found inside driver's side rear taillight assembly creates electrical short circuit in wiring.
When: Occurs during heavy rain. One case noted water intrusion in rear taillight at 60k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Water enters BCM causing corrosion; Horn and lights malfunction (beeping, flashing); Vehicle security system activates; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Wiring harness shorts out; Service lights illuminate intermittently
Codes mentioned: Unknown service lights (no specific codes reported)
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement and key reprogramming required. Cowl seal and taillight assembly seal replacement needed. Repair costs not cited. No repairs completed in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed failure related to cowl seal and recommended seal installation. Manufacturer referred cases to NHTSA Hotline; advised repair not covered.
Battery and charging system failures
Battery goes dead despite good health or full charge. Alternator diagnosed as faulty but not replaced. Vehicle fails to start or restart after short idling periods. Battery management system does not disable auto start-stop when battery is weak. One case involved battery tested at full charge yet vehicle would not start.
When: After 5-10 minute parking; after highway drives; at cold temperatures (-15F to -5F to -10F). One case at 80k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Multiple restart attempts fail; Battery warning light illuminates; Clicking sounds but no starter motor activity; Vehicle stalls despite adequate battery charge (tested 12.7 volts); Steering assist fault message at cold temperatures; Full accessory power available message
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Steering assist fault
Repairs/costs cited: Jump start restores function. One owner replaced battery; independent mechanic advised alternator replacement (not completed). Battery tested at Autozone and by owner; both showed full charge. Disconnecting and reconnecting battery clears fault codes and restores start function temporarily.
Door and tailgate electrical failures
Doors fail to unlock electronically; lights flicker. Tailgate opens unintentionally while driving or when passenger door opens, activating alarm and safety hazard. Running boards stuck in wrong positions (one up, one down). Windows inoperable. Air conditioning fails.
When: Intermittent; tailgate opens repeatedly while driving in traffic or when door opens.
Symptoms owners cite: Door unlock failure; Interior lights flicker; Tailgate opens without activation; Alarm activates when tailgate opens; Running boards stuck in down or up position; Windows inoperable; Air conditioning inoperable; Airb warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: No specific codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Keyless entry keypad detached and required replacement (covered under extended warranty). Most cases not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Keypad replacement covered under extended warranty in one case; referred other cases to NHTSA Hotline.
Sync 3 software and connectivity failures
Voice recognition fails after software update, preventing hands-free calling. USB phone connection does not allow hang-up function; drivers must disconnect phone manually while driving. Phone will not pair to Bluetooth. Software failure prevents APIM from functioning correctly but manufacturer controls software updates.
When: After OTA software update. USB hang-up issue at 92k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Voice recognition non-functional; Cannot hang up phone calls via USB; Phone will not pair to Bluetooth; Hands-free calling unavailable; Requires manual phone disconnect or use while driving
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised discontinuing USB phone connection. APIM replacement required ($1600 out of warranty) but software issue persists due to manufacturer control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer sent new software version but vehicle would not accept update. Dealers unable to resolve. Manufacturer control of software prevents independent repair.
Recall repair causing subsequent electrical failures
Following NHTSA Campaign #22V252000 (Back Over Prevention) recall repair, vehicle experiences electrical failures. Navigation and radio become inoperative after recall repair. Radio volume level remains fixed regardless of setting. APIM Controller fails and requires replacement (twice in one case; failure persisted both times).
When: Shortly after back over prevention recall repair; failure at 22k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation system inoperable after recall repair; Radio inoperable; Radio volume level fixed and uncontrollable; APIM Controller failure
Codes mentioned: No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: APIM Controller replacement performed twice; failure persisted after second replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case filed. Manufacturer advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
Windshield wiper malfunction
Windshield wipers activate on their own without driver input or without rain present. Wiper switch malfunction causes wipers to turn on randomly, smearing dirt and debris and obscuring visibility.
When: Intermittent; occurred on and off for several days.
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers activate without driver input; Wipers activate when setting is off; Wipers turn on in dry conditions; Dirt and debris smeared on windshield; Visibility obscured
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced windshield wiper switch; issue resolved.
Engine/transmission power loss and rough idle
Vehicle loses all power and brakes instantaneously while driving; no warning lights. Rough idle at stops that progresses to complete shutdown requiring restart. Grinding noise in engine. Tachometer bounces while idling. Multiple power loss incidents on freeway and local roads.
When: Summer 2020 observed initially; recurred July-September with shutdowns. Power loss incidents on freeway and driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power and brakes while driving; No check engine light before power loss; Rough idle at stop lights; Engine shuts down at idle; Tachometer bounces at idle; Vibration while idling; Grinding noise in engine; Instantaneous power loss with 30-45 second recovery
Codes mentioned: No check engine light at time of incident
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to two Ford dealers; neither could replicate problem or fix it. No repairs completed.
Vehicle electrical sleep mode failure
Vehicle enters unintended electrical sleep mode after parking and brief rest period. All electrical systems become non-responsive (no dash lights, no chiming, no interior lights, radio non-responsive). Pressing radio power button restores all systems. Issue occurs randomly and unpredictably.
When: After parking for 30+ minutes. Issue resolved within 2 days in one case but owner fears recurrence while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: No dash lights; No chiming; No interior lights; Radio non-responsive; All electrical systems offline; Vehicle appears to be in sleep mode
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Pressing radio power button restores all systems. No loose battery terminals found. No repairs needed in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership unable to identify cause; advised owner to report if recurrence occurs.
Keyless entry and ignition switch failures
Key fob fails to work in high-frequency areas; 'Key Not Detected' message displayed. Difficulty inserting physical key into ignition switch due to lock cylinder binding.
When: At 9k miles (key fob); at 45k miles (ignition switch).
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob does not work in certain locations; Key Not Detected message displayed; Alarm fails to activate or lock/start vehicle; Difficulty inserting physical key into ignition; Lock cylinder resistance
Codes mentioned: Key Not Detected message
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased replacement key fob battery (key fob issue). Lock cylinder replacement performed for ignition switch issue and repaired under extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred to local dealer. Dealer and manufacturer notified but no assistance offered.
Driver assistance system failures
Forward collision and pre-collision automatic emergency braking system non-responsive during vehicle operation. Lane departure warning system non-responsive. Alert system comes on while driving with no obstruction. Cannot reply to messages through app.
When: While driving at undisclosed speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision/pre-collision system does not work; Automatic emergency braking non-responsive; Lane departure warning system non-responsive; Alert system activates inappropriately; Cannot reply to app messages
Codes mentioned: No specific codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs reported. Owner made service appointment after receiving recall notice regarding battery monitoring sensor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice received for battery monitoring sensor eyelet adhesive obstruction.
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have had the engine shut off while driving … due to the code auto start stop shift to park… I could’ve been in an accident this is the 4th time this has happened. Fix this issue
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 59 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,405 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,405; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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/2019/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.