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2013 Ford F-150

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most F-150 years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Ford F-150 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 676.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

2,215 reports with mileage · 765 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 1,335 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 547 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 322 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

77 crash reports35 fire reports53 injury reports

Power Train complaints

1,335 reports
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102,000 miles · Sep 16, 2019
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN 10 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN FAULT WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION TE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN 10 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN FAULT WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 180 TO 190 DEGREES. ALSO, ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #11255860

116,800 miles · Sep 11, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

WHILE ACCELERATING QUICKLY, BUT NOT SO MUCH AS TO SPIN THE TIRES, THE VEHICLE STARTED "BUCKING". I WAS DOING ABOUT 35-40 WHEN IT GOT PRETTY BAD. THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS STOPPING AND STARTING VERY QUICKLY. IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY HARD TO CONTROL AND IT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO NOT ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR EVEN RE…

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WHILE ACCELERATING QUICKLY, BUT NOT SO MUCH AS TO SPIN THE TIRES, THE VEHICLE STARTED "BUCKING". I WAS DOING ABOUT 35-40 WHEN IT GOT PRETTY BAD. THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS STOPPING AND STARTING VERY QUICKLY. IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY HARD TO CONTROL AND IT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO NOT ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR EVEN REACH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND DID NOT STOP FLASHING FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES. THE TRUCK WOULD ALSO NOT LET ME ACCELERATE FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #11254597

150,000 miles · Sep 10, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN). PURVIS FORD LINCOLN (3660 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540) 898-3000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN). PURVIS FORD LINCOLN (3660 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540) 898-3000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THE POWERTRAIN MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *BF *JB *JS

NHTSA ODI #11254514

88,000 miles · Aug 29, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN AND THE TIRES SLID. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO COAST AS THE TRANSMISSION KICKED BACK INTO GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BREDEMANN FORD (2038 WAUKEGAN RD, GLENVIEW,…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN AND THE TIRES SLID. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO COAST AS THE TRANSMISSION KICKED BACK INTO GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BREDEMANN FORD (2038 WAUKEGAN RD, GLENVIEW, IL 60025, (847) 510-5585), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11252232

250,000 miles · Aug 22, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM HIGH TO LOW GEAR AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND START TO SKID DOWN THE ROAD. THE ENGINE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE AND FAILED TO SHIFT OUT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM HIGH TO LOW GEAR AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND START TO SKID DOWN THE ROAD. THE ENGINE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE AND FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THIRD GEAR AND COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE CONTACT DROVE TO JAMES HODGE FORD (1711 SE WASHINGTON ST, IDABEL, OK 74745, (580) 286-7676) AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

NHTSA ODI #11245689

36,000 miles · Aug 13, 2019
EnginePower Train

SINCE PURCHASED NEW THE ENGINE WILL INTERMITTENTLY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ESPECIALLY DURING DAMP WEATHER. IT HAS SPENT WEEKS AT DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS YET THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE ENGINE WILL SPUTTER AND KILL TAKING WITH IT THE POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND LIGHTS. IT IS STILL AN ISSUE TODAY. THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT IS REALLY CONCERN…

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SINCE PURCHASED NEW THE ENGINE WILL INTERMITTENTLY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ESPECIALLY DURING DAMP WEATHER. IT HAS SPENT WEEKS AT DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS YET THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE ENGINE WILL SPUTTER AND KILL TAKING WITH IT THE POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND LIGHTS. IT IS STILL AN ISSUE TODAY. THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT IS REALLY CONCERNING IS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY SHIFT ITSELF INTO FIRST GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SEND RPMS RACING FOR NO REASON. I WAS TOLD BY MY DEALERSHIP V&H IN MARSHFIELD THAT THEY 'REPROGRAMMED' THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT STILL HAPPENS FROM TIME TO TIME. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAPPENED MAINLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE ENGINE BEING MOST COMMON DURING WET WEATHER. IT HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY WITH THE LAST EPISODE BEING ON 8/12/19

NHTSA ODI #11243727

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2019
Power Train

THE RECALL WAS TO BE RESOLVED BY END OF SECOND QUARTER 2019. VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2013 MAKE: FORD MODEL: F-150 NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 1 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION> AWAITING# RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2019 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 19S07 SUMMARY: ON YOUR VEHICLE, AN INTERMITTEN…

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THE RECALL WAS TO BE RESOLVED BY END OF SECOND QUARTER 2019. VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2013 MAKE: FORD MODEL: F-150 NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 1 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION> AWAITING# RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2019 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 19S07 SUMMARY: ON YOUR VEHICLE, AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR (OSS) IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY RESULT IN AN UNINTENDED DOWNSHIFT TO FIRST GEAR. SAFETY RISK: AN UNINTENDED DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR CAN CAUSE AN ABRUPT WHEEL SPEED REDUCTION, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE REAR TIRES TO SLIDE UNTIL THE VEHICLE SPEED SLOWS DOWN. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS AUTHORIZED YOUR DEALER TO REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE WITH SOFTWARE THAT WILL PREVENT AN UNINTENDED DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR IN THE EVENT OF AN INTERMITTENT OSS FAILURE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR). F-150 3.5L, 5.0L, AND 6.2L VEHICLES: FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WORKING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP THE SOFTWARE FOR THIS REPAIR. WHEN THE SOFTWARE BECOME AVAILABLE, FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOTIFY YOU VIA MAIL TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR). THE SOFTWARE IS ANTICIPATED TO BE AVAILABLE BY LATE 2ND QUARTER, 2019. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE MANUFACTURER NOTES: TO CHECK FOR NON-SAFETY-RELATED PROGRAMS APPLICABLE TO YOUR VEHICLE, SEE HTTP://WWW.FORD.COM/ OR CALL YOUR FORD DEALER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11243224

38,150 miles · Aug 9, 2019
Power Train

AFTER HAVING RECALL OF TRANSMISSION ISSUE PERFORMED THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENT (IMAGE OF WRENCH AND AIRBAG)

NHTSA ODI #11242852

166,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Power TrainService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V345000 (SERVICE, BRAKES HYDRUALIC) REGARDING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS ALSO PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AFTER AN INDICATOR CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION AND TWO OTHER UNKNOWN INDICA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V345000 (SERVICE, BRAKES HYDRUALIC) REGARDING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER. A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS ALSO PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AFTER AN INDICATOR CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION AND TWO OTHER UNKNOWN INDICATORS FLASHED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE DOWN HILL DESCENT AND SERVICE ADVANCETRAC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED PARKWAY FORD (2104 PETERS CREEK PKWY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127, (877) 836-4271) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

NHTSA ODI #11234787

54 miles · Jul 24, 2019
Power TrainSteeringUnknown Or Other

SERIOUS VIBRATION AT OR AROUND 45 TO 70MPH . STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION , FRONT END VIBRATION . USUALLY AROUND THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION TEMP HITS THE NORMAL TEMP TRUCK STARTS VIBRATING . USUALLY STARTS AT 40MPH AND GETS WORST WITH HIGHER MPH . BOUGHT THE TRUCK BACK IN NOV OF 2018 ALL WAS FINE TILL ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE VIB…

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SERIOUS VIBRATION AT OR AROUND 45 TO 70MPH . STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION , FRONT END VIBRATION . USUALLY AROUND THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION TEMP HITS THE NORMAL TEMP TRUCK STARTS VIBRATING . USUALLY STARTS AT 40MPH AND GETS WORST WITH HIGHER MPH . BOUGHT THE TRUCK BACK IN NOV OF 2018 ALL WAS FINE TILL ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE VIBRATION STARTED . NOT VERY HAPPY.

NHTSA ODI #11234635

Official recalls

3

19V433000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jun 10, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.

19V075000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Feb 11, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

16V345000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid

May 24, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

RQ17010 · Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Opened Dec 25, 2017 · Closed Oct 22, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

PE16003 · Master Cylinder External Leak

Opened Feb 29, 2016 · Closed Jul 26, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

Additional source detail variants (4)

Service Brakes

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (NHTSA Recall #16V-345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V-345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V-345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V-345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107

PE13018 · Reduced Power During Hard Acceleration

Opened May 22, 2013 · Closed Apr 7, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling

On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect.The subject vehicles are powered by Ford?s 3.5L EcoBoost engine which uses twin turbochargers to obtain a balance of fuel economy and engine power based on the driver?s demand.When the driver requests more power from the engine, as in accelerating to pass, merge, ascend hills or haul a load the two turbochargers will spin up compressing the air which is then used to increase the power created by the combustion in the engine.The compressed air, which gains heat by the compression process, is passed through a Charge Air Cooler (CAC) which is designed to lower the temperature of the air in order to make the combustion process even more efficient (Figures 1 and 2).In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Ford indicated that a misfire condition could occur after steady-speed operation under significantly humid and rainy conditions.Ford?s analysis found that under those conditions, condensation could form and accumulate on the inside of the CAC tubes which could then be ingested into the engine during particularly hard acceleration near wide-open throttle.An engine misfire of up to three cylinders could occur if the amount of condensed water released from the CAC exceeded the engine?s operating threshold for water ingestion.Ford noted that due to regulations set by the EPA, the powertrain software would disable up to two of the misfiring cylinders for no more than 30 seconds and until the driver tips out the throttle in order to protect the catalytic converter from damage. Ford?s testing of this condition on the subject vehicles showed that a vehicle experiencing such a condition would continue to maintain its speed as well as accelerate, albeit at a lower rate than expected by the driver.Similar results were obtained in testing done by NHTSA?s Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio (Figure 6).In an ongoing process to address the problem Ford issued a series of TSBs where a deflector shield was installed onto the CAC (Figures 3, 4 and 5).In January 2014 Ford indicated that its data shows that the TSBs have been effective in resolving the problem, that for the MY 2013 vehicles their remedy is 100% effective and the latest TSBs for MY 2011 ? 2012 are 95% effective.The 525 complaints to ODI and the total 4,120 unique VIN complaints listed in the Failure Report are incidents of alleged reduced power or driveability symptoms and not all are necessarily related to the condition created by water ingestion.Reduced power conditions can occur for a variety of reasons including faults with ignition coils, spark plugs, a catalytic converter, the throttle body, turbocharger, fuel pump/filter, powertrain control module (hardware or software) or transmission shifting problems.Ford also noted that in a large number of warranty claims on the subject vehicles, the CAC was replaced or a TSB procedure was performed when the symptoms exhibited were inconsistent with a CAC water ingestion related issue.Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect.The subject vehicles are powered by Ford?s 3.5L EcoBoost engine which uses twin turbochargers to obtain a balance of fuel economy and engine power based on the driver?s demand.When the driver requests more power from the engine, as in accelerating to pass, merge, ascend hills or haul a load the two turbochargers will spin up compressing the air which is then used to increase the power created by the combustion in the engine.The compressed air, which gains heat by the compression process, is passed through a Charge Air Cooler (CAC) which is designed to lower the temperature of the air in order to make the combustion process even more efficient (Figures 1 and 2).In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Ford indicated that a misfire condition could occur after steady-speed operation under significantly humid and rainy conditions.Ford?s analysis found that under those conditions, condensation could form and accumulate on the inside of the CAC tubes which could then be ingested into the engine during particularly hard acceleration near wide-open throttle.An engine misfire of up to three cylinders could occur if the amount of condensed water released from the CAC exceeded the engine?s operating threshold for water ingestion.Ford noted that due to regulations set by the EPA, the powertrain software would disable up to two of the misfiring cylinders for no more than 30 seconds and until the driver tips out the throttle in order to protect the catalytic converter from damage. Ford?s testing of this condition on the subject vehicles showed that a vehicle experiencing such a condition would continue to maintain its speed as well as accelerate, albeit at a lower rate than expected by the driver.Similar results were obtained in testing done by NHTSA?s Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio (Figure 6).In an ongoing process to address the problem Ford issued a series of TSBs where a deflector shield was installed onto the CAC (Figures 3, 4 and 5).In January 2014 Ford indicated that its data shows that the TSBs have been effective in resolving the problem, that for the MY 2013 vehicles their remedy is 100% effective and the latest TSBs for MY 2011 ? 2012 are 95% effective.The 525 complaints to ODI and the total 4,120 unique VIN complaints listed in the Failure Report are incidents of alleged reduced power or driveability symptoms and not all are necessarily related to the condition created by water ingestion.Reduced power conditions can occur for a variety of reasons including faults with ignition coils, spark plugs, a catalytic converter, the throttle body, turbocharger, fuel pump/filter, powertrain control module (hardware or software) or transmission shifting problems.Ford also noted that in a large number of warranty claims on the subject vehicles, the CAC was replaced or a TSB procedure was performed when the symptoms exhibited were inconsistent with a CAC water ingestion related issue.Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of

Engine

On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect.The subject vehicles are powered by Ford?s 3.5L EcoBoost engine which uses twin turbochargers to obtain a balance of fuel economy and engine power based on the driver?s demand.When the driver requests more power from the engine, as in accelerating to pass, merge, ascend hills or haul a load the two turbochargers will spin up compressing the air which is then used to increase the power created by the combustion in the engine.The compressed air, which gains heat by the compression process, is passed through a Charge Air Cooler (CAC) which is designed to lower the temperature of the air in order to make the combustion process even more efficient (Figures 1 and 2).In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Ford indicated that a misfire condition could occur after steady-speed operation under significantly humid and rainy conditions.Ford?s analysis found that under those conditions, condensation could form and accumulate on the inside of the CAC tubes which could then be ingested into the engine during particularly hard acceleration near wide-open throttle.An engine misfire of up to three cylinders could occur if the amount of condensed water released from the CAC exceeded the engine?s operating threshold for water ingestion.Ford noted that due to regulations set by the EPA, the powertrain software would disable up to two of the misfiring cylinders for no more than 30 seconds and until the driver tips out the throttle in order to protect the catalytic converter from damage. Ford?s testing of this condition on the subject vehicles showed that a vehicle experiencing such a condition would continue to maintain its speed as well as accelerate, albeit at a lower rate than expected by the driver.Similar results were obtained in testing done by NHTSA?s Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio (Figure 6).In an ongoing process to address the problem Ford issued a series of TSBs where a deflector shield was installed onto the CAC (Figures 3, 4 and 5).In January 2014 Ford indicated that its data shows that the TSBs have been effective in resolving the problem, that for the MY 2013 vehicles their remedy is 100% effective and the latest TSBs for MY 2011 ? 2012 are 95% effective.The 525 complaints to ODI and the total 4,120 unique VIN complaints listed in the Failure Report are incidents of alleged reduced power or driveability symptoms and not all are necessarily related to the condition created by water ingestion.Reduced power conditions can occur for a variety of reasons including faults with ignition coils, spark plugs, a catalytic converter, the throttle body, turbocharger, fuel pump/filter, powertrain control module (hardware or software) or transmission shifting problems.Ford also noted that in a large number of warranty claims on the subject vehicles, the CAC was replaced or a TSB procedure was performed when the symptoms exhibited were inconsistent with a CAC water ingestion related issue.Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of