IllustrationPUT THE REAR DEFROSTER ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. STARTED TO DRIVE DOWN MY ROAD HEARD A POP SOUND. STOPPED LOOKED IN REAR, DRIVERS SIDE SECTION OF WINDOW WAS SHATTERED (SLIDER). THANK GOD MY GRANDCHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE BACK SEAT.
2014 Ford F-150
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most F-150 years
Owner complaints for the 2014 Ford F-150 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 676.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-150 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1700–25K
20525–50K
21150–75K
14675–100K
167100–150K
109150K+
1,008 reports with mileage · 523 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 422 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 288 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 178 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
38 crash reports16 fire reports27 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
148 reportsAFTER TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER FOR ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. (IF LOOKING FROM BEHIND ITS THE FAR RIGHT OUT OF THE 3 PART WINDOW. ) ITURNED IT ON AND DROVE ON A STRAIGHT ROAD FOR 1/4 TO 1/2 MILE AT APROX 35 MPH. WE HEARD A LOUD POP/BANG AND LOOKED AROUND AND FOUND THE SHATTERED WINDOW. NO PUNCTURE M…
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AFTER TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER FOR ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. (IF LOOKING FROM BEHIND ITS THE FAR RIGHT OUT OF THE 3 PART WINDOW. ) ITURNED IT ON AND DROVE ON A STRAIGHT ROAD FOR 1/4 TO 1/2 MILE AT APROX 35 MPH. WE HEARD A LOUD POP/BANG AND LOOKED AROUND AND FOUND THE SHATTERED WINDOW. NO PUNCTURE MARK OR HOLE FROM ANY OBJECT HITTING IT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO REVIEWS AND NEWS ARTICLES AS THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE DEFROSTER OVER HEATING. LUCKILY IT STAYED IN THE WINDOW SO WE DO NOT HAVE GLASS EVERY WHERE BUT IT COULD FLY OUT EVERY WHERE AT ANY SECOND. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A CHILD IN THE BACK.
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WINDOW EXPLOSION AFTER RUNNING DEFROSTER FOR 10 MINS. SOUNDED LIKE A GUN WAS DISCHARGED INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE SITTING IN DRIVEWAY VERY UNSAFE! HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AS IT WAS A LIABILITY TO DRIVE WITH SHATTERED GLASS AND FORD WOULD NOT COVER UNDER ESP.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR BOARD.TOOK TRUCK TO SHOP AND THEY SAID SEAL LEAKED ON MASTER CYLINDER AND FLUID WENT INTO BOOSTER .HAD THEM REPLACE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKE RESERVOIR LOST ALL FLUID RESULTING IN BRAKE LOSS, AFTER TRAVELING 60 MILES PULLING AN RV. ON OUR FIRST TRIP OVER THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE WE STOPPED FOR THE NITE THE NEXT MORNING WE HAD NO BRAKES AND FOUND THE RESERVOIR COMPLETELY DRY. CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST $462 TO GET THE TRUCK TO THE D…
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BRAKE RESERVOIR LOST ALL FLUID RESULTING IN BRAKE LOSS, AFTER TRAVELING 60 MILES PULLING AN RV. ON OUR FIRST TRIP OVER THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE WE STOPPED FOR THE NITE THE NEXT MORNING WE HAD NO BRAKES AND FOUND THE RESERVOIR COMPLETELY DRY. CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST $462 TO GET THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. I REFILLED THE BRAKE RESERVOIR AND DROVE HOME PULLING THE RV OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO HOME. FORD TOLD ME THAT COULDN'T HAPPEN BUT IT DID THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER UNDER WARRANTY AND GAVE ME A LOANER CAR.
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON A FLAT STRAIGHTAWAY, 33 OUTSIDE, AND HEAR A NOISE LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. THE REAR PASSENGERS SIDE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY SHATTERED. DEALER TOOK A PICTURE AND FORD SAID SOMETHING MUST HAVE HIT IT DUE TO THE LARGE LOWER HOLE WITH A RADIAL PATTERN. THERE WAS NOTHING I…
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DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON A FLAT STRAIGHTAWAY, 33 OUTSIDE, AND HEAR A NOISE LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. THE REAR PASSENGERS SIDE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY SHATTERED. DEALER TOOK A PICTURE AND FORD SAID SOMETHING MUST HAVE HIT IT DUE TO THE LARGE LOWER HOLE WITH A RADIAL PATTERN. THERE WAS NOTHING INSIDE OF THE TRUCK AND OF COURSE THE HOLE WAS LARGE NOW DUE TO FALLING APART WITH EVERY BUMP I HIT DRIVING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I THINK FORD HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR WINDOWS AND OF COURSE BLAME IT ON THE CUSTOMER.
FIRST, I CRANK MY VEHICLE AND ALLOW TO ENGINE TO WARM APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES EACH DAY AS USUAL. ONCE I BEGIN DRIVING A "LOUD HUMMING" OR UNUSUAL NOISE HAPPENS USUALLY ONCE I REACH 30-40 MILES PER HOUR. THIS WILL HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES DURING MY DRIVING TIME, AND THEN CEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS IS…
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FIRST, I CRANK MY VEHICLE AND ALLOW TO ENGINE TO WARM APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES EACH DAY AS USUAL. ONCE I BEGIN DRIVING A "LOUD HUMMING" OR UNUSUAL NOISE HAPPENS USUALLY ONCE I REACH 30-40 MILES PER HOUR. THIS WILL HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES DURING MY DRIVING TIME, AND THEN CEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I JUST PURCHASED VEHICLE ON JUNE 20, 2014 AND NOW I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH IT. I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET INTO MY LOCAL DEALER (POINT OF PURCHASE ALSO) TO GET A TECH TO RIDE WITH ME BECAUSE NO LIGHTS COME ON DURING NOISE TIME. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH ESTABROOK FORD IN PASCAGOULA RIGHT NOW. I CALLED ON JULY 17 TO SET UP "CHECK" FOR VEHICLE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE VERY BUSY AND COULD NOT CHECK IT UNTIL NEXT WEEK. I SCHEDULED TO HAVE A LEAVE VEHICLE AT DEALER OVERNIGHT AND RETURN NEXT MORNING SO THAT TECH COULD RIDE WITH ME TO "LISTEN" FOR NOISE. UPON ARRIVAL, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY TRIED TO CALL ME TO RESCHEDULE BECAUSE 3 TECHS AND OIL CHANGER GUY HAD WALKED OFF JOB. WELL, THIS IS UNTRUE BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SAME NUMBER FOR 2 YEARS, AND HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLES IN FOR OIL CHANGE, ETC. I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD NOT TAKE OFF WORK TO BRING VEHICLE BACK AND I WAITED FOR TECH TO RIDE WITH ME. TECH RODE WITH ME (VERY NICE GUY) AND HEARD SOUND. HE STATED THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE NOISE OCCURS DURING SHIFTING. THEY SCHEDULED ME TO RETURN VEHICLE THIS WEDNESDAY AFTER I GET OFF WORK (AUGUST 5) TO PUT IT ON RACK TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR PROBLEM. MY OTHER ISSUE IS WITH FORD CORPORATION! I AM VERY FRUSTRATED TO KNOW THAT I MAY HAVE ONGOING ISSUES WITH A "NEW PURCHASE."
THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR THE TRAILER TOWING AND HANDLING OF MY FORD F150 PICKUP WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGES, AND INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE RATED AT ALMOST 8,000 GVWR. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE AND DANGEROUS TRAILER SWAYING WITH A 25 FT TRAILER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT WEIGHS UNDER 6000LBS. WE HAVE A LOAD EQUALIZING HITCH ALONG W…
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THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR THE TRAILER TOWING AND HANDLING OF MY FORD F150 PICKUP WITH TRAILER TOW PACKAGES, AND INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE RATED AT ALMOST 8,000 GVWR. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE AND DANGEROUS TRAILER SWAYING WITH A 25 FT TRAILER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT WEIGHS UNDER 6000LBS. WE HAVE A LOAD EQUALIZING HITCH ALONG WITH SWAY CONTROL ON THE HITCH. AFTER READING OTHER INTERNET ARTICLES AND DISCUSSING WITH MY LOCAL FORD DEALER THEY RECOMMEND UPGRADING THE TIRES FROM THE "P" SERIES PASSENGER CAR RATED TIRES (P275/65R18), TO A "LOAD RANGE E" TRUCK TIRE. ITS SUGGESTED THAT THE WIMPY SIDE WALL ON "P" RATED TIRES ARE ALLOWING THE SWAY MOTION TO GET OUT OF CONTROL. IF THIS IS REALLY THE PROBLEM, THEN FORD IS MISREPRESENTING THE TOWING CAPABILITIES OF THEIR TRUCK. WHO PUTS CAR TIRES ON THEIR TRUCKS? ITS GOING TO COST ME UP TO $1200 IN NEW TIRES TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS THE FIX. FORD IS IGNORING THIS ISSUE SAYING I JUST NEED TO BUY HEAVIER DUTY TIRES AND MINE ONLY HAVE 1000 MILES ON THEM.
Official recalls
826V378000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S45. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
24V444000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Jun 17, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to 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: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S37.
20V332000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Jun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
17V472000 · Seat Belts; Seats
Jul 25, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Consequence: The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
Seat Belts
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Consequence: The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
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.
14V710000 · Seats
Nov 7, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 and Flex vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured with a reduced clearance between the seat frame and the seat track assembly. This can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) to inaccurately register passenger weight and improperly suppress the passenger front airbag when the passenger seat is occupied by an adult passenger. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Improper suppression of the passenger airbag increases the risk of an injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger airbag.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will widen the gap between the seat frame and seat track assembly and recalibrate the seat OCS, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C10.
14V709000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Nov 5, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake lights fail to illuminate, or illuminate after a delay, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C09. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised not to use their cruise control system.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake lights fail to illuminate, or illuminate after a delay, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C09. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised not to use their cruise control system.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake lights fail to illuminate, or illuminate after a delay, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C09. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised not to use their cruise control system.
14V316000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Jun 12, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured May 26, 2014 to June 19, 2014, and equipped with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The affected vehicles may have an incorrectly installed EPAS gear motor position sensor magnet that can lead to a total loss of steering control while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering control while driving increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPAS steering gear, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been remedied. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S09.
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
2RQ24005 · Unintended Transmission Downshift
Opened Mar 27, 2024 · Closed Jul 29, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury, and included approximately 153,581 vehicles. Ford identified the root cause of the unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear to be intermittent signal loss from the transmission’s Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor due to solder joint cracks on the OSS circuit board as a result of manufacturing process issues. The OSS sensor is mounted onto the molded lead frame and transmits changes in transmission shaft speed to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The remedy program described in safety recall 16V-248 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In December 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-010) to assess the scope and remedy effectiveness of safety recall 16V-248. As a result of this ODI investigation, Ford issued safety recall 19V-075 to expand the scope of 16V-248 to include MY 2011-2013 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions and included approximately 1,263,051 vehicles. The remedy program described in safety recall 19V-075 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In June 2019, Ford issued safety recall 19V-433 as the remedy program used to service MY 2013 Ford F-150 5.0L and 6.2L vehicles in accordance with safety recall 19V-075 did not contain the necessary updates to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 107,857 vehicles. On March 27, 2024, ODI opened this Recall Query (RQ24-005) to investigate the scope of the above-described safety recalls. At the time that this investigation was opened, ODI had received 86 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, in MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles. As a result of this Recall Query, Ford filled safety recall 24V-444 on June 14, 2024, to include MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles and expand the scope of safety recalls 16V-248, 19V-075 and 19V-433. The remedy program described in safety recall 24V-444 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 552,188 vehicles. In its May 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford concluded that a predominant root cause for the intermittent OSS signal loss has not been identified outside of the original safety recall (16V-248). Ford’s investigation also concluded that the primary causes of the defect in MY 2014 F-150 vehicles were related to the molded lead frame and the control assembly transmission main. In the May 2024 response, Ford identified 2,184 total reports that described unintended vehicle transmission downshifting and rear wheel lock-up events; 1,441 warranty claims and 743 reports from consumer complaints, field reports, consumer surveys, and lawsuits/legal claims. Note that the values presented here and in the table above represent the total number of reports which can include a single consumer with multiple reports of the same event as well as a consumer with reports of multiple distinct events. Of the 1,441 warranty claims, 551 warranty claims involved repair of the molded lead frame (38%) and 509 warranty claims involved repair of the control assembly transmission main (35%). Ford has also stated that the PCM programming used to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting was implemented starting with MY 2015 vehicle #1 production and onward. In view of the safety recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ24-005). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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