NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
98 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 27, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train
Transmission has always shift loudly into 8th gear since I bought it at 31k miles. It has 95k miles on it now. Bought it in Nov 2021 used off a Ford dealer lot. Driving a few weeks ago. Going 30 mph. Stopped at a stop sign and then made a left mildly accelerated, probably around 30mph and I was still accelerating, engine goes t…
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Transmission has always shift loudly into 8th gear since I bought it at 31k miles. It has 95k miles on it now. Bought it in Nov 2021 used off a Ford dealer lot. Driving a few weeks ago. Going 30 mph. Stopped at a stop sign and then made a left mildly accelerated, probably around 30mph and I was still accelerating, engine goes to redline and engine shifts down to I'm guessing first. Every dash light pops on, and the truck doesn't even show it's in drive or any gear. I pulled to the next stop sign that was not to far away. I brake and shut the truck off and put it in park. I try to start it and it doesn't work. It did not turn over at all. I got it towed to home and checked it out. The transmission control module fuse was blown. I replaced it and it blew again and again. I checked for broken wires, I did not remove anything to check. I did not see anything. Had it towed to Ford. Ford told me the transmission control module had shorted out internally and they needed to order a new transmission control module. They just got it yesterday and told me they were having trouble programming it and hoping it'd be ready tomorrow.
NHTSA ODI #11611287
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper
This afternoon while getting ready to leave church, I pulled my truck forward about 10 feet with no issues in order to load some things in the truck bed before taking off. The truck started up just fine, and the starter sounded just as strong as it always does, indicating the battery was of good health. Upon starting the vehicle…
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This afternoon while getting ready to leave church, I pulled my truck forward about 10 feet with no issues in order to load some things in the truck bed before taking off. The truck started up just fine, and the starter sounded just as strong as it always does, indicating the battery was of good health. Upon starting the vehicle less than 5 minutes later the engine would not start due to a dead battery - or so that's what the symptoms led me to believe anyway. I heard some clicks, but no starter motor activity, then saw a warning on my radio screen stating "turn ignition off or start engine." This could have been at a stoplight, leaving me as a stalled vehicle in the middle of the road had it happened in conjunction with the auto start/stop that shuts off the engine when stopped for a short period of time. I have not yet taken the truck into a dealership to have this issue looked at. This appears to be a resurfacing problem from about 2 years ago when I had electrical issues where my radio would not turn off as I got to work one morning - even though the ignition had been turned off and the driver door was open. The radio was still running when I got back to the truck in the afternoon. I was able to drive home that day, but with limited functionality of the truck. It was during a heavy rain, and the rear brake lights would not work, and the windshield wipers would not turn on. When I went down the next morning to take it into the dealership, I had to get it jump started, as the battery had died from the radio running all night long. When I got it jump started, the truck acted normally again, and I took it into the dealership and explained all of this, but they turned me away, as they told me there was nothing they could do to fix the problem if the symptoms had disappeared. There were no warnings before either of these episodes. This appears to be an electrical system failure. This problem has not been reproduced. The vehicle has not been inspected by a professional
NHTSA ODI #11607743
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
When we come to a complete stop and going at highway speed the transmission slips from 10th gear to 1st gear while driving then through other gears until it catches back up to the correct gear. The whole truck will stall until the correct gear is found causing us to possibly be hit
NHTSA ODI #11603510
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
Defective 10R80 transmission shifts erratically; fall out of gear and won’t accelerate; won’t shift into drive or reverse consistently. The issue puts others at risk as the vehicle doesn’t function in a consistent manner. Yes. The transmission was replaced entirely, but the problems persist. It has not been inspected by polic…
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Defective 10R80 transmission shifts erratically; fall out of gear and won’t accelerate; won’t shift into drive or reverse consistently. The issue puts others at risk as the vehicle doesn’t function in a consistent manner. Yes. The transmission was replaced entirely, but the problems persist. It has not been inspected by police of insurance. No lights or messages are displayed when the issues present.
NHTSA ODI #11602662
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2024
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
Certain 2019 f-150 ford models are recalled for the SAME issue I am having but my model truck is not in the recal. For the same exact isssue
NHTSA ODI #11601846
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Air conditioner loses cold air flow; suspects that the evaporator continuously freezes. Unable to defog windows causing loss of visibility while driving. Also, causes heat stress/ exhaustion from lack of cold air produced by vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11593353
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2024
Electrical SystemStructure
Passenger Side Cowl Seal Failure. The passenger side cowl seal fails. When this happens water can enter the vehicle and pour into the BCM (Body Control Module). Once water enters the BCM, it creates corrosion and will needs to be replaced along with the reprograming of all the keys. This is available upon request. My safet…
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Passenger Side Cowl Seal Failure. The passenger side cowl seal fails. When this happens water can enter the vehicle and pour into the BCM (Body Control Module). Once water enters the BCM, it creates corrosion and will needs to be replaced along with the reprograming of all the keys. This is available upon request. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because when water enters the BCM it causes the computer to short out. When this happens the horn will start beeping and the lights start flashing. This also sets off the vehicles security system. This happens when the vehicle is parked and turned off and when the vehicle is in motion. This puts people at risk because their security system will go off and will make owners think that their vehicle is being vandalized. While the vehicle is in motion the risk is that the horn is on and the lights are flashing making other motorists distracted and potentially causing accidents. The problem has been confirmed and reproduced by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and an new seal needs to be installed. There were no warnings until the issue started creating a very scary driving experience in which the horn was on and the lights were flashing. the only way to make it stop was to disconnect the battery rendering the vehicle unfit for the road
NHTSA ODI #11591190
60,000 miles · Apr 15, 2024
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that raining water entered the taillights and caused an electrical short circuit in the wiring. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and advise…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that raining water entered the taillights and caused an electrical short circuit in the wiring. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11583022
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2024
Electrical SystemLane DeparturePower Train
The first item to malfunction was the transmission gear indicator on the dash, that started about a year after I bought the truck and would intermittently work. I had multiple oil changes in the truck at various dealers and brought it up but nothing ever came up from it since it was intermittent. Then in 2023 a warning popped…
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The first item to malfunction was the transmission gear indicator on the dash, that started about a year after I bought the truck and would intermittently work. I had multiple oil changes in the truck at various dealers and brought it up but nothing ever came up from it since it was intermittent. Then in 2023 a warning popped up that the blind spot indicators were malfunctioning. I was planning to bring it in to be looked at but did not have time to with work and family. Then at 95,000 miles the transmission failed while towing a loaded trailer and began to shift erratically, sending the engine to extremely dangerous RPM levels while trying to downshift. Every gear began to clunk into place with a severe jerking motion and then eventually could only be operated with any sort of safety at low speeds. There were initially NO warning lamps that popped up for the transmission failure either. It went out at night 2.5hours away from my home so I spent 15minutes limping it to a gas station at low very low speeds. Only moving it around a bit the next day did it show any warning and it just said to see the dealer.
NHTSA ODI #11582653
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2024
Electrical System
While leaving the parking spot at Winco the truck turned itself off and displayed the following message. Auto start-stop shift to P restart engine I was able to restart the engine after putting it in park, if that had happened at an intersection it could have been very severe. I am getting the truck serviced. ASAP
NHTSA ODI #11581842
Official recalls
9Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Nov 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Feb 21, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
Nov 12, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Apr 8, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Equipment:electrical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Dec 18, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
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
1PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. 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.
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