NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
98 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 6, 2024
Electrical System
There was an update to my sync 3 system that Ford wanted me to perform by wi-fi. I did it but Ford had some bugs in the system that caused my voice recognition not to work so if I need to make a phone call I had pick up the phone. This is not safe or legal in Missouri. Ford sent out a new version but my truck would not take it…
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There was an update to my sync 3 system that Ford wanted me to perform by wi-fi. I did it but Ford had some bugs in the system that caused my voice recognition not to work so if I need to make a phone call I had pick up the phone. This is not safe or legal in Missouri. Ford sent out a new version but my truck would not take it for some reason. I took it to the dealer they could not update it either. Dealers said I need a new APIM that would cost me $1600 for a part that Ford broke with their messed up update. I just wanted to have this on record in case there are vehicle crashes caused by people not being able to use the hands free calling that I thought I was getting when I purchased the truck.
NHTSA ODI #11570248
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2024
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
The rear view camera failed and showed "Camera is unavailable". It is available for inspection. There is no back over prevention. The vehicle has not taken to a dealer or inspected at this time. It is scheduled for repair or replacement on 1-24-24. There was no warning or messages prior to the failure. The problem first ap…
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The rear view camera failed and showed "Camera is unavailable". It is available for inspection. There is no back over prevention. The vehicle has not taken to a dealer or inspected at this time. It is scheduled for repair or replacement on 1-24-24. There was no warning or messages prior to the failure. The problem first appeared on 1-16-24.
NHTSA ODI #11567177
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire
While using remote start, the rear sliding glass window shattered and set the defroster on fire. The fire was above the rear seat where my child's car seat was.
NHTSA ODI #11566751
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Transmission jerks, and stalls. Drive train noise. Engine cuts out and has rough idle.
NHTSA ODI #11562037
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2023
Electrical System
My wife and I purchased the vehicle used from a Ford dealer in 2021. The vehicle was certified used. We had no issues up until the last few months (began in the summer of 2023), but the issue has grown in severity and is random. The vehicle is equipped with an auto start/stop, which we always shut off. Recently the vehicle has b…
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My wife and I purchased the vehicle used from a Ford dealer in 2021. The vehicle was certified used. We had no issues up until the last few months (began in the summer of 2023), but the issue has grown in severity and is random. The vehicle is equipped with an auto start/stop, which we always shut off. Recently the vehicle has been going into idle or shutting off completely and not restarting even with the start/stop disabled. This occurs a majority of the time as we are slowing down to come to a stop, but has occurred while actively driving. This has us concerned we will be in an accident because we never know when the vehicle will just shut off. We took it to a Ford dealer in October 2023 for the issue. We were told there was nothing wrong and no error codes came up. We can provide documentation for this. We finally found online forums and writings where others are dealing with the same issue, but Ford apparently "doesn't know" or can't fix it. We thought we were going crazy! If they can't fix or diagnosis their own car we don't know who will. The most recent date of the issue was 11/13/2023. When the car shuts off an error code pops up stating "Auto StartStop Shift to P Restart Engine". This is accompanied with a check engine light. When we restart it there is no longer an error code or check engine light. This vehicle is not safe! Please help before a tragedy occurs.
NHTSA ODI #11555017
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
The vehicle information screen in the center of the dash has failed. Some of the functions such as hands free cell phone connectivity, navigation, and radio functionality fails requiring manual intervention while driving. This results in distracted driving to correct the issues. The design and expectations are hands free opera…
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The vehicle information screen in the center of the dash has failed. Some of the functions such as hands free cell phone connectivity, navigation, and radio functionality fails requiring manual intervention while driving. This results in distracted driving to correct the issues. The design and expectations are hands free operation of those functions via voice commands, controls on the steering wheel, or automatic functionality. At times the screen goes completely black and distracting noises come from the radio. Upon review of various forums, this appears to be a known long term problem with this important component on several Ford models. This functionality is right in your face and when it doesn’t work, I and most other drivers are focused on the fix and distracting from driving.
NHTSA ODI #11553124
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemCrash
Back up camera inoperable, intermittently
NHTSA ODI #11548965
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2023
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
I was driving and the windshield wipers started wiping on their own. It was not raining and the windshield wiper setting was on off. This caused dirt and debris on the windshield to smear and I could not see where I was driving. For the next few days windshield wipers would randomly turn on on their own. It svwrely affected visi…
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I was driving and the windshield wipers started wiping on their own. It was not raining and the windshield wiper setting was on off. This caused dirt and debris on the windshield to smear and I could not see where I was driving. For the next few days windshield wipers would randomly turn on on their own. It svwrely affected visibility. I read online that this was a common issue due to a malfunctioning windshield wiper switch. I replaced the switch and am hoping this doesn't happen again.
NHTSA ODI #11546274
60,000 miles · Sep 19, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemEquipment
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the navigation system had malfunctioned, requesting several prompts to be pressed to produce to the desired direction on the screen. The failure caused the radio, Bluetooth, and rearview camera to fail to operate as needed. The contact performed a master reset for all t…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the navigation system had malfunctioned, requesting several prompts to be pressed to produce to the desired direction on the screen. The failure caused the radio, Bluetooth, and rearview camera to fail to operate as needed. The contact performed a master reset for all the parts to function properly; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11545355
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical System
My Synch 3 system has been acting up since I installed Fords last update. It shows the back up camera when I drive forward. The screen will also go black forcing me to reset it. The reset doesn't work for more then a couple of days and doesn't completely ix the issues either. I cannot get it to pair my phone either and have …
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My Synch 3 system has been acting up since I installed Fords last update. It shows the back up camera when I drive forward. The screen will also go black forcing me to reset it. The reset doesn't work for more then a couple of days and doesn't completely ix the issues either. I cannot get it to pair my phone either and have not been able to use hands free while driving for 3 months now. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be fixed by Ford as there are numerous complaints on line.
NHTSA ODI #11543260
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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