10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 8 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 73,291 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly downshifted and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Antioch, TN, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact initially stated that while driving at low rates of speed, the vehicle would unexpectedly downshift without warning. The contact then stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle downshifted as the indicator warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Soon after the failure, the instrument panel went blank. Upon restart of the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure persisted as the contact stated that the failure would occur more frequently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Kaneohe, HI, USA
highway traveling, transmission dropped into lowest gear from 65mph. no injury of myself or others in the vehicle. no accident occurred as result. I have not taken the issue up with the manufacturer or scheduled inspection. no other representatives police, insurance were contacted. no warning lights on dash when this happened two separate times since owning the vehicle in 2021.
- Murphy, NC, USA
transmission down shifted to 1st gear at a high rate of speed.
- Ponchatoula, LA, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted to first gear. The wrench symbol was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC code: P0500. The mechanic related the failure to a wheel speed sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. The VIN was not available.
- Owasso, OK, USA
Cylinder 2 had a stored code for misfire and oil and coolant mixture leaking from block. With the F150 raised up on the lift I removed the lower splash shields and continued inspection. Oil was found predominantly on passenger side with a mixture of oil and coolant leaking out drivers side. Using my lab scope I was able to locate the damage in the block. A large crack split down in a Y pattern. This split is located on cylinder #2 location. I would say #2 connecting rod has impacted block due to internal failure.
- Washington Twp , OH, USA
On a cold start, my truck will not go into first gear until the rpm-??s get from 1500-2000 and then it slams into first gear. Other times it won-??t have barely any power and will accelerate so slowly that I-??ve nearly missed getting in an accident more than a few times. Also, it will slam down into lower gears when down shifting. All of the problems listed above will cause my truck to violently shake to where it feels like I got hit.
- Suffolk, VA, USA
My 2012 Ford F150 XLT truck goes from 6th gear going down highway 60 to 65mph and then it goes to 1st gear Intermittent... Safety wise very unsafe for my family and others....Problem was reproduced and confirmed by shop....Ford could not get part or help and they know about the problem.....Leed frame defective on transmission....
- Prospect, TN, USA
Unexpected downshift into first gear that caused the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires slide and locked which could have caused me to crash
- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-?"75 MPH, the transmission downshifted into first gear. The vehicle became uncontrollable. The contact was able to swerve to avoid a crash. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle continued to downshift without warning. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
- Mount Airy, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted. As a result of the failure, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Houston, TX, USA
Transmission downshifts during normal driving conditions on highway. There is a recall for this defect. Recall #1901(transmission). Called Ford on 9.6.23 and spoke to employee #219738 and Ford refused to correct known defects.
- Lake Charles, LA, USA
I was driving at approximately 30 mph when the transmission's OSS (Output Speed sensor) suddenly malfunctioned, causing an unexpected downshift into first gear. This abrupt shift led to a loss of control, resulting in a harrowing collision with a tree. What I witnessed next is etched into my memory forever: a scene of blood, fluorescent white bone fragments, and shattered glass strewn all around. Bones were even protruding through my skin at various locations, including my wrists, forearms, legs, and ankles, not to mention the dislocated shoulders. Thankfully, there were no other individuals present at the scene; otherwise, the outcome could have been equally disastrous, if not fatal, for them. Astonishingly, there were no discernible warning signs such as unusual sounds or dashboard warning lights prior to this incident. Following the accident, my pickup truck was towed to Cedar Park Wrecker, only to be swiftly claimed by the insurance company and subsequently sent to auction within a matter of days.
- Pflugerville, Tx, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the dealer advised the contact that the mileage (136,000) was beyond where if the recall remedy software update was applied it could create other damage to the transmission. The contact stated that the dealer refused to perform the software update. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Houston, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted and was unable to upshift above 3rd gear. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed due to aftermarket parts being installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.
- Hollywood, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear. The power train warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact turned on the hazard lights and continued driving 10 MPH. The contact parked the vehicle at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the transmission. The contact stated that the PCM was reprogrammed in 2021 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that recall repairs were a onetime free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Dallas, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained proper function. The contact stated that the turn signal was also blinking abnormally. Additionally, the speedometer failed while making a left turn at slow speeds. The vehicle was restarted to remedy the failure. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had been producing incorrect DTC codes. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the molded leadframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
- Prospect, TN, USA
Vehicle started to downshift while driving at highway speeds a few months ago. Also a loss of power and acceleration with instrument failure. Later learned this was a common problem with the 11-13 f-150s that Ford knows about. They did give everyone a 10 year, 150k warranty but my truck is just barely out being a 12 with 151k miles. I took it to dealer where it cost me around a $1000 to fix. Was told by service manager there were many more people with the same issue. The transmission leadframe assembly was bad in thousands of trucks. There is a back order of over 12000 of these parts I was told. I think there should be a recall on all of these transmissions and be fixed by Ford. Also, refunds for those of us who already paid out of pocket. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
- Lake View , SC, USA
vehicle died when driving (and has continued to die when driving). Seems to sputter as if downshifting and then totally stalls out, causing safety concern when driving in traffic and randomly dying. Luckily had somewhere to pull off of the road and not cause an accident. Have confirmed with auto repair shop that the main concern is the powertrain control module. Shop has been able to replicate this happening as they have driven it as well. No warning lamps/lights/etc present prior to this happening.
- Loveland, CO, USA
- Milton, FL, USA