Owners have filed 1,136 complaints
about the 2010 Ford F-150 with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Ford F-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 46
9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
7740.1%
Glass, Side/Rear
4523.4%
Rear Window
189.4%
Automatic Transmission
178.9%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
136.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
84.2%
Engine
73.6%
Door
73.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
333.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
818.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
10510.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
20120.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
20420.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
14214.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15115.3%
150,000+ miles
686.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2010peak 21Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Ford F-150
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V049000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL USAGE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201104768,247 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the interior housing embossment retaining the interior door handle spring may fracture during normal usage, resulting in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully stowed position. The door latch will remain fully engaged, however, the handle may be loose, causing a rattle or noise, and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. Depending on spring load force and handle position, the inertial loads experienced by the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open during a side impact crash. If this were to occur and the door opened during a crash, an occupant not wearing a seatbelt could be ejected from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Mcminnville, ALCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When put into drive, vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. Could not control or stop the vehicle. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection. The inability to stop the vehicle put myself and other drivers and pedestrians at extreme risk. I am not aware if the vehicle was inspected for cause after the incident. No warnings or symptoms presented themselves at the time of the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11668406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesFlemington, WVCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after exiting a store and entering the vehicle, the contact secured the seat belt, depressed the brake pedal, and shifted into reverse(R), and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated across the parking lot. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a guard rail, stopping the vehicle from driving into a pond. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained, and medical attention was not needed. There was no Police report filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesFlemington, WVCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after exiting a store and entering the vehicle, the contact secured the seat belt, depressed the brake pedal, and shifted into reverse(R), and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated across the parking lot. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a guard rail, stopping the vehicle from driving into a pond. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained, and medical attention was not needed. There was no Police report filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,016 milesReno, NVCrash
AIR BAGS
Both side airbags deployed with a small damage accident where the vehicle hit a concrete barrier at a low rate of speed. Body shop professionals stated that this deployment should not have happened with the damage to the back bumper corner of the f150 truck. Yes, inspected by tow truck driver, insurance and body shop professionals. All state that air bags should not have deployed. No warning lights
NHTSA complaint #11575896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atascadero, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle was placed in 4 wheel drive (high range) and operated normally. Stopped the vehicle and placed it back into 2 wheel drive (indicated on dashboard as in 2 wheel drive). Placed transmission setting into "Park" but did not apply emergency brake. Turned off engine and exited vehicle. Vehicle proceeded to roll backwards down a slight hill until it crashed into tree (damage was limited to body panel). In summary, although the transmission was in park, it acted like it was in neutral. After several attempts of placing the vehicle in and out of 4 wheel drive, it did reestablish the Park mechanism. I have been able to recreate the situation with it continuing to fail.
NHTSA complaint #11563567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain, CO1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Foil finish peeling off of interior chrome door handle. Very very sharp edges. Cut finger
NHTSA complaint #11502888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clarksville, TN
POWER TRAIN
The truck on multiple occasions shifts into lower gear unexpectedly.
NHTSA complaint #11755521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford F-150. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 154,800, and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 246,325.
NHTSA complaint #11750283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford F-150. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Marketplace. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 121,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the title was not transferred properly, and the vehicle could not be titled. A Carfax report was obtained and showed that the mileage was 200,000. The law enforcement agency was contacted in Prince George's County, but no assistance was provided.
NHTSA complaint #11731525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bettendorf, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While sitting at school drop off in the morning the passenger side of my rear 3 piece power sliding window spontaneously shattered while my 2 year old daughter was sitting under it. I examined the outside of the window and there were no impacts. The rear window defroster was turned on at the time. No lights or fuses blew. Searching online this is a known problem and Ford has discontinued the window so I am stuck without a rear window currently. I’ve tried 2 separate glass companies and talked with the ford dealer I purchased it from.
NHTSA complaint #11728200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southlake, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased a 2010 Ford F-150 that was fraudulently advertised and sold as a 2014 Ford F-150 with 68,000 miles. The odometer displayed approximately 66,000 miles at time of purchase. An independent mechanic at DTX Automotives confirmed the vehicle actually has approximately 210,000 real miles. The seller presented a Carfax report belonging to a completely different vehicle to conceal the true mileage and year. The vehicle is available for inspection. The odometer discrepancy was confirmed by the mechanic via diagnostic scan. A police report was filed with XXX, Case No. XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
My truck won't shift into 3rd gear. It hesitates when idling. When you accelerate it shudders. After a certain rbm it goes.
NHTSA complaint #11717433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My truck won't shift into 3rd gear. It hesitates when idling. When you accelerate it shudders. After a certain rbm it goes.
NHTSA complaint #11717433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
My truck won't shift into 3rd gear. It hesitates when idling. When you accelerate it shudders. After a certain rbm it goes.
NHTSA complaint #11717433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GA
POWER TRAIN
engine shout off while in travel. heavy traffic ,crazy driver's. no warning . nothing filed ... tow truck returned truck to home. no light's or warning. repair by owner. still incomplete.
NHTSA complaint #11716538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GA
ENGINE
engine shout off while in travel. heavy traffic ,crazy driver's. no warning . nothing filed ... tow truck returned truck to home. no light's or warning. repair by owner. still incomplete.
NHTSA complaint #11716538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,500. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to perform Carfax search regarding the vehicle. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 282,262.
NHTSA complaint #11705105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Rear view mirror backup camera flickers and goes on and off while in reverse, sometimes with the screen remaining blank. This can reduce or eliminate the drivers view of what is behind presenting a safety hazard. The driver is unable to see objects behind them. Ford currently has a recall for backup cameras with the same problem on many other Ford Model vehicles. However, the 2010 Ford F150 is not currently on a recall. This is the SECOND 2010 Ford F150 that I have owned that has had this issue and the internet is full of people posting of the same exact issue with the F150.
NHTSA complaint #11700699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kathleen, GA
SEATS
2010 FORD F150 ONLY OWNER - Brake Calipers and break line failed. Took it into Ford Dealership and they were unable to provide a diagnosis. Truck still shakes when in idle. All maintenance and needed care for the truck has been maintained. Repair cost over $4k to repair for 6 months in with the issue. Camera does not work and has not since 2014. Heated seats stopped working and burned out in 2014. All issues started to surface after truck was paid off.... Of course
NHTSA complaint #11685889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kathleen, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2010 FORD F150 ONLY OWNER - Brake Calipers and break line failed. Took it into Ford Dealership and they were unable to provide a diagnosis. Truck still shakes when in idle. All maintenance and needed care for the truck has been maintained. Repair cost over $4k to repair for 6 months in with the issue. Camera does not work and has not since 2014. Heated seats stopped working and burned out in 2014. All issues started to surface after truck was paid off.... Of course
NHTSA complaint #11685889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kathleen, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
2010 FORD F150 ONLY OWNER - Brake Calipers and break line failed. Took it into Ford Dealership and they were unable to provide a diagnosis. Truck still shakes when in idle. All maintenance and needed care for the truck has been maintained. Repair cost over $4k to repair for 6 months in with the issue. Camera does not work and has not since 2014. Heated seats stopped working and burned out in 2014. All issues started to surface after truck was paid off.... Of course
NHTSA complaint #11685889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,587 milesHillman, MN
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear, and the service vehicle soon warning light soon illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the mechatronic unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,587.
NHTSA complaint #11678632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Rafael, NM
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING OUT OF THE MASTER CYLENDER AND INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. CAUSING LOW BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESIVORE. AND RESULTING IN NO BRAKES. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2013 MODLES. THIS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE 2010 MODLES.
NHTSA complaint #11677449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
Leaving my driveway today, the 2010 Ford F-150 suddenly indicated a brake fluid level low message and the brake warning indicator turned on. The brake pedal, which was firm about a minute before, suddenly depressed to floor and the truck was stopped only with great difficulty. The sudden change in braking performance would probably have caused an accident if I had been driving in traffic. I took the truck to a mechanic who refilled the master cylinder and bled the brakes. I left the mechanic and pulled out. The brakes were fine leaving the lot. About 1/4 mile later, the brake warning came on and the brakes became spongy. I immediately returned to the mechanic and was informed that the brake master cylinder was draining into the booster. Apparently this is a recall item on later F-150s but it does not appear to include the 2010.
NHTSA complaint #11676400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,591 milesHoquiam, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's wife owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 80 MPH. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where DTC: C1440 (Pressure Transducer Main/Primary Signal Faulted) was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact provided the DTC: C1440 to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 131,591.
NHTSA complaint #11671663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcminnville, ALCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When put into drive, vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. Could not control or stop the vehicle. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection. The inability to stop the vehicle put myself and other drivers and pedestrians at extreme risk. I am not aware if the vehicle was inspected for cause after the incident. No warnings or symptoms presented themselves at the time of the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11668406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesFlemington, WVCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after exiting a store and entering the vehicle, the contact secured the seat belt, depressed the brake pedal, and shifted into reverse(R), and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated across the parking lot. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a guard rail, stopping the vehicle from driving into a pond. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained, and medical attention was not needed. There was no Police report filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesFlemington, WVCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after exiting a store and entering the vehicle, the contact secured the seat belt, depressed the brake pedal, and shifted into reverse(R), and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated across the parking lot. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a guard rail, stopping the vehicle from driving into a pond. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained, and medical attention was not needed. There was no Police report filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seaford, DE
POWER TRAIN
Slips out of drive
NHTSA complaint #11660145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hancock, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
2010 f150 Rear heated window exploded when heat was turned on for window had to replace out of my own pocket also exhaust manifold bolt is gone exhaust leak truck only has 93343miles what happened to the quality for the price of your vehicle that shouldn't fall apart for lack of threads on the bolts to save money. stud on manifold just fell out last year that's not normal wear and tear ,rear window I'm not interested any more its manifold studs
NHTSA complaint #11658527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hancock, WI
ENGINE
2010 f150 Rear heated window exploded when heat was turned on for window had to replace out of my own pocket also exhaust manifold bolt is gone exhaust leak truck only has 93343miles what happened to the quality for the price of your vehicle that shouldn't fall apart for lack of threads on the bolts to save money. stud on manifold just fell out last year that's not normal wear and tear ,rear window I'm not interested any more its manifold studs
NHTSA complaint #11658527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.