FaultScore

2011 Ford F-150 electrical problems

234 of the 2,977 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-150 are about the electrical system — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 68,000 miles.

C

234

Complaints

7

Crashes

10

Fires

5

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 220 94.0%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 5 2.1%
Speedometer/Odometer 4 1.7%
Wiring 1 0.4%
Software 1 0.4%
Body Control Module/Bcm 1 0.4%
Sensor/Sending Unit 1 0.4%
Interlock/Lockout 1 0.4%

Electrical System across every Ford F-150 year

1991 61 1.6%
1992 58 1.5%
1993 40 1.0%
1994 90 2.3%
1995 66 1.7%
1996 57 1.5%
1997 207 5.3%
1998 91 2.3%
1999 87 2.2%
2000 196 5.0%
2001 138 3.5%
2002 110 2.8%
2003 48 1.2%
2004 100 2.6%
2005 73 1.9%
2006 60 1.5%
2007 42 1.1%
2008 29 0.7%
2009 46 1.2%
2010 166 4.3%
2011 234 6.0%
2012 172 4.4%
2013 321 8.2%
2014 161 4.1%
2015 169 4.3%
2016 186 4.8%
2017 129 3.3%
2018 171 4.4%
2019 98 2.5%
2020 84 2.2%
2021 133 3.4%
2022 127 3.3%
2023 82 2.1%
2024 40 1.0%
2025 22 0.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Dallas, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel intermittently went blank. The contact used an OBD machine to retrieve a fault code related to the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor. The contact was informed that the OSS sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11752386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Columbia, MO Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his fiancé was stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated violently after depressing the accelerator pedal, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed through a yard, into a road sign, before crashing into the rear of a parked vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The driver sustained whiplash and soreness in various parts of the body but had not sought medical attention. A Police report was filed. The road sign was damaged. The driver coasted the vehicle back to the residence before the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. A diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure or duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lutherville Timonium, MD Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am having a lead frame issue. At various speeds, the vehicle will just down shift, locking the tires and causing a hazard for other drivers which could be a very dangerous situation. I was impacted from the rear due to this occurrence. It causes extreme jerkiness when doing this which is also injurious to my back and neck and shoulders.

NHTSA complaint #11743046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lawton, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “We lost power while driving, along with a weird downshift today, 5/16/2026. This is happen one other time, however not as bad.” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? “It could have been way worse, lucky there was a left turn lane that avoided us being rear ended by the vehicle behind us.” Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “Not for this time, but it will be going in first thing Monday. We did have it looked at back in April when it did a weird downshift while driving, but they couldn’t find an issue then.” Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? “No, but it will be after this incident.” Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? “No warning lights, just loss of power and an intense downshift. The first time the downshift thing happened was back in April, but nothing more. We had a mechanic look at it, but nothing happened for him then.”

NHTSA complaint #11738253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Clair Shores, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immediate risk to me and others! Causing a fatal high-speed rollover or a multi-vehicle collision due to this malfunction! This was a recall 19S07 for my year of truck but my Vin was somehow was not on the list which I guess makes me not qualified unless I get into a crash and then have a lawsuit.

NHTSA complaint #11737127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hilo, HI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Orchid Isle Ford in Hilo has replaced the electronic power steering rack and pinion already once but now it’s gone bad again.I don’t understand why because I hardly drive my truck and it has only 40 something thousands miles on it

NHTSA complaint #11706892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The first indication of problems came when I tried to put the truck in gear and I noticed that the reverse light didn't come on and it wouldn't engage into the gear then as I was traveling down a three-lane highway in the middle lane the car started jerking and like it didn't want to go and then I got to a red light and the truck would not move so I was stuck in the central lane but after engaging the gear several times I managed to get the vehicle into a gas station parking lot where I call the dealership after finding out that I had the trouble code that was referred in the recall and the vehicle was towed to Duval I mean it was told to Hogan forward on Atlantic boulevard .where it's now under inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11703171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Abilene, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Was starting to accelerate out of a toll booth a vehicle and was about 60mph when suddenly the engine shut off. Electrical worked. Got mechanical symbol and then oil pressure low warning. It started to down shift and slow rapidly in traffic. Managed to get to side of road but almost got hit. Got it towed to dealer and the fuel pump fuse had melted. Shutting off the fuel pump.

NHTSA complaint #11698213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Manning, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after the dealer had reprogrammed the PCM under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), the vehicle started to experience failures. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted to first gear unintendedly. The powertrain warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights, the hazard lights, the turn signal lights, and the infotainment system and the A/C system became inoperable after the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure might be related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electronic power steering locked up while driving & could not turn the wheel at all. Yes this has been inspected & confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this incident. The vehicle is render useless with the locked up steering.

NHTSA complaint #11664724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Wadsworth, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the odometer became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’ve had this specific issue happened a few times over the last year. Basically, my truck will get stuck in first gear, a wrench will pop up on the dashboard, and my odometer will go blank. Usually, my truck will stay in first gear until I put it in park and shut off the truck (to kind of “reset it”) and then crank it back up. Sometimes it takes multiple cycles of this. One time, I got stuck in third gear and had to use manual to shift it down to first gear (while driving), and then do the steps previously mentioned to “reset it”. Because of this, my truck has thrown a P0720 code. After research, it seems like the problem is with the molded lead frame. I have contacted multiple Ford dealerships, and they are definitely aware of the issue because each time they tell me that this issue used to be covered under warranty. The problem is, every dealership has said that this warranty expired some time ago (before I own the truck and before this started happening). Now they are saying the only way to prevent it is to spend $1600 for them to fix it. I don’t have $1600 to drop on a safety issue that is beyond my control. Especially since Ford knows about it. I have a video showing the last time it happened. I really hope this gets fixed because I do not want to be driving 60 miles an hour on the highway and suddenly drop into first gear.

NHTSA complaint #11642456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ellensburg, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While operating vehicle at highway speeds the speedometer suddenly drops to zero and the transmission downshifts to first gear without warning. Apparently a failure of the transmission speed sensor. (?) A driver unaware of this issue that continues to drive results in excessive heat and pressure developing in the differential..A recall has been issued by NHTSA but Ford and the local dealer refused to address the problem because my VIN was not included in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11640518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles West Columbia, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the wheels were shaking. Upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as designed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The local was dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Hacienda Ford of Kingsville (2501 US-77, Kingsville, TX 78363); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer and the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA complaint #11636483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling, AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ford has a "safety compliance" which has an expiration date of 10 years or 150,000 whichever was first. How is that even allowed? A major issue with the transmission range sensor which doesn't show a driver what gear there in...the lights all disappear so driver doesn't know if there in P, R, D, N, etc...its extremely dangerous! It also forces my truck to go into limp mode which is very dangerous especially when driving down a highway at 55. The truck was "reprogrammed" a few years back to stop the sudden downshift issue from occurring but it didn't eliminate that problem. Do you know how scary it is to be driving down the highway at 55-60 WITH YOUR TODDLER IN THE BACK...and then your truck suddenly on its own shifts down to 1st gear and there's nothing driver csn do but hope they don't hit or get hit by another vehicle?? These are just a few major issues I've had with the truck since buying it 5 years ago. I've barely drove rhe thing since the sudden downshift occurred and could have killed my son and I. The back window quit working. The transmission seems to have alot of issues and I was told because I am past 10 years..yet still under the 150,000 miles id have to pay full price for the backordered part through Ford only which was quoted at $470.00 and that doesn't include any labor. Ford is letting people down majorly. I wish I never bought the truck because it was so exciting to finally have a nice vehicle only to be let down in numerous areas. I drive my 1989 suburban more than my truck due to safety issues and because I am not going to spend thousands on it for an issue that they know has been a major problem for so many customers but yet it wasnt ever an official recall. Total BS!! I can't even believe they can get away with such issues. It's appalling and I'm beyond disappointed with my basically useless truck.

NHTSA complaint #11632248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Southampton, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My truck truck won't start. We could jump it and it would be fine. I took it to ford and found out it was a bad Body control module and there was a nationwide backorder. I found on line a recall for other F-150 but didn't included mine. I was able to have mine repaired. Now I was pulling my camper home from Maine, parked the truck at home. The next morning I had a notice on the dash to have power steering serviced, found out the rack and pinion is bad. Again found others on-line with the same issue. I am lucky it didn't happen while towing or when my wife was driving. I also now have the same issues with a 2012 F-150. I feel like it needs to be investigated and Ford needs to make it right. I will fill out a complaint for the 2012 truck.

NHTSA complaint #11616790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 250,000 miles Croswell, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The check engine and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The tachometer and speedometer were inoperable. The contact pulled over, and the transmission remained stuck in first gear. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine and determined that the transmission position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

NHTSA complaint #11608976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Centerville, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is an active recall for my specific year/make/model - yet I'm being told it doesn't apply to my vehicle - but my vehicle is absolutely having the exact issue described in the recall. How do I get this resolved? The issue is that my vehicle will unexpectedly downshift, (I believe into first gear, based on the RPM's that I get stuck at) almost always while I am driving at freeway speeds. When this happens, an orange wrench appears in my dashboard warning indicator for a brief moment, then I lose all gauges - my digital displays literally just turn to blank dashes as I lose power and the ability to accelerate. My gauges all drop to as if the vehicle isn't even on, my speedometer displays "--" and my RPM's remain at approximately 1500 regardless of whether I try to accelerate or decelerate. If I decelerate, because I'm in the improper gear for the speed I'm traveling - I will not be able to accelerate. The only way for me to resolve the issue is to try and find somewhere to safely pull over, put the vehicle in park, turn the engine off, wait a few moments and then restart the engine. This happens without warning and at random. Sometimes multiple times in a day, sometimes not at all for a couple of weeks. I don't understand how my vehicle is exempt from the recall. This has been ongoing for several months now. Thank you for your consideration

NHTSA complaint #11601527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 143,000 miles Bristow, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the speedometer became inoperable, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shifted sluggishly into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shifted into first gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly, causing the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate unintendedly. The dealer and several independent mechanics were contacted and informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission leadframe and the valve body; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11586283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marietta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BCM malfunction , Ford Recall # 10S14

NHTSA complaint #11586058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Marietta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rear driver’s side turn signal and brake lights were inadvertently illuminated and the key failed to program. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer refused to look at the vehicle since it was not included in a recall. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with body control module (BCM) failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V128000 (Electrical System) however, this VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11586140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walla Walla, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Over the last few months on at least 15 occasions my transmission has tried to downshift into 1st gear while traveling highway speeds (55-65). Causing the tires lock up but I have always caught it and shifted into neutral to not cause any problems. After researching it sounds like this is a VERY COMMON issue that apparently hasn't been resolved with Fords TSB and software reflash. Also, while this happens my speedometer goes to zero and a wrench screen come up on the instrument panel for a split second.

NHTSA complaint #11578141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

League City, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel Pump Fuse - 27 melted. Is a common problem according to Internet forums on 2010-2014 models.

NHTSA complaint #11564995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Transmission Range Sensor issues causing the truck did not recognize the gear correctly. Cluster did not recognize(light did not turn on) when the car is on gears. I called the dealer and they recognize is a issue on the F-150 of year 2011 - 2012.

NHTSA complaint #11551186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 192,088 miles Eden, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the body control module (BCM) or to the engine control module (ECM). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 192,088.

NHTSA complaint #11549338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 192,088 miles Eden, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the body control module (BCM) or to the engine control module (ECM). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 192,088.

NHTSA complaint #11549338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Just out of no where the vehicle stoped and wouldn’t go into gear

NHTSA complaint #11544431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orleans, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving the steering locked up, steering assist came up, and something about steering sensor. Very dangerous going down highway and steering locks up on you. They need a recall on 2011 Ford F150 Electronic Steering.

NHTSA complaint #11543704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ralston, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We took our vehicle to Woodhouse Ford in Omaha, NE (72nd St Location) for the 19S07-6R80 Sudden Transmission Downshift-Powertrain Control Module Programming Recall. It was supposedly fixed with a software update. Not long after we experienced the PRNDL Illumination and Backup Lamp Activation (Recall 12C23) Symptom. We were told, while this is a known issue and a recall for other 2011 Ford F-150s, your vehicle’s specific VIN is not “officially in the recall”. Thus, your bill is $867.26 and $636.57 for the associated repairs; transmission leadframe, the backing light issue, and an associated parasitic leak. We pay, we get the vehicle back with no resolution of the parasitic leak and now a backing camera that no longer works (Blue Screen)…was working just fine prior. We now learn that the backing camera is a recall in other Fords…but not OUR VIN. Woodhouse quotes another $900 (New Backup Camera) and another $450 for the unresolved parasitic leak—which they had previously declared was resultant the leadframe malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11529796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Whites Creek, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The below was sent to me, It is difficult for me to understand why I was not told the recall expired in 2016 when I made the appointment (6-6-23) and when I handed my property over (6-12-23) to this dealership. Thank you for the diagnostic, it was very helpful, but, I still run the danger of crashing due to my breaks not pressing down when the pump goes out and the option to get FORD to fix it expired in 2016, My VIN is registered and I did not get a notice, I would gladly give this shop the $$ to fix the 2016 recall that expired. Now, that business will go to your competitor. If you were not aware of the expiration, I get that, but, you are a shop specifically designed for my Ford, again, thank you for the diagnostic but the way it was done I can't trust this shop or get other females to come there. Keep Jeff, do not run him off, his soul and manners feel safe and trusting, he treated me very well and I know he did what he was told to do by whoever was in charge. There is no need to contact me moving forward, but, this very email will be submitted to all the proper authorities (NHTSA.GOV, FTC.GOV, FORD.COM) when I hold FORD and others accountable. I work very hard for the life I have grown accustomed to. Respectfully, ************************************************************************** Chris Moore Service Advisor REQUESTED SERVICES (June 6-2023, email) PERFORM OPEN RECALL Wyatt Johnson FordDealership We look forward to seeing you! Wyatt Johnson Ford 646 Thompson Lane Nashville TN 37204 (615) 942-3165 https://www.wyattjohnsonford.com

NHTSA complaint #11527482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2011 Ford F-150 problems

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