2015 Ford F-150 transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11758422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (6R80 6-Speed) Description of Incident & Safety Hazard: My 2015 F-150 suddenly lost the ability to shift through its full range of gears and became completely locked between 3rd and 5th gears while driving. This sudden loss of power and gear range in active traffic created an immediate rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble codes P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) and P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor No Signal). I have photographic proof of these active codes. The Safety Recall Loophole: I brought the truck to a Ford dealership for safety recall 26S28. However, the dealer only performed a PCM software update and did not replace the physical molded leadframe. Because safety recall 26S28 strictly excludes codes P0720 and P0722 from its replacement criteria, the dealer is completely unauthorized to replace the physical leadframe under this safety campaign, regardless of whether the codes are active. Inexplicably, Ford covers codes P0720 and P0722 under safety recall 24S37 (for older models), but forces 2015 owners with the exact same codes to rely on a non-safety Customer Satisfaction Program (26N04) which carries strict time/mileage limits. This is a dangerous technical loophole. A software patch on a vehicle with a physically failing speed sensor is a temporary band-aid, not a permanent safety fix. The physical leadframe is still defective and will fail again, presenting a continuous safety hazard. Ford must expand safety recall 26S28 to mandate the physical replacement of the molded leadframe for all vehicles presenting with leadframe-related codes, including P0720 and P0722. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11758458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, with the WRENCH symbol flashing before the vehicle lost power. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle started experiencing failures associated with the recall. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear and the vehicle swerved in the middle of the highway. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The leadframe was installed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,265.

NHTSA complaint #11758217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle will downshift from 6th gear to 3rd gear at highway speed (55 mph+)

NHTSA complaint #11757737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission intermittently enters a failure mode where the wrench warning lamp illuminates and the transmission locks into its current gear, with no further shifting. This has happened multiple times without warning, including at highway speed. It sometimes recovers on its own and resumes normal shifting, then fails again later. The safety risk is loss of gear selection while moving. Depending on the gear it locks into, the vehicle cannot accelerate to merge or maintain traffic speed, or the engine runs at high RPM with no upshift available. The manufacturer has issued a safety recall for this vehicle line citing unexpected transmission downshift as the hazard, which is the same underlying condition. My family rides in this vehicle and I no longer consider it safe. A Ford dealer confirmed the failure. Codes P0715 and P0717 (input/turbine shaft speed sensor circuit) were retrieved from the powertrain control module. No gear ratio codes and no slip codes were present, indicating an electrical fault rather than mechanical failure. The dealer performed the PCM reprogramming remedy under safety recall 26S28. The condition recurred the same day, on the drive home from the dealership, and has continued since. A software calibration cannot repair a degraded electrical connection, so the remedy did not address the failure on this vehicle. The manufacturer's stated root cause is degradation of electrical connections within the transmission molded lead frame. The transmission range sensor circuit and the turbine shaft speed sensor circuit both run on that same lead frame and terminate at the same case connector. Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 covers lead frame replacement only when transmission range sensor codes are present. My vehicle is exhibiting failure of the same component through a different circuit on that component, and is excluded from the program despite the same part failing in the same manner.

NHTSA complaint #11757372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

vehicle: 2015 Ford F-150 XLT, 5.0L V8, approximately 148,000 miles. I previously had the related recall/software update performed on this vehicle. On two separate occasions the transmission performed a sudden, uncommanded downshift while driving at highway speeds. On one of those occasions the rear tires locked up / skidded. There was no warning, no driver input, and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) were stored or displayed. After these events, a Ford dealership inspected the transmission and found metal debris in the transmission pan. This is how the current transmission problem was discovered. My symptoms match the defect described in NHTSA recall 26V237 / Ford campaign 26S28 (and the prior investigation PE25002 / EA26001): intermittent loss of Transmission Range Sensor signal due to degradation of the molded lead frame, resulting in unintended downshifts that can cause rear-wheel lock-up. I am requesting that Ford review this case for coverage or goodwill assistance related to the known lead-frame defect and the subsequent internal transmission damage.

NHTSA complaint #11756901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN). After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the parking brake was activated, and the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to reverse. The local dealer was not yet notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle experienced a failure after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped in third gear, the speedometer was at zero while the RPM was at 5,000 RPM. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0715 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,016.

NHTSA complaint #11756654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11756747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); but a failure occurred. The vehicle unexpectedly decelerated abruptly with a related warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11756179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. In addition, the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The dealer was contacted and offered a software update as the repair. The contact stated that after the software update, the failure worsened. The dealer stated that if the wrench warning light was not illuminated, the manufacturer would not pay for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Underwent Ford safety recall 26S28 on 7/27. After safety recall, check engine light remained on. Mobile service returned on 7/29, and tech stated that "engine relearn process" was not completed. He stated that he completed the recall. One hour later (next time I drove the truck) while going over 70 mph on the interstate, truck shifted down and revolutions shot up. Loud bang from under the truck. Had 3 of my young children in my truck at the time.

NHTSA complaint #11755569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving (end of June 2026) at 55 mph, my truck downshifted and slowed immediately cause the tires to lose traction before shifting back and regaining control. My truck was brought to a local shop as it was unsafe to drive. The shop said the lead frame needed to be replaced and we did. I then received recall information for NHTSA recall 26V237. I attempted to be reimbursed for the lead frame replacement, but was declined due to using a third party shop before i had info on the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11754937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a failure with the leadframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that two months later, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to another dealer, and it was determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired when the remedy became available, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact stated that the leadframe might possibly be replaced, but there was no indication that the leadframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11755004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The timing belt/chain is failing on F-150 trucks and multiple people have sent in issues. i think from 2015-2018. It looks like you are already looking at other Fords with same issue. what i was told is that there could be sudden stalling: If the timing is thrown off or the chain snaps, the engine cuts out instantly. Losing power steering and engine power while driving in traffic creates an immediate crash hazard. Severe Misfires and Power Loss: A slipping chain causes rough idling, violent shaking, and an inability to accelerate which happened to the truck. Due to this i had to get mine fixed in June of 2024 i have attached the invoices. I tried to upload invoice but said there was an error

NHTSA complaint #11754650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Prior to this incident, the vehicle had no unusual noises, warning lights, or other indications of a drivetrain problem. On 06/18/2026, while driving under normal city driving conditions at approximately 45 mph, we suddenly began hearing a clunking noise coming from the vehicle. We did not know where the noise was coming from at the time, but because it was unusual and appeared to indicate a serious mechanical problem, we drove approximately three miles to our home. The vehicle was then transported on a trailer to a Ford dealership for inspection. The Ford dealership diagnosed a failure of the rear differential/rear axle assembly. According to the dealership's diagnosis, the rear differential bearings had failed, the ring and pinion gears were making noise and required replacement, and the driver-side carrier bearing had come apart, damaging the rear axle housing. The dealership recommended replacement of the rear axle housing and related differential components. I contacted Ford Motor Company and requested goodwill assistance regarding this failure. My request was documented under Case # CXH-08638079-H7C5F4; however, Ford denied the goodwill assistance request. I have photographs documenting the condition of the failed components and can provide those photographs if requested. I am concerned that a sudden failure of a major drivetrain component without prior warning could create a safety risk by causing a loss of vehicle mobility, unexpected vehicle behavior, or leaving occupants stranded in traffic or another unsafe location. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can document the failure and determine whether similar incidents have occurred with 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11754704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 5th gear to 2nd gear with the WRENCH icon displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN). After the software update was performed, the vehicle continued to intermittently experienced an unexpected downshifting and upshifting. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that lead frame module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving 15 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up and the vehicle to skid toward the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's workplace. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, where the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); and metal shavings were found inside the transmission oil pan. The vehicle was towed back to the workplace. The dealer was contacted and informed that the recall did not cover any collateral damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact used a fluid cleaner, and the light turned off. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer, and it was confirmed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My vehicle experiences total loss of the instrument cluster PRNDL gear display, an active Wrench Light, and unexpected shifts into Limp-Home Mode while driving in traffic, creating a severe crash hazard from trailing vehicles. An OBD-II scan confirmed permanent fault codes P0715 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction) and P0717 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal). West Herr Ford of Amherst (NY) inspected the vehicle on July 25, 2026. REASON FOR COMPLAINT / REMEDY INADEQUACY: #1 Software vs. Hardware: Recall 26S28 uses a PCM software reflash to alter computer logic during signal drops. This software reflash does NOT fix the underlying physical breakdown of the 6R80 molded lead frame assembly. Thermal cycling and vibration continue to degrade internal wiring, causing active driving failures after the recall update. #2 Omission of Known Codes (P0715/P0717): The Turbine Speed Sensor (TSS) and Output Speed Sensor (OSS) are physically integrated inside the EXACT same plastic molded lead frame. However, dealers refuse to cover part replacement under 26S28 for P0715/P0717 because they are omitted from the recall's automated approval list, forcing out-of-pocket costs exceeding $1,200 for a known manufacturing defect. REQUESTED ACTION: I request NHTSA require Ford to expand 26S28 hardware replacement authorization to explicitly include lead-frame-integrated codes P0715 and P0717, and mandate physical lead frame replacements for all vehicles exhibiting active sensor circuit failures.

NHTSA complaint #11753911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but referred the contact back to the dealer for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the transmission had seized in first gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair was completed on July 23, 2026. The failure occurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The contact was informed that the ECM was not communicating with the transmission. The contact was informed that no failure codes were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure was not present prior to the completion of the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle suffered a violent, un-commanded highway-speed downshift due to NHTSA Campaign 26V237000 / Ford Recall 26S28. The tachometer was redlined during the incident. The mechanical overspeed immediately damaged the engine's cam phasers. Eide Ford in Mandan, ND, applied the recall software patch after the structural failure already occurred, cleared the diagnostic trouble codes without providing a copy to the owner, and is refusing to replace the lead frame or cover the resulting valve train damage, demanding $7,200 out-of-pocket.

NHTSA complaint #11752990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding Ford Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Recall 26V237). My truck exhibited the dangerous unintended downshift condition described in this recall for several weeks before the repair remedy became available. A few weeks weeks before April 27, 2026, the truck began unexpectedly downshifting from approximately 5th or 6th gear into a much lower gear while driving. Each event caused the truck to enter limp mode, illuminate the wrench light, display multiple warning lights, and shake violently. I had to pull off the road, shut the truck off, wait several minutes, and restart it before it would drive normally again. I immediately reported these incidents to Mike White Ford and was repeatedly told to monitor the vehicle because no recall remedy was available. I reported the issue again during an oil change on April 27, 2026. Driving home from that appointment (9 miles), the truck experienced two more unintended downshifts. We immediately called the dealership and were again told to continue monitoring it. The condition progressively worsened over the next several weeks. On May 31, 2026, the truck experienced six unintended downshifts in one day. After the final event, it became difficult to restart and the check engine light illuminated. By my June 8 appointment, the truck was stuck in permanent limp mode and had to be towed to the dealership. The service manager stated it was "unsafe to drive" and provided a loaner vehicle. The truck later stored DTC P0219 (Engine Overspeed) and P2112 (Throttle Actuator Control System-Stuck Closed). I estimate the unintended downshift occurred approximately 75 times before the truck became inoperable. I opened Ford case CXH08666656S0W4Q2 on July 21, 2026. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether prolonged operation with this known recall condition, while owners awaited a repair remedy, may contribute to additional vehicle failures and increased safety risks.

NHTSA complaint #11753108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11752092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My local Ford Dealer (Tallahassee Ford) which I had just purchased the vehicle from two weeks prior. Refused to repair NHTSA Recall Number26V237 they wanted to charge me over 2000 dollars to fix even though it has a recall. I ended up getting the lead frame replaced at a local transmission shop for little over 1000 dollars. I would like to be reimbursed for the money and time I spent.

NHTSA complaint #11751736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.