2017 Ford F-150 engine problems

ENGINE

PCM not communicating with throttle body causes wrench light to come on and we loose control of the gas and slows the car abruptly.

NHTSA complaint #11758539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Ford Motor Company put out a recall on the PCM. I had the recall performed and it has caused more damage to my truck. It now has eratic shifting, stuck gears, and going into limpmode. Ford Forums show that this is an ongoing issue after the reset is performed creating an unsafe vehicle to drive. The check engine light is now on and was not prior to this recall reset.

NHTSA complaint #11756355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I bought my f150 a year ago. now I’m experiencing timing issues, Vvt solenoid failure (all four) . Loss of power, limp mode, failure to shift etc … I’ve had several mechanics look at it .

NHTSA complaint #11754844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle makes a grinding noise on gear change on 6 speed automatic transmission due to Abrupt speed changes. Seems like changes in gears suddenly. It almost caused me to crash my truck .

NHTSA complaint #11746046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted into first gear. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was towed to NAPA Auto Parts where it was diagnosed with transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred three months later. The vehicle was taken back to NAPA Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a failed transfer case and a blown head gasket. The contact was informed that the transfer case and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall caused damage to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle is experiencing severe, dangerous transmission malfunctions matching Ford Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237. Multiple times while cruising at highway speeds, the vehicle has abruptly downshifted into 2nd or 3rd gear without warning, causing violent engine revving, sudden loss of forward momentum, and severe steering wheel shaking. These incidents occurred in rainy, low-visibility environments. The vehicle is primarily driven by my wife with our [XXX] granddaughter inside. A sudden drop to 2nd gear at highway speeds in low-traction conditions creates an immediate, catastrophic risk of a high-speed rear-end collision or loss of control. On Wed [XXX], we took the truck to Hubler Ford (Shelbyville, IN). The service department officially diagnosed the vehicle and acknowledged the malfunctions are caused by Recall 26S28. However, they refused to repair it because they are "waiting on a software code" from Ford corporate, estimating a delay until mid-July 2026. They refused to provide a safe loaner, forcing us to drive an actively malfunctioning vehicle. On 6/18/26, I called Ford National Customer Service to escalate this safety issue and request an interim rental. The Ford rep contacted Hubler Ford but failed to authorize a rental. Instead, Ford corporate placed me back in a customer service loop, telling me to discuss symptoms with the dealer again, even though the dealer already officially diagnosed the defect. This loop has caused numerous 20+ min holds with no one addressing the issue. Both Ford and Hubler Ford are refusing to provide intermediate safe transportation for an officially diagnosed, severely malfunctioning safety-recall vehicle, leaving a toddler exposed to a severe highway crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11744945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11743246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I experienced a sudden coolant leak on my 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as leaking turbocharger coolant lines. The coolant was leaking in the turbo area and dripping onto extremely hot exhaust components. This creates a risk of rapid coolant loss, overheating, loss of power while driving, and potential engine compartment fire. The Ford service advisor told me directly that he has “seen this many times,” which indicates this is a recurring failure on EcoBoost engines and not normal wear. This suggests the coolant line design or fittings may be defective and failing prematurely. The repair estimate was extremely high because the dealer included replacement of both exhaust manifolds. This failure occurred without warning. If the coolant loss had happened at highway speed, it could have caused sudden engine overheating or power loss. I am requesting NHTSA investigate turbo coolant line failures on Ford EcoBoost engines due to the safety risk of coolant leaking onto hot turbo and exhaust components.

NHTSA complaint #11742630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle is currently subject to an open Ford transmission safety recall for which no repair remedy is available at this time. The vehicle is experiencing a recurring and dangerous failure while driving. Approximately twice per day, during my normal commute, all vehicle electronics suddenly shut off while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, the wheels appear to lock up, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control and creating a significant crash risk. When the failure occurs, I am forced to immediately shift the transmission into neutral while the vehicle is still moving. After approximately 5 to 10 seconds, I can shift back into drive and continue operating the vehicle. However, vehicle electronics often remain inoperative for the remainder of the trip. This condition is occurring repeatedly and has become more frequent. The issue currently occurs approximately once during my drive to work and once during my drive home. My commute is approximately 20 minutes each way. The vehicle has not yet been involved in a crash, but I believe a crash is likely if this condition continues. The sudden loss of power, loss of electronics, and wheel lockup while driving creates an immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle is subject to an active safety recall, the condition appears related to the recall, and no repair remedy is currently available. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to operate

NHTSA complaint #11741380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have changed this transmission twice, and the truck still turns off when it comes to a complete stop at an intersection. It hesitates, skips, and pulls back when driving.

NHTSA complaint #11740373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On going issue with many 3.5 EcoBoost engines having numerous oil leaks due to plastic manifold, valve covers, and oil pan. They heat up and crack over time causing oil leaks on both the top side and bottom of the engine. Being a serious fire hazard with a costly repair that is common in these F150 trucks. 03

NHTSA complaint #11738730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving about 60 mph on the highway, all warning lights on the dash suddenly came on and the truck immediately lost power/shut down. The wheels sputtered or somethting like that, not sure how to describe it. I was able to safely get off the road and restart the truck. After restarting, it drove normally again with no obvious issues. I recently received a recall notice describing very similar symptoms related to the transmission/lead frame issue, but the notice stated no remedy was yet available. This created a serious safety concern because the failure happened unexpectedly at highway speed. Here is the recall info: Issue Date 2026-04-14 Campaign 26S28/26V237

NHTSA complaint #11738478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The transmission needs to be rebuilt/repaired with 162k miles. A member of my family also has a 2017 Ford F150 with the 10r80 transmission and theirs just went out at 92k miles. Also, the cam phaser issue on the 3.5 eco boost happened to this vehicle as well. Now I need a new transmission and theirs cam phasers, timing chain, etc replaced on the motor on an 8 year old truck. These are known issues to Ford as they have changed the parts that failed with a newer, better version.

NHTSA complaint #11738424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Hard downshift caused my truck to slow suddenly and became very hesitant where the vehicle behind me had to slam on their brakes. I then pulled over when it was safe, turned the truck off and then attempted to turn back on with no success due to the shift indicator no longer lighting up. This matches up with the current recall for this particular vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11737801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

At 87,336 miles, my 2017 Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost) would not start. The engine clicked and buzzed but failed to turn over, leaving me stranded with no warning. There was no prior check engine light. I brought the truck to Roy Hendrick Automotive in [XXX] (Invoice XXX, completed 03/05/2025). Their diagnosis determined the cam phasers and timing components had failed. The shop performed a full timing chain and cam phaser replacement, including both camshaft sprockets, timing chains, tensioners, timing chain guides, variable timing solenoids, water pump, seals, gaskets, and spark plugs. Total cost: $5,449.36, entirely out of pocket. This is a serious safety defect. Cam phaser failure in the 3.5L EcoBoost can cause catastrophic loss of engine timing, resulting in sudden engine stall or failure to start. A stall at highway speed, in an intersection, or while merging creates an immediate risk of collision, serious injury, or death. Even a no-start condition is a safety issue when it strands a driver in an unsafe location. I use this vehicle daily to transport my two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) to and from daycare. A sudden engine failure while driving with them in the vehicle could have had fatal consequences. Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser failures are extensively documented, with numerous TSBs and owner complaints on file. An engine should not require over $5,000 in internal timing repairs before 100,000 miles. Ford has failed to issue a recall or provide an adequate remedy. I am filing this complaint to ensure NHTSA has a complete record of another 3.5L EcoBoost timing failure that put vehicle occupants, including small children, at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11735513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

1. the 10R80 transmission , Yes it is available for inspection. It has already been replaced with a new one. 2. Transmission was upshifting hard and then downshift from posted speed limit of 70 mph down to 50 mph on [XXX] South to Birmin [XXX] s, the dealer replaced it with new transmission at my expense. $8188.67 Plus Labor 4. Yes it was inspected Long-Lewis Ford Dealer. 5. Yes check engine light came on and stayed on. I have attached the main portion of my repair bills. Please let know by email: [XXX] , if you need more information. I would like to try and get a refund on my out of pocket cost totalling: $15,905.55. Thank You, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11734852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

*What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The vehicle downshifts suddenly and hard-shifts down on its own. It is worriesome as it randomly happens and oftentimes at high speeds. Yes it is available for immediate inspection. *How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -On more than one occasion the vehicle has suddenly downshifted causing a hard noticeable jerk at random speeds. I am worried that at higher speeds it can lockup and cause a serious accident with my kids in the car. *Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -I have taken it to Ford on several occasions in the past but said they didn't notice anything, but I recently took it again and explained the downshift and hard-shift again and now they told me it needs a full transmission replacement that would cost close to $8000 dollars. *Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -The vehicle has been taken to Ford on multiple occasions but they did not find any issues at first. I took it again as it has happened more often and now they tell me it requires a full transmission replacement. *Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -The issue first appeared last year, I took it and told them that it had a suttle jerk and asked them to inspect and if there were any recalls. No warning lights. *I am seriously concerned for my safety, it is my only good vehicle and worried it can cause an accident with my kids in the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11730603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

6R80- Unexpected downshifting at highway speeds without driver input causing the vehicle to slow down. Harsh/rough when shifting and sounds like I'm driving on the rudders on the side of the highway. No warning lamps or messages. Occasionally downshifts hard when I'm slowing down and then potentially locking up my rear wheels.

NHTSA complaint #11728549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

An unknown coolant leak with my 2017 2.7 engine causing sufficient damage due to a manufacturer error and needing a new engine. I had several people tell me this is a common issue with 2.7 engines.

NHTSA complaint #11727860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

“The vehicle, a 2017 Ford F-150, is experiencing an active engine oil leak originating from the oil pan assembly. Upon inspection, the leak appears to be due to a defect in the oil pan sealing surface integrity. There is no evidence of external damage, impact, or improper maintenance that would otherwise explain the failure. The condition is consistent with a manufacturing defect, potentially involving improper gasket material, insufficient sealant application, or warping of the oil pan flange. Oil residue is visible along the oil pan perimeter and lower engine components, with active dripping observed after engine operation.” Safety Concerns: Leaking oil can hit hot exhaust components → potential smoke or fire hazard. Low oil = high risk of engine damage. Engine knocking/ticking. Vehicle has been inspected at a Ford Dealership with no resolve.

NHTSA complaint #11726511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 70,500 miles. The dealer diagnosed a ticking/rattling noise coming from the top left side of the engine near the timing cover. Using a stethoscope, the technician determined the noise was related to the timing system. The dealer recommended replacing the cam phasers, timing chain guides, and timing tensioners, along with all related seals and gaskets. The total estimated repair cost is $5,957.08. After researching the issue, I found that this cam‑phaser rattle/ticking problem appears to be widely reported by many owners of F‑150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. I also learned that Ford Motor Company issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, which extends cam‑phaser coverage for certain vehicles with this engine. However, when I contacted Ford Customer Service, I was informed that my VIN was not included in the program and that no financial assistance was available. I was directed back to the dealership. Given the relatively low mileage of the vehicle and the number of similar reports from other owners, I believe this may represent a systemic defect in the cam‑phaser/timing system. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated and considered for a recall or broader coverage program so affected owners are not responsible for costly repairs caused by this defect. If the cam‑phaser or timing components fail while driving, it could potentially affect engine performance, create a stall condition, or lead to loss of power, which may pose a safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11724139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact had previously received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no repair was needed. The contact stated that a year and a half later, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while idling and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the starter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement). The dealer replaced the cam phasers, the timing chain, the gaskets, the water pump, and other unknown parts. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The failure mileage was approximately 65,208.

NHTSA complaint #11719100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving my truck roughly 60 mph, I experienced a sudden and uncommandded shift from 6th to 1st gear for roughly 3-5 seconds. When this occurred the engine RPMs jumped up to near Red Line and I experienced a rapid deceleration. I was driving on a dry road with new tires and did not experience any wheel lock up or skidding. However, this could have very easily posed an extreme safety hazard to both me and other drivers around me had I lost control of the vehicle which would have been highly likely in less optimal conditions. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center and the components have not been inspected. While the downshift was occurring there were some lights that flashed on the dashboard. I believe it may have been a check engine light, but my focus was on maintaining control of the vehicle so I did not have time to focus on the lights. Once the engine shifted back to normal there were no remaining lights or cautions. The symptoms of this incident very closely match those discussed in the ongoing Investigation EA26001.

NHTSA complaint #11717566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I live in Canada.While driving, my 2017 Ford F-150 with the 6R80 automatic transmission suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost power while in motion, creating a dangerous situation. The incident was accompanied by multiple powertrain fault codes (5 P-codes). This appears to be related to sudden transmission faults and loss of gear position. No prior warning lights before shutdown.

NHTSA complaint #11716430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it remained awaiting a diagnostic test. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

NHTSA complaint #11715749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Check engine light for code for P2007 for an intake manifold runner control valve failure resulting in loss of power. This is well known issue for this era of engines. The runner control valve rod breaks and can not be repaired. The entire intake manifold must be replaced at a cost over $2k.

NHTSA complaint #11715946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In July 2024 I purchased a 2017 Ford F150 3.5L Eco Boost pickup truck. Within two weeks of taking possession of the vehicle, the motors oil pump failed which resulted in permanent engine damage. The diagnosis to replace the motor, due to internal engine damage as a result of the oil pump failure, was made by the dealership that sold me the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11716036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have taken my 2017 F150 to Sunrise over a period of 3 years to ‘fix’ the downshifting issue on the engine. I was constantly told I was imagining things. Then the dealer kept my truck for 3 months while is was supposedly fixed according to a recall sent out in 2022. The problem was not corrected. Then in 2025 another recall was issued for the braking system and the emergency brake light coming on. Again, back to the dealer for recall repair. And again it was NOT repaired as the light still comes again every time we are driving on the highway. Our truck has very low mileage for 2017. Please advise if you can assist us. Respectfully [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11715579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My Ford F-150 is having issues that is known to Ford about the cold rattle start which consists of the cam phasers are defective and can cause serious damage to the engine. At the time Ford had put out some customer program and my vehicle has only got 36,000 miles on it and the problem has now just started. I called ford service center and the service man was surprised that mine started going bad at such a low mileage vehicle and pretty much said theirs nothing they can do except pay thousands in repair. And I explained to him that when ford had sent the customer program out my vehicle wasn’t encountering any issues and he said they cannot offer that to me. My truck is in very new condition don’t drive it much so now I’m stuck with a new truck where the engine can die out at any given time. Ford knows this was a problem from the beginning so why didn’t they recall this as this is a very expensive repair. I think this should be taken care of by the dealer as I have a new truck then have to turn around and spend 5,000 dollars on repairs

NHTSA complaint #11714131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.