1,218 of the
48,021 complaints filed about the Ford F-150
are about the airbag system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V847000 (Steering, Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline and to the DMV for assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11763620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the horn pad on the steering wheel, the horn failed to provide an audible sound as intended. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,825.
NHTSA complaint #11763135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a supplemental complaint to my earlier report regarding NHTSA Campaign 26V237 / Ford Safety Recall 26S28. The recall remedy (PCM software update) was performed at W.C. Sanderson Ford in Healdsburg, CA on XXX. The original downshift defect recurred within weeks, including a near-miss where I nearly lost control of the vehicle with my [XXX] son inside. Since then, I have had the vehicle independently scanned twice, including a full all-systems diagnostic scan. The scan shows a communication fault (U0401, "Invalid Data Received From PCM") present across five separate control modules: ABS, Airbag/Occupant Classification System, Power Steering Control Module, Tire Pressure Monitoring/Body Control, and the engine module. The scan's own assessment recommends repairing CAN-BUS wiring and connections. I believe this network-wide wiring fault may be the actual underlying cause of the condition recall 26S28 was intended to fix — the recall's software update assumes a signal-loss problem can be resolved in software, but if the root cause is physical wiring, the remedy would not correct it. This would explain why the defect recurred so soon after the software update was installed. A second code, P2112 (Throttle Actuator Stuck Closed), also appeared spontaneously while the vehicle was parked. This code is documented in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 16-0139 (issued 2018), indicating Ford had prior knowledge of related fault patterns on this vehicle range. Of particular concern, the Airbag/Occupant Classification System is affected by the same communication fault. This system governs airbag deployment behavior based on occupant detection, and my son rides in this vehicle regularly. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive. I am requesting NHTSA evaluate whether the 26S28 remedy adequately addresses the underlying defect, given evidence that a wiring-level fault — not solely a software issue — may be the true root cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)
NHTSA complaint #11762064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driver side air bag went off while reversing out of my home. The air bag went off while my arm was across the steering wheel. Powder went in my eyes from it and my arm was bruised and burned from the impact. It hurt so bad that my I had someone pick me up from home and drive me to the hospital. I also had my ear drums ringing for a good while. No police has inspected it as it happened at my home and there were no warning lights for it on. I didn’t hit anything either. I was simply reversing when it went off.
NHTSA complaint #11761806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the steering wheel cover covering the driver’s side air bag was cracked. The dealer was contacted and stated that a special engineer was needed for the repair because the crack was located on air bag housing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is an issue with my cowl which has 1 drain hole, on passenger side which if gets clogged with debris, causes water to build up and water to intrude from cowl into interior truck causing water intrusion to the body control module and electrical issues, and carpet is wet and creates mold smell and other safety issues. Cowl is not removable
NHTSA complaint #11757933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was involved in a head on collision involving 2 cars; one which was hit in the front driver wheel panel and the other was directly head on and the air bags did not deploy. Resulting in major seatbelt bruising and knee injury.
NHTSA complaint #11756656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The clock spring in the steering has failed causing the airbag to no longer work on the driver side. The cruise control turns on and shuts off on its own. Sometimes won’t even let you set it. Volume controls no longer work. Horn no longer works. Steering has a clicking catching sound now when turning. Steering controls no longer light up and none of the buttons work.
NHTSA complaint #11751383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the seatbelt pretensioners for all seats failed, and the frontal airbags for the driver seat and front passenger seat were inoperable. The seatbelt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty seatbelt pretensioners. A dealer was contacted and informed that parts were unavailable for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,800.
NHTSA complaint #11749297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While towing a 5000lb camper to go camping, the vehicle spontaneously started fire. When I exited the vehicle I noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the cab. I opened the hood and it appeared that the fire was coming from the transmission area. Attempts we're made to extinguish the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire dept. Attempts by myself, and others were unsuccessful causing the fire to burn through the firewall and into the cab. I was in a rural area so it took approx. 15-20 minutes for the fire dept to arrive. The fire eventually burned through the dash and the front windshield. Fire dept arrived and were able to put out the fire. Needless to say the vehicle was totalled.
NHTSA complaint #11748070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this truck from Don’s Ford, Rt12,Utica,NY in February 2025 didn’t even leave the dealership every light in the dash came on turned around they had my truck for 5 months while I made 6 months of payments, there has been numerous problems since, I took the extended warranty out and was still being charged, I had to change dealer ships because they refused to fix my truck, now there is a recall and there saying I purchased the truck in Canada which I have a bill of sale stating I purchased the vehicle in Utica,NY, the vehicle was in and accident and I was told it had a clear car fax the airbag and the horn don’t work, I have tried to work with Dons Ford and getting no where I shouldn’t have to drive my vehicle to Canada for recalls when I purchased it in NYS I still have numerous problems with this vehicle and getting no where I have all the service orders and need help
NHTSA complaint #11745457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail and landed on its side. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. A Police report was filed; the information was unavailable. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11743778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crashed truck and all airbags deployed besides passenger (I was only person in the car). The drivers airbag partially deployed and I smashed my face on steering wheel. It was defective or malfunctioned.
NHTSA complaint #11736445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost, the vehicle issued a pre-collision warning followed immediately by a restraint system warning. The airbag then deployed without any collision or impact. There was no crash, obstacle, or reason for deployment. The airbag deployment shattered the windshield and caused interior damage. This appears to be a false activation of the pre-collision system and unintended airbag deployment, creating a serious safety hazard. This could easily result in injury or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle needs to be investigated for a potential defect in the airbag system, sensors, or pre-collision assist system.
NHTSA complaint #11730386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the crash. The contact stated he received a pre-collision notification on his phone approximately 30 seconds after the accident occurred, but he was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle. The contact sustained neck pain, a herniated disc, and a bulging disk in the lower back. The contact was taking no pills and undergoing physical therapy. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY VEHICLE. IT WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT FULLY DEPLOY. THOUGH I WAS TRAVELLING THE SPEED LIMIT, HAD I BEEN ON A FREEWAY AND GOING THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT I THINK I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE LIBABLE INSURANCE COMPANY ENCOURAGED ME TO CONTACT FORD TO SEE IT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. THERE WERE NOT WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11720023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was in a accident where I was going a okay speed in traffic where suddenly the car in front of me brakes and my emergency brakes did not activate so I had to slam on mines to avoid impact but the car behind me hit me causing me to impact the car in front and with no airbag deployment from impact in back and front. Causing me later with neck and head pain.
NHTSA complaint #11716080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I noticed the rear axel or back suspension on this truck is making a very load uncomfortable sound, like when two pieces of metal are rubbing up against each other... Its under tension and making a bind on the back passenger side. I got the truck with my mechanic few and body/auto repair guy and observed a 1/4 inch UBolt that holds the lead spring I believe hitting up against another bolt on the rear suspension and I cant access or open the drain plug too check the differential. Also there are a lot of loose wires under the dashboard, that already made me trip once, and Im a disabled veteran. Can you please help me get that taken care of?
NHTSA complaint #11711897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.