RoadVitals

2011 Ford F-150 Driver assistance Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the driver-assistance system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Driver assistance reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
259
Latest Jul 8, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
12%
of 2,184 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
13
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
7

What this page shows

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2011 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 259 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming driver-assistance

The 25 most recent of 259, in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Jul 8, 2026

While driving at highway speed my f150 justdown shited to third gear after stoopping it wouldn't take off.Ihad to shut engine off to get back to first gear .

NHTSA ID
11749133
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2026
Crash reported

Made a complete stop and vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and could not stop.

NHTSA ID
11748976
Incident
Jul 5, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 9, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 ID
11743046
Incident
Jun 8, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed May 11, 2026

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 ID
11737127
Incident
May 11, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 11, 2026

I contacted ford about my molded lead frame because my truck has a issue with the transmission and they denied my coverage to repair the problem and it’s is expired so the won’t fix the issue.

NHTSA ID
11736921
Incident
May 4, 2026
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 11, 2026

Approximately one month ago, I noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate the way it normally does. A error code came on. I took the vehicle to Auto Zone for error code check. I was informed that the powertrain control module speed sensor had gone bad. I looked this up and found that Ford had a recall on 2011 Ford F-150s for similar issues. I disconnected the battery, as recommended on an internet site, and the vehicle began to operate normally. About one week later, I noticed that the vehicle would not shift above third gear and was accelerating very sluggishly. On further investigation I fount that the vehicle would not shift out of third gear (up or down). I again disconnected/reconnected the battery, and again it began operating normally. I contacted the local Ford dealership and they said that I should have received a letter in May 2019 about the PCM recall. I didn't recall receiving the letter, but Ford Motor Co. Customer Service says the PCM was actually reprogrammed on March 29, 2019 to repair the issues related to the recall. My concern is that the PCM speed sensor is malfunctioning again even after the repairs were supposedly performed by Ford. I am concerned that the vehicle may again be potentially unsafe to operate at highway speeds. I wanted to make NHTSA aware of the potential for ongoing safety issues with this vehicle even after Ford's proposed fix.

NHTSA ID
11723553
Incident
Jan 15, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 7, 2025

The contact owns 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera was glitching and had displayed a blank image. The message “Camera Unavailable” was displayed. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to a recall that did not include the year, make and model of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 21,704.

NHTSA ID
11698118
Incident
Mar 15, 2024
Mileage
21,704 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 3, 2025

I was driving in the morning car was started to lag on accelerating and shifting gears slightly. My dashboard and gps system flickered on and off when this happened. The truck putted as well. On my way home the car had trouble accelerating and dropped from 5th gear all the way to first causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle. It continued hard shifting and loss all acceleration. It continued flickering everytime it would sputter and slip gears, Gps and dashboard would flicker. They gears were going haywire. I could not accelerate with the pedal all the way to the floor, and was hard to turn steering wheel. Almost like the Truck was coasting. When we took it to the mechanic they stated it was a transmission range switch which is an issue and many F150's of my year, make and model. My vehicle was not listed as a recalled vehicle yet has the same issue as the other recalled ones. Total repairs are going to cost around $2000. I have not driven my vehicle since the incident and I am frightened after almost losing control from the hard shifting. Prior to this the vehicle ran great. It was an out of nowhere issue. the truck has been maintained well, with all oil changes, and regular maintenece. there is less the 96,000 mile son the truck as well.

NHTSA ID
11691243
Incident
Sep 9, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 31, 2025

Hard downshifts from 5 to 4. At low speeds, like parking lots it shifts hard from 1 to 2. At freeway speeds while attempting to pass instead of dropping a gear to passs it downshifts to 1st, rpm’s shoot up and it results in having to pull off stop and place in park. Once in park back to D and able to take off. At any speed from 30 mph or more there is a sort of “tap of brakes” feeling every .15 of a mile.

NHTSA ID
11684231
Incident
Aug 31, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 6, 2025

When driving on the interstate with the normal flow of traffic at 55mph, the vehicle abruptly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear causing the the vehicle to lock up an nearly caused an accident. This was followed by a a mechanic warning light and the speedometer to lock out and no longer work. Once pulled over, the vehicle was powered down. When the vehicle was turned back on operation returned in a limp state.

NHTSA ID
11678885
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed May 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera image was reversed. The contact stated that objects on the right side of the vehicle appeared on the left side on the screen. The contact stated that before the image was reversed, the camera image was pixelating. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to several recalls related to the back-over prevention camera. However, neither the vehicle year nor the model was included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID
11663366
Incident
Feb 14, 2025
Mileage
145,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed May 22, 2025

Transmission shifts into lower gear,and speedometer quits working. Stopped truck , turned truck off and turned truck on and it drives normal,

NHTSA ID
11662668
Incident
May 5, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed May 15, 2025

While driving at about 50 MPH truck suddenly down shifted to 1st gear locked up rear wheels and sent engine into a roar. Instrument panel not showing speed or any information. Had transmission shop trouble shoot and determined frame rail failure. replaced frame rail and serviced.

NHTSA ID
11661348
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed May 10, 2025

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear result in a loss of vehicle control happened on September 20, 2024 and continue on and off.

NHTSA ID
11660189
Incident
Sep 20, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 17, 2025

At highway speeds speedometer started occasionally dropping to zero while actually going 55-65 mph. Then it became quite frequent AND the truck started spontaneous downshifting causing the rear wheels to break loose and the rear of truck to fishtail. It was terrifying.

NHTSA ID
11655334
Incident
Feb 25, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 31, 2025

2011 F-150 super crew Laredo is sifting gears down by its self at high spends causing immediate car speedometer cluster going to zero and not be able to accelerate. There was a customer satisfaction program 19N01 it was 10 yr 150,0000 miles

NHTSA ID
11651856
Incident
Mar 13, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 3, 2025

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 ID
11640518
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 3, 2025

Transmission downshifted to 1st gear causing the rear wheel to lock momentarily while driving 40mph on the highway and then shifted back to 5th gear. Transmission will occasionally stay on 3rd or 5th gear when at a complete stop. Dealership refuses to remedy recall issue for my truck. I have complained multiple times.

NHTSA ID
11640464
Incident
May 17, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 24, 2024

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 ID
11632248
Incident
Sep 14, 2022
Driver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 26, 2024

At 45 mph the gear downshifted causing back tires to skid. Then gear illumination disappeared and wouldn't go into gear(while trying to leave a steep boat ramp) very scary!

NHTSA ID
11622066
Incident
Oct 21, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 24, 2024

A recall was issued for an intermittent failure of the transmission speed sensor (OSS), campaign 16S19. I took the truck to a Ford Dealership, Mike Reichenbach Ford, in Florence SC. The technician reprogrammed the PCM. This did not resolve the issue and the truck continues to downshift or not shift at all. I spoke with the dealership and with the Ford Motor Company. I believe this truck was taken to a dealership more than once without the issue being resolved. I am respectfully request Ford make good on the safety recall of a known issue.

NHTSA ID
11621769
Incident
Aug 16, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 21, 2024

Purchased TRUCK at Gus Machado of Kendal Mia Fl. Informed dealership of downshifting transmission issues, I was told "there's No recall on my vehicle ", its normal that new truck has as breaking in period. AT 10,000 miles- Drove to Gus dealership for TRANSMISSION ISSUES, NO RESOLVE -AT 70,679 miles - 01/11/17 Drove AGAIN to Gus dealership, for severe engine and transmission issues. Dealership noted severe engine problems. Insurance.& warranty rep. and Ford rep. arrived at dealership and AGREED that ORIGINAL engine was BAD. Insurance would cover repair cost & Engine was replaced. R/O [XXX]-AT 71,429 miles 04/18/17, Drove to Gus Dealership noted my Transmission concerns, found driveshaft to be slipping and issues addressed. Transmission continues to date to be problematic. I researched ford forums and found that several ford owners also have similar Transmission Issues and FORD has recalls on Transmission, ONLY MY VIN ISN'T ON recall R/O [XXX]- 93,868 miles 05/28/19 Drove to Bill Jarrett FOR RECALL 19N01, In less than 15 minutes truck was returned INFORMED COMPUTER had to be reprogrammed. 11/19 I returned to Miami for surgery &treatment at the Miami VA. Truck continued to downshift, so I went into Gus dealership and they explained the recall fix. I was told there are no recall on transmission and eventually Transmission would streamline. AT 156,000 miles- Since reprograming truck has been double downshifting/bucking in first gear, which I have been stating to Ford dealership since purchase IS A SAFETY CONCERN. To date NO LIGHTS ON DASH DISPLAYS OF Transmission, but BUCKING/DOWNSHIFTING CONTINUES (A SAFTY CONCERN). 05/17/24, I called Ford and stated my concerns. I was told to go into dealership to have it checked. 05/18/24 went to Bill Jarrett where my concerns was noted. They Informed that there is NO RECALL on my truck and I would have to purchase a new transmission for$ 7,000.00. Filed complaint with Better Business Bureau INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID
11621127
Incident
Oct 10, 2011
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 9, 2024

While driving, my truck down shifted suddenly. Already 3 times on different occasions.

NHTSA ID
11613554
Incident
Sep 7, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 17, 2024

My truck start to accelerate by itself and the light indicator goes crazy from parking to gear 1 From there the truck it can be controlled

NHTSA ID
11602934
Incident
May 15, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 6, 2024

My truck is doing exactly what the recall on all the others. Check engine light on for input shaft speed sensor. Speed odometer quit working then engine light came on for speed sensor. Now when you drive on highway it will be fine then all of a sudden throw a wrench light and truck goes into limp mode and barely moves. You stop turn it off it resets but still isn’t right it doesn’t seem to shift at proper times seems to be shifting to often.

NHTSA ID
11599525
Incident
Apr 1, 2024

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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