2014 Ford F-150 Owner Complaints

While driving, the malfunction indicator light (yellow wrench) will illuminate, followed by a complete loss of communication between the instrument cluster and the transmission. The speedometer immediately drops to zero even though the truck is still moving, and other information, such as the fuel range, goes blank. The truck will also struggle to accelerate from a stop, almost as if it is starting in second gear. If I shut the truck off and restart it, everything returns to normal. Before the malfunction light comes on, the transmission will often make a very hard downshift or remain stuck in first gear and refuse to shift as speed increases. After a few seconds, the warning light appears, communication is lost, and the transmission shifts again, often very harshly. This seems to happen more often at lower speeds. This creates a serious safety risk because I lose all knowledge of my speed while driving, and the transmission may not respond properly when pulling into traffic or trying to reach a safe place to pull over. The dealer is aware of the problem. Recall 24S37 was supposed to correct it, but it did not. Recall 26S45 acknowledges that the original repair was not effective for all vehicles, but my VIN is not included even though I am experiencing the same failure. I have reported the issue to the dealer multiple times by phone and through their online service system. A dealership representative told me I am not the only customer experiencing this problem, but the dealer has not inspected the truck since completing Recall 24S37 and has not taken action or returned my calls. The malfunction indicator light consistently appears about four seconds after the transmission begins acting abnormally and immediately before the instrument cluster loses communication with the transmission. I am now nervous to drive the truck, especially from a stop or at lower speeds, because I never know when the problem will occur.

NHTSA ID

11755274

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Vehicle Information: Year: 2014 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Component: Power Train (Transmission / Powertrain Control Module) Dealership Involved:Midway Motors Ford, 2075 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460 Complaint Description:I am filing a formal safety complaint against Ford Motor Company and Midway Motors Ford in McPherson, KS, for failing to provide a free remedy under active federal safety recall 24S37 (NHTSA Campaign 24V444).My 2014 Ford F-150 was brought to the dealership to complete safety recall 24S37, which addresses severe, sudden transmission downshifts. The dealership performed a software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Immediately following this update, the truck's drivability severely deteriorated, and the transmission began violently slamming into 3rd gear, locking itself into a dangerous transmission fault "limp mode." The diagnostic scans post-update indicate a failure of the molded lead frame/speed sensor. According to Ford's official technical service bulletin for recall 24S37, physical replacement of the molded lead frame is an explicitly authorized remedy when diagnostic codes appear following the software flash. However, both the local servicing dealership (Midway Motors Ford) and Ford Corporate Customer Service are actively refusing to perform this physical safety repair free of charge. They are wrongfully claiming that because my vehicle has over 200,000 miles, it is disqualified from financial assistance. They are confusing a federal, non-expiring safety recall with an older, expired warranty extension program (19N01).By refusing to replace the defective lead frame that their own software update triggered into an active failure state, the manufacturer and dealer are leaving my vehicle in an unsafe, undrivable condition and violating federal recall mandates. I request that NHTSA intervene to compel Ford to complete the mandatory safety recall remedy at zero cost to me.

NHTSA ID

11754506

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

While driving, brakes pushed to floor, and vehicle alarm beeped showing Low brake fluid sensor had tripped. Brakes not working properly, pedal goes to floor, brake fluid added to refill and fluid emptied out of master cylinder reservior two more times, vehicle inoperable to drive with no brake pressure. Open safety recalls for Ford F150 models 2013-2014 #16S24, and for F150 Models 2014-2017 #20S31, both specifically for the 3.5LV6 Ecoboost engine, which I have, but Ford is saying that mine is not covered for the same brake master cylinder / brake booster issue.

NHTSA ID

11754442

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe downshift from 5th gear directly into 1st gear while traveling at approximately 45 mph on a public road. This caused sudden, violent engine braking and an immediate drop in speed, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard and potential loss of vehicle control. This vehicle previously received the PCM software update under Ford Safety Recall 24S37 (NHTSA Campaign 24V444). The software update failed to prevent the sudden downshift event caused by the failing Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor on the transmission molded lead frame. When contacting Ford Corporate Customer Service and local dealerships, Ford refused to cover diagnostic scanning or hardware replacement, claiming the recall is marked "completed" in their database because the software patch was installed more than 12 months ago. A software update that fails to prevent a 5th-to-1st downshift leaves a defective physical sensor on the road. Ford is refusing to evaluate or remedy a persistent, life-threatening recall failure on a 6R80 transmission.

NHTSA ID

11754376

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Read out is showing power steering assist fault. Steering is locking up and screaming. Shows there was a recall for this but that this vin was not on the recall. now it is saying service advance trac.

NHTSA ID

11753733

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The RPM's increased and the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train) months prior to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the diagnostic test and repair were not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

NHTSA ID

11753557

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

206,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stopped suddenly. The contact regained control of the vehicle after 3 attempts. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11753063

Incident

Jul 20, 2022

Mileage

150,000 mi

I was driving on the highway at about 60-70 mph and my truck shifted into first gear with my tires basically locking up and slid along the highway. I brought my truck into a ford dealership and they told me they couldn’t get it to replicate the incident so they turned me away. I personally replaced my battery terminals and it hasn’t done it again. Now I will be driving and randomly my truck will rev bomb and my gauge cluster will shut off and it shows up with an orange wrench symbol but when I turn the car off it resets. The research I’ve done it can come from a speed sensor or the lead frame. I know 2014 fords have a recall on transmissions but my truck does not have a documented one but there is something funky going on with it.

NHTSA ID

11752915

Incident

May 3, 2026

Battery alarm came on twice while running errands less than a mile from home. Parked vehicle in driveway and checked battery connections - everything perfectly tight. 3 hours later had to extinguish flames at front base of engine. DL3Z-14300-D caused electrical fire and see now the part has been discontinued.

NHTSA ID

11752833

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11752357

Incident

May 27, 2026

Mileage

140,053 mi

I brought my 2014 Ford F-150 to Gentilini Ford in Woodbine NJ in response to recall notice number 24S37 on XXX for an issue with the molded leadframe on the 6R80 transmission. The recall gave the option of reprogramming the existing leadframe or replacing the leadframe. My leadframe was reprogrammed and not replaced. Shortly after the recall while driving back to [XXX] from NC, the transmission dropped into first gear while cruising down a narrow road causing the back tires to chirp. Several dash lights then came on and the transmission went into limp mode which included rough shifting, sluggish starts, no speedometer or several gauges. When I made it to a point where it was safe to pull over, I immediately turned off the truck and did a visual inspection to make sure there was no damage. I returned to my truck began researching the issue online and quickly realized that it was caused by the actions taken during the recall. I placed several calls to Ford with no recourse. In late May of 2026, I learned of a new recall aimed at the correction of the recall and Ford was replacing the leadframes that were reprogrammed. Upon further research, I learned that late year 2014 f-150's with the 6R80 transmission were not included in the recall. I am reaching out for help in forcing Ford to include my truck in the recall. The issue happens almost every time I drive now and will eventually reset back to normal mode after several stops and restarts. It is a very dangerous situation when my speed drops dramatically on the narrow roads of North Carolina. There are no shoulders on the roads and the only place to pull over in the majority of situations is into a drainage ditch. Please help!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751788

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle rolled to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a leaking brake cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder was leaking onto the brake booster. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder, the brake booster, and the brake fluid reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11751640

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Mileage

170,000 mi

My 2014 Ford F-150 previously received Ford's brake master cylinder recall repair under the previous owner in November, 2016. On XXX, at approximately 108,372 miles, we were towing our travel trailer and had just begun a planned vacation. Within approximately five minutes of leaving home, a warning chime sounded and a "Brake Fluid Low" warning appeared on the instrument panel. I immediately exited the roadway and pulled into the nearest gas station to determine the cause. Within moments, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floor, leaving the vehicle with virtually no braking capability and making it unsafe to operate. Because the truck was towing our travel trailer, we had to disconnect the trailer in the gas station parking lot. The truck could not be driven safely and had to be towed to Kent Parsons Ford in [XXX]. My son had to bring his own truck to tow our travel trailer home because our truck was no longer capable of doing so safely. Kent Parsons Ford inspected the vehicle and documented the following diagnosis on the repair order: "Verified customer's concern. Found master cylinder seal failed and filled booster with DOT fluid." The dealership replaced the brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake fluid, and related components. The failed components may no longer be available for inspection because they were replaced during the repair. I paid $1,793.38 for the repair. The dealership's diagnosis documents the same failure mechanism described in NHTSA Recall 20V-332 (Ford Safety Recall 20S31), involving failure of the master cylinder seal that allows brake fluid to leak into the brake booster, reducing braking performance. Because this vehicle had already received Ford's recall remedy in November 2016, I am submitting this complaint to document that an authorized Ford dealership identified the same failure mechanism after the recall repair had already been completed. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11751105

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

While driving on the highway Vehicle appeared to downshift into to low of a gear range causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11750806

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Exited side street onto main 4 lane main road with a median. Upon pulling out wrench light appeared causing all power to engine to cease, oncoming traffic almost hit me. Upon limping into median I shut vehicle off and turned back on. Wrench light was gone, check engine light was there. Code P2112, P2004, P2009.

NHTSA ID

11750655

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

On July 2, 2026, the vehicle was brought to an authorized dealer for a scheduled appointment to resolve active Safety Recall 26S45 / NHTSA Campaign 26V378 (6R80 transmission sudden downshift defect). The dealership refused to perform the recall software update, claiming it was not needed for the vehicle. On July 12, 2026, while traveling at highway speeds on a public highway, the transmission suffered the exact un-commanded sudden downshift described in the recall. The violent mechanical force instantly snapped the rear driveshaft in half and severed the undercarriage air conditioning lines, creating a sudden, life-threatening loss of control and wheel speed reduction on a live highway. The vehicle is now permanently disabled due to the dealer's refusal to fulfill a federal safety mandate.

NHTSA ID

11750595

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

I am the owner of a 2014 Ford F-150 that is experiencing sudden, unexpected downshifts into a lower gear while driving at highway speed. This has happened on multiple occasions and has nearly caused accidents, including loss of vehicle control momentarily. This defect matches the description of Ford safety recall 26S45 (loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module, causing unexpected downshift into first gear). Despite this, my vehicle was not included when I checked recall status, even though I have an open Ford claim number: Cxh-08412521-F6L5j4. I am filing this complaint to ensure this incident is on record given the ongoing safety risk, and to request that NHTSA confirm whether my VIN should be captured under recall 26S45 or a related campaign (24S37/24V444). Description: Transmission suddenly and dramatically downshifts at highway speed without warning, causing loss of vehicle control and near-accidents.

NHTSA ID

11750426

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

I purchased a set of 4 LT275 /65 R18 BF Goodrich K02 tires on 8/19/2022 from Discount Tire. I notice some cracking along the front passenger side wall. I took it to Discount Tire and the verified that all four tires were doing the same thing. My family was driving at high speeds multiple places the days before finding this out. It should be able to be confirmed. It was inspected by the store. I had no prior issues with the tires.

NHTSA ID

11749813

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

The truck suddenly decided to downshift from sixth gear to second gear. This has happened twice on our way to Staunton, Virginia.

NHTSA ID

11748618

Incident

May 29, 2026

NHTSA / Center for Auto Safety Formal Complaint Vehicle Information: * Year / Make / Model: 2014 Ford F-150 * Component Category: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) * Affected Part: ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) / Valve Assembly (Part # DL3Z-2C215-A / DL3Z-2C215-C) Incident / Issue Summary: I am reporting a critical safety concern involving a failure of the Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2014 Ford F-150, combined with an indefinite manufacturer supply chain failure that renders the vehicle unable to be repaired to safe operating standards. The electronic ABS control module on my vehicle was inspected and rebuilt to functional specification; however, diagnostic testing confirmed that the internal mechanical/solenoid valves within the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) assembly are stuck/failing. This internal valve failure disables key safety features, including Anti-Lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac), and Traction Control. Upon attempting to purchase an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement HCU assembly through Ford Motor Company and authorized dealerships, I was informed that the critical safety part is on an indefinite nationwide backorder with no estimated delivery date (ETA). Safety Risk & Regulatory Impact: 1. Loss of Safety Features: Without a functional HCU assembly, the vehicle operates without active ABS or AdvanceTrac traction/stability control, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lockup, vehicle skidding, and loss of directional control during emergency stopping or adverse weather conditions. 2. Unavailability of Safe Parts: Due to high failure rates across 2009–2014 F-150 models, the replacement supply chain is completely exhausted. Independent repair facilities refuse to install unverified, used, or salvaged junkyard units due to severe liability and safety risks. 3. Indefinite Stranding / Unsafe Driving: Owners are forced to either leave their primary vehicle

NHTSA ID

11748585

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

The transmission system failed, consistent with an active federal safety recall issued for this vehicle. The primary symptom was a complete failure to start. The vehicle is currently at Helfman, where it was towed for recall repair. It is available for inspection upon request at that location. A vehicle that fails to start due to a transmission defect under active recall creates a safety hazard in that the owner may be stranded — including in unsafe locations or conditions — without warning. The vehicle became completely inoperable with no ability to move it under its own power, requiring emergency towing. Additionally, a transmission defect can create unpredictable vehicle behavior risk if the failure had occurred while the vehicle was in motion rather than at rest. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford dealership, which received the vehicle for recall-related repair and initially indicated it was awaiting parts — implying the recall defect and the vehicle's no-start condition were acknowledged. The dealership subsequently refused to complete the repair without providing a clear written explanation. UNKNOWN whether a formal written diagnosis was issued.

NHTSA ID

11747981

Incident

May 19, 2026

Traveling at 65mph on I-275 in Tampa while changing lanes vehicle suddenly downshifted to 1st or 2nd gear enough to cause the vehicle to jolt and squawk the rear tires. The vehicle remained in this state with elevated rpm's and gear indicator was blank. This has occurred on many occasions and is extremely dangerous. It has been an ongoing problem that Ford refuses to correctly solve. It's already been in for service under prior recall which hasn't really solved anything. The 2013 models had the same issue which Ford issued a replacement of the lead frame, yet now they continue to slap bandaids on with software patches. The software doesn't solve the problem of a garbage lead frame.

NHTSA ID

11746929

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

Hello, I recently brought my 2014 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to the dealership regarding Recall 24S37. The vehicle experienced the following symptoms: • Check Engine Light illuminated. • Wrench Light illuminated. • Intermittent loss of power. • Abnormal transmission behavior. • Intermittent no-start condition. • Vehicle would only start after moving the gear selector. The dealership informed me that no physical repairs would be performed because the diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were different from those associated with Recall 24S37. However, the vehicle continues to exhibit transmission-related symptoms, and I am concerned that the underlying condition may be related to or aggravated by the conditions addressed in Recall 24S37. I am requesting that Ford review this case and determine whether additional diagnostic evaluation or repairs should be considered. However, they refuse to accept that the codes have anything to do with the recall, even though it is the same part and the affected sensor that is triggering the error codes on the scanner. They are asking me to pay for the transmission repair because the codes are not the ones approved for the recall, but based on the signs and symptoms the truck is showing, it is a chain reaction that triggered the previously mentioned failures. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746012

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

The back-up camera is not working properly. The image is flipped when the camera comes on

NHTSA ID

11744907

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was very hard to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failing electric power steering module. The contact was informed that the electric power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced a recall; 14V31600 (Steering) however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 298,829.

NHTSA ID

11744723

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

Mileage

298,829 mi