2014 Ford F-150 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Ford F-150, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)40823.2%
- Brakes34119.4%
- Engine18710.6%
- Electrical1609.1%
- Steering1578.9%
- Driver assistance1438.1%
- Visibility1428.1%
- Fuel system724.1%
- Airbags311.8%
- Body & structure311.8%
- Other / unspecified261.5%
- Interior & seats181.0%
- Suspension100.6%
- Transmission100.6%
- Seat belts90.5%
- Exterior lighting80.5%
- Tires & wheels40.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While driving, transmission will randomly shift gears from a higher gear all the way down to first gear regardless of travel speed. When traveling at highway speeds, this results in a loss of traction on the rear wheels, causing fishtailing and a momentary loss of control. This problem is getting worse, and is the result of a known defect in the transmission speed sensor that has been acknowledged by Ford in previous recalls. The previous recall repair attempt by Ford involved a dealer reset of the computer rather than replacing the defective sensor, which did not fix the problem. The frequency of this sudden downshift is approximately 2-4 times per ten miles driven.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear-view camera began working intermittently, and displaying a scrambled image when it did not work. It then stopped working all together and now only displays a blank screen. This began about 2 years ago, and it finally stopped working altogether about 1 year ago. I want to report it because the current rear-view camera recall stops at the 2015 model year, but my 2014 has the same problem.
Rear backup camera shows a blank screen intermittently / unpredictably. The dealership was unable to replicate it (because it occurs intermittently) while in for another repair so no repair attempt was made. It makes backing out of parking spaces safely difficult. It's been like this for about 5 years. I can make it available for inspection.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions, while refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge fluctuated quickly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be refueled frequently because the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was parked and turned off, fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crank but no start. Found fuse 27 melted. This fuse supplies power to the fuel pump relay which gives the fuel pump power to run. The melted fuse had lost its connectivity. The fuse is a 20 amp. The fuse was not blown. Unable to determine the cause of the heat to melt the fuse. I searched YouTube and found that this is a common problem with the f150 with the range of 2010 to 2014. Also found that several parts dealers offer a F27 fuse relocation kit as a work around for the problem. The incident happened at home where I was able to research the problem. What if I got stranded in the middle of nowhere, no cell service, and 25 below zero? Worse yet, could this hot spot start a fire under the hood? Why there has not been a recall on this fuse is beyond reasoning tthat the repair is more costly than a life!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Instrument Panel Air Bag light stayed on continuously, so I was concerned that the Air Bags might be defective. When I took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership for servicing, I was told that the front passenger side seat belt pretensioner/retractor was shortened internally. I was told that unless the part was replaced, the Air Bags would not deploy upon impact. If I chose not to repair the part, I was told that the vehicle would pass our state's inspection. In order to protect my family's safety, I believed that I had not option but to replace the part. I requested that the dealership give me the defective part, which they did. I still have the defective part. That repair cost me a total of $1097.98.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fourth to first gear, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The air bag and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACKUP CAMERA ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. MOST OF THE TIME THE DISPLAY JUST SAYS "REAR CAMERA UNAVAILABLE," SOMETIMES JUST A BLUE SCREEN, AND OCCASIONALLY WILL DISPLAY THE IMAGE BRIEFLY, THEN GO BLUESCREEN/CAMERA UNAVAILABLE. TURNING IGNITION OFF, THEN RESTARTING MAY RESET CAMERA AND BRIEFLY DISPLAY THE IMAGE, THEN BLUESCREEN/UNAVAILABLE AGAIN.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission was not functioning properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that corrosion had caused two holes underneath the sub frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is our 2nd time reporting this back 4 years ago our vehicle downshifted suddenly. Causing our vehicle to drop speed tremendously. We called the dealership to let them know what happened and they said they have had several complaints at the time of these trucks doing this. It caused the rear tires to lock and slide. We ended up loosing control and running of the road and wrecking the truck and messing up the front. FORD HAS STILL NOT FIXED THIS VEHICLE
Truck randomly downshifts/ jerks really hard while driving all speeds. On 4/19 I was driving 65mph and truck felt like slamming brakes on, while speedometer pin bounces around, then a wrench showed up on the dash screen, I pulled over turned truck off sat for a few minutes, turned it back on, everything seemed finer and continued driving home, with no more issues. On 4/27 I was coming home from groccery store going about 30-35mph truck dropped down to first gear and then back to 4th gear. My pregnant wife and daughter were in the car when this happened. I've called local Ford dealership, and they ask me to come in for diagnosis, but I know this is a factory recall issue via 24V-444. I'm not sure if the truck is safe to drive, this randomly happens, but seems to be happening more and more frequently past 2 months or so
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My truck is shifting funny at times just want it fixed it’s 2024 it’s been long enough I drive on the highway every day.the truck has two recalls seat hardware is faulty and transmission downshift problems recalls issued in 2017 and it’s 2024 just want it fixed I’m already stressed enough I’m sure you understand thanks have a blessed day
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicated that the rear driver’s side door was ajar while the door was securely closed. The failure caused the cabin light to remain illuminated, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was jumped started and the battery was replaced. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical wiring failure. The door wiring was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened regarding the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this truck 2 and a half years ago and from day one it has been nothing but trouble. I was sold a lemon I have spend God knows how much on this truck and now it sits in the yard with a cracked turbo, electrical issues and transmission problems that I've been told has been a problem along time and I'd have to agree. Within the first 3 months of owning the truck it was in the shop 3 or 4 times. I had all kinds of warranty's added to my loan that I wasn't aware of and I've tried having the issue handled but Ford dealership will not tdo anything about it. I still over over 20,000 dollars on this truck I don't know if you can help but if you can I'd greatly appreciate it. I've had numerous sensors replaced, cv joints replaced, a arms replaced, wheel bearings, catalytic converters, ball joints, brake calipers, brake lines, struts, purge valve, engine mount, fuel pump twice, and I'm sure there's more alot of this was in the first not even year.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was a known failure. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission suddenly downshifted into first gear, causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission range circuit and sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 149,000.
See attached document for complaint.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Instrument Panel Air Bag light stayed on continuously, so I was concerned that the Air Bags might be defective. When I took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership for servicing, I was told that the front passenger side seat belt pretensioner/retractor was shortened internally. I was told that unless the part was replaced, the Air Bags would not deploy upon impact. If I chose not to repair the part, I was told that the vehicle would pass our state's inspection. In order to protect my family's safety, I believed that I had not option but to replace the part. I requested that the dealership give me the defective part, which they did. I still have the defective part. That repair cost me a total of $1097.98.
My truck is shifting funny at times just want it fixed it’s 2024 it’s been long enough I drive on the highway every day.the truck has two recalls seat hardware is faulty and transmission downshift problems recalls issued in 2017 and it’s 2024 just want it fixed I’m already stressed enough I’m sure you understand thanks have a blessed day
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Radio works sometimes and you can't use you hands-free phone. Lights interior and running lights won't turn off until you go down the road a bit but when you shut the truck off, the lights stay on and run your battery down. Also when you swap out your Trans oil you start having shifting problems. I'm so over it. Thanks.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V709000 (Exterior Lighting, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Dueler, Tire Size: 275/65/R18, DOT Number: 98YIDOL. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to have the deflated passenger’s side rear tire repaired, the dealer informed him that there was tread separation on all four tires. The contact also stated that there were cracks in between the tread. The tires were not replaced; however, they were patched. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 93,000. The tire failure mileage was 70,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck downshifted today while doing 57 mph, speedometer went to 0, rear tires locked up sending truck into spin on i 35 southbound in lewisville texas. Striking another car and hitting concrete barrier. Road was wet, no shoulders.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .