2015 Ford F-150 Powertrain (other) Problems

Transmission gear indicator of the instrument cluster will flicker. At the same time the transmission will cluck while changing gears. The issue occurs for a couple days and then goes away. At the same time the transmission temperature gauge will bounce 60-80 degrees. After some time the same issues occur. Searching online this appears to be related to the lead frame. There has been an updated lead frame, but only certain conditions/codes will result in replacement by Ford. I've had all the recommended software updates, but issue persists. Last update on 9/21/2026.

NHTSA ID

11766395

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety defect involving my 2015 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Cab. While operating the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and total loss of control. Without warning, the gas pedal lost all tension, the truck abruptly downshifted and went into limp mode, and both the check engine and wrench warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe. It appears that the failure of this component frequently causes an output shaft speed sensor malfunction, leading to the exact dangerous loss of power I experienced Given the high frequency of these reports from other owners. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon experiencing these symptoms, I promptly scheduled an appointment at my local Ford dealership. Despite the service department confirming that the transmission lead frame is failing, Ford refused to perform the repair citing that my specific trouble codes are not currently approved under their policy. This is unacceptable, as these symptoms are identical to those addressed in recall 26S28 and Ford has previously acknowledged that these specific codes are directlv related to this component's failure in other mode years. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe Given that my vehicle exhibits all the symptoms described in the existing recall, it is clear that this is a systemic manufacturing defect that Ford is failing to adequately address. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and Ford's restrictive repair criteria, as this defect poses a significant risk to myself and the public on the road.

NHTSA ID

11766343

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH and towing a trailer, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted into second gear, causing the trailer to strike the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed on each occurrence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on several occasions, but the dealer was unable to correct the issue. The contact stated that after the last occurrence, the vehicle became undriveable and failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer performed the recall repair at the residence; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the transmission failed and needed replacement at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA ID

11764629

Incident

Sep 16, 2023

Mileage

190,000 mi

While driving on the [XXX], close to [XXX], throttle response was lost on the vehicle. Immediately put the hazards on, turned them off momentarily to indicate a turn off to the shoulder, traffic was right behind me, with some fast movers. “Hill start assist not available” was displayed on the main panel and “trac off”/ traction control. Below approx 10 mph the vehicle started shaking violently and we came to a stop. Turned the vehicle off and started looking in the manual and online for associated issues. Was able to restart the vehicle with no annunciated issues and continued driving at a cautious speed. A few minutes later the same issue arose. Had to pull over and reset the vehicle. By this time we had committed to taking the vehicle to the Ford service center on the interstate and made it there after occurring 4-5 more times where we had to pull over during the worst time of day, avoiding traffic on the on/off ramps. We had to use heavy braking once as we were disabled and there was another disabled vehicle also pulled over and we had to stop before them with enough safety clearance. We made it to Ford. According to SB 16B32B, our truck qualifies for an expired recall based on the [XXX] plant and the production date. Ford produced P2112 code for throttle body issues. We paid for the repairs. Requesting a re-inquiry of SB 16B32B. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763952

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

My 2015 Ford F-150 experienced multiple sudden downshifts at highway speeds 75 mph and then started downshifting at lower speeds. Heavy clunking heard and wrench warning lamp came on with a very general warning message and turned both off after moving to the side of the highway and restarting the car. Warning sign returned while driving at significantly lower speeds on city streets, locked up tires when turning from a low speed twice. Extremely unsafe and could have caused a serious accident if people were following close behind me. Took it to the dealership to get repaired and they diagnosed DTC P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor - No Signal) and confirmed that the signal failure caused the transmission to lock in 3rd gear and operate at maximum line pressure. Technician notes it resulted in damage to forward, direct, and overdrive clutches and recommended the replacement of the entire transmission ($5,739 for parts). I paid $8,636.93 out-of-pocket at a Ford dealership for this service repair.

NHTSA ID

11763766

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

I was driving my f150 and all of a sudden it downshifted with a bang into 5th gear. I slowed down and noticed my transmission wouldn't downshift into any other gear. I had to stop truck with it stuck in 5th gear and transmission cooling fan sounded like a turbo fan. There was a wrench light that displayed and when I checked the codes it came up with P0720/P0721/P0722. All pointed to transmission issue. Shortly after they came out with the safety recall and after the "fix" my truck thru P0722 code again. Then the customer satisfaction program sent out letter said they would replace the lead frame at no cost even if you had over 150k. I paid over $400 dollars and multiple trips to dealer, and they stated that the truck didn't display Fords specific DTC Codes. My codes were identical to recall in 2014, and deadbeat ford won't replace my lead frame even though it's the same issue since 2011. When will the NHTSA step in an require ford to fix a well-known issue with this transmission?

NHTSA ID

11763752

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifted abnormally. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted and upshifted. The contact stated that occasionally the transmission was stuck in fifth gear. In addition, there was an abnormal clucking sound coming from the vehicle, and the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an unknown sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 26N04. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the repair was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the required failure codes were not present during the diagnostic test. The dealer submitted a request for repair to the manufacturer on behalf of the contact; however, the request was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11763371

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Mileage

99,000 mi

In September 2025 my 2015 F-150 did a hard downshift at speed. I took it in and they replaced the transmission lead frame, charging me $2,500. Since that time it has shifted hard from 1st to 2nd and 5th to 6th. In July, 2026, I received Ford Safety Recall 26S28, addressing the exact downshifting defect I paid to fix. I brought the truck in for the prescribed software remedy, in August, 2026 but the harsh shifting remained so i took it back on September 3rd, 2026 at which time they replace the valve body or lead frame and road tested it; the hard 1st to 2nd and 5th to 6th remained and the told me the transmission is "broke" and would require the entire transmission be replaced for ~$8,400. I reported this to Ford Motor Company Customer Satisfaction and it was escalated, case # CXH-09263554-W5R5T3, but was just told that "...there are no programs available to provide assistance with the repairs."

NHTSA ID

11763044

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

I own a 2015 Ford F-150 equipped with the 6R80 transmission. I have experienced multiple intermittent transmission problems that I believe may present a safety concern. During one freeway incident, the wrench warning light came on and the transmission went into what appeared to be failsafe/limp mode. The truck would not accelerate normally and I was unable to get the vehicle much above approximately 50 mph. I pulled over, shut the engine off, and restarted it. After restarting, the transmission operated normally again. On multiple other occasions , I had separate incidents where the transmission became stuck in a gear while I was slowing to a stop at a traffic light. When I attempted to accelerate, the engine RPM became very high but the vehicle had very little acceleration. The transmission eventually began operating normally again, but then shifted very harshly into the correct gear. The vehicle currently has DTC P0717, Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A — No Signal. I am attaching a Ford dealer service record. The service advisor’s written description states that the truck “down shifted to 1st” and was “stck in gear.” I want to clarify that these are the service advisor’s words summarizing my report, I did not tell the advisor that I observed the transmission downshift to first gear. I explained the incident on the freeway, only later learning this was likely the transmission going into failsafe, the wrench light came on, and the truck lost normal acceleration. The same dealer record recommends replacement of the transmission molded leadframe/filter. I am concerned that an intermittent failure involving the 6R80 transmission’s sensor/leadframe system could cause unexpected transmission behavior or loss of normal acceleration while driving, creating a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11762944

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

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 ID

11762064

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

I had Ford Safety Recall 26S28 performed on my 2015 F-150 for the unintended transmission downshift issue. Since the recall, my truck has experienced multiple unintended downshift events. Today, this happened twice — the second time I nearly lost control of the vehicle and almost had an accident. My [XXX] son rides in this vehicle frequently, including on many of the trips where this defect has occurred. I have had the vehicle scanned twice since the recall service. Both scans showed stored codes U0401-02 and U0401-00 (PCM communication failure) and U3013-16 (control module input power circuit fault) — all in the same system the recall software update was designed to address. The dealership that performed the recall, W.C. Sanderson Ford in Healdsburg, CA, has refused to diagnose the vehicle without an upfront fee I cannot afford. Ford Customer Relationship Center has also declined to assist. I am no longer able to safely drive this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762011

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I was driving on a 2 lane highway at approximately 50 mph and my truck started blowing white smoke and suddenly decelerated to 5 mph and a wrench appeared on my dashboard. I luckily was able to limp the vehicle to a parking lot. I then called AAA for a tow to my Certified Mechanic. He informed me the next day that the transmission line to the cooler failed. He replaced the cooler lines ($250). I definitely feel this problem should have a safety recall issued. If my wife and I were on a freeway when this happened- the outcome could have been a lot worse. SAFETY SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT FOR ME AND THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME!

NHTSA ID

11761828

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at slow speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into second gear. The check engine warning light illuminated for a while before the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair; however, during the repair, the dealer burned the PCM twice, and the recall repair was not performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11761093

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

After receiving Recall#26S28/NHTSA Rcall#26V237, I made appointment for the transmission module remedy upgrade.After getting upgrade, I didn't go a mile when it stuck in 3rd gear and wrench light came on..I took truck back to Ford garage and had to leave it there.A few days later I picked truck up and made it about 5 miles.I took it back ,as they wanted to drive it and try to get correct codes to come up, but all it did was keep coming up as a different code that wasn't warranted...We had a rejection from Ford on a conference call between Ford,Ford garage, and myself...they would only replace "lead frame"if the down shifting code came up...well, they already upgraded that but will not replace "lead frame" that shows a bad realy molded on it...I have truck back after 2 weeks sitting at their shop, but cannot drive it .When I take off from a stop it will do a hard shift into 3rd, wrench light and tranny fan comes on and I have to find a spot to pull over as it will not shift higher.Once shut off, I can restart and continue, but it usually does it several times before I can continue and shifting returns to normal...Recall from Ford shows if software upgrade doesn't rectify problem, they will replace "lead frame"- Ford garage wants me to drive it until code comes up that they need to warranty "lead frame", but its not safe to drive as it now has up-shifting problem.

NHTSA ID

11760965

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Execution of manufacturer safety recall service resulted in immediate, catastrophic transmission malfunction and sudden loss of motive power upon leaving the franchised dealership, creating an imminent road hazard. Details of the Incident: Recall Intake: On XXX, the vehicle was driven into the authorized Ford dealership Cloninger Ford of Morganton in [XXX] under its own power for an open manufacturer safety recall involving the transmission molded leadframe and PCM software update to prevent sudden, unintended downshifts. Immediate Failure Post-Service: After technicians completed the recall service and returned the keys, the vehicle was driven out of the dealership lot. Upon reaching normal road speed and shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (less than 0.2 miles from the service bay), the transmission violently malfunctioned, lost forward drive engagement, and rendered the truck completely disabled and undrivable in active traffic. No road test was performed by the dealership prior to releasing the vehicle. Safety Risk: The sudden failure and inability to shift gears properly left the vehicle stranded in roadway traffic, presenting an immediate collision risk. The vehicle had to be limped back into the dealership service drive immediately. Remedy Failure & Denial: The dealership acknowledged that the recall-mandated PCM software calibration update triggered the severe transmission failure. However, both the manufacturer and the dealer are now claiming the failure is a "pre-existing condition," refusing to complete the safety remedy without charging the owner $7,000 for a full transmission replacement. The safety defect that prompted the recall was not remedied and was instead exacerbated to total mechanical failure during execution of the recall procedure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760331

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Safety recall 26S28/26V237 was unable to be installed on my 2015 Ford F150. After receiving a "Check Engine Light" and a "Wrench Symbol Light", I took my truck to 3 different dealerships and all three could not perform the safety recall. At the first 2 dealerships, no solutions were tried. They called me to pick up the truck because they could not install recall. I took the vehicle to a 3rd dealership after recommendation from the 2nd dealership, and after 3 weeks they notified me as well that they could not perform install. A case number was created for this issue. I am still waiting for a solution from Ford to install this safety recall that is required by law to be installed.

NHTSA ID

11759426

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

The vehicle was previously taken to an authorized Ford dealership to complete Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V237000) for unintended transmission downshifts. The dealer applied the mandated software patch. However, this safety remedy has completely failed.  While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced severe mechanical gear grinding and twice suffered sudden, unprompted downshifts into a lower gear. This caused an immediate and dangerous spike in engine RPMs and a sudden deceleration, creating a high-risk highway crash hazard and a potential loss of vehicle control.  The physical hardware defect (the molded transmission lead frame) is actively failing and bypassing the software safeguard. The authorized dealer, Nielsen Ford of Morristown, is currently refusing to replace the defective hardware under the safety mandate without a permanent dashboard code, despite the vehicle displaying clear, dangerous physical symptoms of a failed recall remedy.

NHTSA ID

11759275

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, the contact immediately began to experience intermittent transmission downshifts without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was made aware of Customer Satisfaction Campaign: 26N04. The dealer stated that the campaign was placed on the vehicle to address the failure experienced; however, the program only applied if a specific error code was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the error code was not displayed. The vehicle remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given the same information as the dealer provided. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

NHTSA ID

11759084

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Mileage

168,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission downshifted from 5th to 4th gear, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The failure reoccurred, and the transmission downshifted from 3rd to 1st, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the cooler lines had snapped due to corrosion on the quick-connect clamp. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The cooler lines were replaced; however, the transmission was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,236.

NHTSA ID

11759062

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Mileage

79,236 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that an engineer was sent from the dealer to the residence and the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, after the recall repair, the message that the top speed of the vehicle was limited to 80 MPH was displayed. Additionally, the transmission was shifting roughly while shifting gears. The contact stated that the failure started after the recall repair was performed. The dealer was contacted after the recall repair due to the failure but stated that over time the transmission would shift better. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11758487

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (6R80 6-Speed) Description of Incident & Safety Hazard: My 2015 F-150 suddenly lost the ability to shift through its full range of gears and became completely locked between 3rd and 5th gears while driving. This sudden loss of power and gear range in active traffic created an immediate rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble codes P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) and P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor No Signal). I have photographic proof of these active codes. The Safety Recall Loophole: I brought the truck to a Ford dealership for safety recall 26S28. However, the dealer only performed a PCM software update and did not replace the physical molded leadframe. Because safety recall 26S28 strictly excludes codes P0720 and P0722 from its replacement criteria, the dealer is completely unauthorized to replace the physical leadframe under this safety campaign, regardless of whether the codes are active. Inexplicably, Ford covers codes P0720 and P0722 under safety recall 24S37 (for older models), but forces 2015 owners with the exact same codes to rely on a non-safety Customer Satisfaction Program (26N04) which carries strict time/mileage limits. This is a dangerous technical loophole. A software patch on a vehicle with a physically failing speed sensor is a temporary band-aid, not a permanent safety fix. The physical leadframe is still defective and will fail again, presenting a continuous safety hazard. Ford must expand safety recall 26S28 to mandate the physical replacement of the molded leadframe for all vehicles presenting with leadframe-related codes, including P0720 and P0722. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11758458

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11758422

Incident

May 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle started experiencing failures associated with the recall. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear and the vehicle swerved in the middle of the highway. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The leadframe was installed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,265.

NHTSA ID

11758217

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

Mileage

210,265 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, with the WRENCH symbol flashing before the vehicle lost power. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

NHTSA ID

11758187

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

240,000 mi

Vehicle will downshift from 6th gear to 3rd gear at highway speed (55 mph+)

NHTSA ID

11757737

Incident

Aug 17, 2026