Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
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Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 545 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.
The 25 most recent of 545, in the owner's own words
2016 f150 transmission downshift recall was preformed, didn’t fix the intermittent downshift at highway speeds. A week and a half after it caused a skid on a wet road. Was told at the dealership, they’re not allowed to do anything else without an active engine code
I was at my granddaughters and I went to leave and it was like dead except the wrench came up in the dash panel , I waited before calling my husband and I went back to try and start it again and it started no wrench in the display or anything , this was in February 2026. In March of 2026 I was in the middle turn lane on [XXX] by Tuttle, Ok. And it stalled as I was trying to turn and would not move I put it back into park and then back to drive and it turned . Next incident was in April2026 and I was on [XXX] south of Mustang , Ok. And I was in the passing lane passing a vehicle going 65 mph and it just stalled and went down into 1 st gear I managed to get it to the shoulder of road an then it died it would not start but the radio and lights were still on and there was a wrench popped up in the panel . I waited for about 30 minutes and kept trying to start it after several attempts it started again and I made it home . The next incident my husband drove to doctors office and it did the same thing to him and would not move in the parking lot . About 15 minutes later he got it to start and he made it home . We quit driving it. Then we got a letter from Ford with the recall 26V237 .i waited for 2 nd letter and had not gotten it with a fix for it so I called the Ford Service Repir Center and they got us on the phone connected to a Ford Dealership in Yukon , Ok and they came and got the pickup on August 10 th and took it and brought it back on August 11 th and they did the soft ware update and told us no codes came up and we know better . When I had previously talked to the Ford Repair Center I was told if the wrench came up that they would replace the lead frame at no cost to us and give us a 150000 mile warranty. So it is now our word against the mechanics that the wrench ever came up INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I got the Recall 26S28 done on my truck, and immediately after getting my truck back the transmission is shifting super bad. Really early up shifts, aggressive engagement into drive… truck has 190,000 miles on it and shifted perfectly before the recall was done.
There was no incident. Ford announced the recall in May with no remedy until August. I had to rent a truck to pull a trailer to [XXX] from [XXX]. They said there was no compensation as there was no "stop driving" notice on the recall but it stated the the vehicle could abruptly slow down /downshift increasing the risk of a crash. Wanted to go on record that compensation should be covered by Ford as this was a considerable safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear. Additionally, the transmission became stuck in the lower gear, and the wrench icon was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN); and a software update was performed. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the service codes that were needed to perform a transmission module replacement were not displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While the contact’s wife was driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. During the failure, the vehicle abruptly decelerated and failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated the failure had occurred while driving at undisclosed speeds. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling at a stop light. During the failure, the message "Service Advance Track" was displayed. The wrench icon was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
dangerous, unpredictable transmission behavior Violent Downshifting Sudden jerks and Deceleration and Power Loss: heavy jerking loud clunks gears making noises following the forced downshift, the truck will experience a massive, unexpected drop in speed, sluggish and difficult maintaining speed like limp mode driving in normal speeds then loss of power engine stalling in the middle of rush hour traffic The Orange Wrench Light and check engine light will come on with codes p0720 I went did the reprogramming as recommended Ford dealer performed Safety Recall 26S28, which immediately aggravated the transmission failure and left the vehicle completely disabled. in the highway the dealer's recall software update directly caused a total transmission failure the next day, and i feel unsafe driving the vehicle due to the severe unprompted downshifting risks outlined in NHTSA Campaign 26V237 Felt unsafe to drive truck and also it became undrivable and had to have it towed to the Ford dealership that did recall.
Ford recently did a software update for a unexpected downshift recall that had previously happened to me while doing 60 miles an hour in my vehicle downshifted into first gear in my truck went sideways because the rear end locked up. Drove my vehicle home and took it out today and while doing 45 miles an hour it downshifted into first gear locking up the rear wheels again. Thankfully, this was at a lower speed so I was able to control the vehicle easily.. the turnpike speed limit in Maine is 70 miles an hour so if this happened at that speed in traffic, I’m almost positive there could have been a serious accident. So their update did not fix this issue.
On May 10, 2026, my 2016 Ford F-150 (6R80 transmission) went into limp mode and displayed a wrench warning light while driving. The truck lost normal transmission function and would not shift properly, creating a hazardous situation in traffic. The PCM has stored active Output Shaft Speed sensor codes P0720 and P0722, confirmed by a Paul Miller Ford IDS diagnostic scan, indicating a failing molded leadframe inside the transmission. When the OSS signal drops out at road speed, the PCM can command a sudden unintended downshift into a low gear, causing abrupt deceleration and potential rear-wheel lockup and loss of control — a serious safety hazard. Ford Recall 26S28 (26V-237) / Program 26N04 for 2015–2017 F-150s only covers a PCM software recalibration for the Transmission Range Sensor codes (P0705/P0706). It does not replace the leadframe hardware for the OSS codes (P0720/P0722) my truck is actually throwing. Ford's system auto-rejected the claim, and a dealer SSSC prior-approval request was denied. I am being told to pay out of pocket for a known defective part. For 2014 trucks, Ford replaced this same leadframe for free under Recall 24S37 when P0720/P0722 were present. My 2016 has the same transmission, same part, and same failure, but the current recall remedy is software only. I'm filing so NHTSA has documentation that the OSS leadframe failure is occurring on 2015–2017 F-150s and to request the remedy be expanded to cover leadframe replacement. No crash or injury occurred; the defect was confirmed by a Ford dealer.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and became stuck in a lower gear before shifting into the intended gear. The powertrain warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P0705, P0706, P0707, and P1702 were retrieved, indicating a powertrain control module (PCM) and leadframe failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired the day prior. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the PCM software update was completed. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for an extended period and return to the dealer to determine if the leadframe needed to be replaced. The failure persisted while driving, and upon returning to the dealer, DTC: P0717 and P0715 were retrieved. The dealer submitted a claim to the manufacturer, but coverage for the leadframe replacement was denied because the diagnostic trouble codes did not match the recall specifications. The contact stated that the PCM software update erased the initial diagnostic trouble codes, preventing the leadframe replacement under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the power train warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown transmission part and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure was intermittent. The message “Service Vehicle” was displayed and the wrench symbol was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that approximately 5 miles after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The contact called the dealer and confirmed that the recall had been closed because the recall repair was previously performed, and that any further inspections or repairs would be out-of-pocket. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was uncertain of the repair but confirmed that the failure had not occurred since the repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving on the highway speed limit 65, and all of the sudden it down shifted to first gear, jerking the truck almost to a complete stop, very scary and unsafe. I pulled over to recoup myself . It is now happening more frequently, wrench light on the dash . Not sure what I need to do , my truck is my life support for me and my family! Help me please! Thank you,
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving rough and the transmission was shifting hard. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was an open recall on the vehicle; however, there was no notification that the vehicle should not be driven. The contact was advised that the vehicle could be driven until the parts became available. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to repair the vehicle was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a PCM failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the age and mileage of the vehicle exceeded the coverage limitation. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 45 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the wrench warning light illuminated, with the number 6 displayed. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot, and the contact waited for her husband, who was able to get the vehicle to the dealer. However, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a powertrain control module failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would be completed. After retrieving the vehicle, the warning light illuminated approximately 20 minutes later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
I have a problem with my truck with the Molded Lead Frame. It is shifting erratically and not shifting below 3rd gear. I has an open recall for it, 26N04, but Ford won't perform the service because they are not getting the correct code from the computer system. So I am now forced to drive this truck in this unsafe condition until I get the correct codes.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the transmission suddenly disengaged. The accelerator pedal was released for a while, then the contact attempted to engage the transmission to accelerate. The vehicle failed to accelerate intermittently and then suddenly accelerated. The contact became aware that the message “Service Vehicle”, and the wrench symbol were temporarily illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the powertrain control module software was updated. The contact stated that, immediately after the software was updated, the failure persisted and became more persistent. The contact stated that the warning lights became illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and a week later the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Vehicle suddenly seemed to shift while driving causing a loud sound, jerk and caused a loss of control suddenly.
I own a 2016 Ford F-150 involved in Safety Recall 26S28. The vehicle suffered an unexpected downshift and also temporarily locked into 5th gear. The dealership confirmed the transmission lead frame failed. Ford is denying coverage because the failure registered as code P0717 (Input Sensor) instead of an Output Sensor code, even though both sensors are manufactured as a single, un-severable piece on the exact same recalled lead frame part. Beacuse my sensor that is housed within the exact same lead frame broke down, instead of other sensors, Ford is denying to cover the cost. The issue is that the lead frames are place in a location that they get very hot and can become brittle over time. Causing any wire or sensor housed within it to become under extreme stress and potentially fail. I dont understnad how Ford can say some sensors inside the lead frame are covered but others inside the very same part are not. My truck is currently in the dealership and the technician has informed me that this lead frame part is bad. I did have the wrench light illuminate in my truck and the PO717 trouble code was present. Because an abrupt downship can occur, this is a safety risk with known reported injuries already reported via the recal. Recall #26S28 Case # with Ford Motor COmpany is CXH-08688952
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unexpected transmission downshifts, which required the driver to pull over to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the molded leadframe was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the transmission was rebuilt. The contact stated that while driving after the repair, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the transmission specialist, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist, where the molded leadframe was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module (PCM) software update was completed; however, the failure recurred the same day. The driver pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and resumed driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the molded leadframe needed to be replaced; however, the contact informed the dealer that the molded leadframe was replaced twice in the previous three months, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure prior to the recall repair, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 199,325.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fifth gear to a lower gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle remained stuck in fifth gear, requiring the driver to shift into park(P) until the vehicle responded as intended. The check engine and powertrain warning lights illuminated. The driver was then able to resume driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module software update was completed; however, the molded leadframe was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving two days later. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to return the vehicle for verification that the software update was successfully completed, and the contact was informed that any additional repairs would be at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 179,100.
Transmission downshifted rapidly. Wrench came on and then the transmission quit.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH on three occasions, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle became uncontrollable momentarily; however, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The powertrain service warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a ticket was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, after the recall repair, the vehicle made abnormal grinding sounds and went into LIMP Mode before shifting to second gear while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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