2016 Ford F-150 Powertrain (other) Problems

I had received a recall letter from Ford in May 2026, 26s28, but a remedy was not available yet. July 14, 2026 I was driving on a highway, my cruise set at 69 mph, when my 2016 ford f150 suddenly downshifted to first or second gear causing my truck to swerve back and forth till it slowed down. I took truck intoFord dealership and they updated my PCM software. Since the PCM updating, this has happened 4 more times. Dealership says it is a speed sensor problem in the leadframe. Received Customer Service Program #26N04 letter in July stating an extention on my leadframe warranty. Ford will not fix under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11776671

Incident

Jul 14, 2016

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shuddered and the rear wheels locked up. The Power Train warning light was illuminated, and the messages "Collision Warning not Available" and "Hill Start Assistance Not Available" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an abnormal burning odor and an abnormal scraping sound coming from the front driver’s and passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the diagnosis information was unavailable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the diagnosis information was unavailable. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle should not be driven. The failure mileage was approximately 102,173.

NHTSA ID

11775890

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

102,173 mi

Truck totally shuts off randomly while driving. Loss of everything Z

NHTSA ID

11774657

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission safety issue with my son's 2016 Ford F-150, which is subject to Ford Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237 and is also within the scope of NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26001 concerning unintended transmission downshifts. The truck was operating normally before the recall repair. Ford notified us that the vehicle was affected by the transmission recall and instructed us to take it to a Ford dealer. The recall remedy involved reprogramming the powertrain control module with updated software intended to address the transmission-range-sensor problem and prevent unintended downshifts. We took the truck to a Ford dealer and had the recall software update performed. Immediately following the software update, the truck developed severe and abnormal transmission behavior and became essentially undrivable. Among the problems experienced were the truck attempting to start in an incorrect gear, including fifth gear, and extremely abnormal shifting while driving, including an apparent shift from sixth gear directly to first gear – ironically the same type of dangerous and unpredictable transmission behavior that the recall was intended to prevent. ***These problems did not exist before Ford performed the "recall repair."*** The Ford dealer subsequently diagnosed the transmission molded leadframe as needing replacement. Ford has refused to authorize the leadframe replacement under its applicable program/recall coverage because the specific diagnostic trouble codes Ford requires are not currently present. They would likely become present if we were able to safely drive the vehicle, but unfortunately that is not possible at this point.

NHTSA ID

11774066

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, the rear wheels locked up, and the vehicle decelerated. The wrench icon was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 116,500.

NHTSA ID

11773754

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

Mileage

116,500 mi

My 2016 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 has experienced repeated failures involving the transmission gear-position system and inability to start. During the most recent incident, I was stopped at a traffic light when a wrench warning illuminated on the dashboard and all transmission gear-position indicators disappeared. The vehicle remained operational but exhibited significantly reduced performance when accelerating. Concerned about the malfunction, I turned off the ignition to attempt a restart. The vehicle would not restart, leaving me stranded. This failure created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could have become disabled in active traffic. Previously, the vehicle experienced a similar no-start condition. An independent repair facility replaced the starter, negative battery cable, and shift lever. Although the vehicle initially operated normally, the problem returned. The repair facility subsequently reproduced the failure and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes consistent with Ford's transmission-related safety recall. The underlying defect remains unresolved. The vehicle is currently undrivable and located at an authorized Ford dealership, where it is available for inspection. Ford customer service informed me that the recall remedy has been paused because the existing fix is ineffective. The dealership cannot perform its own diagnostic evaluation until December. Despite the vehicle being undrivable due to a suspected recall-related defect, both Ford corporate customer service and the dealership have declined to provide a loaner vehicle, rental assistance, or an expedited diagnostic evaluation. I am concerned about the risk of unexpected transmission behavior, loss of power, and vehicle immobilization in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this safety defect and the lack of an available effective recall remedy.

NHTSA ID

11773650

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

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, the failure occurred after the recall repair. While starting the vehicle, the transmission started out at 5th gear with the engine revving, and while driving at various speeds, the transmission slammed into gear before accelerating. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the lead frame and PCM were normal, but the transmission might need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

NHTSA ID

11773618

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

Mileage

163,000 mi

My truck was driving fine since I bought it 9 years ago. Ford sent me a letter saying to come in for a recall (Recall 26S28). I went to my local Ford dealership for the recall work, and after that my truck started driving very poorly. The transmission would shudder, and studder at all RPMs (unsafe at highway speeds). I called the dealership and was given the run around. I was told by the dealership that the 'transmission learning' was reset and that it was fine now. Their fix didn't do anything and the truck still had transmission problems. I then found out that the recall that was performed on my truck was 'paused' due to it causing 'issues'. Ford refuses to tell me why the recall was paused, and insists that the recall did not break my truck (even though it was obviously paused for a reason). After driving it for a few months and it getting worser and worse, I called another branch of the dealership. They told me that my transmission was basically broken now, and that it would be $9000 to replace it. The truck has 72000 miles on it. The truck ran perfectly fine for almost a decade and now the transmission fails after the transmission recall work was done. I read of other F150 owners who had the recall done, and their trucks spontaneously missed a shift on the highway which is very unsafe. The Ford dealership told me to call the Ford help line, which is basically a black hole with a rep reading from a script. Ford has made my truck unsafe, nearly undrivable and unsellable, and refuses to take any action or responsibility.

NHTSA ID

11773604

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

Ford finally sent me a recall notice just this year in May. I have called multiple dealers and Bomaritto ford in [XXX] told me 2 and a half years ago to bring my truck in and they'll replace the Lead frame free of charge however any dealerships I contacted in [XXX] denied any such recall. When I received the recall letter from ford it stated the transmission lead frame would be covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The truck was already 10 years old when I finally received a notice from ford. I ended up rebuilding the whole transmission myself and it cost me over $1500.00 in parts, not to mention I was without a vehicle for approx 2 months waiting on all the back ordered parts. The lead frame I installed was not a ford oem part. The service team in [XXX] told me either way, fird has to replace it with oem parts. I took it to crown ford in [XXX] and they refused to replace the Lead frame which had a check engine code as well. They claimed it was a software update was the problem. I believe that they deleted it from the tcm and ecu. Ford has done everything they possibly could to cover this up and they got the extended warranty to pay for the damaged rear differential which they used the old axle housing that was bent from the lock up and I have spent thousands of dollars in parts and alignments and the vehicle will not stay in alignment because of the damaged rear axle housing. The transfer case was never repaired or replaced also. They treated me completely horrible and lied about my vehicle ever having any recall for the transmission. They installed the 5 degree pinion angle shims to compensate for the rear axle shafts being twisted from the rear end locked up. Ford is not allowed to install them because it is a liability issue for them. They claimed that they were already on my vehicle which is a complete lie. I wouldn't even know where to get them since I can't even locate any online or at any auto part stores... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773351

Incident

Aug 16, 2021

I purchased my truck in XXX. Shortly afterwards as I was driving at approx 45 mph, the rear end just locked up and felt like something had snapped inside the transmission or transfer case. I had an extended warranty which Ford took full advantage of claiming that the rear end had locked up due to a bad 4 wheel drive switch and I knew I was being lied to. They got the extended warranty to pay for they're transmission leadframe recall that they didn't fix. They also added 4 degree pinion angle shims under my leaf springs and claimed that I put them on my truck and I did not, they did. They also lied to me and said they hadn't removed my transmission yet I could see fresh tool marks on every bolt on my transmission. They installed a thermal bypass valve in my transmission, I believe so that they could claim that I had installed aftermarket parts therefore ford isn't liable. Not long after Corning ford rebuilt my rear differential that had been destroyed due to the rear end lock up, I got a check engine light for turbine speed sensor fault. Corning ford denied any recall however bomarito ford in [XXX] confirmed that there was a recall for the lead frame that was issued 1 year after the truck was manufactured. Which is false because I bought the truck from a Chevrolet dealer in [XXX] and we went over all recalls and carfax online together and they printed everything. NO RECALL FOR LEAD FRAME OR TRANSMISSION. Corning ford employees were rude and had horrible attitudes towards me from the first visit. They claim to have fixed my vehicle but the rear axle housing is bent and I removed the rear drive shaft and placed it in 4 wheel drive and the vehicle wouldn't move indicating that the transfer case was damaged and they confirmed it should drive without the rear drive shaft but claimed there was nothing wrong with the truck. I had to spend my own money to replace the lead frame and I took it for the recall finally after it's 10 years old and t INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11773349

Incident

May 19, 2020

Driving on highway lost power to gas pedal truck dash flashed and turned off. Bunch of lights and a gear turned on. I drove to dealership immediately and left the truck there. Was later told I have a 4 serious safety hazard recalls and one that is paused and because of this can’t be fixed and leaves the truck unusable. Leaving me without a vehicle and risk of job loss for the last 3 weeks going on 4 now

NHTSA ID

11772861

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

While driving in normal conditions at approximately 40 mph the transmission shifted to 2nd gear and the PRND began flashing erratically. Afterward the transmission stayed in 5th gear until I was able to park. This caused a great deal of fear and physical pain from the sudden jolt.

NHTSA ID

11772842

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. In addition, the power train warning light was no longer illuminated. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,800.

NHTSA ID

11772786

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

Mileage

124,800 mi

Truck occasionally downshifts at high steady speed ~70mph, with a wrench. About 4weeks ongoing, now daily and check engine light is on. Codes are P0720 and P0722. Despite well documented issue, and lead frame assembly recall, Ford refuses to repair. 124k miles.

NHTSA ID

11772487

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Had the recall done at a dealer and now the the software update didn't solve the problem it is now having the wrench and is downshifting periodically with no notice

NHTSA ID

11771989

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Erratic shifting, sudden down shifts while at highway speed, and transmission suddenly stuck in 3 or 5th gear, ford currently has customer satisfaction program 26n04 covering certain 2015-2017 ford f150 trucks but specifies only certain codes to flag the need to fix the problem by changing the molded lead frame which is the defective part. Unfortunately my truck is not tripping those codes but it is showing codes p0715,p0717,p0720 that all call for the molded lead frame to be changed. The problem is codes, p0720,0722, where covered in previous recall 24S37, for f150 tucks made in 2014 with the exact same transmission and molded lead frame. So my problem is why in the previous recall where these codes acceptable and all of the sudden now there not

NHTSA ID

11771273

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

2016 F150 with 6R80 transmission problem it had got worse after Ford 26S28/NHTSA 26V237 was done at Ford Dealership just days before Recall we put on hold and Ford then was recommended it not to be done.Safety risk is transmission down shifts hard and sometimes delays in shift commands.After recall done on 9/23/2026 it also derates,goes to limp mode in intersections and freeway.Check engine and wrench lights comes on.It’s been at dealership since 10/08/2026 because it is unsafe to drive in my opinion.Dealership has driven it and verbally told me over the phone,they drove it and my details and complaints are there.The dealership is telling me they have to get a specific code to replace components under the Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04, which their saying is not there.Even though all the symptoms and problems and unsafe drivability is there even after Recall 26S28 was done and was even put on hold because in my opinion made it a lot worse.Check engine light on because of transmission problems and wrench light on because of transmission problem.I have a letter stating if after Recall was done and problems still exists to contact Dealership and Ford RAC Center,which I did.The letter says replace part because of codes if present, but also says if vehicle exhibits conditions dealers are to replace the transmission molded Leadframe after Safety Recall 26S28 has been completed, but dealership says it can’t do, even after the day I drove home after having Recall 26S28 all exhibits for Leadframe got worse.

NHTSA ID

11771220

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

Our 2016 F-150 experienced a dangerous transmission sensor failure (Ford Service read code P0722). Ford's 26S28 safety update was performed prior to this, but the physical lead frame has now failed. Ford Corporate (Case #CXH-09620415) is refusing to replace the defective safety component under companion program 26N04 because the vehicle threw code P0722 instead of the four codes arbitrarily listed on their bulletin, leaving a known mechanical defect active on the road. In this case we pulled out from a driveway onto a road and the truck stayed stuck in 1st gear or was in limp mode and the check engine (wrench icon) lit. Had this been a busy intersection we could have been hit by another vehicle. With this part failing, which is known to cause other similar problems, the truck can shift erratically or get stuck in one gear or downshift or suddenly go into limp mode from any speed. Any problems associated with the defective lead frame should be fixed not just those that throw certain codes.

NHTSA ID

11770887

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear into third, second, or first gear. The yellow wrench warning light illuminated. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a software update was performed, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11770793

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

I responded to recall 26V237 by bringing my F150 into our local Ford dealership, Lenoir City Ford, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on [XXX]. At the time the truck was dropped off for the recall fix, it was running and operating normally, without any issues. I picked up my truck on [XXX] after the dealership applied the reprogramming fix. As soon as I pulled out of their parking lot onto the main road, the truck started acting up: erratic shifting, delayed shifting, spontaneous downshifting, lack of response from acceleration, and loud rattling noises. I immediately returned to the dealership and had the service technician ride in the vehicle with me. She asked me to turn around immediately and had the service manager ride in the vehicle. He also immediately told me to turn around and return to their parking lot, saying the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The only way to got the vehicle back to the parking lot was to use the manual shift mode and shift with the paddles. As of the date of this filing, the truck remains in the possession of Lenoir City Ford and is undriveable. The Ford dealership has completed all troubleshooting requirements with Ford Motor Company. It has been determined that the transmission needs to be replaced. Ford Motor Company is refusing to make the necessary repairs to the vehicle that their software fix created. The dealership continues to try to resolve this through their channels, and I keep reaching out to Ford Motor Company to resolve it. I have a case file started with Ford, [XXX]. Since this started, Ford Motor Company issued an internal memo to all dealerships instructing them to stop performing the recall software fix, which is under investigation. See attached. The vehicle is still in Lenoir City Ford's possession. On October 14th, the dealership will have been in possession of it for one month. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11770682

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

1.The component that is failing & causing a safety hazard is the vehicle transmission. 2.The transmission shifts violently at highway speeds & causes partial loss of control by the driver & potential additional damage to the powertrain; dashboard wrench light (powertrain warning light) goes on when this happens. 3.The problem has been confirmed by Ford Motor Vehicle Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 (safety recall notice) the vehicle owner received in a written letter from Ford in July 2026. 4. The Ford Dealership at Liccardi Ford, 1615 Route 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07066 908-561-7500, arranged for a mobile repair on 07-21-26 (Recall Repair 26S28). The repair was made but the condition was not corrected. 5. The vehicle was brought into Liccardi Ford dealership on 09-13-26 for further service to correct the powertrain fault consistent with the Safety Recall Notice (customer Satisfaction Program 26N04). 6. The Dealership did nothing to correct the problem and in part, stated on their work order, "PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS RETRIEVED CODE PO219 ENGINE OVERSPEED CONDITION, PO61A INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE TORQUE PERFORMANCE, PO722 OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR - NO SIGNAL - NOT RELATED TO 26N04 - NEEDS FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. 7. The vehicle owner was told by the Ford Dealership that they would not correct the safety recall problem (evident by the powertrain failing in a manner consistent with the recall notice and the powertrain warning light) without further diagnosis at a cost to the vehicle owner of about $220/hour for diagnosis plus any costs for service work. 8. This failure by Liccardi Ford to correct the hazardous powertrain safety problem consistent with Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 regardless of what codes were found (or not found) without invoicing the vehicle owner is an unconscionable bait-and switch dereliction of Ford Motor 9. I humbly ask the NHTSA to require Ford to make the repair without cost to the vehicle owner, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11770470

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

The vehicle is covered by Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V237) for a transmission range sensor signal fault causing unintended downshift. Before the recall, the truck was slipping, shifting improperly, and downshifting unexpectedly. Dealer (Wayne Akers Ford, Lake Worth, FL) solicited the recall by text on [XXX] and performed the PCM reprogramming on [XXX] (RO [XXX]) at 201,991 miles. The repair order shows no DTC scan before or after the reflash, no road test, and identical mileage in and out. The same symptoms returned the day of pickup. Owner returned promptly and was told the dealer was too busy to accept the truck. The condition worsened to a sudden unintended downshift and deceleration while driving in traffic, after which the owner parked the truck for safety. Owner reported the worsening condition by text on or before [XXX] and brought the truck in on [XXX] where he was told a diagnostic fee would be required to look at the recall condition. The dealer now says the codes are “similar but different” from the recall codes, that the condition is outside coverage, and quotes about $6,500, with no written diagnosis, code list, estimate, written denial, or SSSC submission under Program 26N04. No crash, fire, or injury. Vehicle remains unrepaired at the dealer. The owner reports this because the 26V237 remedy performed did not correct the unintended downshift condition, and the dealer’s process may have cleared the codes that would have qualified the truck for no-cost leadframe replacement. Representative contact: [XXX], [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11770453

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

My 2016 Ford F-150 experienced an unexpected downshift into second gear at approximately 45 mph. I also experienced warning lights and an occasion when the truck would not move in Drive until I shifted again. The dealership documented P0705 and P0706 before performing a PCM software update. I retained the repair order showing those codes. After the update, the truck registered P0720. The dealership diagnosed an output speed sensor circuit fault and recommended replacing the molded leadframe for approximately $2,000. I was told replacement would not be covered unless specified transmission range sensor codes returned after the update. I am concerned that a physical defect remains in the leadframe assembly despite the software update. I request review of the safety issue, the effectiveness of the recall remedy, and Ford’s handling of my documented diagnostic history. I cannot establish whether the original range sensor faults and subsequent speed sensor fault share the same cause.

NHTSA ID

11770148

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Ford sent me a recall letter stating there was a remedy for my truck. I took the truck to a ford service center and was informed that the remedy they had in place to fix the recall does not resolve the problem. They also informed me that they have no idea when the new remedy will be out to fix my truck. Seeing that there is no remedy or any timeline of when I’m getting my truck back I called ford customer support to ask for a loan vehicle. They told me they was unable to give me one. Seeing that it is a transmission problem and even having in the letter it increases the risk of an accident. I feel unsafe to drive the truck in my 60 mile commute to work or in general

NHTSA ID

11769866

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

In mid-September 2026, I had safety recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V-237) performed on my 2016 Ford F-150 at Corwin Ford Reno in Reno, NV. The recall remedy was a powertrain control module software update intended to prevent unexpected transmission downshifts. Before the recall repair, the vehicle had no drivability problems of any kind. About three days after the recall repair, the truck began repeatedly losing acceleration while driving at highway speed. The vehicle would stop responding to the accelerator, and the wrench warning light came on in the instrument cluster. This happened on multiple occasions over several days. Losing acceleration in highway traffic creates a serious risk of a rear-end collision. This is the same type of loss-of-control hazard the recall was meant to address, and the condition appeared only after the recall software was installed. I contacted the dealer right away to report the safety problem. Over two days I called at least six times and left multiple messages that were not returned. When I reached the service department, they would not inspect the vehicle until the following week, and a service manager offered the same delay. I also contacted Ford customer service and received no help. The vehicle has been at the dealer since September 30, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, there is still no diagnosis or repair. I believe the recall 26S28 remedy either failed to correct the defect or introduced a new powertrain fault that causes loss of motive power at speed. I am asking NHTSA to note this complaint in connection with recall 26V-237 and investigation EA26001, and to evaluate whether the remedy is adequate.

NHTSA ID

11769769

Incident

Sep 26, 2026