2017 Ford F-150 Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P0715 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed without additional fault codes. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. 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 59,060.

NHTSA ID

11773987

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

Mileage

59,060 mi

On 10/13/2026, driving about 25 mph on a city street, my truck entered failsafe with no prior warning lamps or symptoms. The PCM cut most engine power, leaving no acceleration, and set P1285 (CHT Overtemp Sensed) and P1299 (CHT Overtemp Protection Active). The engine was not overheating; a $40 CHT sensor fixed it. Evidence: I watched live data on an Autel MaxiCheck MX808S-TS while driving during the events. CHT dropped to implausibly low values for brief moments, then immediately returned to normal values matching coolant temp. Coolant temp stayed normal throughout. Failsafe triggered on these momentary dropouts, never on an actual high reading. The PCM logic is unsafe: 1. A low-reading sensor dropout was reported as an overtemp. The PCM set two overtemp codes and no sensor circuit code. 2. It ignored contradicting data. CHT recovered instantly and matched normal coolant temp, yet the PCM acted on one momentary bad reading. 3. The response was disproportionate. A sensor glitch with normal coolant temp should set a check engine light and circuit code, not remove engine power while driving. 4. It creates a crash risk. Losing acceleration in city traffic, amid chimes and flashing warnings, left me unable to keep pace or maneuver and caused anxiety and distraction. 5. False overtemp codes mislead owners. A typical owner would likely need a tow and a costly cooling system diagnosis over a $40 sensor glitch. Even as a former mechanic, I spent hours chasing a nonexistent cooling problem. Not inspected by a dealer, manufacturer, police or insurance. I diagnosed it with live scan data and confirmed it by replacing the sensor. The original sensor is retained and available for inspection. I ask NHTSA to investigate the CHT failsafe strategy on Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engines: whether the PCM checks CHT plausibility against coolant temp before cutting power, and whether a single-sensor fault should ever remove engine power while driving.

NHTSA ID

11771529

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

My 2017 Ford F150 has been downshifting unexpectedly now for weeks. There have been a few times when I literally lost control of my truck. I am afraid to drive on Highway. I use my truck for work and everything else. The local Ford dealership here Astro Ford in D'Iberville, Ms told me yesterday they will not repair my truck based on guidance from Ford...they recieved just a few days ago....saying the recall repair is inadequate and another remedy is being worked on. I cannot drive my truck to go to work to make money to pay bills. Based on what I have read they will also refuse to give me a car loaner of some kind for the time being. What XXX am I supposed to do now??????

NHTSA ID

11768510

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

My Transmission will townshift suddenly on the Highway. The error code I get is the (P0720) output-speed-sensor. I have noticed it has been recalled before. It is very scary when I am driving, and I know it has to be hurting my engine and transmission. I got a recall notice and thought it was for this, but it was for other error codes similar to this. According to my research they all seem to very closely associated. I took it to the dealership, and they said ford won't cover my issue.

NHTSA ID

11767852

Incident

May 4, 2026

In late July 2026, my son received a Ford safety recall notice (Recall #26S28) for his 2017 F 150 requiring a PCM software update. I brought the truck to Crown Motors in Redding on August 11th for the recall service. Before this appointment, the truck had no performance issues. Immediately after picking up the truck, a noticeable pinging sound occurred under acceleration. I returned the vehicle on August 12th, where Crown Motors confirmed the issue and advised spark plug replacement. This did not resolve the problem. I was also told that continued driving could damage the engine, so the truck remained at the dealership. Over the following days, Crown Motors worked with Ford engineering and repeatedly attempted software-related fixes. Crown staff informed me they believed the recall update caused the issue, and the first internal Ford team reportedly agreed. However, on August 25th, Ford’s second internal review determined the software update was not responsible and stated that all repair costs would fall on me—despite the clear timeline showing the problem began immediately after the recall service. Customer Service provided no assistance and refused to escalate my concern. As a result, my truck is currently non-operational, Crown Motors does not have a fix, and Ford will not cover repairs triggered only after Ford’s own safety recall. According to NHTSA’s info, it seems Ford is obligated under Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30111 et seq.) to repair the vehicle. I am requesting that Ford acknowledge responsibility for the recall related issue and cover the necessary repairs. I am deeply concerned at the lack of support and accountability shown throughout this process from Ford. I am resubmitting this info, not sure if my first attempt worked. I had an issue with my internet browser.

NHTSA ID

11760926

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

On XXX, my [XXX] son was driving this 2017 Ford F-150 when the transmission suddenly downshifted while traveling on the road. The downshift was severe enough that the rear tires lost traction and the vehicle fishtailed, nearly resulting in an accident. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealer on 8/18/2026. We reported the sudden downshift, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the condition. The dealer performed Ford Recall 26S28/NHTSA 26V-237 and campaign 19G01, and the vehicle was returned on XXX. On XXX, only two days after the recall repair, the engine unexpectedly shut off while the vehicle was being driven. It restarted afterward. On XXX, the engine again unexpectedly stalled while the vehicle was moving. When the engine stopped, power-steering assist was lost and the driver had to coast the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The engine restarted immediately. When attempting to drive away, the transmission appeared to be starting in approximately third gear rather than first gear. After the vehicle was moving, the transmission eventually began operating normally again. Ford Customer Relationship Center was notified on XXX and formally documented these incidents. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am concerned because the original sudden downshift closely resembles the safety defect addressed by Recall 26V-237/26S28, and serious intermittent stalling and abnormal transmission operation have continued after the recall remedy was performed. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate these post-recall safety symptoms and whether the recall remedy adequately addresses the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760892

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

Not sure if I can file an issue for this, but I wanted to let you know that a Ford Safety recall caused other issues after it was applied. In late July 2026, my son received a Ford safety recall notice (Recall #26S28) for his 2017 F 150 requiring a PCM software update. I brought the truck to Crown Motors in Redding on August 11th for the recall service. Before this appointment, the truck had no performance issues. Immediately after picking up the truck, a noticeable pinging sound occurred under acceleration. I returned the vehicle on August 12th, where Crown Motors confirmed the issue and advised spark plug replacement. This did not resolve the problem. I was also told that continued driving could damage the engine, so the truck remained at the dealership. Over the following days, Crown Motors worked with Ford engineering and repeatedly attempted software-related fixes. Crown staff informed me they believed the recall update caused the issue, and the first internal Ford team reportedly agreed. However, on August 25th, Ford’s second internal review determined the software update was not responsible and stated that all repair costs would fall on me—despite the clear timeline showing the problem began immediately after the recall service. Customer Service provided no assistance and refused to escalate my concern. As a result, my truck is currently non-operational, Crown Motors does not have a fix, and Ford will not cover repairs triggered only after Ford’s own safety recall. I believe the Spark Knock issue is an additional safety issue caused by the PCM recall update that was I was told could cause engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11760056

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

PCM not communicating with throttle body causes wrench light to come on and we loose control of the gas and slows the car abruptly.

NHTSA ID

11758539

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

Ford Motor Company put out a recall on the PCM. I had the recall performed and it has caused more damage to my truck. It now has eratic shifting, stuck gears, and going into limpmode. Ford Forums show that this is an ongoing issue after the reset is performed creating an unsafe vehicle to drive. The check engine light is now on and was not prior to this recall reset.

NHTSA ID

11756355

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11755550

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

I bought my f150 a year ago. now I’m experiencing timing issues, Vvt solenoid failure (all four) . Loss of power, limp mode, failure to shift etc … I’ve had several mechanics look at it .

NHTSA ID

11754844

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Vehicle makes a grinding noise on gear change on 6 speed automatic transmission due to Abrupt speed changes. Seems like changes in gears suddenly. It almost caused me to crash my truck .

NHTSA ID

11746046

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted into first gear. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was towed to NAPA Auto Parts where it was diagnosed with transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred three months later. The vehicle was taken back to NAPA Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a failed transfer case and a blown head gasket. The contact was informed that the transfer case and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall caused damage to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11745635

Incident

Jun 19, 2024

Mileage

120,000 mi

Vehicle is experiencing severe, dangerous transmission malfunctions matching Ford Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237. Multiple times while cruising at highway speeds, the vehicle has abruptly downshifted into 2nd or 3rd gear without warning, causing violent engine revving, sudden loss of forward momentum, and severe steering wheel shaking. These incidents occurred in rainy, low-visibility environments. The vehicle is primarily driven by my wife with our [XXX] granddaughter inside. A sudden drop to 2nd gear at highway speeds in low-traction conditions creates an immediate, catastrophic risk of a high-speed rear-end collision or loss of control. On Wed [XXX], we took the truck to Hubler Ford (Shelbyville, IN). The service department officially diagnosed the vehicle and acknowledged the malfunctions are caused by Recall 26S28. However, they refused to repair it because they are "waiting on a software code" from Ford corporate, estimating a delay until mid-July 2026. They refused to provide a safe loaner, forcing us to drive an actively malfunctioning vehicle. On 6/18/26, I called Ford National Customer Service to escalate this safety issue and request an interim rental. The Ford rep contacted Hubler Ford but failed to authorize a rental. Instead, Ford corporate placed me back in a customer service loop, telling me to discuss symptoms with the dealer again, even though the dealer already officially diagnosed the defect. This loop has caused numerous 20+ min holds with no one addressing the issue. Both Ford and Hubler Ford are refusing to provide intermediate safe transportation for an officially diagnosed, severely malfunctioning safety-recall vehicle, leaving a toddler exposed to a severe highway crash hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744945

Incident

May 15, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11743246

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

I experienced a sudden coolant leak on my 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as leaking turbocharger coolant lines. The coolant was leaking in the turbo area and dripping onto extremely hot exhaust components. This creates a risk of rapid coolant loss, overheating, loss of power while driving, and potential engine compartment fire. The Ford service advisor told me directly that he has “seen this many times,” which indicates this is a recurring failure on EcoBoost engines and not normal wear. This suggests the coolant line design or fittings may be defective and failing prematurely. The repair estimate was extremely high because the dealer included replacement of both exhaust manifolds. This failure occurred without warning. If the coolant loss had happened at highway speed, it could have caused sudden engine overheating or power loss. I am requesting NHTSA investigate turbo coolant line failures on Ford EcoBoost engines due to the safety risk of coolant leaking onto hot turbo and exhaust components.

NHTSA ID

11742630

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

My vehicle is currently subject to an open Ford transmission safety recall for which no repair remedy is available at this time. The vehicle is experiencing a recurring and dangerous failure while driving. Approximately twice per day, during my normal commute, all vehicle electronics suddenly shut off while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, the wheels appear to lock up, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control and creating a significant crash risk. When the failure occurs, I am forced to immediately shift the transmission into neutral while the vehicle is still moving. After approximately 5 to 10 seconds, I can shift back into drive and continue operating the vehicle. However, vehicle electronics often remain inoperative for the remainder of the trip. This condition is occurring repeatedly and has become more frequent. The issue currently occurs approximately once during my drive to work and once during my drive home. My commute is approximately 20 minutes each way. The vehicle has not yet been involved in a crash, but I believe a crash is likely if this condition continues. The sudden loss of power, loss of electronics, and wheel lockup while driving creates an immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle is subject to an active safety recall, the condition appears related to the recall, and no repair remedy is currently available. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to operate

NHTSA ID

11741380

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

I have changed this transmission twice, and the truck still turns off when it comes to a complete stop at an intersection. It hesitates, skips, and pulls back when driving.

NHTSA ID

11740373

Incident

Jun 12, 2023

On going issue with many 3.5 EcoBoost engines having numerous oil leaks due to plastic manifold, valve covers, and oil pan. They heat up and crack over time causing oil leaks on both the top side and bottom of the engine. Being a serious fire hazard with a costly repair that is common in these F150 trucks. 03

NHTSA ID

11738730

Incident

Mar 20, 2021

While driving about 60 mph on the highway, all warning lights on the dash suddenly came on and the truck immediately lost power/shut down. The wheels sputtered or somethting like that, not sure how to describe it. I was able to safely get off the road and restart the truck. After restarting, it drove normally again with no obvious issues. I recently received a recall notice describing very similar symptoms related to the transmission/lead frame issue, but the notice stated no remedy was yet available. This created a serious safety concern because the failure happened unexpectedly at highway speed. Here is the recall info: Issue Date 2026-04-14 Campaign 26S28/26V237

NHTSA ID

11738478

Incident

May 18, 2026

The transmission needs to be rebuilt/repaired with 162k miles. A member of my family also has a 2017 Ford F150 with the 10r80 transmission and theirs just went out at 92k miles. Also, the cam phaser issue on the 3.5 eco boost happened to this vehicle as well. Now I need a new transmission and theirs cam phasers, timing chain, etc replaced on the motor on an 8 year old truck. These are known issues to Ford as they have changed the parts that failed with a newer, better version.

NHTSA ID

11738424

Incident

May 1, 2026

Hard downshift caused my truck to slow suddenly and became very hesitant where the vehicle behind me had to slam on their brakes. I then pulled over when it was safe, turned the truck off and then attempted to turn back on with no success due to the shift indicator no longer lighting up. This matches up with the current recall for this particular vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11737801

Incident

May 12, 2026

At 87,336 miles, my 2017 Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost) would not start. The engine clicked and buzzed but failed to turn over, leaving me stranded with no warning. There was no prior check engine light. I brought the truck to Roy Hendrick Automotive in [XXX] (Invoice XXX, completed 03/05/2025). Their diagnosis determined the cam phasers and timing components had failed. The shop performed a full timing chain and cam phaser replacement, including both camshaft sprockets, timing chains, tensioners, timing chain guides, variable timing solenoids, water pump, seals, gaskets, and spark plugs. Total cost: $5,449.36, entirely out of pocket. This is a serious safety defect. Cam phaser failure in the 3.5L EcoBoost can cause catastrophic loss of engine timing, resulting in sudden engine stall or failure to start. A stall at highway speed, in an intersection, or while merging creates an immediate risk of collision, serious injury, or death. Even a no-start condition is a safety issue when it strands a driver in an unsafe location. I use this vehicle daily to transport my two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) to and from daycare. A sudden engine failure while driving with them in the vehicle could have had fatal consequences. Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser failures are extensively documented, with numerous TSBs and owner complaints on file. An engine should not require over $5,000 in internal timing repairs before 100,000 miles. Ford has failed to issue a recall or provide an adequate remedy. I am filing this complaint to ensure NHTSA has a complete record of another 3.5L EcoBoost timing failure that put vehicle occupants, including small children, at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735513

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

1. the 10R80 transmission , Yes it is available for inspection. It has already been replaced with a new one. 2. Transmission was upshifting hard and then downshift from posted speed limit of 70 mph down to 50 mph on [XXX] South to Birmin [XXX] s, the dealer replaced it with new transmission at my expense. $8188.67 Plus Labor 4. Yes it was inspected Long-Lewis Ford Dealer. 5. Yes check engine light came on and stayed on. I have attached the main portion of my repair bills. Please let know by email: [XXX] , if you need more information. I would like to try and get a refund on my out of pocket cost totalling: $15,905.55. Thank You, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734852

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

*What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The vehicle downshifts suddenly and hard-shifts down on its own. It is worriesome as it randomly happens and oftentimes at high speeds. Yes it is available for immediate inspection. *How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -On more than one occasion the vehicle has suddenly downshifted causing a hard noticeable jerk at random speeds. I am worried that at higher speeds it can lockup and cause a serious accident with my kids in the car. *Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -I have taken it to Ford on several occasions in the past but said they didn't notice anything, but I recently took it again and explained the downshift and hard-shift again and now they told me it needs a full transmission replacement that would cost close to $8000 dollars. *Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -The vehicle has been taken to Ford on multiple occasions but they did not find any issues at first. I took it again as it has happened more often and now they tell me it requires a full transmission replacement. *Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -The issue first appeared last year, I took it and told them that it had a suttle jerk and asked them to inspect and if there were any recalls. No warning lights. *I am seriously concerned for my safety, it is my only good vehicle and worried it can cause an accident with my kids in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11730603

Incident

Apr 11, 2026