2017 Ford F-150 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-150, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)53432.7%
- Engine36522.3%
- Electrical1338.1%
- Brakes1147.0%
- Body & structure1106.7%
- Driver assistance845.1%
- Steering593.6%
- Visibility533.2%
- Interior & seats442.7%
- Other / unspecified442.7%
- Fuel system271.7%
- Airbags231.4%
- Seat belts171.0%
- Suspension120.7%
- Transmission80.5%
- Exterior lighting50.3%
- Tires & wheels30.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 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. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The torque converter has malfunctioned and the vehicle is currently at the dealership for repairs. The truck experiences significant vibration and shuddering at speeds above 45 mph. There is an existing recall for this exact issue; however, our VIN is not included in the affected vehicle population. With only 60,000 to 70,000 miles on the truck and less than 10 years of service, a major component such as the torque converter should not require replacement, especially on a vehicle that has been properly maintained throughout its life.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
After a big freeze my fuel level gauge stopped working. I have replaced every sensor and fuse possible, along with multiple new fuel pumps. It has been taken to a certified Ford Dealership and they can’t find the problem. There is a Ford recall that already explains the problem exactly. It is Ford 26C26. I am not able to get my vehicle inspected and without knowing exactly what my fuel level is it could leave me stranded.
Vehicle is subject to active Safety Recall 26S28 for transmission lead frame and range sensor failure causing unexpected downshifts into 1st gear. Vehicle experienced downshifting symptoms creating severe road hazard and risk of rear-wheel lockup. Dealership cleared diagnostic trouble codes without saving freeze-frame logs, mis-entered VIN on billing estimates, and refused to complete the recall repair. Vehicle is available for inspection.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to stop as needed and the braking distance became extended. Additionally, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes became inoperable. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode back to the residence. The dealer was contacted by phone and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,118.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension). The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH around a bend, the rear wheels spun out, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The front end and rear then struck the center median, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway. The contact had not sustained any injuries. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that there were unknown fluids leaking from the vehicle, possibly due to the crash. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that rainwater was leaking from the headliner and caused water damage to the front seats and carpet, and there was mold inside the headliner of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and the moon roof seals were replaced and the drainage tubes were installed, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was recently taken to a second dealer who diagnosed that the water was entering the vehicle from the rear of the ceiling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the mold aggravated a previous health condition. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,487.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
PCM not communicating with throttle body causes wrench light to come on and we loose control of the gas and slows the car abruptly.
I purchased a 2017 Ford F-150 on July 9th. It is covered under Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V23700). On July 25th, the vehicle entered highway limp mode due to an Output Speed Sensor failure (Code P0722). A Ford dealership performed the 26S28 software flash but left the failing physical lead frame hardware in the vehicle. On August 15th, the truck reverted to a dangerous limp mode on the highway due to the same unaddressed P0722 hardware failure. Ford Corporate is refusing to authorize the physical hardware replacement under the safety recall framework, leaving the vehicle fundamentally unsafe to drive.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V847000 (Steering, Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline and to the DMV for assistance.
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)
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
A week ago, the top interior strip that holds the sliding glass window in place randomly fell off. We taped the hole until we could find someone who could fix the track. Then, a week later the non-sliding portion of the back rear window exploded while parked. There was no sort of impact, the window just shattered sending pieces of glass into my kids car seats.
I recently discovered a recall notification in my app regarding wiper corrosion, which has resulted in my wipers functioning very slowly regardless of the speed setting. This poses a significant safety concern, especially during rainy or snowy conditions in Michigan, as it substantially impairs visibility. After contacting Ford Motor Company and spending three hours on the phone, I was informed that this recall is applicable only in Canada. However, I am currently residing in the U.S. and experiencing related issues. Given the serious nature of this safety matter, I felt it necessary to bring this to your attention. Thank you for your consideration.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear and passenger’s side rear bottom doors failed to latch as intended. The door ajar audible sound repeatedly pinged. The contact stated that the failure was a safety issue and that the sound was distracting while driving. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2018 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to open the front driver’s side door, the power door lock actuator failed. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20M04 (Power Door Lock Actuator Failure); however, the VIN was not included in the CSP. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the highway on several occasions, the transmission drops from 6th gear to a lower gear, either seeming to slip, or locking the wheels causing a bad jerk. i have an appointment in two days , but am concerned that there may be more damage to my vehicle that will show up later due to this issue. I had another dealership try to charge to to repair my truck. i am hopefull that the new dealership will do right by me.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but responded slowly, resulting in reduced braking performance. The contact became aware that brake fluid was leaking onto the driveway. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about operating the vehicle with the braking issue. Additionally, the driver's and passenger's side front tires and rims were hard to keep clean due to the brake master cylinder leaking black fluid. The contact continuously cleaned the wheels and the rims to prevent the corrosive substance from damaging the tires and the rim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My transmission has been slipping. To the point where it has made me stop, especially on hills and in cold. 10 Spd auto. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After a big freeze my fuel level gauge stopped working. I have replaced every sensor and fuse possible, along with multiple new fuel pumps. It has been taken to a certified Ford Dealership and they can’t find the problem. There is a Ford recall that already explains the problem exactly. It is Ford 26C26. I am not able to get my vehicle inspected and without knowing exactly what my fuel level is it could leave me stranded.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V847000 (Steering, Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline and to the DMV for assistance.
The drivers airbag cover is cracked. This has happened to everyone I have talked to with the same vehicle. Also is a topic on many f150 public forums. I think this should be addressed by Ford.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt was stuck and inoperable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and determined that the front driver's side seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
ELECTRICAL : RADIO WILL RANDOMLY CUT OUT. TYPICALLY WHEN TRUCK STARTS RADIO WONT WORK. HAVE TO EITHER WAIT HOUR, OR DISCONNECT BATTERY. SEEMS LIKE TYPICAL ISSUE. SEATBELT : PASSENGER SEATBELT WONT RETRACT BACK. CAN HAND FEED THEN PULL OUT BY HAND. CALLED DEALER SAID 3 YEAR 60 THOUSAND FOR WARRANTY IM OVER 3 YEARS AND AT 71K MILES. PRICE OF ASSEMBLY WAS OVER $500. [XXX] OUTRAGEOUS FOR A SEATBELT. NO IDEA WHEN IT HAPPENED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension). The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH around a bend, the rear wheels spun out, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The front end and rear then struck the center median, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway. The contact had not sustained any injuries. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that there were unknown fluids leaking from the vehicle, possibly due to the crash. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Both front springs failed sitting in my driveway. I noticed one broke in April and the other broke in June. Both time just being parked. I have not taken the truck mudrunning, hill climbing, jumping and no modifications have been done to the truck.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was going down the highway at 72mph speed limit was 80. I felt my truck shift weird from 8th to 9th. Then once it hit 10th gear I watched it go to 1st gear then felt like it entered neutral. Shortly after it went back to 10th. Shortly after behind me it was smoking and it poured fluid from the transmission.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the gear shift indicator failed to display on the instrument panel. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear. A maintenance warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission range sensor circuit (TRS) failure. The vehicle was repaired with a new lead frame. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,179.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the independent mechanic for a service appointment, the contact requested that the driver's side fog light be replaced. The contact was informed that the fog light was not faulty; however, the contact was informed that the driver's fog light was inoperable due to a power outage in the fog light housing. 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 128,086.
The Right Rear Light underneath the brake light caught fire and exploded.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 FORD F-150. CONSUMER STATED THAT TIRE ROTATION WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ROTATE THE TIRES DUE TO THE AGE OF THE TIRES AND DAMAGE IT MAY CAUSE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ROTATED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE PORTION OF THE POLICY BE CHANGED THAT PREVENTS THE TIRES FROM BEING ROTATED IF THEY ARE OUTDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Evolution H/T, Tire size: 275/65/R18, DOT Number: 3018. The contact stated that the driver’s side tire had started to form air bubbles on the sidewall. The contact took the vehicle to the local tire repair shop and was informed that the tire could blowout, and needed to be replaced. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 117,000. The tire failure mileage was 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .