Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-150, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train828
- Engine482
- Steering419
- Electrical system235
- Vehicle speed control213
- Service brakes162
- Unknown or other112
- Visibility/wiper91
- Fuel/propulsion system75
- Visibility56
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 35 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 253 2011 F-150 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 68 people died inside them, and 26 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2011 Ford F-150 failed the safety check 2.23% of the time — 10% less often than the average 2011 passenger car (2.49%). Median odometer at inspection: 135,649 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 23 variants: combined 12.6–19.7 L/100 km (about 12–19 mpg US), CO₂ 270–437 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.4 | 10.5 | 12.6 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 10.6 | 12.7 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 10.5 | 12.7 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.6 | 10.7 | 12.9 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.0 | 11.5 | 13.4 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.0 | 11.5 | 13.4 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.5 | 11.1 | 13.5 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.6 | 11.2 | 13.6 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.5 | 11.4 | 13.7 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.7 | 11.5 | 13.9 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.7 | 12.3 | 14.7 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.7 | 12.3 | 14.7 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 18.7 | 13.4 | 16.3 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 19.1 | 14.2 | 16.9 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 19.3 | 14.2 | 17.0 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 20.2 | 14.9 | 17.8 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.2 | 15.5 | 18.1 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.2 | 15.5 | 18.1 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.7 | 15.3 | 18.3 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.8 | 15.5 | 18.5 |
| F-150 Raptor 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 21.1 | 16.6 | 19.0 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 22.2 | 16.5 | 19.6 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 22.3 | 16.5 | 19.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2011 Ford F-150.
| 2019065 12 Feb 2019 | Powertrain Issue: On some trucks, a sensor problem may cause the transmission to suddenly downshift to first gear. This could cause the rear wheels to suddenly slow and p… |
| 2017246 8 May 2017 | Brakes On certain vehicles equipped with 3.5L V6 GTDI EcoBoost engines, the electric vacuum pump (EVP) may fail due to moisture entry through the engine vacuum harness… |
| 2016183 26 Apr 2016 | Powertrain Certain vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission may experience an intermittent loss of the Transmission Output-shaft Speed Sensor (OSS) signal t… |
| 2012149 1 May 2012 | Powertrain Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrectly manufactured Transmission Range Sensor. In some instances, when the shift lever is placed in the "R… |
| 2011426 7 Dec 2011 | Powertrain Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102 - Transmission Control Functions. The Brake Transmission Shif… |
| 2010463 23 Dec 2010 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the Body Control Module (BCM) may develop an internal short. If an electrical short occurs, an overheating condition may result in a vehic… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2011 Ford F-150: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11005305 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10251951 | Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10214754 | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10204989 | Online automotive service information system for April 2016-AM/FM/CD or sync with a 4.2 inch screen may exhibit a blank screen and no a;udio after a crank event. |
| 10204987 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C |
| 10204986 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016 |
| 10201087 | This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program. |
| 10201086 | This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program. |
| 10191525 | Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPMs. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise is not detrimental to the engine function or durab |
| 10189007 | This SKU is a Turbocharger. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the sealing plugs. If the plug isn't sealing properly it may lead to a oil leak. If the oil leak persists it can lead to the oil check light coming on. |
| 10189006 | This SKU is a Turbocharger. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the sealing plugs. If the plug isn't sealing properly it may lead to a oil leak. If the oil leak persists it can lead to the oil check light coming on. |
| 10189002 | This SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the software. The software may be too sensitive to the position of a locating magnet in the assembly causing the activation of the pinch point threshold prematurely. The window will stay open when it should have closed. |
| 10183669 | Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage In some of the affected vehicles, an output shaft speed (OSS) sensor failure may result in an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) and/or wrench light in the instrument cluster with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). |
| 10183567 | For 2011-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine when installing a replacement secondary timing chain tensioner (6K254) or secondary timing chain guide (6K297), it is necessary to replace both components as a pair, using the latest level parts. Make sure to use secondary timing chain tensioner part number ML3Z-6K254-A and secondary timing chain guide part number ML3Z-6K297-A. |
| 10181917 | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line. |
| 10177863 | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
| 10172885 | This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick. |
| 10172884 | This SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the software. The software may be too sensitive to the position of a locating magnet in the assembly causing the activation of the pinch point threshold prematurely. The window will stay open when it should have closed. |
| 10164508 | Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid d |
| 10163573 | Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Use pigtail harness se |
| 10162411 | Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01: Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped With A 6R80 Transmission - Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage |
| 10160931 | On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop |
| 10159510 | Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped With A 6R80 Transmission - Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Reduced power during hard acceleration
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation