2015 Ford F-150 Complaint Log

Uncommanded downshift at highway speed causing sudden deceleration / loss of vehicle stability. Has happened twice, once in 2020 and again in 2025. Typically in slower than highway speeds when traffic is moderate to high and traffic starts to clear. Accelerator is pressed to return to highway speeds and the vehicle downshifts suddenly. Nearly caused collision from the rear vehicles both times.

The transmission unexpectedly downshifted While merging onto another ramp onto interstate with people behind me it was in 4th then it downshifted to 1 thankfully nothing bad happened during that time. But there has also been times when merging onto the freeway way where it would do the same when about to merge on as well it’s happened a few different times.

1. System Failed: Power Train (Transmission). Component Failed: The 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission, specifically the internal lead frame and the direct drum. Inspection: No, the failed unit was replaced on December 19, 2025, but itemized diagnostic reports and repair invoices from both a Ford dealer and an independent shop are available for inspection. 2. The vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and a temporary loss of power while in motion. These incidents occurred frequently and randomly, particularly while accelerating or traversing inclines, creating "unsafe driving scenarios" where the vehicle could have been rear-ended or lost traction due to abrupt gear changes. Furthermore, the vehicle eventually entered "limp mode," where it would "buck" during shifts and fail to accelerate under load, leaving the driver vulnerable in traffic. 3. Yes, by both. Independent Center: Super Tech Automotive confirmed on December 11, 2025, that the transmission line pressure dropped from 158 psi to 20 psi under load, causing the vehicle to go into "limp mode". Dealer: South West Ford Service Department verified the concerns on December 16, 2025, documenting a "torque converter shudder" and "direct drum failure" with "excessive metal debris in fluid". 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealer, South West Ford Service Department, on December 16, 2025 (Service Advisor Ryan Forbis; Transmission Specialist 'Dietrich'). 5. Yes. Symptoms: The symptoms first appeared in August 2025 as a "sudden, temporary loss of power or unexpected down-shifting". Warning Lamps: Initially, no warning lights or error codes were produced, which prevented early detection during multiple diagnostic attempts. Later Symptoms: On December 11, 2025, the SES (Service Engine Soon) Light finally appeared when the truck entered "limp mode". Prior to the total failure, the transmission also exhibited "harsh/jerky downshifts" and would "hang up in gear".

Sudden downshift and locking in lower gear, not shifting especially in tow haul mode but somtimes just driving in standard mode.

While in 6th gear driving on the highway at 70 mph the truck downshifted to 3rd and drastically decelerated. When this happened the instrument display went from having all 6 gear numbers viable to only 1 - 3. It had to be put into Manual Mode and shifted into 6th manually. This happens twice in the same trip.

Experiencing sudden hard shifting with the 6r80 transmission. Have had wheels lock up once. Issues with the lead frame as well

While operating on my daily commute at approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle suddenly downshifted from 5th gear to 3rd, with no throttle input change. Following a commanded full stop of the vehicle, upon accelerating, the vehicle seemed to be slipping into each gear. A short duration later, the vehicle prompted me with an orange wrench symbol on the instrument panel and the phrase "see manual." The vehicle would then only shift down as low as 3rd gear and appeared to be in a limp mode with no 1st or 2nd gear until shut off and restarted. I then took it to my local Ford dealer and had it diagnosed as a "P0722, pinpoint OSS sensor failure." It was repaired with a new lead frame on December 10th, 2025.

I own a 2015 Ford F-150 with approximately 175,000 miles. I have experienced intermittent hard shifting at low speeds for many years. During normal driving, the transmission occasionally shifts very harshly, producing a loud knocking noise and causing the truck to jerk unexpectedly. I do not recall the exact first occurrence, but the hard shifting has been happening since I have owned the truck. I never thought much of it until recently reading about a transmission investigation for similar F-150 models. In December 2025, I experienced a particularly severe hard shift. During this incident, the truck jerked extremely hard and the powertrain warning light momentarily illuminated. This felt unsafe and unexpected. I had the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic, but no diagnostic trouble codes were found at the time of inspection. Despite this, the hard shifting continues to occur intermittently. This issue is a safety concern due to the sudden and harsh movement of the vehicle without warning.

After a Ford recall on software update for Transmission, the transmission is now starting to fail and downshift for no apparent reason, causing the rears wheels to lock up.

Transmission shift randomly into second gear.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud tapping noise coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the intake valve was bent. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 201,456.

On [XXX], I was driving the vehicle and accelerating onto the [XXX] freeway from an on-ramp in northern Phoenix, Arizona. During acceleration, the truck suddenly and violently downshifted, producing an abrupt jerking motion that forcibly displaced the vehicle out of the accelerating gear and into a lower gear without warning or driver input. The incident required us to exit the freeway and pull over. The event caused a momentary but pronounced loss of smooth propulsion at a critical merge point on to the freeway, creating an obvious risk of loss of control and collision with other motorists. The sudden lock-up and downshift, spike in RPMs, and deceleration were entirely inconsistent with normal operation and were objectively dangerous under highway-speed conditions. My passenger and I were jerked forward into our seatbelts. After this incident, I had the vehicle's transmission checked at a small shop, which stated they did not find any codes or issues, but recommended a full transmission rebuild at a cost of several thousand dollars. Finding no diagnostic codes or issues, I continued using my truck until it unexpectedly failed the following month on a freeway. In December 2025, while I was exiting a freeway in Mesa, Arizona, the F-150’s 6R80 transmission downshifted again without being prompted, causing similar critical safety concerns. But this time the transmission was stuck in gear and was unsafe to operate on the highway or city streets. It had to be towed. A repair shop determined that the output speed sensor was found faulty at all times with diagnostic trouble codes of P720, P0722, and P2535, requiring complete replacement of the Leadframe Assembly. To the best of my knowledge and belief, this is consistent with other recalls that Ford has issued related to the failure of its 6R80 transmissions in F-150s and similar vehicles for years 2011-2014, which are known to Ford to have a risk of crashing due to the sudden downshifting concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

My truck panoramic sunroof is leaking water which is damaging the headliner, seats, console, floor carpet, lights between the seats. There is a recall 16S35 which is for yhe very same issues that Im having. This is a dangerous situation when driving and causes distractions during driving. This is unsafe and osses risk to driving the vehicle during rain, going theough car washes or snow. Please include my vin under this recall so yhe proper repairs can be made.

The transmission failed prematurely without warning. We were without power to move onto the shoulder of a 2 lane road.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shifted hard into gear. The contact also stated that the gear shift indicator displayed the incorrect gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rearview camera was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,005.

I have had 2 instances of my F150 downshifting at highway speeds to 2nd gear while driving. I was not towing a trailer, just driving normally in both cases on my daily commute to work. The first instance was resolved by coming to a stop, shifting to park, and shifting into drive again. The second instance, I released the accelerator completely, shifted the gear selector to neutral and back to drive while coasting and it seemed to correct. Neither have led to loss of control but it is startling and not a great thing for the longevity and safety of my vehicle. I see how it could become a problem. After instance number 1, I thought perhaps it was a fluke. I now have learned that there have been prior model years of this truck transmission that also have had issues and I am more concerned that this get resolved. I now plan to have vehicle looked at by a dealership in the near future. first incident was early September and second incident was Oct. 20, 2025.

Intermittent noticeable harsh downshift in the lower gears. Not sure exactly what gears due to the intermittent nature of the symptoms. The symptoms are impossible to be replicated on demand. At this time no lights or fault codes have presented. The vehicle is used for personal light duty passenger transportation. It has been happening for about six months. The transmission oil filter and fluid were replaced 6 months ago. When the oil pan was down, it was inspected for excessive debris/sediment. In the opinion of a family technician was determined that no geartrain/clutch failure is present. The vehicle has 175k miles and it appears to be the original transmission. No other repair attempt has been made. Suspect the issue may be related to the component in the transmission called the lead frame.

Car randomly downshifting at freeway speeds. Mechanic is not sure what is wrong or how to fix. When Google, it seems to be a common issue with this year and I clearly very unsafe with people in the car on the freeway

When accelerating and decelerating the vehicle jerks and responds erratically. We had just had it at the dealership for its 80k mile maintenance. They did a transmission flush. We thought it was related but when we brought it back in, we were told that the mold leadframe would require replacing.

Back up camera has stopped working - It does work very rarely. I contacted the dealer but my 2015 is not included in any recalls even though Ford has a 15-year warranty on some cameras.

I was driving my 2015 Ford F150 and just pulled into the parking lot. The lights on the dash started going off (airbags, parking detectors, big wrench, etc), however the vehicle driving wasn't affected at that time. I immediately stopped and parked, When I returned to my vehicle it had full power, but wouldn't even attempt to start. I had no choice but to tow it to a nearby Ford dealership in Grapevine, TX. It was ultimately diagnosed with a bad "Transmission Lead Harness." The dealership told me that this was a recall item on many F150s, but for some reason, not on mine. I researched this specific issue and found that 2011-2016 models of F150 were affected. It shows an investigation was opened for 2015 models as well. My question is why my specific vehicle is not under a recall. This could be a potentially dangerous issue, i'd think. So, right now I'm looking at a nearly $2000 bill to repair my vehicle when they get the parts in on Friday, 10/10/2025. I believe that if this is a recall on other with the same transmission lead harness, why is mine separated from that. I was given no warning other than the lights going off just before shutting of my truck, then it wouldn't start again. Thankfully I was in a populated area and not in the middle of nowhere. Please advise on any possible what I can get reimbursed for this issue.

10-11-25 Transmission changed on its own from 6 gear going 63mph to first or second gear to 13mph (what I seen after realizing what happened) I already had it into Ford for sensor warnings before this and they couldn't find the problem. Now work is done and first gear is rough, and it still acts up towing a trailer. I take it back in on the 20th because I was not offered a rent a car or loaner and they think it's a clutch problem now. Ford will not help with repairs or take blame that this could have been a very bad situation if a semi was behind me. This is a known issue for 2015-2017 models.

Subject: Safety Defect Report – 2015 Ford F-150 Clock Spring Failure To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety defect in my 2015 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] ). The steering wheel clock spring has failed, which prevents the use of steering wheel controls to cycle through and monitor critical vehicle information. This creates a safety risk because the driver cannot access important vehicle data while driving. I contacted Ford Motor Company to request assistance, as the repair was quoted at $700. Ford acknowledged my request but refused to provide assistance, stating the vehicle is outside of warranty. However, the clock spring is a safety-critical component that should not fail under normal use. Ford has issued recalls for clock spring failures on other vehicles, which indicates this can be a systemic safety issue. This failure compromises safe vehicle operation and should be investigated as a potential recall matter. Thank you for your attention to this issue. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Started driving, about 2 minutes in, I noticed an electrical burn smell, and turned to look in the backseat, and it was filling with smoke, and my two young kids started coughing. I rolled all windows down and pulled over as quick as possible, unloaded both kids from rear driver side door. Saw smoke billowing out from behind the car seat on the passenger rear side, so I circled around to that door and went to inspect, right before removing the car seat I heard a loud pop and took off running just to be safe. After about 5 minutes I returned to the truck to notice the entire back windshield was shattered, chunks of glass inside and outside of the truck.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the output shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

I turned on the rear defroster to my truck. It was by mistake As I ment to push the MAX AC button. I didn't immediately turn it off. Instantly after turning it on I smelt a strong electrical/burnt small. About 30 seconds later we heard a loud POP. When I looked in the rear view mirror, I saw the back window had shattered. It was very hot to the touch.

Transmission on my F150 suddenly dropped to a lower gear as I was pulling out on a highway which significantly lowered my acceleration. Luckily the oncoming traffic slowed until I could safely get across to my lane. Eventually it jumped back into the proper gear. From what I have found on the internet this seems to be a common defect. Only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed. This is not the first time the transmission has done this. I took my F150 to the dealership to be checked and they didn’t find anything wrong. P0706 and P0707 codes.

The rear backup camera fails and goes black. It is available for inspection if requested. Problem has been reproduced by a dealer. I have not had it inspected by police or insurance. There were no warning signs other than camera went blurry then completely black. The are millions of recalls and consumer satisfaction warranties for 2015-current f 150s, but for some reason mine is not showing up as a recall.

Ford F150 1FTEW1CPXFFC58647, caught fire while parked and unoccupied. PRINCETON, TX Fire Dept was not able to identify cause and origin of ignition / fire. Vehicle is available for inspection. Vehicle caught firer while we where asleep. Vehicle was looked at by fire dept and origin of fire was undetermined.

warning light wrench came on truck suddenly downshifted into low gear

gears dropped fast on the highway, rpm's went up because my foot was on gas because I was on the highway, rear end locked up and I skidded going from 60MPH to 30 in a second.

Our truck, on occasions, downshifts for no apparent reason. I haven't taken it anywhere yet to have it looked at, but it is an abnormal problem. I have purchased several F150's, but this has been the only one that does it. Ford need to address this problem.

I was driving my 2015 F150 with the 5.0 liter engine and 6 speed transmission at approximately 60 mph in 6th gear when without warning the transmission downshifted into 1st gear causing a sudden deceleration causing my passengers and myself to be thrown forward being caught by our seatbelts. The transmission then worked its way back up the gears into 2nd and then 3rd and so on. I took the truck to a dealership (Cooper Ford of Edmond, Oklahoma) and started to tell the service manager what happened and before I even got to the downshift part he told me right away what had happened and that I will need a new main control and lead frame. It cost me $2,766.16 to have the vehicle repaired.

This is the 2nd time this has happened in 2 years. I have my truck turned off completely and locked and go to get back in it a few hours later and I open my door and the gas from the airbag has completely filled up the cab of my 2015 f150. I turn the truck on and it’s like it’s been in a wreck, all the lights on the dash are on, and it’s saying my airbags are deployed which the gas that fills the airbag did deploy, and it keeps telling me to contact 911. How does this keep happening without ford making a recall or not taking responsibility. It could seriously hurt or I hurt me or my family.

My pickup is a 2015 F-150 4WD Supercrew (5.0/6 speed auto). I was driving on an Interstate and pulling a loaded flatbed trailer. The transmission was in the “towing” mode. While leaving a rest area my truck would not shift up from first gear. I turned the truck off and re-started it and it seemed to work for a short time, but as soon as I got back to speed on the Interstate the pickup SUDDENLY shifted into a lower gear. There was no warning at all. This made the truck's engine momentarily overspeed and I felt like I was going to crash because it went from high speed to low in a very short distance. Fortunately, I was wearing a seatbelt, there was light traffic, and the roadway was slightly wet from rain. After this incident I was able to slowly "limp" it off the Interstate. It was taken to an independent transmission shop that said this was caused by a "lead frame" failure and that it was a known issue but Ford would only warranty it if it was a 2014 or older. They told me that the “speed sensor” is part of that component. They were able to repair it for me by replacing the "lead frame" - it did not appear to damage the engine or other parts of the transmission and the truck seems fine now. I do have a post warranty service contract, service contract agent said they do not specifically cover "shift plates" in their policy and it cost me over a thousand dollars out of my own pocket.

The transmission is intermittently down shifting

Track of rear cabin sliding door came unglued and popped off track while driving down highway in rain. Water entered vehicle. Looked online and found numerous complaints for 2015-2020 Ford F-150. Why is there no repair for this? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 195,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, the transmission was shifting hard shift, causing the vehicle to jump before accelerating. The failure also occurred while reversing. The vehicle failed to immediately start, and several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact occasionally cleared DTC: P1702 (Transmission Range Sensor Fault). During the failure, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The failure was intermittent. The “WRENCH” warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure became more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed because there were no codes displayed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Transmission randomly down shifts and then shifts back up a gear. Then speed control randomly drops and won’t respond

Driving on a freeway at 70mph all the sudden engine reved up and warning lite with wrench 🔧 to see owners manual came on, transmission down shifted and truck felt like it has loss of power. While driving reduced acceleration removed foot of gass pedal, truck slowed down to 40mph warning lite disappear and was driving normally. Few months later the same warning lite came on and downshift happened again at 35mph, good thing it was not on busy street.

Sudden limp mode — stuck in 1st/3rd/5th gear at highway speed. Dealer confirmed codes: P0720, P0722 Major Safety risk: Loss of power/speed control as vehicle slams out of gear at speed without warning. Known issue with TSB 13-6-8 but issue continues in vehicles like mine post 2013.

I have a 2015 ford f150. It is equipped like many others with a power sliding rear glass. The issue is the upper track for the sliding portion becomes unattached from the rear glass and falls forward. I've had this happen 2 times in the last 2 years. Specifically in the summer. The track is originally installed cheaply with 2 sided tape and a little adhesive. The local glass shop wants 85 dollars just to glue it back. I have seen multiple trucks with the same issue with the window taped up or just covered with cardboard. My concern, is if someone has an infant in the center of the rear seat with a rear facing car seat, the slide portion of the glass could come out and fall on the baby. Not to mention, it gets a little pricey to repair it every few years. The only solution from ford was to replace the back glass at my expense, which was around $1200 dollars the last time I looked into it. I believe this is a manufacturer design flaw that Ford should have to resolve and replace. I've seen way to many of these trucks with this issue for it to Not be a manufacturer problem. Thank you.

Erratic shifting. Code p0717. Down shift from 5th to 1st.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted, and the contact then noticed the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that water had intruded into the frame and had become stagnant at the lower point of the frame, causing the severe rust. The vehicle was taken to several auto body repair shops, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired, and the failure could be related to a recall. The contact stated that CT Frameworks was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for the frame repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The transfer case is leaking, caused by galvanic corrosion. Ford used steel bolts on the aluminum transfer case housing which created the corrosion.

Truck started to get shifting gremlins. 4 instances of spontaneous shift out of gear or into lower gear below 35mph. Transmission then shifted to 3rd gear at 60 mph on interstate without warning. Gear and shift indicator on dash blinking wildly. Vehicle behind me had to make evasive maneuver to avoid collision as I moved to emergency lane. Online research said it was a bad lead frame in transmission. Took to local repair shop and confirmed bad lead frame. Replaced for $1200 and truck now shifts correctly.

While traveling down the highway and merging onto the interstate, if you excelerate just the slightest bit, the truck will start to violently shake and not gain speed,almost stalls a bit,causing a dangerous situation if you're trying to merge into moving traffic.Through reading and my own research on various forums. This is called transmission stutter and is a common problem with Ford's 6 speed automatic transmissions, that is not specific to vehicle or trim level or year model.

While driving at 60 mph my vehicle went from the 6th gear down to 1st gear on its own bringing the truck speed down very quickly the vehicle behind me almost hit me in the rear I pulled over speedometer stopped working and a imagine of a wrench was on the dashboard I cleared the wrench 🔧 image on the dashboard and tried to restart the truck turned the key and nothing happened tried again and truck started pulled out and started driving home 4 miles away and it happened again when I got home I googled it and found it is a known problem with the transmission in the 2015 ford f150 where the sensors in the transmission fail to read your speed and then reacts as if the vehicle is stopped so it then puts the transmission into 1st gear where it would be when you are stopped which creates a very dangerous situation especially if you are on a crowded road at higher speeds