KnownCarProblems2017 Ford F-150 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,452 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-150, most often about the transmission (38% of complaints, typically around 84,000 miles). It is 9th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints and has 17 recalls.
Most common 2017 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission
548 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
Vehicle rolled forward approximately 12 feet while was in park in a parking lot until it stopped via going up the curb. Vehicle showed that the gear shift was in park and it was parked for approximately 5 minutes before it rolled forward. Am aware of other 2017-18 150s having a pin missing in the transmission but my…
Vehicle makes vibration style noise from the rear right side during speeds of 40-50 MPH with minimal acceleration and/or during low rpms. Vehicle was taken to 2 different dealership service shops on 4 occasions during the warranty period who all claimed it was a normal sound. Researching online during that time was…
Engine
368 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
It is known that Ford has a problem with the cam phasers on their 3.5 eco boost engine. Mine went bad and were replaced under warranty in november 2019 and approximately 45,000 miles. Now at 70,000, the cam phasers are needing replaced again. Ford is refusing to cover this expense as my truck is now out of warranty.…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced engine failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure…
Other or unspecified
162 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles.
Rear window of my truck popped and shattered a few min after activating the heat and rear defroster. Nothing has struck or compromised the window.
Rear window poped or shattered for no reason. There was nothing behind me that could have caused and impact as I was in a boat ramp with only the ocean behind me. When I opened my door to get out I heard a loud pop noise. I looked around and didn't see anything. I got my boat out and when I started loading the truck…
Electrical
135 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel, instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery, horn.
Very dangerous wiring design. Wire harness too close to engine exhaust manifold, turbo - as result - melted wires. Tin foil did not protect from melting. Happened while driving on 75 interstate - vehicle looses power steering, cruise control and throws faulty overheat. Contacted manufacturer about it - was given run…
The contact owned a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, smoke and heat were suddenly present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and towed…
Brakes
115 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 26,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, supply, brake fluid low warning.
Intermittent braking issue. Breaks do not have much breaking power. While setting at a red light more pressure needs to applied to the break pedal. In some instances the pedal travels an additional 2 inches. Loss of break holding power caused me to hit a trailer being towed in front of me. My bumper had to be replaced.
While coming to a stop in traffic my 2017 Ford F-150 xl 5.0l started braking normally with solid pedal feel. However, as I continued braking and applying more pressure to stop the pedal suddenly became very soft and went to the floor. I had to release the pedal and reapply the brakes. Again, the brake pedal started…
Body and structure
111 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 22,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
F150, with below freezing temperatures the do not engage and stay closed. The just bounces off latching. This leave driver to tie door closed with rope or cords just to get to work or home. Had dealer preform 18n03 but same issue with same door exists. Dealer seems oblivious to issue despite a very large online…
Manufacturer recall [VIN], NHTSA recall [VIN], recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available. Still waiting on Ford to initiate contact regarding a repair date for this safety critical repair. Winter season 2017-2018 is already upon US with freezing temperatures and every day without repair possibly puts…
Speed control
66 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 14,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control, accelerator pedal.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. While driving 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in tsb: ssm46829 (electrical system: integrated trailer brake control). The vehicle was taken to eddie…
While accelerating to pass slow vehicle, I pulled back in lane and attempted to slow down but the accelerator was stuck and continued to accelerate up to 70 MPH before I heard it release and then the truck slowed. Within 20 minutes I accelerated again and once again the pedal stuck and continued to accelerate without…
Steering
59 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 30,500 miles. Parts named most often: electric power assist system.
Ford motor company documentation (2017 rv & trailer towing guide) states this model of truck, with the Ford 3.5l ecoboost engine, can safely tow 11,500lbs (maximum loaded trailer weight). Based on personal experience and consulting multiple trailer towing experts, this is a misrepresentation of the material facts and…
After the auto start/stop feature engages the power steering does not immediately return. So when I am stopped at a traffic light, stop sign or left turn and the auto start/stop restarts the engine when I release the brake it can take up to 3 seconds for the power steering to reengage. I have had this to the dealer…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2017 Ford F-150 recalls
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
Risk: An instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as gear position or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster assembly (ipc) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 17, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c26. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on july 6, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 f-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17v053. The instrument cluster may lose power after initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 24, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s28. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on april 15, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Brakes: master cylinder
Risk: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 25, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22v-150.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 f-150, expedition, and lincoln navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Brakes: master cylinder
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on april 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed april 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20v-332. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s11.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 ford expedition, lincoln navigator, and 2016-2018 f-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5l ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Brakes: master cylinder
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on june 30, 2020. The recall began on october 28, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s31.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 f-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5l ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Engine
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began may 31, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s11.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 ford f-150 and 2017-2019 ford f-250 super duty, f-350 super duty, f-450 super duty, and f-550 super duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18v894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Engine
Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began june 3, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s45.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 ford f-150 and 2017-2019 ford f-250 super duty, f-350 super duty, f-450 super duty, and f-550 super duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the b-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began september 28, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s27.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford f-150 regular cab and supercrew cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the b-pillar area.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 ford f-150 and 2018 ford expedition and mustang and lincoln navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "park" function.
Transmission: floor shift
Risk: The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting 'park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin december 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s36.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 f-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began october 12, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s33.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ford f-150, and 2017 f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 super duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Seats
Risk: The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin november 6, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c17.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages," and 207, "seating systems."
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk: If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed october 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c12.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150, and 2017 f-250 and f-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began october 11, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s26.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 f-150 and mustang vehicles. The air bag inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may rupture in the event of a crash.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began july 13, 2017. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17c09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150, and 2017 f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Seats: recliner
Risk: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on june 7, 2017. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c08.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 ford explorer, f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450 and f-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 202a, "head restraints" and 207, "seating systems."
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
Risk: If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began february 20, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c01.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017 f-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standard (fmvss) number 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up
Summary
On march 21, 2025, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (my) 2015-2017 ford f-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by ford motor company (ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The my 2015 and my 2016 f-150 vehicles were eq
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up
Summary
On march 21, 2025, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation (pe25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (my) 2015-2017 ford f-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by ford motor company (ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The my 2015 and my 2016 f-150 vehicles were
Seatbelt pretensioner fire
Summary
On june 18, 2018, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the b pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on my 2014-2018 ford f-150 regular cab, and super crew cab vehicles. On august 24, 2018, ford motor company recalled (fsa 18s27 - NHTSA #18v568) the affected population. Ford's investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners may generate sparks during deployment in excess of ford's specification. Sparks in the pretensioner exhaust gases inside the lower portion of the b-pillar may subsequently ignite combustible components contained in the b-pillar, such as insulation
Questions about the 2017 Ford F-150
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford F-150?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (548 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles); engine (368 complaints, typically around 68,500 miles); other or unspecified (162 complaints, typically around 24,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2017 Ford F-150 have?
- 17 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 9, 2026 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2017 a bad year for the Ford F-150?
- It is 9th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints, with 1,452 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.