NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 2,137 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve power train (786) and engine (477). The EPA rates it 13–19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 2,855 |
| 1998 | 1,418 |
| 1999 | 1,121 |
| 2000 | 1,206 |
| 2001 | 1,340 |
| 2002 | 955 |
| 2003 | 464 |
| 2004 | 2,036 |
| 2005 | 1,121 |
| 2006 | 589 |
| 2007 | 492 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 851 |
| 2011 | 2,137 |
| 2012 | 1,717 |
| 2013 | 2,796 |
| 2014 | 1,362 |
| 2015 | 1,425 |
| 2016 | 1,798 |
| 2017 | 1,148 |
| 2018 | 1,929 |
| 2019 | 1,021 |
| 2020 | 562 |
| 2021 | 1,042 |
| 2022 | 605 |
| 2023 | 419 |
| 2024 | 195 |
| 2025 | 119 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“When driving on the interstate with the normal flow of traffic at 55mph, the vehicle abruptly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear causing the the vehicle to lock up an nearly caused an accident. This was followed by a a mechanic warning light and the speedometer to lock out and no longer work. Once pulled over, the vehicle was powered down. When the vehicle was turned back on operation returned in a limp state.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and reset. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an output shaft speed sensor failure. The contact was informed that the transmission lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 133,456.”
“The electronic power steering locked up while driving & could not turn the wheel at all. Yes this has been inspected & confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this incident. The vehicle is render useless with the locked up steering.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2,137 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (786), engine (477), steering (413). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Ford F-150 at 13–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Ford F-150 4 out of 5 stars overall.