Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Ford F-150 problems
Owners filed 2,137 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-150 with NHTSA between Apr 2011 and Aug 2025. The most-cited component is power train (786).
Complaints
2,137
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
41
Reported by owners
Fires
18
Reported by owners
Injuries
31
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
18
75
201
188
241
226
193
267
233
105
70
91
86
96
47
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2012 | 75 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 188 |
| 2015 | 241 |
| 2016 | 226 |
| 2017 | 193 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 233 |
| 2020 | 105 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 86 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 47 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
786 reports5 crashes3 fires4 related recalls
“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.”
Engine
477 reports9 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Steering
413 reports6 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Electrical system
224 reports5 crashes10 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the odometer became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
Vehicle speed control
203 reports10 crashes
“While driving at about 50 MPH truck suddenly down shifted to 1st gear locked up rear wheels and sent engine into a roar. Instrument panel not showing speed or any information. Had transmission shop trouble shoot and determined frame rail failure. replaced frame rail and serviced.”
Service brakes
160 reports14 crashes1 fire
“Brake system alarm. When the mechanic put the computer reader on it, it’s saying it’s a vacuum issue. This issue has been recalled on several 2011 FordF150’s, but when I look up my VIN, it says there isn’t a recall on mine”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.