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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train786
  2. Engine477
  3. Steering413
  4. Electrical system224
  5. Vehicle speed control203
  6. Service brakes160
  7. Visibility/wiper91
  8. Fuel/propulsion system72
  9. Visibility56
  10. Electronic stability control (esc)44
  11. Fuel system, gasoline43
  12. Structure33
  13. Engine and engine cooling33
  14. Exterior lighting29

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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201118
201275
2013201
2014188
2015241
2016226
2017193
2018267
2019233
2020105
202170
202291
202386
202496
202547

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.

03 —Owner reports

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11678885

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11652148

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2025Steering, Electrical systemODI 11664724

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2025Power train, Electrical systemODI 11659465

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11661348

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025Service brakesODI 11646645
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.