2015 FORD F-150 Complaints

While driving at highway speed (60mph), the truck suddenly downshifted to 1st gear causing the rear wheels to lock up until the vehicle slowed to roughly 45mph. At the time of the incident, the truck was not loaded, not towing and weather conditions were cool and dry. Since that incident, the truck hunts for gears, shifts erratically and harshly and will occasionally get stuck in a random gear.

Driving at highway speeds, transmission shifts into 2nd gear. There is no transmission selection on dash. Shut truck off, now won't start. Truck finally started toke to my local shop and had it repaired.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

There is an investigation currently, but it is when the transmission is going from higher gear and shifting to lower gears/locking the rear wheels unexpectedly. It actually shut my truck off when it happened and I had codes PO706, and PO707 displaying that I had an issues with my transmission range sensor. At the time my truck only had 108,000 miles. I had to replace the entire lead frame in order to get the issue fixed, and was informed by Ford when I asked them about it that no recalls or issues had been reported.

The vehicle’s original engine began producing excessive white smoke during startup. The vehicle was diagnosed by AutoNation Ford, and it was determined that the passenger-side cylinder head was cracked near the exhaust port. This defect allowed coolant to intrude into the passenger-side turbocharger. Due to the extent of the damage, the engine required full replacement. The engine was replaced with a used motor under a third-party warranty on August 21, 2024. The replacement engine is now experiencing the exact same failure symptoms. Specifically, the vehicle produces white smoke at startup consistent with coolant intrusion. Bozard Ford performed a diagnostic evaluation, completed on February 27, 2026. Their findings determined that the replacement engine has the identical defect: a cracked passenger-side cylinder head near the exhaust port allowing coolant intrusion into the turbocharger. This repeated failure raises significant safety concerns. Coolant intrusion into the turbocharger and combustion chamber may lead to engine misfire, loss of power, potential engine damage while driving, and possible sudden engine failure. Additionally, burning coolant may damage emissions components and create hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility from exhaust smoke. The fact that two separate engines in the same vehicle have experienced the exact same cylinder head failure suggests a potential design or manufacturing defect specific to the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether this is a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Please let me know if additional documentation, repair records, or diagnostic reports are required.

My vehicle, a 2015 Ford F150. XLT 3.5 Ecoboost 4x4 SuperCrew has been downshifting intermittently while under load. This has almost caused me to wreck my truck as it has gone from 5th gear at 65 mph to suddenly 1st gear causing the rear drive axle to lock up momentarily on the freeway. This has also happened while accelerating onto the freeway where it will go from 3rd or 4th gear under hard acceleration to suddenly slam back into 1st gear. After this happens it will almost always go back to 3rd gear and will not shift up or down. The only solution I’ve found is to pull over, turn the truck off, remove the key and restart the truck. It will then drive normal for some time until it happens again. I was told by Ford that” oh yeah, it’s your transmission lead frame/ output speed sensor”. If Ford knows about this safety issue, why are they not fixing it on their dime. This is obviously a known issue, but I guess some people will have to lose their lives before Ford will fix this.

As I was slowing down the truck started to flash the 123456 indicator for the gear. The truck then slipped out of gear and even though I was in drive the truck wouldn’t move. Like I was in neutral. Then with a big bang it started to move again. I stopped and shut the truck off. Started back up and continued to drive to get home. I stopped for a red light and accelerated away from the light and got stuck in the middle of the intersection. I had to shut the truck off in the middle of a state highway then start it again to be able to drive away. It turned out to be a transmission issue from something called the “ Lead Frame Connector.” The dealer says it happens to all of them. It was very sudden and very dangerous.

Auto Transmission makes loud noise. Will not shift gear. Engine warning light comes on. After waiting a few minutes, I restart the engine and it may shift gears properly

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was chugging while driving. While driving 60 MPH the following day, the vehicle made abnormal whining sounds and lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a transmission sensor failure. The dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

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.