2011 Ford F-150 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2011 Ford F-150, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2011 Ford F-150 a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 2,191 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and steering.
2,191 complaints 6 recalls, 2 fire risk 3rd worst of 18 F-150 years
Top 2011 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission problems
826 complaints (38%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
Engine problems
511 complaints (23%) name the engine, most often the engine and manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.
Steering problems
419 complaints (19%) name the steering, most often the rack and pinion and electric power assist system.
Electrical problems
235 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,790 of 2,191). The amber line is the middle value, about 71,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2011 Ford F-150 recalls
Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first
Crash riskThe transmission can suddenly drop into first gear no matter how fast the car is moving. That can cause a loss of vehicle control and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to you.
Recall 19V075000 · Feb 2019Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear
Crash riskThe automatic transmission can suddenly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the car to slow abruptly without warning. The rear tires may then slide or lock, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, and this repair is free of charge.
Recall 16V248000 · Apr 2016Back up lights, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 â“lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.â” these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse â“râ” position and the vehicleâ’s transmission does go in reverse, the â“râ” may not illuminate on the dashboard of the f-150, expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the f-150, expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicleâ’s not signaling it is in reverse.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 12V190000 · May 2012Automatic transmission
These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, â“theft protection.â” the transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to brake shift interlock switch problem. This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge.
Recall 11V582000 · Dec 2011Body control module may short and cause fire
Fire riskSome vehicles may have a body control module with an internal short that can overheat. If this happens, the vehicle could catch fire. A previous inspection missed affected modules, so they were not replaced.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the body control module and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 11V128000 · Feb 2011Body control module may short and cause fire
Fire riskSome body control modules from one supplier, made during a six-day production window, may have an internal electrical short. If a short develops, the module can overheat and may cause a vehicle fire, even when the car is parked and unattended.
Fix: The dealer will replace the body control module if needed, free of charge.
Recall 10V659000 · Dec 2010Get an email when your 2011 Ford F-150 gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2011 Ford F-150, you'll hear about it the same week.
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F-150 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2011 Ford F-150 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2011 Ford F-150 a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 2,191 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and steering.
What are the most common 2011 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, steering and electrical system. 826 complaints (38%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 57,000–140,000 miles, with a middle value near 98,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-150 have?
6. Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first (19V075000); Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear (16V248000); Back up lights, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (12V190000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2011 Ford F-150?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.