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2011 Ford F-150 Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford F-150?

826 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2011 Ford F-150, 38% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 57,000–140,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.

826 complaints 38% of all 2011 complaints 98,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Automatic transmission 11
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) 1
Differential unit 1
Column shift 1
Gear position indication (PRNDL) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (621 of 826). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by F-150 year

2008 F-150 50
2009 F-150 33
2011 F-150 826
2013 F-150 1,342
2018 F-150 1,014
2024 F-150 58
2025 F-150 25

Related recalls

Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first

Crash risk

The 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 2019

Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear

Crash risk

The 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 2016

Back 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 2012

Automatic 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 2011
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Other 2011 Ford F-150 problems

Common questions

What are common 2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) and differential unit.

At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 57,000–140,000 miles. The middle value is about 98,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems?

Yes: 19V075000, 16V248000, 12V190000, 11V582000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which F-150 year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2013 F-150, with 1,342 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.