general problems of the 2016 Ford F-150 - part 1

2016 Ford F-150, 5. 0l, 6r80 transmission, 112,083 miles. Safety recall 26s28 was performed on 08/05/26 at an authorized Ford dealer. The wrench/powertrain warning recurred on 08/15/26. On 08/20/26, at 111,998 miles, the dealer found dtcs p0720 and p0722 (output shaft speed sensor) and stated in writing that the transmission molded leadframe must be replaced. Ford denied coverage under customer satisfaction program 26n04 because those codes are not on the program's list. The transmission then failed on two consecutive days, within about 85 miles of driving since the dealer visit. On 09/23/26, while I was accelerating across two lanes of traffic, the engine revved abnormally high during an upshift, as if the transmission failed to engage a gear. It then stayed in 3rd, and I had to make a left turn from a stop at an intersection in 3rd gear with greatly reduced power. On 09/24/26, after crossing a four-lane highway intersection, the warning appeared while I was accelerating uphill. The transmission stayed in 3rd at a complete stop and would not downshift to 1st. Shifting through park and using manual mode did not restore 1st gear; only an engine restart did. In both events the warning light cleared itself while the fault continued, so the dashboard gave no indication of the problem. Turning left across oncoming traffic and pulling away from stops near highway traffic with reduced power is a safety risk. The recall remedy did not prevent this failure, and the repair the dealer says is required is being denied under the related program.

I am reporting that the corporate Ford company is knowingly requiring a software update that minimizes a safety hazard instead of eliminating a safety hazard (NHTSA recall 26v237). Here are the facts: ---lebanon Ford service said that they cannot tell me what the software update 26s28 will do to fix the danger of driving my vehicle. The mechanic (michael) said that the software update is meant to fix the transmission molded lead frame, but that it does not. My research about this software update states that the truck will unexpectedly downshift to 4th gear (instead of downshifting to 1st gear without the update). This downshifting issue poses a danger to people driving on the highway! consider trucks suddenly downshifting to 4th gear in front of you on the highway (some towing)! Ford recall: 26n04 is a fix that will eliminate danger, but Ford is not fully implementing it! molded lead frame failure the issue: the internal wiring harness (the lead frame) holds the speed and temperature sensors. When it fails, it sends bad data to the computer. Symptoms: erratic shifting, a wrench light on the dash, or a check engine light with speed sensor codes. Unexpected downshifts (recall 26v-237) --this is the software update that does not solve the dangerous risk. On xxx, Ford did not complete the recall 26n04 (Ford #), only the NHTSA 26v237 software update, which does not eliminate dangerous driving on the highway. I am attaching the event information that I gave to lebanon Ford at the time of service. Although there was no crash and no casualties, I cannot, in good conscience, drive my 2016 Ford F-150 on the highway because Ford is only lessening the symptom, which is still a danger to people. Ford can fix the problem to eliminate danger, but they choose not to do so.

There is currently a recall on 4 of the sensors on the same rail n the transmission due to it locking in 3rd or 5th gear. When I took the truck in they pulled the codes and it was not one of the 4 so Ford does not have an active recall. There was another person in line in front of me who had the same issue on the same two codes.

Driving down highway 6/34. Cruise set at 65 mph. The truck on its own shifted into 2nd gear and revving up the engine caused the vehicle to slow uncontrollably, which is very unsafe driving. The 2016 has a safety recall to prevent this from happening. I am writing this to report that my truck has had the recall done, and this still happened. I will park the truck until Ford can fix it. But they are trying to get out of fixing this safety issue with all these trucks. At 65 mph, I lost control of the truck, and thank goodness there were no other vehicles on the road around me.

Powertrain recall stated because the code didn’t show on a safety recall that can cause vehicle to shift from 5th to 1st gear while driving per stated recall Ford will not honor because it’s not one of the codes they state but the recall doesn’t specify a code. We had it at the dealership twice and they said they would fix it for $ 1400. 00 well we didn’t cause the recall and we should not be responsible for paying. Would just like someone to contact us before my husband or someone else gets hurt in an accident.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, the dealer and manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the fault code listed in the recall was not retrieved from the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle skidded on the roadway after the unexpected downshift, there was an orange wrench light illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

Ford mailed me a xxx customer satisfaction program 26n04 letter for my 2016 F-150, VIN [xxx]. That letter offered a one-time, no-charge replacement of the transmission molded lead frame if the dealer determined replacement was needed, and it described a malfunction indicator lamp and/or wrench light when that part fails. My truck did exactly that. It stored p0715 and p0717, went into limp mode, and the wrench came on. Titus-will Ford in tacoma confirmed the turbine speed sensor is part of the lead frame and replaced it (part al3z-7g276-d). They denied 26n04 because those codes are not p0705, p0706, p0707, or p1702 — a code list the customer letter never disclosed. The failed part is the part named in your letter. The symptoms are the symptoms named in your letter. I paid invoice xxx dated xxx. The lead-frame line was $1,630. 02. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I would like to file complaint against Ford for their latest recall (26n041) and how they are not doing replacing the defective lead frame in customers vehicles. It's a big scam and a waste of time. I brought my 2016 Ford F-150 in for Ford’s latest recall (26n04) affecting 2015–2017 models due to the transmission leadframe issue. I explained that I’ve been dealing with an intermittent problem for the past seven months: while driving, the gear indicator lights on the dash begin to flicker, and when that happens, the transmission shifts extremely hard and slams into the next gear. Ford kept my truck for a week and told me they were unable to duplicate the issue. They stated that multiple technicians drove the vehicle and none of them observed any problems. When I arrived to pick it up, I was handed a bill for more than $250 for a diagnostic fee. Within four miles of leaving the dealership, the gear indicator lights began flickering again. It’s difficult to accept that several technicians drove the truck over multiple days and never encountered the issue I experienced almost immediately. The entire process felt like a waste of time and money, and I’m left without any resolution to a problem that clearly still exists. They are not honoring the recall, they are trying to charge customers for the repair.

Performance Ford in utah falsified a federal safety recall completion for recall 26s28/19v446000 on my 2016 F-150. They only performed a software flash, manually wiped the transmission's safety fault codes from the memory cache, and joyrode my vehicle for 200 unauthorized miles. They returned the vehicle to me unrepaired, where it immediately suffered an erratic downshifting hazard and engine limp mode, endangering my safety.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while upshifting or downshifting between 4th and 6th gear. The same local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the 4th and 6th clutches were burned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 249,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received an unknown recall notification. The dealer was contacted by phone and scheduled an appointment for a technician to pick up the vehicle. The technician drove the vehicle to the dealer. The unknown recall repair was completed. The contact received a phone call from the dealer and was informed that while the technician was in route and driving the vehicle back to the residence, the transmission independently shifted from fourth gear to first gear. The technician drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was with the dealer for two weeks. The contact received a phone call and was informed that no warning lights were displayed, and the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed to pick up the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that there was no fix available. The contact was informed that the dealer would not be offering any additional repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle had no issues prior to the unknown recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

On August 21, 2026, my 2016 Ford F-150 was serviced at five star Ford to perform safety recall 26s28 (powertrain control module software update). Immediately following this software flash, the transmission's shifting logic became severely corrupted and unsafe to drive. The vehicle currently acts as if it has completely lost 2nd gear, experiences a severe lag when shifting up into 6th gear, and repeatedly fails to lock itself into 3rd, 4th, or 5th gears. The dealership is currently using a temporary lack of hard diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) to deny coverage for an internal physical lead frame component replacement under the 26s28 extended warranty guidelines, claiming instead that a complete, out-of-pocket transmission replacement assembly is required. The safety update has directly induced a severe driving hazard, leaving the vehicle unable to properly find or maintain standard highway gears.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train). The vehicle was not experiencing any failure prior to the recall repair; however, after the recall repair was completed, the transmission started downshifting roughly and would not shift beyond second or third gear, creating a severe road hazard while driving on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the issue could not be resolved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the dealer; however, the dealer was unwilling to assist. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Vehicle transmission downshift to a lower gear while traveling at city and highway speeds without any prior warning or driver input. Diagnostic showed codes p0715 and p0717. The following day we received notification from Ford of the recall "transmission molded leadframe replacement" (campaign 26n04)" - which was investigated by NHTSA as part of part 573 safety recall report 26v237. When we spoke to our local dealership in [xxx] they felt it was the same issues as the recall describes. However, when we submitted the vehicle for repairs, they reported that these specific diagnostic codes (p0715 and p0717) are not considered part of the recall and are therefore not covered by the recall. But the repair needed for our codes are the same remedy as recall indicates. So, we are left with out-of-pocket expenses of over $2,000 because the code is one digit off. We would like to confirm with the NHTSA if these codes are actually covered, and if not, why? our vehicle is experiencing the exact same issues as reported in your evaluation and my [xxx] old son is not safe in this vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ford motor sent notice 26s28 to me regarding a possible problem with my transmission/powertrain. On August 12 they reprogrammed my powertrain control module. In the letter regarding this upgrade they also stated, and I quote: " if your dashboard displays a malfunction indicator lamp(mil)or powertrain warning lamp(wrench symbol) either before or after the software update is installed, your dealer will run a diagnostic test. If specific diagnostic trouble codes relating to the transmission codes relating to the transmission are found, the dealer will replace the lead frame at no cost to you under extended warranty program 26n04. " the day after the software update my truck did for first time ever display a yellow wrench symbol. They said bring it back in and they'd run a diagnostic. They did and it showed a stored code p0717. This code relates directly to the input/turbine speed sensor. It is a sensor built directly into the lead frame mentioned earlier, which Ford said they'd replace at no cost under 26n04. But from Fords point of view, this is not one of their acceptable codes for free lead frame replacement. What? it is built "directly into the lead frame, and can't be independently replaced. " in essence, it is the leadframe. This code should obviously be included in the group of acceptable Ford codes as relating to this issue. My case number with Ford is cxh-08937978-d1n4v6. Thank you for your time in reviewing this situation.

There was no incident. Ford announced the recall in may with no remedy until August. I had to rent a truck to pull a trailer to [xxx] from [xxx]. They said there was no compensation as there was no "stop driving" notice on the recall but it stated the the vehicle could abruptly slow down /downshift increasing the risk of a crash. Wanted to go on record that compensation should be covered by Ford as this was a considerable safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I got the recall 26s28 done on my truck, and immediately after getting my truck back the transmission is shifting super bad. Really early up shifts, aggressive engagement into drive… truck has 190,000 miles on it and shifted perfectly before the recall was done.

2016 f150 transmission downshift recall was preformed, didn’t fix the intermittent downshift at highway speeds. A week and a half after it caused a skid on a wet road. Was told at the dealership, they’re not allowed to do anything else without an active engine code.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); but the failure occurred. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no result on the diagnostic test associated with the transmission failure, and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Dangerous, unpredictable transmission behavior violent downshifting sudden jerks and deceleration and power loss: heavy jerking loud clunks gears making noises following the forced downshift, the truck will experience a massive, unexpected drop in speed, sluggish and difficult maintaining speed like limp mode driving in normal speeds then loss of power engine stalling in the middle of rush hour traffic the orange wrench light and check engine light will come on with codes p0720 I went did the reprogramming as recommended Ford dealer performed safety recall 26s28, which immediately aggravated the transmission failure and left the vehicle completely disabled. In the highway the dealer's recall software update directly caused a total transmission failure the next day, and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle due to the severe unprompted downshifting risks outlined in NHTSA campaign 26v237 felt unsafe to drive truck and also it became undrivable and had to have it towed to the Ford dealership that did recall.

Ford recently did a software update for a unexpected downshift recall that had previously happened to me while doing 60 miles an hour in my vehicle downshifted into first gear in my truck went sideways because the rear end locked up. Drove my vehicle home and took it out today and while doing 45 miles an hour it downshifted into first gear locking up the rear wheels again. Thankfully, this was at a lower speed so I was able to control the vehicle easily. . The turnpike speed limit in maine is 70 miles an hour so if this happened at that speed in traffic, I’m almost positive there could have been a serious accident. So their update did not fix this issue.

I participated in safety recall 26v237 -2016 F-150 Ford truck transmission issues. Under the recall, Ford completed a transmission programming update to resolve the safety concerns. The campaign did not resolve the transmission issues. The truck is still a hazzard to drive & needs further repairs or transmission replacement. Please do not allow Ford to remain unaccountable for the failure to correct the issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then lunged forward. The transmission warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the transmission intermittently failed to shift to first gear while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number : 26v237000 (power train) and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was remedied. The contact contact continued to drive the vehicle when the failure occurred while driving at 60 mph the transmission downshifted from 5th gear into 3rd gear, the service vehicle soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the molded plastic lead frame was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

My truck at 45 mph suddenly downshifted to first gear. It locked my tires causing me to fish tail. Luckily I lost control beside a shoulder and not into a ditch or another vehicle. I was near my home and turned onto a country road and was able to drive 20 mph or less to get it home. It is due to a recall that currently has no clear repair. Ford is aware of this issue and has done next to nothing to assist me. I have no vehicle and have not had one for nearly a month. The service team manager called to tell me the parts were not available but are ordered. He also mentioned his mechanics were afraid to drive my truck from the lot to the garage because the truck is acting so erratically. There is no way this should not be addressed. I’ve only been asking for Ford to do the right thing. They’ve done nothing. It is dangerous I could have been killed in an accident because of this. My truck could have also fish tailed into oncoming traffic endangering others as well. I am not sure what else can be done. I’m out of options. Ford has refused to give me a loaner vehicle or pay for a rental due to company policy. I’m looking for any assistance at this point. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Vehicle suddenly seemed to shift while driving causing a loud sound, jerk and caused a loss of control suddenly.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train). The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 60 mph, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,168.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While the contact’s wife was driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. During the failure, the vehicle abruptly decelerated and failed to exceed 20 mph. The contact stated the failure had occurred while driving at undisclosed speeds. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling at a stop light. During the failure, the message "service advance track" was displayed. The wrench icon was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a software update. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift out of low gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be driven for 250 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, after the recall repair, the vehicle made abnormal grinding sounds and went into limp mode before shifting to second gear while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

I have a problem with my truck with the molded lead frame. It is shifting erratically and not shifting below 3rd gear. I has an open recall for it, 26n04, but Ford won't perform the service because they are not getting the correct code from the computer system. So I am now forced to drive this truck in this unsafe condition until I get the correct codes.

I was driving on the highway speed limit 65, and all of the sudden it down shifted to first gear, jerking the truck almost to a complete stop, very scary and unsafe. I pulled over to recoup myself . It is now happening more frequently, wrench light on the dash . Not sure what I need to do , my truck is my life support for me and my family! help me please! thank you,.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently upshift or downshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The message "see manual" was displayed. In addition, the contact performed a diagnostic scan with an obd2 scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble code: p0732. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fifth gear to a lower gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle remained stuck in fifth gear, requiring the driver to shift into park(p) until the vehicle responded as intended. The check engine and powertrain warning lights illuminated. The driver was then able to resume driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module software update was completed; however, the molded leadframe was not replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving two days later. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to return the vehicle for verification that the software update was successfully completed, and the contact was informed that any additional repairs would be at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 179,100.

I own a 2016 Ford F-150 involved in safety recall 26s28. The vehicle suffered an unexpected downshift and also temporarily locked into 5th gear. The dealership confirmed the transmission lead frame failed. Ford is denying coverage because the failure registered as code p0717 (input sensor) instead of an output sensor code, even though both sensors are manufactured as a single, un-severable piece on the exact same recalled lead frame part. Beacuse my sensor that is housed within the exact same lead frame broke down, instead of other sensors, Ford is denying to cover the cost. The issue is that the lead frames are place in a location that they get very hot and can become brittle over time. Causing any wire or sensor housed within it to become under extreme stress and potentially fail. I dont understnad how Ford can say some sensors inside the lead frame are covered but others inside the very same part are not. My truck is currently in the dealership and the technician has informed me that this lead frame part is bad. I did have the wrench light illuminate in my truck and the po717 trouble code was present. Because an abrupt downship can occur, this is a safety risk with known reported injuries already reported via the recal. Recall #26s28 case # with Ford motor company is cxh-08688952.