Air Bag Problems of Ford F-150 - part 1

This is a supplemental complaint to my earlier report regarding NHTSA campaign 26v237 / Ford safety recall 26s28. The recall remedy (pcm software update) was performed at w. C. Sanderson Ford in healdsburg, CA on xxx. The original downshift defect recurred within weeks, including a near-miss where I nearly lost control of the vehicle with my [xxx] son inside. Since then, I have had the vehicle independently scanned twice, including a full all-systems diagnostic scan. The scan shows a communication fault (u0401, "invalid data received from pcm") present across five separate control modules: abs, airbag/occupant classification system, power steering control module, tire pressure monitoring/body control, and the engine module. The scan's own assessment recommends repairing can-bus wiring and connections. I believe this network-wide wiring fault may be the actual underlying cause of the condition recall 26s28 was intended to fix — the recall's software update assumes a signal-loss problem can be resolved in software, but if the root cause is physical wiring, the remedy would not correct it. This would explain why the defect recurred so soon after the software update was installed. A second code, p2112 (throttle actuator stuck closed), also appeared spontaneously while the vehicle was parked. This code is documented in Ford's own technical service bulletin 16-0139 (issued 2018), indicating Ford had prior knowledge of related fault patterns on this vehicle range. Of particular concern, the airbag/occupant classification system is affected by the same communication fault. This system governs airbag deployment behavior based on occupant detection, and my son rides in this vehicle regularly. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive. I am requesting NHTSA evaluate whether the 26s28 remedy adequately addresses the underlying defect, given evidence that a wiring-level fault — not solely a software issue — may be the true root cause. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b).

See all problems of the 2015 Ford F-150 🔎.

The driver side air bag went off while reversing out of my home. The air bag went off while my arm was across the steering wheel. Powder went in my eyes from it and my arm was bruised and burned from the impact. It hurt so bad that my I had someone pick me up from home and drive me to the hospital. I also had my ear drums ringing for a good while. No police has inspected it as it happened at my home and there were no warning lights for it on. I didn’t hit anything either. I was simply reversing when it went off.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford F-150 🔎.

There is an issue with my cowl which has 1 drain hole, on passenger side which if gets clogged with debris, causes water to build up and water to intrude from cowl into interior truck causing water intrusion to the body control module and electrical issues, and carpet is wet and creates mold smell and other safety issues. Cowl is not removable.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford F-150 🔎.

Was involved in a head on collision involving 2 cars; one which was hit in the front driver wheel panel and the other was directly head on and the air bags did not deploy. Resulting in major seatbelt bruising and knee injury.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the steering wheel cover covering the driver’s side air bag was cracked. The dealer was contacted and stated that a special engineer was needed for the repair because the crack was located on air bag housing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford F-150 🔎.

The clock spring in the steering has failed causing the airbag to no longer work on the driver side. The cruise control turns on and shuts off on its own. Sometimes won’t even let you set it. Volume controls no longer work. Horn no longer works. Steering has a clicking catching sound now when turning. Steering controls no longer light up and none of the buttons work.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his fiancé was stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated violently after depressing the accelerator pedal, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed through a yard, into a road sign, before crashing into the rear of a parked vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The driver sustained whiplash and soreness in various parts of the body but had not sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The road sign was damaged. The driver coasted the vehicle back to the residence before the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. A diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure or duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the seatbelt pretensioners for all seats failed, and the frontal airbags for the driver seat and front passenger seat were inoperable. The seatbelt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty seatbelt pretensioners. A dealer was contacted and informed that parts were unavailable for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,800.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail and landed on its side. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. A police report was filed; the information was unavailable. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2006 Ford F-150 🔎.

Crashed truck and all airbags deployed besides passenger (I was only person in the car). The drivers airbag partially deployed and I smashed my face on steering wheel. It was defective or malfunctioned.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford F-150 🔎.

While towing a 5000lb camper to go camping, the vehicle spontaneously started fire. When I exited the vehicle I noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the cab. I opened the hood and it appeared that the fire was coming from the transmission area. Attempts we're made to extinguish the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire dept. Attempts by myself, and others were unsuccessful causing the fire to burn through the firewall and into the cab. I was in a rural area so it took approx. 15-20 minutes for the fire dept to arrive. The fire eventually burned through the dash and the front windshield. Fire dept arrived and were able to put out the fire. Needless to say the vehicle was totalled.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford F-150 🔎.

I was in a accident where I was going a okay speed in traffic where suddenly the car in front of me brakes and my emergency brakes did not activate so I had to slam on mines to avoid impact but the car behind me hit me causing me to impact the car in front and with no airbag deployment from impact in back and front. Causing me later with neck and head pain.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear into a lower gear, and the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. As a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into bushes. The contact also stated that the air bags did not deploy during the incident. The contact sustained a left foot injury; however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, and the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact further stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on another occasion, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode and remained in 3rd gear. The contact also reported that the vehicle felt sluggish when attempting to accelerate from a stop, with the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for warranty coverage due to exceeding the warranty limits of 10 years or 150,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

I noticed the rear axel or back suspension on this truck is making a very load uncomfortable sound, like when two pieces of metal are rubbing up against each other. . . Its under tension and making a bind on the back passenger side. I got the truck with my mechanic few and body/auto repair guy and observed a 1/4 inch ubolt that holds the lead spring I believe hitting up against another bolt on the rear suspension and I cant access or open the drain plug too check the differential. Also there are a lot of loose wires under the dashboard, that already made me trip once, and im a disabled veteran. Can you please help me get that taken care of?.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford F-150 🔎.

There is a recall on this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the crash. The contact stated he received a pre-collision notification on his phone approximately 30 seconds after the accident occurred, but he was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle. The contact sustained neck pain, a herniated disc, and a bulging disk in the lower back. The contact was taking no pills and undergoing physical therapy. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Taillight leaks water causing the blindspot sensor to burn up. Once the sensor is burned up the airbags, power door locks, power windows, heat/defrost, and the radio don't work. This is a known problem and Ford has no fix for it. It is several weeks wait to get it into Ford and costs several thousand dollars for a known problem that they are not addressing. Having no heat or defrosters in the winter make this a safety issue for everyone on the road not just the operator. Door locks and windows not working is a safety issue for the vehicle passengers.

Driving 70 mph on highway. Transmission suddenly downshifted from 6th to 5th. Cruise control turned off. Speedometer went to 0 mph. Airbag warning light came on. Wrench indicator flashed. From this point on, transmission would only use gears 3,4,5. Speedometer continued to read 0. Cruise control remained inoperative and airbag warning light remained on. Wrench indicator turned off after a few minutes. Was able to limp home, but truck had difficulty pulling out from stoplights and stop signs due to not being able to shift below 3rd gear. After shutting off ignition and restarting. Operation returned to normal.

Normal driving to work. Airbag light came on. Notification on Ford app about front air bag system not working correctly. Contact Ford for service. Contacted denooyer Ford for service that was recommended. Same dealership I purchased the truck from. Service was able to schedule me within a week but recommended not driving the vehicle as it possibly didn't have working airbags. During service they corrected 2 other recalls on the vehicle and informed me that the air bag system warranty work would be 1-2 years on replacement parts. Dealer recommended not driving vehicle till proper replacement parts got installed to correct faulty air bag sensor in seat. Dealer told me that they don't have any rental vehicles in the meantime. 1-2 years of not driving a new vehicle is not acceptable.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford F-150 🔎.

Started after mcgee Ford did a service on my truck apparently they told Ford they repaired electrical recalls which I wasn’t having issues with nor did I know they did anything! they did however erase the recalls so that was 8-2024 shortly after my truck experienced major electrical issues, another dealership told me it was gonna be 6k and 4 weeks to fix I was in awe I left with my truck that had no blinkers no air bags and so on 15 safety codes! I battled this for a year and then my parking break locked up while driving 70 on the highway! that’s the recall megee claimed they fixed I’m not rich single dad 100% of rhe time and I sure my kids everywhere daily, I do research call Ford find intact I had a recalll so im thinking it will get fixed! 6 weeks later they not fixed I was told 2 days now heritage and Ford won’t fix it they want megee Ford the certified service and dealer to pay for it. It’s winter im a contractor in vermont they let me borrow a sentra with summer tires on it. Couldn’t make it off my road. I’m still driving my kids around! I almost reck once a day as the whole system is messed up now! I feel like I’m being bullied and picked on because of my nationality.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford F-150 🔎.

I was in an accident where I broadsided a vehicle at 45 mph. The accident warning sensors didn’t activate and no airbags deployed. The accident was severe enough that my truck was deemed totaled and the other vehicle flipped upside down.

While driving my 2021 Ford F-150 powerboost, the vehicle issued a pre-collision warning followed immediately by a restraint system warning. The airbag then deployed without any collision or impact. There was no crash, obstacle, or reason for deployment. The airbag deployment shattered the windshield and caused interior damage. This appears to be a false activation of the pre-collision system and unintended airbag deployment, creating a serious safety hazard. This could easily result in injury or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle needs to be investigated for a potential defect in the airbag system, sensors, or pre-collision assist system.

My teenage daughter was in a car accident and the airbags did not deploy and her seatbelt did not lock , and smashed into her steering wheel.

I have recently discovered a crack from the left to the right of my steering wheel cover which houses the airbag looks like small particles of white dust are evident sometimes while using the lower part of the horn. I have pics if needed.

Well the passenger side in front seat seat belt needs replaced due to getting stuck after front airbags in dash and steering wheel after deployment from barley tapping a vehicle in front of the truck.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford F-150 🔎.

This is the 2nd time this has happened in 2 years. I have my truck turned off completely and locked and go to get back in it a few hours later and I open my door and the gas from the airbag has completely filled up the cab of my 2015 f150. I turn the truck on and it’s like it’s been in a wreck, all the lights on the dash are on, and it’s saying my airbags are deployed which the gas that fills the airbag did deploy, and it keeps telling me to contact 911. How does this keep happening without Ford making a recall or not taking responsibility. It could seriously hurt or I hurt me or my family.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was stopped, a 2023 Dodge ram 1500 reversed at approximately 55 mph, causing the rear to crash into the front of her husband's front of vehicle. No air bags deployed. The contact's husband and grandfather, who was a passenger in the vehicle, were injured. The grandfather sustained neck and facial injuries, primarily around the neck and chin area. The husband suffered injuries to his hands. Medical attention was required for both occupants. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed. The insurance company was pending an inspection to determine if the vehicle was destroyed or not. The contact informed the dealer of the incident, and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Was in a car collison not wherein setbelt and airbags did not deploy or come out at all.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clockspring. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v847000 (steering, air bags); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000.

While braking slowly to park at my home, my 2023 Ford F-150 lightning XLT suddenly accelerated forward without any throttle input. The vehicle struck a wall. My foot was on the brake and I did not touch the accelerator. There were no warning messages prior to the incident. This could have caused serious injury or worse if anyone was in front of the vehicle. I believe this may be a critical safety defect.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford F-150 🔎.

The passenger occupancy sensor is not working correctly, giving an airbag indicator on the dashboard. It is not recognizing when a person is in the seat. This causes a huge safety risk if airbags don’t deploy in a collision.

The contact owned a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the contact's son was driving at 20 mph, the contact's son noticed an unusual sound. The steering wheel did not turn in the intended direction. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the steering wheel was detached and loose. The vehicle crashed into a nearby tree. The contact's son did not sustain any injuries. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company for inspection. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised that the vehicle needed to be inspected by the investigator. The failure mileage was unknown.

My airbag warning light came on. The dealer found 2 codes and replaced the parts. When they were done another code came up for weight sensor which is the seat frame. I was told that the part has been discontinued. I have searched for an aftermarket part with no luck. I purchased a used seat but it was not compatible I have a16 year old truck. The service life is as I understand it is 14-20 years. I don’t understand how the manufacturer can stop making safety parts while the vehicle is still in its service life.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford F-150 🔎.

I was parked in a parking lot when I heard a crack sound. I looked down and my steering wheel had a crack around the Ford emblem large enough that the part of the air bag could be seen. The truck is kept in a climate controlled garage and this incident happened when it was not hot out. I have contacted Ford and they have said that it is not a safety concern. I feel like this is a safety concern if the steering wheel can crack and I can see my air bag without there being any form of collision or contact with the air bag or the steering wheel at the time.

The passenger air bag light indicates off even when I am in the seat. I am a 5’8’’ 125 lb person. This is frequently what happens when I am sitting. I have tried undoing and reattaching the seat belt but often it does nothing or reverts back to off in a short time. The picture below is right now while my husband is driving.