Wiring problems of the 2017 Ford F-350

Two problems related to wiring have been reported for the 2017 Ford F-350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2018

I'm April of 2018 the electric tailgate on my 2017 Ford F-350 started opening on its own anytime and anywhere. It did not matter if the truck was in park or in gear but did not open at speeds above 10 mph or so. After going to the Ford dealership in elkhart in. I was told there was nothing that could be done because if they unhooked the wiring l could not open the tailgate. I pull a 5th wheel trailer with the truck so this was not an option if l wanted a tailgate. I tried to watch the best l could before taking off to make sure the tailgate was closed when l would move the truck. I did not notice that it had come down again and made a turn with the trailer hooked to the truck. Needless to say the tailgate was crushed beyond use and broke a twilight lens at the same time. Again l went to the Ford dealership in elkhart in and was told they had no reports of problems and there was nothing they could do about it. The tailgate has not been replaced do to the fact l am sure there is still an is sure.

2 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2017

The 2017 Ford superduty trucks have a remote tailgate release in the lariat and king ranch models. The tailgate of my truck and others have dropped without action from the user. This makes these vehicles unsafe when carrying cargo that is only secured by the tailgate or when towing 5th wheel trailers. Mine has dropped some 16 times since November. Apparently Ford dealers are universally blaming the operators for accidentally pushing the tailgate button twice on the fob. However, I had an accident on may 6th, when I could not have pushed the button on the fob. The tailgate dropped, after I drove over 65 miles on mountain roads - just as I was entering an interstate on-ramp. My trucks tailgate and my 5th wheel camp trailer were both damaged. Fortunately I was not in traffic. The damage to the 5th wheel was just under the propane tanks and near the mail power bus. I am changing the truck wiring to disconnect power to the tailgate, but this is really not a satisfactory fix. On line I found at least 3 other instances of this problem. Whether the operators and unknowingly activating the tailgate release or the fobs are faulty or the electrical systems are faulty or whatever the cause, the result is a hazard that can cause loss of vehicle/ trailer control or the dropping of cargo on the highways. This is a hazard that needs fixing by Ford.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2017 Ford F-350

Electrical System problems
18
Wiring problems
2


Safety Ratings of F-350 Cars
F-350 Service Bulletins
F-350 Safety Recalls
F-350 Defect Investigations