The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); but the failure occurred. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems
830 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 97,142. 8 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 830
- of this car's complaints
- 38%
- typical mileage
- 97,142
- crashes
- 8
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission12
- Driveline: differential unit1
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
- Automatic transmission: internal: shaft: output1
- Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford F-150 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Ford F-150 transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Jerking 100Won't shift 97Shudder 70Hesitation 46Harsh shifting 35Transmission failure 32Slipping 18
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
Recall number 19V075000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Recall number 16V248000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150 vehicles manufactured from september 9, 2011, through september 22, 2011, and model year 2012 f-250, f-350, f-450 and f-550 heavy duty vehicles manufactured from september 12, 2011, through september 22, 2011. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, theft protection. the transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to brake shift interlock switch problem.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on december 22, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 11V582000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V‑248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V‑075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
RQ17010
What 2011 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Ford issued a recall for the Lead frame. Recall ID 19so7 & 16s19. My truck has experienced the issues associated with this recall. Last night it was more severe. The truck shifted from 5th to 1st gear unexpectedly. I have already tried to remedy this with ford. I made the appointment on their website to have this fixed in the beginning of spring this year. I was told when i brought it in that it wasnt covered anymore because its over 10 years old and over 150,000 miles. This should not matter when we are talking about a serious safety issue. The truck is in good shape and this is the only issue I've had. Now, im afraid to drive it at all. It never downshifted like thos before. The most it did was, all of a sudden, the "wrench symbol" would appear and my speedometer would stop working and it wouldnt shift properly. I'd pull over and it wouldnt go into first. If I restarted the truck it would reset and work again. But this would happen from time to time. Then yesterday it did exactly what the recall states it would do. Ford denied it was a recall to me and said it was a "customer satisfaction program" instead. But clearly its a recall and a huge safety issue.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a slight loss of motive power, and the transmission failed to shift in synchronization with the engine. The check engine warning light and the service vehicle soon warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scanner retrieved transmission code 6R80. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 225,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted, causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed. The contact indicated during the incident that the transmission shifter switched from Drive (D) to the first gear independently. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), which the contact associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
My truck will just abruptly downshift no matter how fast im going and it's quite concerning
I bought this truck used about one year ago. Since then I have not had much time to use it. In the last three months I have had some time to drive it. Three times in those months this issue has occurred. Luckily they all occurred on my property and no damage happened except to the truck. First time it happened an exterior mirror was knocked off, a running board was bent, scratches and dings to the to the paint, and a tailight was damaged. This all happened in reverse due to a gate opening I was going through. The motor all of a sudden had a massive spike in RPMs and a violent lunge and slide of the vehicle. I learned later that it was due to a flawed part in the transmission called a molded lead frame. Transmission is Fords 6R80 6-speed automatic. Last time it happened was on 09/16/2026. It has not been inspected by any entity because apparenty I live too far in the "boonies" for anyone to come this far but the vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted from sixth gear into second gear. In addition, several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 351,072.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with leadframe sensor failure. The contact was informed that the leadframe sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that smoke was covering the roadway. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, there was oil leaking around the manifold. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving to the dealer for a scheduled recall repair. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the WRENCH icon was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure was self-corrected, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Questions about the 2011 Ford F-150 transmission
Does the 2011 Ford F-150 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 830 complaints about the transmission of the 2011 Ford F-150, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 97,142 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Ford F-150 transmission?
Yes, 3 recalls: 19V075000, 16V248000, 11V582000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-150 have bad transmission?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2013 (1,346 complaints), 2018 (1,022 complaints) and 2011 (830 complaints).
Other 2011 Ford F-150 problems
Engine 511Steering 419Electrical 235Acceleration 213Brakes 184Visibility 147Fuel system 117Driver assistance 54Body 33Lights 30Tires 18Airbags 14Suspension 14Wheels 13Seats 9Seat belts 8Locks 1
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