2014 Ford F-150: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AK

We purchased this 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew (3.5L EcoBoost) used on Dec 31, 2022. Just two days after taking it home, the vehicle began experiencing sudden, violent, uncommanded downshifts from 6th to 1st gear at highway speeds. This occurred throughout our ownership. Because this was our family's only form of transportation, we had no choice but to continue driving it under these terrifying conditions, repeatedly navigating a lethal safety hazard with our three children in the vehicle until the powertrain suffered a catastrophic failure. This matches the exact defect investigated under the federal safety agency Campaign 24V444 / Recall 24S37 and expanded under Recall 26S45. On Dec 23, 2023, a final highway downshift forced the powertrain into 1st gear, creating immense kinetic stress and engine-braking that instantly shattered internal components and caused a severe engine knock. Less than a mile later, while trying to get our family home in life-threatening -40 degree Fairbanks winter weather with our three children inside, the engine completely blew, leaving us stranded. The Fairbanks Ford dealership initially stated that Ford would be liable for the consequential damages. However, it later backtracked, claiming that a local customer satisfaction program had "timed out" at the 150,000-mile threshold. A diagnostic certification from a local Nissan dealership has documented the failure. I was an original reporter aiding the push to reopen this failed software recall investigation, and Ford's corporate delays allowed this defect to destroy my engine before a real fix was issued. Due to this defect, our family has suffered extreme financial hardship: we spent $6,513.68 out of pocket for a 5-month Turo rental starting Christmas Day 2023; I was forced to leave my job due to a lack of transportation in a sub-zero climate; and I had to liquidate my retirement early. We have paid on time for 3 straight years on a broken vehicle and currently owe $19,633.44 on a financial ghost. Ford Motor Co

Filed Mar 25, 2025 · Transmission · 217,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from the 6th to 2nd gear, and the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide to a stop. The vehicle then stalled but was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that once the vehicle was restarted, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with smoke exiting from the tailpipe. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved undisclosed codes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 24V444000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH exiting the highway, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was restarted and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the residence but stalled multiple times on the way. Additionally, the contact stated a couple of days later the contact stated that he observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that that the rods were knocking and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Engine · 90,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made knocking sounds and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a connecting rod failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2020 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · WI

I have 86000 miles on my truck and noticed a knocking noise upon starting turns out I have a stretched timing chain and my extended warranty wont cover it this is now the second ford I have been taken to the cleaners.

Filed Feb 1, 2017 · Engine · 148,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford f-150. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the gear shifted from six to third gear without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and shut off. The vehicle was restarted, but the contact heard a knocking noise from the engine all the way to his residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the speed control system, camshaft, timing belt, and timing chain were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2017 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact mentioned that there was a knocking noise that came from the engine. In addition, the oil pressure light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where informed the engine blew up due to eco boost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. The VIN was not provided.