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2015 Ford F-150: engine failure

31 of the 1,752 complaints about the 2015 Ford F-150 describe engine failure.

owner complaints
31
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
50,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 49 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Transmission · 163,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with an abnormal sound. The transmission seized in fifth gear and failed to shift as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbine speed sensor and internal lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was 163,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · OH

When driving down the highway the vehicle downshifted abruptly and the engine started shuddering and shaking at a high speed. I was forced to pull over on the side of a busy highway in a 70mph section. A Ford dealership in the area inspected the issue and stated that the engine was blown after only ~150,000 miles. The transmission wrench and engine light came on prior to the incident but would turn off after a few minutes and both lights turns on during the incident. The circumstances described in Safety Recall Notice 26S28 / the federal safety agency Recall 26V237 occurred during the incident but a blown engine was not covered in this recall. However, the vehicle experienced an unexpected sudden downshift and then the engine malfunctioned.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 205,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the transmission had seized in first gear. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair was completed on July 23, 2026. The failure occurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was left at the dealer. The contact was informed that the ECM was not communicating with the transmission. The contact was informed that no failure codes were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure was not present prior to the completion of the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Transmission · 131,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that occasionally the transmission unexpectedly upshifted to 3rd gear and seized. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the WRENCH symbol was intermittently illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the molded leadframe on the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Visibility · MI

Wipers failed to operate normally while driving. Wiper started moving very slow then stopped moving even with wet windshield. Upon research the problem was a seized passenger side pivot in the wiper linkage that required replacement of the Wiper Linkage assembly. No warning or noticeable problems until this occurred and vehicle was difficult to operate in rainy conditions.

Filed Mar 1, 2026 · Engine · FL

The vehicle’s original engine began producing excessive white smoke during startup. The vehicle was diagnosed by AutoNation Ford, and it was determined that the passenger-side cylinder head was cracked near the exhaust port. This defect allowed coolant to intrude into the passenger-side turbocharger. Due to the extent of the damage, the engine required full replacement. The engine was replaced with a used motor under a third-party warranty on August 21, 2024. The replacement engine is now experiencing the exact same failure symptoms. Specifically, the vehicle produces white smoke at startup consistent with coolant intrusion. Bozard Ford performed a diagnostic evaluation, completed on February 27, 2026. Their findings determined that the replacement engine has the identical defect: a cracked passenger-side cylinder head near the exhaust port allowing coolant intrusion into the turbocharger. This repeated failure raises significant safety concerns. Coolant intrusion into the turbocharger and combustion chamber may lead to engine misfire, loss of power, potential engine damage while driving, and possible sudden engine failure. Additionally, burning coolant may damage emissions components and create hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility from exhaust smoke. The fact that two separate engines in the same vehicle have experienced the exact same cylinder head failure suggests a potential design or manufacturing defect specific to the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue to determine whether this is a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Please let me know if additional documentation, repair records, or diagnostic reports are required.

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

[XXX]: check engine light was on and codes P2196 and P2198 were present. The dealer suspected it was the purge valve, causing the problem so they replaced it and reset the codes. 10/10/24: I brought the truck in to have it looked at due to the check engine light being on again. I was told the lead frame needed to be replaced but was on backorder. The bill to diagnose this was 196.80 and I was told I could still drive it. On [XXX], I had to bring my truck in to be inspected because while I was going about 70 mph it all of a sudden downshifted and jerked me forward like it was going to abruptly stop. The check engine light came on and I had to drive pretty slow to avoid a breakdown on the interstate. Very scary to have this happen in interstate traffic It could have easily caused an accident. At this time, It was brought to my attention that the downshifting could also be related to technical bulletin 1495. Since we couldn’t get a real definitive answer on what was going on and the lead frame was on backorder, I decided to try and have the case connector in the bulletin removed and replaced as well as do a transmission tuneup on 10/23/24. This bill cost me $383.77. All codes were cleared and all appeared to be working correctly. On [XXX], I was driving on the interstate at about 70 mph and my truck seized up again and jerked forward, again scaring me and potentially causing an accident. I drove it very slowly directly to a repair shop. It was there until November 7, 2024 after the lead frame was replaced. That bill cost me $1321.68. I decided to file this complaint after I had seen a news article that this downshifting was being investigated for the same year as my 2015 Ford F150 for a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Engine · 50,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The mechanic notified the manufacturer of the failure, and the manufacturer covered the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO

My 2015 Ford F-150 truck has had multiple issues related to performance issues, with only 80,000 miles on it. I have had issues with it losing power while driving, both with and without towing a trailer where it just powers down on the highway from 70-75 mph down to 40-50 mph in traffic. I usually just have to pull over, turn the engine off and then turn it back on and everything runs normal. It is currently at Phil Long Ford in Colorado Springs, CO, having the short block and driver side cylinder head replaced at 80,000 miles because it was smoking out the exhaust and they determined that it had coolant leaking into the #4 and #5 cylinders. This is after it had a completely new engine installed at 75,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the 3# cylinder and causing severe damage to the engine. It was in the repair shop from August 2023 until late December 2023 because the engines were are backorder. The Passenger side cylinder heads are currently on a 13 month backorder according to the dealership, which is why they are only replacing the short block and Driver side cylinder head this time, after only 5,000 miles on the replacement engine. I have also received multiple recall notifications regarding this vehicle, the most recent of which was on 4/22/2024 for #24E03 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE, none of which have been repaired during the multiple times and extended durations that my vehicle was at the Ford dealership for repairs. Two recalls existed and should have been repaired when my vehicle was at the dealership between August and December of 2023, and the most recent recall shows "No Remedy Available" for a PCM Module Software Update?

Filed Apr 22, 2024 · Engine · CA

When I was driving a light came on that said low oil pressure. I checked the oil, and it was full. Driving to get it checked out the engine stopped. I had it towed to the FORD dealership. The engine failed at 81,000 on my 2015 FORD F-150. I was charged $220 for the FORD technicians to say "they do not know why the engine failed but for $16,000 they will put a new engine in." I asked for details as there is low miles on the engine. The technician said "they would be happy to tear apart the engine, for a fee, to find out." I asked about a warranty they said the motor is good for 60,000 miles after which point it is not covered. I found, on the internet, that the 2015 2.7 EcoBoost engine has problems with oil leaks and that the piston melt, fuse together and the engine stops. I also found there is a federal investigation into the 2.7 EcoBoost engine. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Engine · ID

While driving at approx 50 MPH the engine suddenly stopped and shut off. I coasted to the side. There was no ability to restart the engine. It was towed to my mechanic who informed me the engine had fully seized. Engine odometer was approx 103,000 miles at time of incident. There was a full engine oil reservoir.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Wheels · 54,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while receiving routine tire rotation services, the contact was informed that the lug nuts had seized. The lug nuts were replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the lug nuts had seized again. The lug nuts were replaced. The dealer informed the contact about using aftermarket lug nuts. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported February 21, 2020 · 13,854 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
Risk
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the block heater's location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S08.

Recall number 20V098000 · Recall details

EngineReported April 8, 2019 · 131,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.

Recall number 19V278000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 18, 2018 · 410,289 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Risk
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Recall number 18V894000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2015 Ford F-150 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2015 Ford F-150?

31 of 1,752 owner complaints about the 2015 Ford F-150 (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Ford F-150?

There are 3 recalls and 49 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Ford F-150

Check engine light 127Brake failure 126Door locks 99Loss of power 92Won't shift 91Adaptive cruise 71Stalling 60Transmission failure 31Jerking 30Fire or smoke 29Harsh shifting 28Misfire 25Power steering loss 25Wipers 25Grinding brakes 21Collision warning 21No deployment 17Backup camera 17Shudder 16Won't start 14Overheating 13Fuel pump 11Slipping 11Hesitation 10Key fob 10Seat belt 10Water leak 10Steering lock-up 9Pulling 9Fuel smell 8Warning lights 8ABS 7Airbag light 7Spongy pedal 7Tire blowout 6Start-stop 5Sudden acceleration 5Sunroof shattered 5

All model years of the Ford F-150

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