2015 Ford F-150: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · UT

While driving my 2015 Ford F-150, the vehicle experiences a severe and hazardous transmission defect. The transmission unexpectedly drops out of gear while in motion, resulting in an immediate loss of power and acceleration. Simultaneously, the 'D' (Drive) gear indicator light on the instrument cluster goes dark, and both the wrench warning light and check engine light illuminate, forcing the vehicle into an unsafe limp mode. This vehicle is subject to active safety Recall 26S28 / the federal safety agency 26V237 regarding unintended transmission downshifts and Transmission Range Sensor signal loss. I contacted an authorized Ford dealership to have this federally mandated safety recall performed. However, the service department explicitly refused to execute the recall repair, stating that the recall procedure does not solve the problem and makes it worse. The dealership is refusing to perform the required safety service, leaving my vehicle unrepaired and creating a dangerous ongoing safety hazard on public roads

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety defect involving my 2015 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Cab. While operating the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and total loss of control. Without warning, the gas pedal lost all tension, the truck abruptly downshifted and went into limp mode, and both the check engine and wrench warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe. It appears that the failure of this component frequently causes an output shaft speed sensor malfunction, leading to the exact dangerous loss of power I experienced Given the high frequency of these reports from other owners. This loss of control while driving created an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon experiencing these symptoms, I promptly scheduled an appointment at my local Ford dealership. Despite the service department confirming that the transmission lead frame is failing, Ford refused to perform the repair citing that my specific trouble codes are not currently approved under their policy. This is unacceptable, as these symptoms are identical to those addressed in recall 26S28 and Ford has previously acknowledged that these specific codes are directlv related to this component's failure in other mode years. My investigation into this failure reveals a widespread pattern of similar incidents involving the transmission molded leadframe Given that my vehicle exhibits all the symptoms described in the existing recall, it is clear that this is a systemic manufacturing defect that Ford is failing to adequately address. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and Ford's restrictive repair criteria, as this defect poses a significant risk to myself and the public on the road.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Transmission · NV

Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (6R80 6-Speed) Description of Incident & Safety Hazard: My 2015 F-150 suddenly lost the ability to shift through its full range of gears and became completely locked between 3rd and 5th gears while driving. This sudden loss of power and gear range in active traffic created an immediate rear-end collision hazard. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble codes P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) and P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor No Signal). I have photographic proof of these active codes. The Safety Recall Loophole: I brought the truck to a Ford dealership for safety recall 26S28. However, the dealer only performed a PCM software update and did not replace the physical molded leadframe. Because safety recall 26S28 strictly excludes codes P0720 and P0722 from its replacement criteria, the dealer is completely unauthorized to replace the physical leadframe under this safety campaign, regardless of whether the codes are active. Inexplicably, Ford covers codes P0720 and P0722 under safety recall 24S37 (for older models), but forces 2015 owners with the exact same codes to rely on a non-safety Customer Satisfaction Program (26N04) which carries strict time/mileage limits. This is a dangerous technical loophole. A software patch on a vehicle with a physically failing speed sensor is a temporary band-aid, not a permanent safety fix. The physical leadframe is still defective and will fail again, presenting a continuous safety hazard. Ford must expand safety recall 26S28 to mandate the physical replacement of the molded leadframe for all vehicles presenting with leadframe-related codes, including P0720 and P0722. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Transmission · 240,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, with the WRENCH symbol flashing before the vehicle lost power. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

The timing belt/chain is failing on F-150 trucks and multiple people have sent in issues. i think from 2015-2018. It looks like you are already looking at other Fords with same issue. what i was told is that there could be sudden stalling: If the timing is thrown off or the chain snaps, the engine cuts out instantly. Losing power steering and engine power while driving in traffic creates an immediate crash hazard. Severe Misfires and Power Loss: A slipping chain causes rough idling, violent shaking, and an inability to accelerate which happened to the truck. Due to this i had to get mine fixed in June of 2024 i have attached the invoices. I tried to upload invoice but said there was an error

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · MN

The vehicle lost power rolling from a stop sign, felt like it was trying to shift but wouldn’t then went into limp mode, drove fine the next day. The faulty lead frame is failing, it has no other cause. I refuse to drive and put myself and others in danger to prove it. The dealer said they couldn’t cover it because the code is not covered in the recall, they recommended a new valve body or transmission, they didn't even say why. They were able to recreate it wrench light. P2704 is the code they claimed with the 2 leading causes are valve body, they said my fluid was clean and the vehicle has up to date service with no previous sign of wear, or the lead frame going out, the ACTIVELY recalled part. I tried contacting ford directly and they refused assistance beyond “tow it to a different dealer” and then ended the conversation. It is a safety issue that I will not wait to have break if there is clear signs of it happening.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Transmission · MN

My truck experienced a sudden downshift and loss of power, it threw a p2704 at the dealership but I don’t trust this dealership as they quoted me for a new transmission shortly after that, I tried calling the ford service line and they did not pickup, I went to their contact and they said to tow it to a different dealership for a second opinion, it is a severe safety risk and it is certainly the failing lead frame based on the trucks condition and service record, the service advisor online then ended the chat with me after I asked for a supervisor. I am not going to harm myself or others waiting for my truck to prove it has a critical failure waiting. I have a clear service record up to date with nothing that would point at a valve body, the next thing in row that would throw that code, and I refuse to pay out of pocket for something caused by the broken recalled part. I can either continue to drive it till it fails or have it replaced now.

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 Feb 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

1. System Failed: Power Train (Transmission). Component Failed: The 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission, specifically the internal lead frame and the direct drum. Inspection: No, the failed unit was replaced on December 19, 2025, but itemized diagnostic reports and repair invoices from both a Ford dealer and an independent shop are available for inspection. 2. The vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and a temporary loss of power while in motion. These incidents occurred frequently and randomly, particularly while accelerating or traversing inclines, creating "unsafe driving scenarios" where the vehicle could have been rear-ended or lost traction due to abrupt gear changes. Furthermore, the vehicle eventually entered "limp mode," where it would "buck" during shifts and fail to accelerate under load, leaving the driver vulnerable in traffic. 3. Yes, by both. Independent Center: Super Tech Automotive confirmed on December 11, 2025, that the transmission line pressure dropped from 158 psi to 20 psi under load, causing the vehicle to go into "limp mode". Dealer: South West Ford Service Department verified the concerns on December 16, 2025, documenting a "torque converter shudder" and "direct drum failure" with "excessive metal debris in fluid". 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealer, South West Ford Service Department, on December 16, 2025 (Service Advisor Ryan Forbis; Transmission Specialist 'Dietrich'). 5. Yes. Symptoms: The symptoms first appeared in August 2025 as a "sudden, temporary loss of power or unexpected down-shifting". Warning Lamps: Initially, no warning lights or error codes were produced, which prevented early detection during multiple diagnostic attempts. Later Symptoms: On December 11, 2025, the SES (Service Engine Soon) Light finally appeared when the truck entered "limp mode". Prior to the total failure, the transmission also exhibited "harsh/jerky downshifts" and would "hang up in gear".

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Transmission · FL

2015 Ford F150 with 6R80 transmission. No warning lights, transmission down shited from 6th gear @55mph to 1st gear followed by complete transmission failure and loss of power. This took place on I26 in South Carolina near Spartanburg. Was then towed to a transmission repair shop in Greenville SC where the transmission had to be rebuilt (6 month lead time for new replacement from Ford). Invoice attached. Additional visits were required due to control module causing irregular shifting after repair. Please contact Advanced Transmission (contact info listed on invoice) for additional details.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Transmission · TN

The transmission range sensor has failed on my F150. This made my truck go into limp mode and unable to start. The Ford dealership replaced the lead frame and TRS as it was burnt out. The new TRS then began to automatically downshift while I was driving on the highway. It went from 6 gear to 4th back to 6th and then briefly to 1st making my truck lose power before going back to 6th gear while I was driving at 70 mph. There were no warning lights, a service light had come on just before the incident. The safety issue is a sharp and sudden downshift while driving at high speeds this can cause severe accidents. I understand that the Transmission Range Sensor for my Ford F-150 is under investigation by the NHSTA and in the engineering analysis stage before a recalled is determined. The dealership is looking at the problem as I’ve already spent over $2100 fixing it.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Transmission · WA

Driving on a freeway at 70mph all the sudden engine reved up and warning lite with wrench 🔧 to see owners manual came on, transmission down shifted and truck felt like it has loss of power. While driving reduced acceleration removed foot of gass pedal, truck slowed down to 40mph warning lite disappear and was driving normally. Few months later the same warning lite came on and downshift happened again at 35mph, good thing it was not on busy street.