2017 Ford F-150: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · MI

My 2017 Ford F-150 is experiencing serious transmission issues that appear to be related to Safety Recall 26S28. The vehicle is shifting harshly, failing to shift properly, shifting only into 3rd and 5th gears, sometimes failing to engage 6th gear, and occasionally losing all power. A generic wrench warning appears on the dash with the message “See Service Manual.” A code reader also displays diagnostic trouble code P0722. I took my vehicle to Great Lakes Ford of Muskegon, where the dealership diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the lead frame needs to be replaced. The lead frame is the component addressed by this recall. However, the dealership stated that because the vehicle was not displaying a specific required code, they could not perform the repair under the recall. My vehicle is currently not drivable and is clearly exhibiting serious symptoms consistent with the issue addressed by the recall. Despite this, I have been told that I must pay approximately $1,500 out of pocket to repair a component that I believe should be covered under Ford’s recall. This issue presents a significant safety hazard. When the problem first occurred, I was making a left turn when my truck suddenly lost all power. I was nearly struck by oncoming traffic because I could not accelerate to complete the turn safely. Given the unpredictable shifting, loss of power, and other transmission issues described above, I do not believe this vehicle is safe to operate. My truck is currently at the dealership, and I am being asked to pay for a repair that appears to be directly related to the recall. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this situation and determine whether Ford’s recall criteria are too restrictive if vehicles experiencing the same underlying defect are denied repairs solely because they do not register a specific diagnostic trouble code. I am concerned that this issue poses a serious safety risk to myself, other drivers, and affected vehicles should receive the necessary repairs

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · IN

Months ago, experienced loss of power, deacceleration and a grinding noise as it downshifted by itself. I ran an ODB-II on it and got 4 codes. Had it towed to dealership and was told it was the manifold arm and paid over $4,200 to replace it. Now, it'd happening again- with the same 4 codes and according to FORD whom I just talked to, states that this is the Powertrain molded lead frame issue. It is a known issue(recall 26S28/26V237) and that is has no remedy. The current value is over $13,000 but it's been sitting at the dealership where I had to have it towed. With no end in sight. What are we supposed to do with a non-operative vehicle? How can ford just say, "Sorry- there's nothing we can do." And the issue have been know for years. Where is the proof they are actively searching for a remedy??

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

I bought my f150 a year ago. now I’m experiencing timing issues, Vvt solenoid failure (all four) . Loss of power, limp mode, failure to shift etc … I’ve had several mechanics look at it .

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Transmission · PA

I am reporting a vehicle safety failure and dealership diagnostic non-compliance regarding Safety Recall 26S28 (the federal safety agency Campaign 26V237000) on my 2017 Ford F-150. While accelerating, the vehicle suddenly lost its transmission output shaft speed sensor signal, dropping the truck into a dangerous, low-power fail-safe "Limp Mode" that locked the transmission into 3rd/5th gear. An advanced diagnostic scan prior to dealership service confirmed stored trouble codes P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) and P061A. I brought the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership for the safety recall remedy. The dealership applied a software update and dismissed my hardware failure complaint, stating no active codes were present. Because this is an intermittent electronic defect, it rarely throws a permanent dashboard light at idle in a service bay. The dealership appears to have only run a basic surface-level scan, failing to check the deeper Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs) or Permanent Code menus where intermittent transmission safety faults are archived. The dealership's failure to deeply investigate verified safety defect codes before clearing computer memory leaves consumers exposed to recurring power loss on active roadways. I am seeking a mandated dealer rescan of the deep-set modules or a formal tracking document of this failure to protect my warranty coverage when the hardware fails again.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

The vehicle experienced intermittent transmission-related drivability issues before the recall remedy was available. The vehicle had delayed/hard shifting, an intermittent wrench warning light, and a reduced power/limp mode condition where the transmission would not shift normally. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealer on multiple occasions, including diagnostic visits on 10/09/2023, 05/12/2025, and 02/09/2026. Ford later issued recall 26S28 involving the powertrain control module/transmission control system, and the recall remedy was performed. After the recall repair was completed, the original drivability concern continued, including sluggish shifting and delayed engagement between gears. As a second attempted repair related to the wrench warning light and transmission concern, the dealer identified the possibility of a faulty transmission lead frame and reviewed replacement under the applicable coverage. However, the dealer refused to replace the lead frame because the related fault code was not currently present during their inspection. The intermittent nature of the failure causes the code to clear after the vehicle is restarted, making it difficult to capture during a dealer visit. I provided photographic proof showing the wrench warning light was present after picking up the vehicle on the same day the recall repair was supposedly completed. Despite this evidence and the continued symptoms, the lead frame replacement was not performed. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash, but the intermittent loss of normal transmission operation creates a safety concern, especially during acceleration, merging, or uphill driving. The issue has been reported to Ford and inspected by a Ford dealer. Repair documentation, photos, and service records are available.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

Transmission failure/malfunction (known issue), Harsh/Delayed Shifts, downshifting erratically, loss of power on the highway. I stopped driving the truck after having random loss of power going 75 mph, to having no acceleration and almost getting rear-ended twice. I took the truck in to Holmes Tuttle Ford in Tucson, Arizona to get the TCM reflashed. They confirmed the harsh/delayed shifting and told me it got worse after the reflash, but they were not able to reproduce the random loss of power. Whenever I experienced the truck going into "limp mode" there was a wrench warning lamp turning on. This is a known defect on the 10R80 transmissions, yet there is no safety recall on it. The truck has 100,242 miles on it.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Engine · FL

I experienced a sudden coolant leak on my 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as leaking turbocharger coolant lines. The coolant was leaking in the turbo area and dripping onto extremely hot exhaust components. This creates a risk of rapid coolant loss, overheating, loss of power while driving, and potential engine compartment fire. The Ford service advisor told me directly that he has “seen this many times,” which indicates this is a recurring failure on EcoBoost engines and not normal wear. This suggests the coolant line design or fittings may be defective and failing prematurely. The repair estimate was extremely high because the dealer included replacement of both exhaust manifolds. This failure occurred without warning. If the coolant loss had happened at highway speed, it could have caused sudden engine overheating or power loss. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate turbo coolant line failures on Ford EcoBoost engines due to the safety risk of coolant leaking onto hot turbo and exhaust components.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

My vehicle is currently subject to an open Ford transmission safety recall for which no repair remedy is available at this time. The vehicle is experiencing a recurring and dangerous failure while driving. Approximately twice per day, during my normal commute, all vehicle electronics suddenly shut off while the vehicle is in motion. At the same time, the wheels appear to lock up, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control and creating a significant crash risk. When the failure occurs, I am forced to immediately shift the transmission into neutral while the vehicle is still moving. After approximately 5 to 10 seconds, I can shift back into drive and continue operating the vehicle. However, vehicle electronics often remain inoperative for the remainder of the trip. This condition is occurring repeatedly and has become more frequent. The issue currently occurs approximately once during my drive to work and once during my drive home. My commute is approximately 20 minutes each way. The vehicle has not yet been involved in a crash, but I believe a crash is likely if this condition continues. The sudden loss of power, loss of electronics, and wheel lockup while driving creates an immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle is subject to an active safety recall, the condition appears related to the recall, and no repair remedy is currently available. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to operate

Filed May 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving about 60 mph on the highway, all warning lights on the dash suddenly came on and the truck immediately lost power/shut down. The wheels sputtered or somethting like that, not sure how to describe it. I was able to safely get off the road and restart the truck. After restarting, it drove normally again with no obvious issues. I recently received a recall notice describing very similar symptoms related to the transmission/lead frame issue, but the notice stated no remedy was yet available. This created a serious safety concern because the failure happened unexpectedly at highway speed. Here is the recall info: Issue Date 2026-04-14 Campaign 26S28/26V237

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Transmission · FL

The vehicle gets stuck in gear or "limp mode" and will then suddenly fix itself and switch into the correct gear intermittently. There is often a delay when the vehicle goes into limp mode and the service engine wrench light coming on, so you don't know it's happened until you lose the ability to accelerate. I was almost t-boned when this issue first appeared as I did not realize the vehicle was stuck in 4th gear. I was at a flashing yellow light waiting to turn left across traffic. When I saw a gap in the oncoming traffic I proceeded to make my turn only to realize the vehicle had very little acceleration. Because it was stuck in 4th gear it had virtually no acceleration from a stop. Thankfully the oncoming vehicles were paying attention and noticed my vehicle crawling through the turn otherwise I would have been hit. It also can get stuck in lower gears and not shift up, so when accelerating to get onto the highway it will remain stuck in 1st or 2nd gear and as a result drive very poorly at highway speeds. I brought this to a Ford dealership and they had the truck for 3 weeks and told me they couldn't reproduce it and bring it back to them when it was more consistent since it is a very intermittent issue. Even though I showed them my Ford app with over 100+ notifications that stated the issue and they were able to see the vehicle codes they told me there was nothing they could do. I took it to another dealer and their recommendations were: Replacement of Trans Internal Wiring Harness (Molded Leadframe) & Pan Gasket & Filter, Transmission Flush The many notifications in the Ford app that I presented to the dealerships stated: "Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power - The transmission control module has detected that one of the transmission sensors is not sending its information to the module. Bring to authorized dealer as soon as possible" This issue has manifested itself many times for me and I have been going back and forth with Ford about it for months.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Engine · FL

I own a 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 70,500 miles. The dealer diagnosed a ticking/rattling noise coming from the top left side of the engine near the timing cover. Using a stethoscope, the technician determined the noise was related to the timing system. The dealer recommended replacing the cam phasers, timing chain guides, and timing tensioners, along with all related seals and gaskets. The total estimated repair cost is $5,957.08. After researching the issue, I found that this cam‑phaser rattle/ticking problem appears to be widely reported by many owners of F‑150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. I also learned that Ford Motor Company issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, which extends cam‑phaser coverage for certain vehicles with this engine. However, when I contacted Ford Customer Service, I was informed that my VIN was not included in the program and that no financial assistance was available. I was directed back to the dealership. Given the relatively low mileage of the vehicle and the number of similar reports from other owners, I believe this may represent a systemic defect in the cam‑phaser/timing system. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated and considered for a recall or broader coverage program so affected owners are not responsible for costly repairs caused by this defect. If the cam‑phaser or timing components fail while driving, it could potentially affect engine performance, create a stall condition, or lead to loss of power, which may pose a safety risk.

Filed Feb 28, 2026 · Transmission · IL

Whenever I am going at highway speeds the truck sometimes does some erratic shifting it’ll be in 5th gear and it will downshift all the way down to second gear and I lose power so it’s dangerous being on the highway and losing power and it’s also happened while trying to merge on the highway I’ll lose power because of the random shifts so I really can’t predict what my car will do. Even when regular driving on the streets when trying to step on the gas a bit from a stop it will start accelerating and it will suddenly down shift also it just feels like something is going to break and I’ve had it happen twice where one of my rear wheels locks up.