2020 Ford F-150: start-stop system problems

Filed May 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and discovered that there are numerous incidents of this happening (engine shutting off while moving) to drivers that have deactivated the auto start stop on their vehicles. See link: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

I am receiving alerts on my ford app stating that it is a parking aid alert because of electrical isse within the vehicle. Also states to service engine soon alert because of electrical issue has been detected with your vehicle. This may cause the engine start/stop feature (if equipped) to not work. Checking on this I found 0 on the federal safety agency website for recalls. With further checking I was informed that this should be a recall to be done. Please let me know if I can get this repaired under the recall. I also notice when starting my vehicle in the mornings that it smokes out of both tailpipes and lasts approximately one to two minutes. [xxx] [xxx] . Thank you. My email is also [xxx] address is [xxx] , edna, texas [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Engine · WA

I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Ford F-150. On March 15th, 2025 while driving on State Route 167 - 410 in heavy rain, my vehicle experienced an intermittent engine shutdown while in motion. Second time happened to my wife while leaving the neighborhood on March 18th, 2025. Specifically, the engine completely shut off while driving at 40 mph. This occurred despite the Auto Start-Stop feature being manually disabled. Upon the engine shutdown, the Driver Information Center (DIC) displayed the message, "Auto StartStop Shift to P, then Restart Engine." The car did not lost power and I needed to do a full stop, shift to P, restart and switch back to D to continue driving. This malfunction occurred under hazardous conditions, specifically during heavy rain on a freeway. The sudden loss of engine power created a highly dangerous situation, placing myself and other drivers at significant risk. I am deeply concerned about the potential safety implications of this issue. The fact that the engine shut down while driving, even with the Auto Start-Stop feature disabled, suggests a critical malfunction that requires immediate attention. Despite having an extended warranty and the serious nature of this safety concern, the service department from Sunset charged me money for an unsuccessful diagnosis after two days, with service advisor unable to identify or replicate the problem.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Transmission · TX

While driving on the highway the truck shut off. A message appeared (Auto StartStop Shift to P, Then Restart Engine) This is an ongoing issue. It has happened three times already while driving. After the error message appears I stop, the turn the truck back on and it works perfectly. The issue is that the truck turns of while going at any speed. I have already replaced the battery.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 40,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the Auto Start-Stop feature was activated. The brake pedal was released, and the vehicle jerked while in first gear. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the rear differential was leaking transmission fluid onto the ground, and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact needed to add seven quarts of oil for every 3,000 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 40,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Engine · CA

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Auto StartStop., Yes 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My 2020 Ford F150 turned off while driving on freeway and 2nd occasion, I was on a major street with traffic. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning before truck turned off, after truck turned off: Auto StartStop Shift to P, then Restart Engine

Filed Nov 30, 2023 · Engine · CA

I've owned this F150 truck since 2020, purchasing it on Memorial Day. However, every year, I've experienced two to three instances where the car suddenly cuts off in the middle of a traffic light, accompanied by a yellow warning sign on the screen. I suspect it has something to do with the Auto Start-Stop technology. The most recent incident (1 month ago) while I was driving toward a traffic light direction that was turning red. I gradually slowed down until I came to a complete stop. When I lifted my foot off the brake pedal, the car simply shut off. This issue has become increasingly concerning, especially since it can occur in unpredictable situations. I'm hoping someone can provide some insight into the cause of this problem and suggest a solution.

Filed Sep 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · KS

Reporting this same incident type again. My truck continues to sporadically shutoff while operating the vehicle. My truck has shutoff while driving twice in the past 2 months. Under normal driving conditions I can be driving and suddenly the engine will shutoff and I lose all power and power steering. The latest episode I was turning right with traffic approaching behind with my kids in the truck as well. The error on the dash is the same every time “Auto StartStop Manual Restart Required”. I have to come to a complete stop and put the truck in park to be able to restart. Having to stop on a very busy road to restart is a major safety issue and I believe this truck will end up hurting myself or others. I have had the truck into ford more than once and they claim there is no problem even though I show pictures and video. I contacted ford directly again and they really don’t seem to care very much, from what I can tell they refuse to acknowledge I have a problem with the truck. Please help me.

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Engine · PA

While driving, the vehicle shut off and displayed a warning on the dash cluster stating that the engine had automatically shut off. It said auto-stop-start was deactivated and that I needed to put the truck in park and then turn the vehicle off and back on to restart. Doing that allowed the vehicle to restart and no malfunction indicators were displayed afterward.

Filed May 12, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OH

while I was driving, all of a sudden I noticed no power was going to the engine, I pushed on the gas pedal and nothing happened. The truck stalled, I quickly pull over to a safe spot, and turn the engine off. Dash had lit up with "Auto Startstop feature needing me to put the truck in park and restart the engine" scary as it lost power while driving which thankfully I was able to pull over to a safe spot.

Filed Feb 24, 2023 · Electrical · WV

While driving my 2020 Ford F150 a few days ago I was stopping for a red light. After stopping the truck completely powered off and gave a warning alert on the dash that stated " Auto Start Stop Shift to P, then Restart Engine. During this time the red battery light was also on and the Auto Start Stop light that normally light green when active or gray when inactive was yellow and flashing. I have since taken the truck to my local dealer who cant seem to find a issue. I have however done my own research online and have been seeing that this seems to be a well known issue with Ford brand.

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I was driving and the engine cutoff auto start stop message popped up had to stop and put the truck in park then turn the key to restart engine.