The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V847000 (Steering, Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline and to the DMV for assistance.
Ford F-150 airbag light comes on
326 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 326
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $900
- typical mileage
- 83,420
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 32Won't shift 27No deployment 16Adaptive cruise 14Loss of power 12Jerking 6ABS 5Wipers 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0722 8P0720 5P0721 3B1211 2B11D8 2B0091 2U0423 1U0401 1P2112 1P1500 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the horn pad on the steering wheel, the horn failed to provide an audible sound as intended. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,825.
While driving approximately 45 MPH on a multi-lane road in moderate-to-heavy traffic, the truck shuddered as if caught between gears, then the engine revved past 4500 RPM on its own. Lifting off the accelerator had no effect on RPM, and pressing it produced no change in engine or vehicle speed. Moments later the drivetrain engaged violently: the rear tires chirped, the rear of the truck stepped sideways, and the vehicle decelerated abruptly from about 45 MPH to under 10 MPH with no brake input from me. Because there was no braking, I do not believe my brake lights illuminated during this sudden deceleration, creating a serious rear-end collision risk for any following vehicle. At onset, the speedometer dropped to zero (drifting down as if the engine had shut off), the odometer displayed only dashes, and the wrench/powertrain warning light illuminated. After the downshift, the wrench light cleared and the airbag warning light came on. The tachometer stayed elevated and the gear selector would only indicate gears 1, 2, and 3. I pulled over, shut off and restarted the vehicle, and drove home slowly under 15 MPH. This same failure recurred on 06/24/2026 while driving to the dealer. A Ford dealer technician inspected the vehicle and confirmed the transmission molded leadframe had broken, producing diagnostic trouble code P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit, No Signal). The failed component is available for inspection. The sudden, unintended loss of power and severe deceleration in live traffic, with no driver input and likely no brake-light warning to following traffic, is a significant safety hazard.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2014 Ford F-150 XLT equipped with the 6R80 transmission. My vehicle previously received Recall 24S37 in 2024 for the known transmission downshift safety defect involving Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal loss. Despite completion of the recall repair, my vehicle is now exhibiting the same dangerous symptoms associated with the recall condition, including: • Sudden erratic transmission behavior• Speedometer intermittently dropping to zero while driving• Wrench warning light activation• Check engine warning light• Airbag warning light• Unsafe drivability conditions and intermittent limp mode operation These symptoms create a serious safety concern because the vehicle unexpectedly changes driving behavior and loses speed signal information while operating on public roads. I presented the vehicle to Dick Smith Ford in Columbia, South Carolina for evaluation and was informed the truck requires a complete transmission replacement estimated at approximately $11,000. After extensive research, I discovered many Ford truck owners nationwide reporting nearly identical symptoms involving the 6R80 transmission, molded lead frame failures, OSS sensor failures, and unintended downshifting conditions. Ford previously acknowledged similar issues in Recall 24S37 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01. I am concerned the original recall remedy may not fully address the underlying hardware failure associated with this transmission system. My vehicle is demonstrating the same safety-related symptoms after the recall repair was already completed. Vehicle Information:2014 Ford F-150 XLTVIN: [XXX] I respectfully request the federal safety agency review this issue for continued safety concerns involving the Ford 6R80 transmission system and post-recall failures associated with Recall 24S37. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The transmission software update only made it worse. The transmission is deciding to shift into 5th gear wrench comes on the no speedometer no information in the information center airbag light comes on radio gets quieter or I have experienced the first shift sudden downshift at 65 mph back tires are hopping on the tar and now everyday it's stuck in first gear for a while I have to shut off the truck and it might reset or I have to turn it off for more than 5 minutes and then it might reset or go in third to start with no speedometer no information and the information center airbag light on this is a safety hazard and it should be an open free recall to replace the bad components inside the transmission from 2013 on up before somebody dies because of a sudden downshift
Four times in the previous two weeks, while driving between 20 and 50MPH, the transmission has downshifted from 6th to 1st gear, locking the rear tires. Speedometer reads zero, airbag warning light illuminates, and odometer/MPG shows dashes instead of numbers. Ignition must be turned off and on to recover. Trusted private mechanic performed diagnostic: removed transmission pan, changed filter, checked electrical, and replaced fluid. Cost: $700. The issue was not resolved. Internet search suggests a known "lead frame" issue and recall. Valencia AutoNation Ford suggests having their technicians diagnose at a cost of approximately $350. I was quoted roughly $5500 to rebuild/replace the transmission. I reported this issue to Ford Corporate "Customer Satisfaction" (Case CXH-06529440-C7D1J5), but was offered no assistance. This complaint appears over 200(!) times in the federal safety agency database just for 2013 Ford F-150 trucks. My family cannot drive this dangerous vehicle, and I cannot sell it in this condition.
The passenger occupancy sensor is not working correctly, giving an airbag indicator on the dashboard. It is not recognizing when a person is in the seat. This causes a huge safety risk if airbags don’t deploy in a collision.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light, the wrench warning light, and the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the speedometer failed to function as intended. The speedometer indicated 0 MPH while driving. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After the vehicle was restarted, the wrench warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact continued to drive, and while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light intermittently illuminated, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond as needed while driving. The vehicle was taken to a collision center. The contact was provided the following codes: P1500-00, P0722-00, P0721-00, P0304-00, and P0151-00. The contact stated that the codes were cleared while at the collision center. The vehicle failed the emission test. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering wheel sensor had failed, and the sensor was replaced. The contact stated that on the drive back to the residence after leaving the independent mechanic, the check engine warning light, the wrench warning light, and the air bag warning light were illuminated. In addition, the speedometer failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, once the contact removed the foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle drove sluggishly; and the contact had to use additional force to depress the accelerator pedal. The check engine and air bag warning lights illuminate
Normal driving to work. Airbag light came on. Notification on Ford app about front air bag system not working correctly. Contact Ford for service. Contacted Denooyer Ford for service that was recommended. Same dealership I purchased the truck from. Service was able to schedule me within a week but recommended not driving the vehicle as it possibly didn't have working airbags. During service they corrected 2 other recalls on the vehicle and informed me that the air bag system warranty work would be 1-2 years on replacement parts. Dealer recommended not driving vehicle till proper replacement parts got installed to correct faulty air bag sensor in seat. Dealer told me that they don't have any rental vehicles in the meantime. 1-2 years of not driving a new vehicle is not acceptable.
Driving 70 mph on highway. Transmission suddenly downshifted from 6th to 5th. Cruise control turned off. Speedometer went to 0 mph. Airbag warning light came on. Wrench indicator flashed. From this point on, transmission would only use gears 3,4,5. Speedometer continued to read 0. Cruise control remained inoperative and Airbag warning light remained on. Wrench indicator turned off after a few minutes. Was able to limp home, but truck had difficulty pulling out from stoplights and stop signs due to not being able to shift below 3rd gear. After shutting off ignition and restarting. Operation returned to normal.
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 vehicles. The instrument panel top cover on the passenger-side may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the passenger instrument panel top cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 16, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C01.
Recall number 23V072000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles. The right-side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to not deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- During air bag deployment, the air bag cover my break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the right-side instrument panel cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 26, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C23.
Recall number 22V684000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: side impact
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
Recall number 21V805000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 and Mustang vehicles. The air bag inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may rupture in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S26.
Recall number 17V529000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015, to November 22, 2015, and equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated.
- Risk
- If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S05.
Recall number 16V110000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 f-150 vehicles manufactured from november 6, 2011, through november 15, 2011. Incorrect software for the occupant classification system module (ocsm) was installed on the vehicles either at the time of manufacturing or during the course of replacement of the module as part of a service repair. Under certain driving conditions, the ocsm may misclassify the passenger seats occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.
- Risk
- A failure to deploy, failure to deploy as intended, or a deployment when not intended, increases the risk of injury to the passenger side seat occupant.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocsm free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 12V198000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 f-150 pick up trucks as well as certain model year 2006 lincoln mark lt vehicles. If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp may illuminate indicating that service is required.
- Risk
- The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln/mercury dealer to have a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This safety recall began on some vehicles in march 2011. The recall campaign on the expanded population is expected to begin on or about may 9, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 11V107000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. The inflator canister in the driver air bag module may have an inadequate weld near the igniter.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the driver air bag may not deploy as intended, potentially resulting in reduced occupant protection, or a burn injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a driver air bag module. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V082000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- These vehicles were built with nonfunctional air bag diagnostic modules intended for certain vehicles over 8,500 bls. Gvwr.
- Risk
- The air bag supplemental restraint and the air bagwarning light will not function. This could result in reduced occupantprotection in the event of a collision that should activate the air bagsupplemental restraint system.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, install the correct air bag diagnostic module.
Recall number 93V184000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- The design of the air bag diagnostic monitor causes the driver's side air bag to deploy when the passenger door is slammed while the ignition key is turned to the start position.
- Risk
- Inadvertent deployment of the air bag can result ininjury to the driver.
- Remedy
- Install a redesigned air bag diagnostic monitor.
Recall number 93V155000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-150 airbag light
Why does the airbag light come on in the Ford F-150?
Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, stuck in gear or won't shift and airbags did not deploy in a crash, and the codes they mention most are P0722, P0720 and P0721.
Which Ford F-150 years have airbag warning light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (73 complaints), 2012 (38 complaints) and 1994 (33 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the Ford F-150?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $900 (median of 22 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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