Ford F-150 battery drain problems

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Transmission · RI · 2 injuries

I recently purchased/financed a 2019 f-150 xlt and told the dealer I was using the vehicle to tow a boat from XXX to XXX. The vehicle was inspected and released XXX and I left the morning of the third. Made it 2/3 the way and started experiencing dangerous down shifts and up shifts on the highway and off which almost caused me to get into a couple accidents. I managed to make it to my destination safely. Upon arrival the battery died and I thought that could be the problem. Purchased a new battery and this did temporarily help the issue and the vehicle ran more efficiently. Then on the return journey before I left I did a reset protocol for the transmission computer. That helped but eventually failed. I had more dangerous shifting towards the end of the trip just before getting home which also almost caused a accident. On top of all this my dog was thrown into the back of my seat from the issue. Im very upset and am considering legal action against the dealer and possibly Ford. I feel lucky to be alive. Ruined my vacation and has had me all worked up that I bought a lemon I still owe $24,000 in financing on. Thought my dog was injured too. Took him to the vet he was ok. Talked to a bunch of resources and spoke to a former Ford mechanic who admitted to me after becoming quite about my dog smashing into my seat. He admitted the same thing happened to him and his dog died. So there’s definitely a major issue with these transmissions which I have researched and found that ford was recycling foreign transmissions and putting their components in them and their failing left and right. Someone needs to further investigate this. I have been seeing some recent news reports of it. As well as every Ford dealer in the area is booked up in the transmission department for months. More than likely repairing these solenoid bodies and computer modules. Note: the dog was brought to the veterinarian to be checked out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

* This complaint concerns a catastrophic failure of the transmission in my vehicle. This defect was first reported to a Ford dealer while still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (Jan 3, 2023, at 58,679 miles; Invoice #XXX). * The condition worsened. Between July 2024 - Jan. 2026, I received 7 digital "Service Engine Soon" warnings via the Ford App. My dealer advised that the vehicle was "OK to drive" as long as the light (which never stayed on) was not flashing. I was told diagnostics could not be made unless the light was active at the dealership. Jan 16, 2026, the light came on; I was able to take the truck to the dealer. A fault code was finally captured, but the dealer reported a two-month service backlog. I could not wait that long. *Feb 2026, I established a clean engine baseline. I spent $833.15 to replace O2 sensors (EJ’s Automotive) to rule out engine−related performance issues. During this service (at 103,431 miles), an inspection confirmed metallic clutch material contamination in the transmission fluid only 10,248 miles after a 2nd professional flush. This failure occurred despite a total maintenance investment of $11,533.80 across 21 service visits. * This failure resulted in a dangerous Loss of Motive Power, creating a collision risk. The vehicle is currently grounded and completely inoperable. The dealership verbally designated the vehicle as VOR due to the confirmed diagnosis, only to contradict that status by claiming it was "driveable" after I declined a $15,000 quote for a teardown to diagnose the issue. * Since the truck can no longer tow, 2 third-party transports for a horse and a trailer relocation are necessary. The failure has also resulted in a total parasitic battery drain. The tailgate latch and door locks are inoperable, suggesting the transmission fault is interfering with module communication. This is consistent with the root cause Ford has acknowledged in TSBs 24-2101 and 25-2126 involving the CDF clutch drum sleeve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Electrical · TX

I am writing to formally document a recurring and dangerous safety defect involving the B&O audio system. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has emitted an ear-shattering popping noise followed by high-decibel electrical static. This issue is not merely a "speaker glitch"; it is a violent acoustic event that persists even after the ignition is turned off. Critical Safety Concerns: Driver Incapacitation: The volume is loud enough to cause immediate disorientation and potential hearing damage. If this occurs at highway speeds, the risk of a collision is extreme due to the "startle response" and inability to hear sirens or road cues. Electrical Instability: The static is accompanied by a sensation of electrical discharge throughout the cabin. To stop the noise, I am forced to manually disconnect the battery—which itself emits static popping during the process. Repeated Component Failure: The vehicle has already exhausted two batteries and requires a third. I suspect a faulty amplifier is creating a parasitic draw and low-voltage condition, triggering this catastrophic system failure. Lack of Professional Response: Despite SSM 51663 addressing this exact issue, dealerships have refused to perform the software/hardware fix due to the "sporadic" nature of the problem. Furthermore, when I contacted Ford Customer Service, my concerns regarding a potential crash were met with derision. I am requesting an immediate escalation, a formal inspection of the B&O amplifier, and the application of the relevant TSB/SSM software updates. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle, and I am documenting this for the purpose of a Lemon Law evaluation and an the federal safety agency safety report.

Filed Sep 27, 2025 · Electrical · PA

Unable to update automatically, vehicle was constantly attempting to connect, draining the battery (I replaced the battery and carry jumper cables and a quick starter now). Took into dealer and they are unable to perform updates. They have had the vehicle for 2 weeks and no progress. The forums online have indicated the vehicle was built with whatever parts they could get due to the COVID supply chain disruptions to normal parts. The software and subsequent updates do not remedy matters. I have no documents to upload, still in shop.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Electrical · TX

I drove approx 50 miles. Parked, Return to truck approx 45 mins later and the battery was DEAD. No turn over at all.Called AAA purchased new battery which was installed roadside in a parking lot. Upon starting the engine I noticed the ac was not blowing and hot air only if it did. I took vehicle to Mac Maik Ford. I was told the ac was in need of new parts and $FREON$ ? The repair was approx $4500.00 then add freon fee. I declined. Returned to Gullo Ford where I purchased truck and I was told it would take up to a week or more to leave it for just evaluation. They offered a rental vehicle for $65/ day .i was not going to pay$800 In rental fees to wait for an evaluation not even repair?! I returned home in the hot truck and stopped by the private garage in neighborhood.RUSTYS.They kept it half a day&said upon investigation numerous complaints were filed for the same situation.Rusty stated he would order the part and be completed in abt 3-4 days max>.OK, order parts. I get in the truck after the small independent garage guys went over it in 1/2 a day & THE AC WAS WORKING.I again refused to leave it at Rustys garage. He said he would order the part because site stated numerous ppl had the same thing I had had.battery dying and a/c malfunction combo. IF I HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL POTENTIAL OF THE TYPE OF REOCCURRING INCIDENT ON VEHICLES LIKE MINE I WOULD HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF FOR THOUSANDS!! Rusty ordered the part but kept part b/c my ac is good but tapping the battery? 3 days after his diagnosis being different from the dealers my a/c is still witking..However, The potential remains high for ac failure at this point to reoccur.There is obviously a malfunction in the a/c that kills the battery. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. This warrants a recall on whatever it is that drains the battery and kills the a/c function and lets the dealers profit! Please address & recall. Bust the dealers who want THOUSANDS TO FIX THIS TOO! Recall the ripoff...

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · ME

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had not been driven for several days. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times; however, the failure returned shortly after the battery replacement. Upon investigation, the contact suspected that the failure may be caused by a parasitic drain inside the vehicle, which would run the battery even while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that recently,y there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine relay. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA · 1 injury

The truck would just shut off while driving or not start whenever you need it to. It acts like a dead battery but the battery is fine. It has been at the dealership for 45 days plus straight for this issue. When it cuts out, we lose all steering all breaking all power. I’m very lucky it hasn’t taken my life or one of my family members lives. There are some innocent person on the road because of The lack of quality and workmanship. In my opinion the truck needs to be recalled because it’s been nothing but a hassle for us.

Filed Apr 1, 2025 · Transmission · FL

My 2013 Ford F-150 started demonstrating operational transmission issues in October 2024. I took the vehicle to a local transmission shop and they advised the issue, a defective molded lead frame in the 6R80 transmission, was actually covered under a Ford safety recall (#19S07) which was issued prior to that date. I subsequently had my truck towed to Sarasota Ford (Sarasota, Florida) where it sat for several months. In January 2025, I was notified my truck was being brought in for evaluation. After several delays (i.e.-dead battery, incorrect recall, etc.) my truck was diagnosed. While the service techs were able to duplicate the transmission failure (stuck in 1st gear, wrench displayed on dash display, speedometer and odometer stop working), they claimed they were not able to obtain the needed diagnostic codes. After several more weeks of attempting to work with Ford's corporate office to find a solution, I colllected my truck from Sarasota Ford on January 31, 2025. Six r, days later, I delivered my truck to Vic's Performance Transmission and Automotive Inc. (1201 11th St E Palmetto FL 34221). Within two to three hours, the staff at Vic's Transmission were able to diagnose my truck as having a faulty transmission molded lead frame. They made the repair within a few days and my vehicle has been operational since then. On February 19, 2025, I mailed a letter outlining greater detail of the aforementioned events and requested assistance from the President of the Ford Customer Service Division. To date, I have not received any correspondence or reply mail from Ford. I am requesting your assistance with addressing this matter. As a loyal Ford customer of 30+ years, I think I deserve corrective action. I attempted to resolve the matter myself, with not response from corporate, I have moved on to my only option. The recall (#19S07) was there, yet Ford failed to act or respond appropriately. I only seek reimbursement of the money spent to repair my truck. Thank you.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · FL

It's the same issue as Recall Notice 22S02/the federal safety agency Recall 22v011. The replacement part is MR3Z-7583-A 1X ($2-$5 part with 30 second install), but they do not show it under parts for my truck, they would prefer to sell me the whole brake pedal assembly ($50+ part and labor probably diagnosis charge in addition to part replacement). The part becomes brittle and breaks. This caused dead battery, 5 hours from home, due to lights staying on, allowed me to start and put truck into gear without touching the brake, lost acceleration between 45 & 50 mph, cruise control would not turn on and message presents that hill assist is not available.

Filed Aug 10, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · UT

This afternoon while getting ready to leave church, I pulled my truck forward about 10 feet with no issues in order to load some things in the truck bed before taking off. The truck started up just fine, and the starter sounded just as strong as it always does, indicating the battery was of good health. Upon starting the vehicle less than 5 minutes later the engine would not start due to a dead battery - or so that's what the symptoms led me to believe anyway. I heard some clicks, but no starter motor activity, then saw a warning on my radio screen stating "turn ignition off or start engine." This could have been at a stoplight, leaving me as a stalled vehicle in the middle of the road had it happened in conjunction with the auto start/stop that shuts off the engine when stopped for a short period of time. I have not yet taken the truck into a dealership to have this issue looked at. This appears to be a resurfacing problem from about 2 years ago when I had electrical issues where my radio would not turn off as I got to work one morning - even though the ignition had been turned off and the driver door was open. The radio was still running when I got back to the truck in the afternoon. I was able to drive home that day, but with limited functionality of the truck. It was during a heavy rain, and the rear brake lights would not work, and the windshield wipers would not turn on. When I went down the next morning to take it into the dealership, I had to get it jump started, as the battery had died from the radio running all night long. When I got it jump started, the truck acted normally again, and I took it into the dealership and explained all of this, but they turned me away, as they told me there was nothing they could do to fix the problem if the symptoms had disappeared. There were no warnings before either of these episodes. This appears to be an electrical system failure. This problem has not been reproduced. The vehicle has not been inspected by a professional