About 1 year ago the rear door on the drivers side locked and I have been unable to open it manually, with the interior unlock buttons or with the key fob. However, there have been 3 occasions during this passed year when the door inexplicably opens, twice when the truck is parked and once when I was driving down the freeway. To be clear, the door doesn’t just unlock, it opens. On those 3 three occasions, when I closed the door, it again locks and I’m unable to open it. I’ve taken the problem to 2 Ford dealerships. Both indicated they had never heard of this problem and there were no recalls related to the problem. One dealership diagnosed the issue, charging $100 and determined it was the door latch and offered to replace it ($472 for the latch and labor to be determined). I opted not to repair it thinking that the problem should be further diagnosed to determine if there are flaws in factory parts that create safety issues in this particular truck, make and model.
Ford F-150 key fob problems
79 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 79
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 30,000
By model year
Often reported together
Door locks 30Won't start 3Fire or smoke 3Check engine light 2Brake failure 2Backup camera 2Windshield crack 1Won't shift 1
Trouble codes mentioned
U0428 1U0401 1P0316 1P0303 1C1B00 1C1963 1C1278 1B1B48 1B1596 1B10F1 1
What owners say
Within the last 6 months, the driver's side front door, the driver's side rear passenger door, and the passenger side rear doors actuators stopped working and the doors do not lock. The doors do not lock manually with the key fob or lock automatically when the truck reaches 13 mph. This is a safety issue as passengers could inadvertently open the doors when driving when the doors should be locked. This also prevents the factory installed alarm to work properly. it seemed odd that the 3 actuators seem to stop working around the same time.
The front driver door lock/latch actuator is failing. The driver door does not lock or unlock using the key fob or the interior power lock button. The only way to lock or unlock the door is manually with the key or by pushing/pulling the lock from inside the vehicle. This issue started shortly after we had a historic/unusual cold freeze in Florida. The vehicle is kept outside, so it was exposed to the freezing temperatures. This creates a safety and security concern because the driver door power lock system does not work properly and may prevent the door from locking or unlocking normally when needed. The issue has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent repair shop. No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The component is still installed on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request.
The passenger door lock/latch actuator is failing. The passenger door will not open from the outside at all. The door has to be opened from the inside. The power lock button and key fob do not unlock the passenger door. I can hear the lock/actuator trying to operate, but the door does not unlock or release from the outside handle. This issue started shortly after we had a historic/unusual cold freeze in Florida. The vehicle is kept outside, so it was exposed to the freezing temperatures. This creates a safety and security concern because the passenger door cannot be opened from the outside in an emergency, and the power lock system does not work properly. The issue has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent repair shop. No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The component is still installed on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request.
I have had 3 complete failures of the door lock actuator motors and a 4th that’s beginning to malfunction on and off. Not only is it an inconvenience for me to lock or unlock my vehicle by key fob or utilizing internal control switches It is very unsafe that vehicle will not automatically lock when put into drive.
When temperatures are below freezing, the passenger side door remains locked, and cannot be unlocked with the key fob or the unlock buttons on either the driver side or passenger side door. The manual door lock cannot be pulled out, as it sinks down inside the door, and there is no external locking/unlocking mechanism to use the key to manually unlock the passenger side door. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with it, but brought it into the shop to look at it, where the temperature is higher than freezing.
Front passenger door lock will not function. the lock does not lock or unlock with the key fob or the interior door lock controls.
- what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Ignition switch, traction control, ABS, steering angle sensor, steering angle module, misfire cylinder 3, TPMS sensor light with no TPMS failures, shifter will not move without force or having to try and engauge that gear multiple times before going into gear and blinkers in-op. "service advance trac" warning on display. - how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle no start, loss of traction control, loss of ABS system, transmission will not go into gear on first try and intermittent directional function. - has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problems can be easliy reproduced - issues produce mil/ dtc even after codes have been cleared intermittently. Operation of directionals varies on each start up. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, multiple ase certified technicians - were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Mil's include but not limited to: b10f1:14-0a, p0303:00af, p0316:00-2f, c1963-20, u0428-f0, b1b48:01-8a, u0401:68-08, c1b00:62-0b, u0428:20, c1278:20 and b1596:20. Dash warnings displayed: "service advanced trac", "tire pressure low", "check 4x4", traction control dash light stays illuminated, TPMS light flashes and stays illuminated, truck must roll to engage parking gear, brake light will stay intermittently illuminated, rough idle, vehicle will no start intermittently, intermittent loss of traction control, intermittent loss of ABS, intermittent loss of directionals, key fob and door lock switch will intermittently not trigger or trigger locking mechanism. The doors will open but ecu/PCM thinks the vehicle is locked but doors open and triggers alarm. Lock button on fob and door lock switch will not operate.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to unlock the doors of the vehicle with the key fob, only the front driver's side door unlocked. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to manually unlock the tailgate, the tailgate failed to unlock as intended. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the failure could be related to an unknown actuator recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Seems to be a defect with the rear door saying it is ajar on the display screen also it wound lock or u lock with the key fob or PIN code. I have confirmed the door is completely shut. Defective wiring harness or something else may be the issue.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, F-600, and 2026 F-150 vehicles. The analog cluster’s tachometer and speedometer may become stuck or move erratically, providing inaccurate readings to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- A speedometer that fails to display accurate vehicle speed can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C46. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 7, 2026.
Recall number 26V653000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V053. The instrument cluster may lose power after initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
- Risk
- An instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as gear position or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6, 2026.
Recall number 26V370000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning March 17, 2026.
Recall number 26V104000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150 vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S88.
Recall number 25V540000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V‑193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
Recall number 25V132000 · Recall details
Electrical system: body control module: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
- Risk
- Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S38.
Recall number 24V443000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.
Recall number 22V193000 · Recall details
Electrical system: starter assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles. An incorrect attachment nut may have been used to attach the battery positive (B+) power supply cable to the starter motor, possibly affecting the electrical conductivity, resulting in excess heat and electrical arcing.
- Risk
- Electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter motor B+ power supply attachment nut, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S40.
Recall number 20V467000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
- Risk
- Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
Recall number 19V805000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with an eight-inch productivity screen. In these vehicles, the instrument cluster may lose power after the initial vehicle start-up in cold ambient temperatures. Several gauges, including the transmission gear position indicator, may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
- Risk
- If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C01.
Recall number 17V053000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-150 key fob
Which Ford F-150 years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (15 complaints), 2018 (13 complaints) and 2015 (10 complaints).
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