2015–2020 Ford F-150 common problems and fixes

What owners should know

Covers 2015–2020 · 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.3L and 3.5L V6, 3.0L Power Stroke diesel · Updated 2026-10-06

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2015-2020 Ford F-150. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

• 6-speed transmission lead frame (2015–2017)

  Dealer job

  Signs: Sudden unexpected downshifts at speed, harsh shifts, limp mode or a check engine light.

  Fix: Check the VIN for recall 26V237000 (Ford 26S28): certain 2015–2017 F-150s with the 6-speed automatic built March 12, 2014 to August 18, 2017. Ford says worn electrical connections in the transmission's lead frame (its internal wiring and sensor board) can send a false range sensor signal and cause a downshift into second gear. The dealer updates the engine computer software; if a warning light comes on and specific transmission trouble codes are found, the dealer replaces the lead frame at no cost under Ford's extended warranty program 26N04. On a truck outside the recall, have the codes read and the transmission diagnosed before buying parts; if a failed lead frame is confirmed, it can be replaced without rebuilding the transmission.

  May be covered free by recall 26V237000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  Shop: 6R80 lead frame▶ How-to videos

• 10-speed transmission harsh or delayed shifts (2017–2020)

  Dealer job

  Signs: Clunky or harsh shifts, especially 1-2-3, and delayed engagement into drive or reverse.

  Fix: Have a dealer read the transmission codes and check the fluid level first. Ford's bulletin 23-2123 (April 2023) covers 2017–2020 F-150s with the 10R80 that show harsh or delayed engagement or shifts: following its procedure, the dealer updates the transmission software and runs an adaptive learning drive cycle, or overhauls the main control valve body when the codes and checks call for it. If shifts are still bad afterward, the transmission needs further diagnosis; don't assume it needs replacing until that's done.

  ▶ How-to videos

• 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle (2017–2020)

  Best left to a shop

  Signs: A loud rattle for a few seconds on a cold start, sometimes a check engine light for cam timing.

  Fix: Have it diagnosed first: a cold-start rattle can also come from the timing chains and tensioners or the turbo wastegates, so a shop should check the codes and listen to a cold start. Ford's bulletin 23-2143 covers 2017–2020 F-150 3.5L EcoBoosts built on or before November 30, 2019 with a 2–5 second ticking or rattle from the front of the engine after sitting 6 hours or more (some also fail to restart in auto start-stop, with code P164C). It blames worn cam timing (VCT) units; when the dealer confirms that symptom, the bulletin replaces them. A bulletin isn't a free repair by itself; who pays depends on warranty coverage. It's a big job. Changing the oil on time with the grade Ford specifies is the part you can do; it may reduce wear but is no guarantee.

  Shop: 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser kit▶ How-to videos

• 5.0L V8 burning oil (2018–2020)

  Dealer job

  Signs: Oil level drops a quart or more every few thousand miles with no leaks, sometimes with misfires.

  Fix: Check for leaks first, then ask a dealer to measure oil use; Ford's bulletin counts more than 1 quart in 3,000 miles with no visible leaks as excessive. For 2018–2020 F-150 5.0L trucks, bulletin 19-2365 (December 2019) reprograms the engine computer, installs a new dipstick and changes the oil. If the truck still uses too much oil after that, the dealer has to diagnose further before any engine parts are replaced. Check the oil every fill-up until it's sorted.

  ▶ How-to videos

• 2.7L EcoBoost oil pan leak (2015–2017)

  Hard DIY

  Signs: Oil drips under the engine and a damp plastic oil pan seam.

  Fix: Clean the area and confirm the leak is from the oil pan's sealant seam, not the valve covers, oil filter or a drain plug. Ford's bulletin 23-2083 (March 2023) for 2015–2017 2.7L EcoBoosts replaces the pan with the later-style pan, and the valve covers too if they're the early design. Ford allows about 3 to 4 hours for the pan alone (more on 4x4s, where the front axle mounts are loosened), so it's a hard job at home.

  Shop: 2.7 EcoBoost oil pan▶ How-to videos

• Brake master cylinder leak (3.5L EcoBoost, 2015–2017)

  Dealer job

  Signs: Brake warning light, low brake fluid message, and a brake pedal that goes closer to the floor.

  Fix: Covered by Ford recalls: 20V332000 for certain 2014–2017 F-150s and 22V150000 for certain 2016–2018 F-150s, both with the 3.5L EcoBoost. The dealer replaces the master cylinder and checks the brake booster, replacing it if fluid has leaked into it. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

  May be covered free by recall 20V332000 / 22V150000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Door latches that won't latch or open (2015–2018)

  Moderate DIY

  Signs: A door that won't stay shut, won't open, or a 'door ajar' message that won't go away, worst in cold weather.

  Fix: Recall 17V652000 covers certain 2015–2017 F-150s: the dealer inspects the door latch cables, repairs them if needed and installs water shields over the latches. Recall 17V331000 covers only trucks fitted with dealer-sold chrome door handle covers, which are removed and refunded. For a latch outside the recalls, have it checked; a failed latch is replaced one door at a time. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

  May be covered free by recall 17V331000 / 17V652000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  Shop: F-150 door latch actuator▶ How-to videos