How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford F-150?

NHTSA lists 825 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 F-150, which is 38% of all 2,189 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Ford F-150?

Yes. Recall 19V075000 covers 2011-2013 F-150 trucks with a 6-speed automatic that may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, and recall 16V248000 covers a powertrain control module software update for 2011-2012 trucks.

At what mileage do 2011 F-150 transmission problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 97,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.

Have transmission failures caused crashes or fires in the 2011 F-150?

NHTSA records 8 crashes, 3 fires, and 6 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 F-150.

2011 Ford F-150 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 825 of 2,189 complaints (38%) on the 2011 Ford F-150, with a median failure mileage of 97,000 miles. Three related recalls cover unexpected downshifts into first gear, transmission control module reprogramming, and a brake shift interlock switch inspection.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 825; 38% of 2,189
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 97,000 mi
Related recalls: 3

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle unexpectedly downshifts into first gear at speed, sometimes causing loss of control and collision.
Transmission slams or jerks harshly between gears, including at highway speeds on the 10-speed 10R80 transmission in later reports.
Transmission fluid leaks or pours out under load, in one case draining onto the exhaust and starting a fire.
Truck fails to accelerate from a stop, later found to be leaking transmission fluid.
Driveline vibration around 35 mph traced to improper driveshaft angle.
Transmission sticks or binds in four-wheel drive at slow speeds, especially when turning.

When 2011 Ford F-150 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint May 1, 2011, latest Sep 20, 2026.

825 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (45).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Ford F-150

NHTSA 19V075000Feb 11, 2019Transmission & Powertrain1,263,051 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
NHTSA 16V248000Apr 27, 2016Transmission & Powertrain153,581 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
NHTSA 11V582000Dec 8, 2011Transmission & Powertrain16,091 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150 vehicles manufactured from september 9, 2011, through september 22, 2011, and model year 2012 f-250, f-350, f-450 and f-550 heavy duty vehicles manufactured from september 12, 2011, through september 22, 2011. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, âtheft protection.â the transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to brake shift interlock switch problem.
Risk: This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on december 22, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by F-150 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010121 (14%)
2011825 (38%)
2012679 (38%)
20131,336 (45%)
2014424 (28%)
2015406 (24%)
2016582 (28%)
2017539 (38%)
20181,008 (44%)
2019730 (55%)
2020354 (49%)
2021314 (31%)
2022157 (26%)
2023156 (38%)
202455 (29%)
202525 (24%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford F-150?: NHTSA lists 825 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 F-150, which is 38% of all 2,189 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Ford F-150?: Yes. Recall 19V075000 covers 2011-2013 F-150 trucks with a 6-speed automatic that may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, and recall 16V248000 covers a powertrain control module software update for 2011-2012 trucks.
At what mileage do 2011 F-150 transmission problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 97,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
Have transmission failures caused crashes or fires in the 2011 F-150?: NHTSA records 8 crashes, 3 fires, and 6 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 F-150.