YearToAvoid

2015 Ford F-150 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 406 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ford F-150, 24% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 82,500. A related recall (26V237000) covers a transmission range sensor signal loss that can cause unexpected downshifts.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
406
24% of 1,710
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
82,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle unexpectedly downshifts to a lower gear while driving on the highway, sometimes with a loud noise and loss of acceleration.
  • Transmission slips, locks up, or shifts hard between gears, sending the vehicle into limp mode and triggering the wrench warning light.
  • Rear wheels lock up unexpectedly at highway speed, causing the vehicle to skid or crash into a guardrail or another vehicle.
  • Vehicle rolls or reverses on its own after being parked or while making a low-speed turn, resulting in a loss of control.
  • Transmission cooler line leaks fluid onto the engine manifold, producing smoke and a fire risk.
  • Transmission slams or bangs when shifting between 4th and 5th gear and hangs in gear near shift points.

When 2015 Ford F-150 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 12, 2015, latest Sep 23, 2026.

2015 Ford F-150 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter612015 Q42017 Q22018 Q42020 Q22021 Q42023 Q32025 Q12026 Q3
406 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q3 (61).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Ford F-150

  1. NHTSA 26V237000Apr 14, 2026Transmission & Powertrain1,392,935 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.

    Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by F-150 model year

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

  1. 2010121 (14%)
  2. 2011825 (38%)
  3. 2012679 (38%)
  4. 20131,336 (45%)
  5. 2014424 (28%)
  6. 2015406 (24%)
  7. 2016582 (28%)
  8. 2017539 (38%)
  9. 20181,008 (44%)
  10. 2019730 (55%)
  11. 2020354 (49%)
  12. 2021314 (31%)
  13. 2022157 (26%)
  14. 2023156 (38%)
  15. 202455 (29%)
  16. 202525 (24%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Ford F-150?
NHTSA lists 406 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 F-150, which is 24% of the 1,710 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2015 Ford F-150?
Yes. Recall 26V237000 covers 2015-2017 F-150 trucks where a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause an unexpected downshift. Ford's remedy is a free powertrain control module software update.
At what mileage do 2015 F-150 transmission problems usually show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 82,500 at the time of failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2015 F-150.
Have transmission issues on the 2015 F-150 caused crashes?
NHTSA records 10 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries linked to transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2015 F-150.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.