2017 Ford F-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 F-150 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2017 Ford F-150 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th worst of 16 model years, earning a "Good" rating relative to other F-150 years. NHTSA lists 1,437 complaints and 17 recalls, with Transmission & Powertrain the top problem area at 38% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 1,437
- Recalls
- 17
- Crashes / fires
- 42 / 21
- Injuries / deaths
- 34 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 22 hwy
Top 2017 Ford F-150 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain539 (38%)
- Engine413 (29%)
- Other161 (11%)
- Structure & Body146 (10%)
- Electrical System137 (10%)
- Brakes120 (8%)
- Steering59 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires59 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers50 (3%)
- Fuel System27 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report unexpected transmission downshifts, in some cases while parked with the engine running.
- Some drivers describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with reduced stopping power, occasionally leading to a collision.
- Several owners say the engine surged or accelerated on its own when the brake pedal was pressed.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including a Takata-related curtain airbag incident that filled the cab with smoke.
- One owner described the engine shutting off followed by smoke and sparks from under the hood before the vehicle caught fire.
- A driver's door reportedly opened on its own while underway, leading to a crash.
2017 Ford F-150 recalls
17 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V370000Jun 9, 2026Electrical System4,445 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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 NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
- 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.
- NHTSA 25V236000Apr 11, 2025Brakes123,611 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
2017 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Ford F-150 reliable?
- Relative to other F-150 model years, 2017 rates "Good" with a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 years tracked, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford F-150?
- NHTSA data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 38% of complaints (539 complaints, median mileage 84,000), followed by Engine problems at 29% (413 complaints, median mileage 67,425 miles).
- Does the 2017 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2017 F-150, covering brakes (brake master cylinder fluid leaks), transmission range sensor signal loss, engine block heater cables, and seat belt pretensioner sparks, among others.
- How does the 2017 F-150 compare to other years?
- The 2017 F-150 has a lower Complaint Index (40) than years like 2013 (100), 2018 (93), and 2016 (80), which are rated "Avoid," making 2017 a comparatively better choice.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Ford F-150?
- EPA rates the 2017 F-150 at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400.