2011 Ford F-150 electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

70 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2011 Ford F-150, 13% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 160,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
70
Crashes
5
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
160,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system63
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer4
Electrical system:body control module/bcm1
Electrical system:ignition:interlock/lockout1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer:sensor/sending unit1

Electrical System complaints across Ford F-150 years

62005642007372009207020115211520139510720151111082017144972019881302021125832023402220252
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2011 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k260k–100k11100k–150k20150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 11V128000Feb 24, 20118,022 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from october 25, 2010, through november 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (bcm) serial number. Based on the serial number the bcm was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a bcm that required replacement affected bcms may have the potential for an internal short.

    Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 25, 2026GAFireElectrical System
    I was parking the vehicle and turned off the engine when the speakers gave out a loud noise. I turned the truck on to see if it would continue but there was no music and smoke began coming out around the radio. I moved the truck away from building and retrieved the fire extinguisher from the back seat. I noticed the "door ajar" warning was on even when the doors were closed. The smoke subsided and I did some quick research online. I was able to find a lot of information…
    NHTSA complaint #11767061 · source
  2. Filed Sep 20, 2026NCCrashElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    I bought this truck used about one year ago. Since then I have not had much time to use it. In the last three months I have had some time to drive it. Three times in those months this issue has occurred. Luckily they all occurred on my property and no damage happened except to the truck. First time it happened an exterior mirror was knocked off, a running board was bent, scratches and dings to the to the paint, and a tailight was damaged. This all happened in reverse due to…
    NHTSA complaint #11765661 · source
  3. Filed Jul 23, 2026TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel intermittently went blank. The contact used an OBD machine to retrieve a fault code related to the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor. The contact was informed that the OSS sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11752386 · source
  4. Filed Jul 13, 2026120,000 miMOCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his fiancé was stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated violently after depressing the accelerator pedal, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed through a yard, into a road sign, before crashing into the rear of a parked vehicle, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that…
    NHTSA complaint #11749933 · source
  5. Filed Jun 9, 2026MDCrash1 injuredElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    I am having a lead frame issue. At various speeds, the vehicle will just down shift, locking the tires and causing a hazard for other drivers which could be a very dangerous situation. I was impacted from the rear due to this occurrence. It causes extreme jerkiness when doing this which is also injurious to my back and neck and shoulders.
    NHTSA complaint #11743046 · source
  6. Filed May 16, 2026MIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “We lost power while driving, along with a weird downshift today, 5/16/2026. This is happen one other time, however not as bad.” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? “It could have been way worse, lucky there was a left turn lane that avoided us being rear ended by the vehicle behind us.” Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or…
    NHTSA complaint #11738253 · source
  7. Filed May 11, 2026MIElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    My vehicle has abrupt unintended downshifts straight down to first gear at fast speeds, which is causing rear-wheel lockage near heart attack and near-loss of control spinout. The sudden downshifting causes a loud violent high extreme RPM engine over rev. sounding as if it is about to blow up or an internal explosion. This is occurring at highway speeds up to 70 mph. At these speeds, is an immediate risk to me and others! Causing a fatal high-speed rollover or a…
    NHTSA complaint #11737127 · source
  8. Filed Dec 23, 2025HIElectrical SystemSteering
    Orchid Isle Ford in Hilo has replaced the electronic power steering rack and pinion already once but now it’s gone bad again.I don’t understand why because I hardly drive my truck and it has only 40 something thousands miles on it
    NHTSA complaint #11706892 · source
  9. Filed Dec 5, 2025FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    The first indication of problems came when I tried to put the truck in gear and I noticed that the reverse light didn't come on and it wouldn't engage into the gear then as I was traveling down a three-lane highway in the middle lane the car started jerking and like it didn't want to go and then I got to a red light and the truck would not move so I was stuck in the central lane but after engaging the gear several times I managed to get the vehicle into a gas station parking…
    NHTSA complaint #11703171 · source
  10. Filed Nov 7, 2025TXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Was starting to accelerate out of a toll booth a vehicle and was about 60mph when suddenly the engine shut off. Electrical worked. Got mechanical symbol and then oil pressure low warning. It started to down shift and slow rapidly in traffic. Managed to get to side of road but almost got hit. Got it towed to dealer and the fuel pump fuse had melted. Shutting off the fuel pump.
    NHTSA complaint #11698213 · source
  11. Filed Nov 5, 2025200,000 miSCTowedElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after the dealer had reprogrammed the PCM under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), the vehicle started to experience failures. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted to first gear unintendedly. The powertrain warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure persisted. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11697685 · source
  12. Filed Jun 3, 2025AZElectrical SystemSteering
    The electronic power steering locked up while driving & could not turn the wheel at all. Yes this has been inspected & confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this incident. The vehicle is render useless with the locked up steering.
    NHTSA complaint #11664724 · source

Other 2011 Ford F-150 problem areas

Back to all 2011 Ford F-150 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology