The Top 10 Complaints Ford Owners Have & 10 Things You Can Do About It
Beat The Most Annoying Ford Problems
Owning a Ford can bring pride and everyday reliability, but for many drivers, it also comes with certain headaches. Some issues have become so common that they've sparked recalls, lawsuits, and heated discussions in online forums. If you've ever wondered whether that odd behavior in your ride is “just you,” read on. Here, we'll spotlight the most frequent complaints reported by Ford owners and reveal practical actions to address them. Let's cover the issues first.
1. Transmission Problems
CarComplaints lists over 49,500 owner complaints for Ford vehicles across model years, with transmission issues consistently among the most-reported categories. In 2024, Ford even recalled over 550,000 of its 2014 models for sudden downshifts to first gear.
2017+ Ford F-150 Ten Speed 10R80 Transmissions: Are Skip Shifts Normal? by FordTechMakuloco
2. PowerShift DCT Shuddering
A federal class-action settlement for 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus with DPS6 PowerShift transmissions became effective April 7, 2020. Owners could receive remedies, including cash or a repurchase. Later suits also alleged similar behavior for some 2017–2019 Fiesta and 2017–2018 Focus cars, too.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
3. Fuel Pump Defects
Low-pressure fuel pump and jet pump issues that can cause stalling, affecting a broad mix of 2021–2023 Ford and Lincoln models, were cited by an NHTSA Recall. Coverage estimates put the total population at 850,000 vehicles.
You Won't Believe What Ford Blamed Their CP4 Failures ON… by JB Reviews
4. Backup Camera Glitches
In May–June 2025, Ford recalled 1,075,299 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for rearview camera images that can freeze, delay, or fail to display. CarComplaints notes this was Ford’s 11th backup-camera-related recall of 2025, and regional coverage reiterated that many affected vehicles can get the fix remotely.
FORD Reverse Camera Recall (620,000 vehicles) by BigBoyToyz
5. Misaligned Engine Cup Plug
An NHTSA recall covers select 2024–2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition, and 2024 Navigator with a misaligned engine cup plug that causes rapid oil leaks. Owner letters explain that oil contacting hot components can increase fire risk, and loss of oil can increase crash risk.
The Most Common Oil Leak on Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost | Vacuum Pump by Flying Wrenches
6. Electronic Brake Booster Failures
July 2025 saw Ford recalling 312,120 model-year 2025 F-150, Expedition, Bronco, Ranger, and Lincoln Navigator for EBB modules that can power off and remove brake assist. The issue was tied to voltage disturbances, and Ford logged 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash before recalling.
7. Internal Water Pump Failures
A long-running class action over chain-driven internal water pumps on Ford’s Cyclone V6 family of engines alleged that coolant could leak into the oil pan and ruin engines. However, the federal case ended in 2024 without a recall.
THAT'S NOT OIL! Ford 3.7 / 3.5 Cyclone V6 Suffers Infamous Failure Mode by I Do Cars
8. Timing Chain Rattle
CarComplaints shows repeated owner reports and high repair costs for timing chain/tensioner failures in early-2000s Explorers. Even experienced techs agree that repairs can require engine removal and special tools, adding significant labor cost.
Ford 4.0L SOHC Death Rattle - What does it sound like? by Platinum Productions
9. Front Brake Hoses Can Rupture
A recall was issued by NHTSA for 2013–2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ front brake hoses that can rupture prematurely and leak fluid. This campaign affects about 1.28 million vehicles, with dealers replacing hoses free of charge.
How to Replace Front Brake Hoses 2013-2020 Ford Fusion by TRQ
10. Parking Brake Can Activate While Driving
In another NHTSA Recall, Ford identified an issue affecting 2021–2023 F-150 trucks where rear-axle harness chafing can short the electric parking brake circuit and trigger unintended activation. With 870,701 trucks involved, dealers are adding protective measures and replacing damaged harnesses for free.
2021 Ford F150: Brake Service Mode or Brake Maintenance Mode by RoC DIY
Now that you can tell if you have any of these issues, let’s see what you can do about them.
1. Get The Transmission Control Module Reprogrammed Or Replaced
Ford has issued multiple TSBs instructing dealers to reprogram the transmission control module or replace it to address harsh shifting and downshifts. Many warranty repairs are fully covered for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles under specific extended coverage programs.
Ford Transmission Control Module Reset (TCM Relearn Guide) by Car Expertly
2. Request The PowerShift Extended Coverage Repairs
In Ford’s settlement agreement for the DPS6 transmission, there are provisions for free clutch and control module replacements if certain conditions are met. Dealers are required to install the latest clutch design, which features improved friction materials for smoother engagement.
Ford Focus Dual Clutch & Fork Replacement | NO SPECIAL TOOLS! 2012-2018 by Big Ben's Cars & Cycles
3. Replace The Fuel Pump With An Updated OEM Part
The recall procedure by Ford replaces the faulty fuel pump with a new, redesigned pump free of charge. As for the updated part, it is designed to better withstand fuel contamination and heat. Replacement can take only 90 minutes.
OEM Ford Parts - Motorcraft PFS 381 Fuel Pump Assembly for ford explorer by rajiair
4. Install The Latest Backup Camera Software Update
Ford's remedy for the recall installs updated camera software that prevents image freezes or delays. The good thing is that many vehicles can receive this update over the air, so you may not need to visit a dealer.
2022+ Ford Auxiliary back up camera install & Pro backup assist setup by Captin Kirk
5. Have The Engine Cup Plug Inspected And Replaced If Needed
While the plug is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, failure can total an engine. Thankfully, the recall doesn't just include a physical inspection of the plug's alignment, but it also covers a free replacement if it is out of spec.
6. Update Or Replace The Electronic Brake Booster Module
With Ford’s recall, owners can either get an over-the-air software update or a complete module replacement to restore proper brake assist. This fix ensures full compliance with federal braking standards and prevents assist loss.
2014 Ford F150 Brake Booster Replacement by How-2-Tony
7. Replace The Internal Water Pump Preemptively
Failure can be silent until it’s too late, but proactive replacement avoids that risk. Mechanics recommend replacing the pump at 80,000–100,000 miles to avoid catastrophic failure, and you can get upgraded aftermarket pumps with improved seals and bearings.
FORD 3.5 3.7 ECOBOOST ENGINE WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT LOCATION EXPLAINED by Auto Repair Guys
8. Replace Timing Chain Guides And Tensioners With Updated Parts
Updated guides and tensioners use stronger materials to resist early failure, and replacing them can restore quiet operation and extend engine life significantly. Some owners do this preemptively when buying a high-mileage Explorer.
Ford 4.0L SOHC Front Timing Chain Replacement (Without Special Tools)! by Platinum Productions
9. Replace Front Brake Hoses With New Design
Ford’s recall replaces hoses with a revised design that resists wear from suspension movement. New hoses prevent fluid leaks that can increase stopping distance, and the fix is usually completed in under two hours.
How to Replace Front Brake Hoses 2013-2019 Ford Escape by TRQ
10. Install Protective Sleeving On Rear Axle Wiring
The fix Ford provides for unintended parking brake activation includes adding protective sleeves and rerouting the harness, and this prevents wire chafing that could cause electrical shorts. Plus, the work is quick—many in-and-outs in under a few hours.
