Ford F-150 · Recall History

Ford F-150 Recalls by Year: Complete NHTSA & TSB History

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in America, which means its recall list is long. The biggest storylines: aluminum driveshaft separation (2015-2017), 10R80 10-speed transmission shudder (2017-2020, TSB 21-2174), and the still-litigated EcoBoost coolant intrusion issue on 2.7L and 3.5L engines. This page lists every major campaign by year.

10R80 ShudderEcoBoost CoolantDriveshaft

Quick Summary

F-150 recalls cluster into three buckets: driveshaft and transmission (19V-019 driveshaft, multiple 10R80 software updates), EcoBoost engine issues (coolant intrusion on 2.7L/3.5L, addressed by TSBs and a 2024 expansion), and fire risk (engine block heater 19V-481, seat-belt pretensioner heat campaigns).

Major Ford F-150 Recalls by Model Year

Year(s)NHTSA #Defect SummaryVehiclesSeverity
2013-201414V-302Master cylinder reservoir fluid leak can reduce brake function.~1.4MHigh
2015-201719V-019Aluminum driveshaft can corrode and separate, leading to loss of motive power.~327,000High
2015-201920V-332Hood latch may not fully engage; hood can open while driving.~2.5M (with Super Duty)High
2017-2020TSB 21-217410R80 10-speed shudder, harsh shifts, and torque converter judder (software + valve body).Field campaign, ~1M+High
2018-202020V-251Detached front-row seatbelt pretensioner can ignite carpet/insulation.~213,000High
2020-202324V-XXX (EcoBoost intrusion)2.7L/3.5L EcoBoost can suffer coolant intrusion via cracked cylinder head, leading to engine failure (in active litigation).In litigationHigh
2021-202322V-340Windshield wiper motor failure due to inadequate weld.~737,000Medium
2021-202424V-296Engine block heater cable insulation can fail and cause fire.~457,000High

Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls). Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.

How to Check Your VIN for Open Recalls

Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:

  1. NHTSA VIN Lookup - nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter your 17-character VIN; shows every open federal safety recall.
  2. Manufacturer site - Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis, and Nissan all run their own recall portals. These sometimes list service campaigns and TSBs that NHTSA does not.
  3. Dealer service department - Open recall work is free for the life of the vehicle. No appointment fee, no parts fee.

Use our free VIN decoder to pull build info, or run a free AI diagnosis if you already have symptoms.

Class Actions & Legal References

Active and prior F-150 class actions:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 10R80 transmission still failing in F-150s?

Most 2017-2018 trucks have received the 21-2174 software update and valve body fix. Persistent shudder generally indicates torque converter damage, which is typically a paid repair unless still under warranty.

Are Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion engines being recalled?

Bronco 2.7L has been recalled; F-150 with 2.7L/3.5L is part of ongoing federal class action litigation as of 2026. Some owners have received extended warranties via dealer service bulletins.

Which F-150 year has the fewest recalls?

2021 is comparatively clean compared to 2015-2020, though the wiper motor (22V-340) and block heater (24V-296) campaigns still apply. Always run the VIN.

How do I check F-150 recalls by VIN?

Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or owner.ford.com. Ford also lists Customer Service Programs (CSPs) that are not always reflected at NHTSA.

Are 10R80 software updates covered free?

Yes, the 21-2174 reflash is free at any Ford dealer. Hardware repairs to torque converter or valve body are only free if the truck is still under powertrain warranty.

Is the aluminum driveshaft recall fully fixed?

Ford replaced affected driveshafts under 19V-019 with corrosion-resistant units. If your truck has a clean recall history, that work was completed by a prior owner or dealer.

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