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2011 Ford F-150: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford F-150: four for the powertrain (filed 2011–2019), one for electrical parts (filed 2011) and one for the body structure (filed 2010). Owners have filed 2,191 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the engine. For comparison, owners filed 843 for the 2010 and 1,783 for the 2012 F-150. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 19.8% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 3 power train · 1 lighting · 1 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 2,191filed Owner reports, 2007–2016 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 3★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 19mpg combined $3,437/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.7 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic 15 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford F-150. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V075000 Filed Feb 11, 2019

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Consequence
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
60% repairedof 1,263,051 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V075000
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V248000 Filed Apr 27, 2016

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Consequence
An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
68.9% repairedof 153,581 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V248000
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V190000 Filed May 3, 2012

"PRNDL" ILLUMINATION AND BACKUP LAMP ACTIVATION

Exterior lighting · back up lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported10,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V190000
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V582000 Filed Dec 8, 2011

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Consequence
THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported16,091 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V582000
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V128000 Filed Feb 24, 2011

BODY CONTROL MODULE

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported8,022 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V128000
Listed for 2011 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 10V659000 Filed Dec 29, 2010

BODY CONTROL MODULE

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Consequence
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported14,737 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V659000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which F-150 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford F-150All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (2,191)

2,191 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

46involved a crash
19involved a fire
35injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Ford F-150, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,191.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2011 compares with other F-150 years

Best and worst F-150 years →
488 369 324 843 2,191 1,783 2,983 1,534 1,722 2,061
2007200820092010201120122013201420152016
This year (2011)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 2★★★★☆☆
Side crashDriver 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★☆
RolloverRollover risk 19.8%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2011 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 19 mpg combined

19
mpg combined
17
city
22
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,550
CO₂ tailpipe
468 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$3,437per year
$286per month
789gallons a year

Miles ÷ 19 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2011 Ford F-150 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14$4,800635
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13$5,150684
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive11 / 14 / 12$5,600741

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2011 F-150 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-150 years

Where to next

Which F-150 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2012 Ford F-150 report1,783 complaints · 4 campaigns →2010 Ford F-150 report843 complaints · 1 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2011 Ford F-150 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 19V075000 (power train), 16V248000 (power train), 12V190000 (lighting), 11V582000 (power train), 11V128000 (electrical), 10V659000 (structure). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2011 Ford F-150 problems?

Owners filed 2,191 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (826), Engine (482), Steering (419) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2011 Ford F-150 get?

EPA rates the 3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 17 city, 22 highway and 19 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2011 Ford F-150 get?

NHTSA rated the 2011 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2 4 stars overall, with 3 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.8% rollover risk).

How does the 2011 F-150 compare with other years?

Among the 2007–2016 Ford F-150 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (324) and the 2013 the most (2,983). The 2011 drew 2,191. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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