# Ford F-150 check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 41
- **Most complaints:** 2016 (15)
- **Related recalls:** 28
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 41 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ford F-150 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (15). There are **28 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read.

## Ford F-150 check engine light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2016 | 15 | 113 | 13% |
| 2017 | 7 | 84 | 8% |
| 2018 | 10 | 95 | 11% |
| 2019 | 4 | 69 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 57 | 9% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Ford F-150 recalls related to the check engine light

**[26V576000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V576000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-09-09): Rear wheel lock-up can result in a loss of vehicle control. Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the rear axle tail bearing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026.

**[26V578000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V578000)** (2023-2026 models, reported 2026-09-09): A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank straps, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026.

**[26V402000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V402000)** (2021 models, reported 2026-06-24): Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April...

**[26V375000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V375000)** (2018 models, reported 2026-06-09): Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026.

**[26V237000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V237000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2026-04-14): 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.

**[25V512000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V512000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2025-08-08): Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025. Phase 1 will include 2023 F-150 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include 2025 F-150 model year vehicles and...

**[25V455000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V455000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2025-07-07): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026.

**[25V344000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V344000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-06-13): A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025.

**[25V198000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V198000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2025-03-28): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025.

**[25V164000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V164000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2025-03-14): Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025.

**[25V169000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V169000)** (2021 models, reported 2025-03-14): An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025.

**[24V851000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V851000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2024-12-20): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024.

**[24V635000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V635000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2024-08-24): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025.

**[23V896000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V896000)** (2021-2023 models, reported 2023-12-22): Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025.

**[23V128000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V128000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-02-24): A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023.

**[23V070000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V070000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-02-10): The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023.

**[22V623000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V623000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-08-12): A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022.

**[22V414000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V414000)** (2021 models, reported 2022-06-10): An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022.

**[22V188000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V188000)** (2021 models, reported 2022-03-25): An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022.

**[21V986000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V986000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2021-12-16): A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022.

**[21V381000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V381000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-05-24): Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021.

**[20V197000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V197000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-04-03): If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020.

**[18V392000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V392000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-06-12): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018.

**[18V214000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V214000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-04-04): If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario... **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018.

**[18V213000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V213000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2018-04-04): Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018.

**[17V671000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V671000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-10-24): The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017.

**[17V669000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V669000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-10-23): Unidentified or unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in a way that was not intended by the driver, increasing the risk of crash or injury. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge.

**[17V053000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V053000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-01-25): If the transmission gear position indicator fails to illuminate, the driver may be unable to tell the transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash or injury from unintended vehicle movement. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017.

Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Ford F-150 owners report

- "The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000." -- owner of a 2020 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026
- "The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed and fluids were replaced. After 3 days, the failure reoccurred. The Ford customer service was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN...." -- owner of a 2019 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026
- "No prior engine lights warning me. When the incident happed I got a notification of a power train malfunction/ reduced power." -- owner of a 2018 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the check engine light means

The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common)
2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common)
3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common)
4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Ford F-150 check engine light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 28 related recalls (26V576000, 26V578000, 26V402000, 26V375000, 26V237000, 25V512000, 25V455000, 25V344000, 25V198000, 25V164000, 25V169000, 24V851000, 24V635000, 23V896000, 23V128000, 23V070000, 22V623000, 22V414000, 22V188000, 21V986000, 21V381000, 20V197000, 18V392000, 18V214000, 18V213000, 17V671000, 17V669000, 17V053000) covering 2015-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Ford F-150 years have the most check engine light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 F-150 model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 15 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Ford F-150 with the check engine light on?

Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked.

### How do I check if my Ford F-150 has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Ford F-150 warning lights

- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-f-150): 8 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-f-150): 4 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-f-150): 4 complaints

## Check engine light on other models

- [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints
- [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints
- [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints
- [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints
- [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints
- [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints

## Ford F-150

- [Ford F-150 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-f-150)

---

Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-f-150
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.