Is exhaust manifold bolt failure and warping a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about exhaust manifold bolt failure and warping on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-03 → 2025-03). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11650698): "Broken exhaust bolt on passenger manifold. Exhaust leak... Felt as though Carbon monoxide gas was entering cabin portion of truck. Smelling of exhaust in cabin of vehicle" Source: NHTSA.

Is engine power loss and limp mode from throttle body failure a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

13 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine power loss and limp mode from throttle body failure on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-05 → 2025-07). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11591358): "Throttle body failure approx every 45,000 miles. Bought F-150 new, now driven it approx 135,000 miles. Failure occurs when driving a various speeds, incl 75 mph. Engine shuts down, complete loss of power" Source: NHTSA.

Is brake fluid loss and brake system failure a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake fluid loss and brake system failure on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-04 → 2025-03). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11648830): "brakes failed all fluid leaked out" Source: NHTSA.

2015 Ford F 150 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

101 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-04 → 2025-08). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11676656): "The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear from 6th gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up temporarily, and the check engine warning light illuminated" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is oil pan leak on 2.7l ecoboost engine a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

17 NHTSA complaints have been filed about oil pan leak on 2.7l ecoboost engine on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-04 → 2025-06). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11616247): "The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, the contact was informed by the dealer that the oil pan was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the oil pan was replaced eight times" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is rear sliding window detachment from frame a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear sliding window detachment from frame on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-09 → 2025-06). Reported component: VISIBILITY. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11666319): "The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear sliding glass. The contact stated that the rear sliding glass frame had fractured" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is door latch and lock actuator failure a known issue with the 2015 Ford F 150?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door latch and lock actuator failure on the 2015 Ford F 150 (2024-04 → 2025-02). Reported component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11633821): "The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to unlock while using the key fob or the key. The contact stated that while inside the vehicle, the symbol showing that the door was ajar was displayed" Source: NHTSA.

The 2015 Ford F 150 carries 14 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

14 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #18V894000 · Dec 18, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

ENGINE

Campaign #19V278000 · Aug 4, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.

Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #18V568000 · Aug 31, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.

Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #17V652000 · Oct 16, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.

Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S33.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Campaign #17V526000 · Aug 28, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed October 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C12.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #17V331000 · May 22, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Campaign #15V867000 · Dec 22, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped. As a result, the seat belts may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies" and 210, " Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: An occupant that is not be properly restrained is at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and/or front passenger side seat belt retractor(s) and pretensioner(s), free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C17.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Campaign #15V614000 · Sep 30, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 18, 2014, to August 6, 2015 and equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). While using the Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle may falsely detect an obstacle in its path and may unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Risk: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the cruise control module with updated ACC radar software, free of charge. The recall began on October 25, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S29.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

Campaign #15V251000 · Apr 28, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 vehicles manufactured January 30, 2015, to January 31, 2015. The affected vehicles may have loose or missing underbody heat shields.

Risk: A missing underbody heat shield can lead to degradation or melting of the fuel or vapor lines, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing underbody heat shields and fasteners, and will install the missing components as required, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S12.

STEERING

Campaign #15V279000 · Dec 5, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured March 19, 2015, to March 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with a steering upper intermediate shaft that was improperly riveted.

Risk: If the intermediate shaft was improperly riveted, it could separate from the intermediate shaft flex coupling, resulting in a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S17.

ENGINE

Campaign #20V098000 · Feb 21, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.

Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the block heater's location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S08.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #20V332000 · Aug 6, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.

Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Campaign #21E027000 · Dec 4, 2021

Issue: Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. The ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of the ball joint.

Risk: An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DRiV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the ball joint, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco Automotive customer service at 1-877-489-6659.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #26V237000 · Apr 14, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.

Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ford F 150.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Action #EA26001 · opened Jan 30, 2026 · linked recall 26V237
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by For…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed

POWER TRAIN

101 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear from 6th gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up temporarily, and the check engine warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676656

“Full transmission failure after switching to 4 high on snowy highway. Speed during shift was about 50 mph. We were left stranded on a busy highway outside of Steamboat Springs, CO in wintry conditions for almost 2 hours while waiting for roadside assistance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650399

“Transmission constantly shifts erratically. When this happens, the transmission gets stuck between 3rd and 5th gears and sometimes only stays in 5th gear, no matter how fast the truck is going or even if it is not moving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667047

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil pan leak on 2.7L EcoBoost engine

ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, the contact was informed by the dealer that the oil pan was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the oil pan was replaced eight times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616247

“Oil pan leaking due to having a plastic oil pan”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637482

“This engine defect is well known to Ford ; it involves the 2015-2017 2.7 liter ecobost . These engines were produced with a faulty oil pan gasket . I just paid to replace the third oil pan”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580855

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust manifold bolt failure and warping

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-03

“Broken exhaust bolt on passenger manifold. Exhaust leak... Felt as though Carbon monoxide gas was entering cabin portion of truck. Smelling of exhaust in cabin of vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650698

“The exhaust manifolds have warped, breaking a nut and stud and causing an exhaust leak. I am finding this is an extremely common failure indicative of a design flaw”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579797

“Exhaust manifolds bolts breaking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11576103

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear sliding window detachment from frame

VISIBILITY

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear sliding glass. The contact stated that the rear sliding glass frame had fractured”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666319

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear sliding window fell onto the rear seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615199

“Upper rail for sliding rear window came off causing the rear slider to fall into the back seat. This is a known problem with 2015 and newer F150's with a rear sliding windows”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662181

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch and lock actuator failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to unlock while using the key fob or the key. The contact stated that while inside the vehicle, the symbol showing that the door was ajar was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633821

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door failed to lock as intended. The contact stated that the door occasionally opened without driver input. The driver's side front door failed to lock”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613941

“The door latches freeze during cold weather and prevent me from closing and latching the doors. Ford has previously attempted repairs to my vehicle under Customer Satisfaction Program 20M04, but the repairs have not worked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583281

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine power loss and limp mode from throttle body failure

ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2024-05 → 2025-07

“Throttle body failure approx every 45,000 miles. Bought F-150 new, now driven it approx 135,000 miles. Failure occurs when driving a various speeds, incl 75 mph. Engine shuts down, complete loss of power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11591358

“electronic throttle body has failed and been replaced 2 times in 51756 miles. when failure occurs while in traffic truck engine loses power leaves me in dangerous situation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670271

“I bought the vehicle 3 to four weeks ago. For about a total of 6 or 7 times since I purchased the vehicle, the vehicle unexplainably goes into Limp Mode for no apparent reason. The engine is idling but will not accelerate at all, which in my case was extremely dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614650

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake fluid loss and brake system failure

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-03

“brakes failed all fluid leaked out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648830

“Front passenger side brake line (plastic) burst - causing no braking on vehicle. This happened when parked and just starting to drive vehicle out of carport”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616346

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and entering an intersection, the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal extended to the floorboard. Due to the brake failure, the vehicle failed to stop and drove through a red…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11581767

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 4 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

296 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Ford F 150 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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