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2023 Ford F 150 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Ford F 150 carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and frontal. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear axle hub bolt fracture and recall parts delay.” 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.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #23V070000 · Oct 2, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."

Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #23V072000 · Oct 2, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 vehicles. The instrument panel top cover on the passenger-side may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger instrument panel top cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 16, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C01.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign #23V128000 · Feb 24, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.

PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #23V509000 · Jul 21, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.

Risk: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign #23V847000 · Dec 15, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 and Ford SD F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 vehicles. The steering wheel clock spring may have an insufficient weld, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk: A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the clock spring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

Campaign #23V896000 · Dec 22, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #24V852000 · Aug 11, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V315000 · Sep 5, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

Campaign #25V512000 · Aug 8, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 Phase 3 will include 2024 F-150 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 22, 2025. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S82. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V896.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #25V729000 · Oct 24, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

Campaign #26V104000 · Feb 20, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #26V489000 · Jul 28, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Ford F 150.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear axle hub bolt fracture and recall parts delay

POWER TRAIN

79 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-06

“The contact stated that while making a left turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to a stop on the side of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729045
“The service department inspected the hub bolts and declared the vehicle unsafe to drive until the recall is completed due to sheered bolts. Although the recall says the parts are available, that is apparently not accurate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706689
“My pickup rear axle is clicking and popping and rolls when in Park until the Parking Brake is applied. All symptoms as stated in the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715394

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

10R80 transmission harsh shifting and slipping

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2025-10 → 2026-08

“While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts down violently from 10th to 8th gear, and rapidly jumping from 10th to 8th to 10th, causing harsh shifts. This occurred while driving on a highway or above 60mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754209
“The torque converter inside my transmission on my 2023 f-150 “started coming apart” and has spread metal throughout my entire transmission and transmission cooler”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752501
“The transmssion is shifting by itself from from a low gear (say 1st or 2nd) directly into 8th gear which bring the truck to a complete stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694879

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous sunroof and window glass shattering

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-07

“The sunroof of my vehicle burst while I was driving on the highway. There was no warning and the vehicle was not hit by anything. The glass shattered and came into the truck cabin”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719493
“I was driving down the highway and the right, rear window shattered and blew glass all over the inside of my truck (the cab). There was no incident, no stress cracks, etc. The window simply “exploded””
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749988
“I was driving down the road going around 40 mph. No vehicles around me at all and no trees overhead when my sunroof suddenly exploded. No impact whatsoever occurred prior to the explosion, I just heard a loud boom, and glass started raining onto my sunroof liner”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681110

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and display screen blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-04

“Screen goes entirely black intermittently, lasting up to 30 minutes. Occurs while vehicle is in motion. Issue persists even after stopping and restarting vehicle. Loss of speedometer, battery state of charge, warning lights, and all driver information”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733547
“The instrument cluster on my vehicle has failed intermittently and/or completely, resulting in loss of speedometer visibility and loss of critical warning indicator information”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706967
“While driving down the road, the driver gauge display screen completely goes dark. All information displayed normally on the screen, such as speed, mileage, and vital information about the vehicle stops, displaying entirely. This has happened multiple times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679946

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of engine power and acceleration while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-06

“The engine was in electric mode, I went to push the acceleration pedal and nothing happened. The truck would not accelerate for 4-5 seconds. I then put the accelerator pedal to the floor and it finally engaged and the truck flew”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737813
“On 3 separate occasions, while traveling at highway speeds on the NJ Garden State Parkway in the left lane, my truck’s service engine light soon wrench would come on out of nowhere, the throttle would cut out, and the gas pedal would go limp and unresponsive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719330
“I was accelerating out of an intersection after the light turned green and suddenly experienced a loss of power. The Ford service center diagnosed this as a Transmission fluid auxiliary pump fault”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699953

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during braking or parking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-07

“I was trying to park the vehicle and it unexpectedly started to accelerate. I had to slam on the brakes. This is not the first time this has occurred. It’s happened many times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704939
“My F150 2023, while driving at slower speeds on four different occasions while applying the brakes, the truck will start accelerating all on its own! I contacted a ford dealer and they verified on their end that the truck has done this”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704390
“I was in my driveway, I placed the vehicle in reverse backed out normally, when I put it into Drive I let go of the brakes, I did not press the accelerator pedal, and the truck instantly accelerated while in electric mode”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696522

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake system faults and unexpected brake activation

SERVICE BRAKES

13 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12 → 2026-08

“I was on the highway doing 70mph and went to break and I had no brakes. I was terrified. I kept trying and I got it to break and pressed again and lost them again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738411
“The electronic brake booster system failed while driving the vehicle causing the brakes to lock up and almost caused a collision with a tree putting me and my family in danger. Car was towed to the dealer and confirmed electronic brake booster failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725804
“While driving up to 40 mph, the emergency brake will randomly come on causing me to skid and stop suddenly. I manually have to turn back off the emergency brake to drive again. This incident has occurred in traffic multiple times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733375

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Taillamp and light bar water intrusion and failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2025-10 → 2026-06

“My 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has moisture and condensation building up inside the rear tailgate light bar. It looks exactly like the issue described in Ford recall 23S30, also known as NHTSA recall 23V-418”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695507
“The component initially developed visible stress cracks across the housing. This has now progressed to a total electrical failure of the unit. The light bar serves as a primary housing for the vehicle's brake lights and reverse lights. These lights no longer illuminate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733363
“Rear Taillight assembly filled with water due to a crack. The water caused the bulb to burn out. Dealer tried to get Ford to cover the taillamp and the manufacturer denied the claim stating the crack was not a flaw in manufacturing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706100

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

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)

35 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.

19

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2023 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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