2015 Ford F-150 Common Problems: Transmission Recall, Engine Issues & Replacement Costs

The 2015 Ford F-150 arrived as one of the most ambitious redesigns in pickup truck history. Ford went all-in on a high-strength aluminum body for the 13th generation, shedding hundreds of pounds and raising the bar for fuel efficiency and capability. Paired with the brand-new 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost, and the proven 5.0L V8, the 2015 F-150 quickly became the best-selling truck in America — and held onto that crown with ease. But owning one in 2025 and beyond comes with some serious homework. A landmark 2026 safety recall — covering nearly 1.4 million trucks from model years 2015, 2016, and 2017 — has flagged a transmission defect that can trigger a violent, unintended downshift from 6th gear to 2nd gear at highway speed. If you drive a 2015 F-150, this is not a "schedule it when you get around to it" situation. It is a drop-everything-and-check-your-VIN situation. At expediaparts.com, we want to get you back on the road — safely and affordably. Whether your F-150 is already showing symptoms or you just want to stay ahead of the next problem, this guide walks through every major known failure, what it costs to fix, and how to choose the right replacement parts when the time comes.

The 2015 F-150's first year on an aluminum body meant Ford was breaking new ground — and with that came a handful of first-year growing pains. Consumer Reports and MotorTrend have both covered the transmission recall extensively, and NHTSA data confirms the scope: this is one of the largest Ford recalls in recent history. According to Consumer Reports, the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission used in the 2015–2017 F-150 can experience lead frame and Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) failure that results in an abrupt, uncontrolled downshift — dropping from 6th gear to 2nd gear without warning while traveling at highway speed. MotorTrend has also covered the recall, noting the rear tire lockup risk and bucking behavior drivers have reported during TRS failure events. The YouTube channel The Car Guy Online broke down the full scope of Ford's biggest transmission recall yet — 1,392,935 trucks — and explains why this failure is so dangerous at speed. A second detailed breakdown from Me And Car Keys covers what the 2015–2017 F-150 recall means for owners and what to expect from Ford's fix. Check your VIN immediately at NHTSA.gov using NHTSA campaign number 26V237000 (Ford recall 26S28). Do not wait for a mailed notice.