VehicleVerdict

2023 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2023 Ford F-150 sits mid-pack among F-150 years: 581 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 538, with 12 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 153 reports (26% of the total).

581

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted3,953 complaints1955: 1 complaints1966: 1 complaints1968: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 13 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 12 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 45 complaints1986: 78 complaints1987: 109 complaints1988: 170 complaints1989: 260 complaints1990: 315 complaints1991: 357 complaints1992: 553 complaints1993: 753 complaints1994: 908 complaints1995: 788 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 3,285 complaints1998: 1,624 complaints1999: 1,323 complaints2000: 1,274 complaints2001: 1,451 complaints2002: 965 complaints2003: 527 complaints2004: 2,431 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 742 complaints2007: 625 complaints2008: 455 complaints2009: 400 complaints2010: 1,136 complaints2011: 2,978 complaints2012: 2,441 complaints2013: 3,953 complaints2014: 1,934 complaints2015: 2,214 complaints2016: 2,568 complaints2017: 1,799 complaints2018: 2,845 complaints2019: 1,693 complaints2020: 898 complaints2021: 1,312 complaints2022: 807 complaints2023: 581 complaints2024: 253 complaints2025: 167 complaints2026: 8 complaints
F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission15326%
Electrical System8314%
Other6812%
Brakes539%
Driver Assistance437%
Engine285%
Visibility & Wipers275%
Tires & Wheels244%
Lighting234%
Body & Structure214%
Speed Control183%
Steering163%
Fuel System102%
Suspension61%
Seats41%
Seat Belts20%
Airbags10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2023 Ford F-150 have recalls?

12 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V489000Driver AssistanceJuly 28, 2026 · 47,587 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

26V104000Electrical SystemFebruary 20, 2026 · 4,381,878 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

25V729000Visibility & WipersOctober 24, 2025 · 174,853 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

25V512000TransmissionAugust 8, 2025 · 103,174 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 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.

25V315000Driver AssistanceMay 9, 2025 · 1,076,138 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

24V852000OtherNovember 8, 2024 · 27,678 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

23V896000TransmissionDecember 22, 2023 · 112,965 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.

23V847000AirbagsDecember 15, 2023 · 17,970 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

23V509000BrakesJuly 21, 2023 · 870,701 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

23V128000TransmissionFebruary 24, 2023 · 240 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

23V070000TransmissionFebruary 10, 2023 · 1,138 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

23V072000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2023 · 321 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Stoped truck to get gas ! put in park ! When I got out of truck it went in reverse almost running me over !! Ripped my driver door all the way around to the front wheel before I could get it to stop !! It is equipped with a sensor to automatically put it in park when door opens !! But it did not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 23, 2024 · crash

“My Ford F150 was hit by another vehicle going at least 45 mph on the passenger which push my vehicle into another vehicle. However, the airbags was never deployed which cause injury to my right side from steering wheel. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2024 · crash

“2023 Ford F150 seemed to spontaneously ignite, resulting in total loss of F150 due to fire and extensive damage to a civilian pickup and trailer.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 16, 2024 · fire

“Stoped truck to get gas ! put in park ! When I got out of truck it went in reverse almost running me over !! Ripped my driver door all the way around to the front wheel before I could get it to stop !! It is equipped with a sensor to automatically put it in park when door opens !! But it did not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 23, 2024 · crash

“ driving approximately 20 miles an hour, gently applying the brake as I was approaching a stoplight when the brake suddenly engaged forcefully causing the car to jerk to a stop unexpectedly. There was a warning across the dash that said " forward collision is not available" and that disappeared. A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 7, 2026

2023 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2023 Ford F-150 reliable?

It is close to typical for the F-150: 581 NHTSA complaints, 12 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (153 complaints), electrical system (83 complaints), other (68 complaints).

Does the 2023 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2021, 2000, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.