2015-2020 Ford F-150: Recall History

Recall History for 2015-2020 Ford F-150

Important note on official recalls

• Official recall status in the dataset: No recalls found in the NHTSA database for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150.
• What this means: The data provided does not include any documented Ford F-150 safety or defect recalls from NHTSA for 2015–2020 model years. This does not guarantee that no issues exist in the real world, but within this dataset there are no recall entries to report. If you own a 2015–2020 F-150 and are concerned about safety, always follow Ford’s current service bulletins and talk to your dealer about any suspected recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that may apply to your vehicle.

Overview of owner complaints (5 records)
The dataset includes five owner complaints filed for 2015–2020 F-150s. These are not recalls; they are customer reports of symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

• Complaint 1

  • Year: 2016
  • Component: emissions
  • Mileage: 87,512 miles
  • OBD Code: P0128
  • Description: Recurring P0128 code; severe starting problems; emissions concerns; replacements performed but problem persisted.

• Complaint 2

  • Year: 2017
  • Component: suspension
  • Mileage: 51,358 miles
  • OBD Code: P0128
  • Description: Recurring P0128 code; frequent check engine light; replacements performed (reported as suspension-related in the description) but issue persisted; safety and reliability concerns.

• Complaint 3

  • Year: 2016
  • Component: engine
  • Mileage: 124,674 miles
  • OBD Code: P0302
  • Description: Recurring P0302 code; severe stalling; engine replaced twice but issue persisted; safety and reliability concerns.

• Complaint 4

  • Year: 2020
  • Component: fuel_system
  • Mileage: 127,190 miles
  • OBD Code: P0300
  • Description: Check engine light with P0300; excessive emissions especially when cold; mechanic linked issue to the fuel system; problem started after 81,000 miles.

• Complaint 5

  • Year: 2018
  • Component: engine
  • Mileage: 117,613 miles
  • OBD Code: P0302
  • Description: Check engine light with P0302; rough idle, especially when cold; engine-related; problem started after 92,000 miles.

Data takeaway from complaints

• Codes observed: P0128 (2 complaints), P0302 (2 complaints), P0300 (1 complaint).
• Common themes: Misfire-related codes (P0300/P0302) and a coolant/thermostat-related code (P0128) appear in multiple complaints. A pattern of “problem persists after replacements” is reported in two cases, suggesting potential multiple contributing factors or intermittent issues.
• Mileage distribution: Complaints occur across a span of miles from roughly 51k to 127k, indicating these issues can appear relatively early or later in the 2015–2020 model lifecycle.
• Note on causality: The data represents customer-reported symptoms and codes; it does not establish definitive root causes or defect trends for all 2015–2020 F-150s. For decision-making, use this as context rather than a definitive reliability measure.

What the codes typically indicate (general automotive knowledge)

• P0128 (Coolant Thermostat Issue)
  • Typical interpretation: Engine coolant is not reaching the thermostat’s regulating temperature quickly enough, often due to a thermostat stuck open, failed cooling temperature sensor, low coolant, or a cooling system restriction.
  • Likely short-term symptoms: Hard starting or extended warm-up times, inconsistent cabin heat, potential fuel economy impact.
  • Common fixes (non-recall related): Replace thermostat, check/flush coolant, inspect cooling system for leaks or air locks, verify thermostat housing and sensor operation.
• P0300 / P0302 (Misfire Cylinders)
  • Typical interpretation: Random or specific-cylinder misfire. P0302 means cylinder 2 misfire specifically.
  • Common causes: Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or wiring; leaking or dirty fuel injectors; vacuum leaks; low fuel pressure; at times a faulty PCM or sensor data, or compression issues.
  • Consequences: Misfires can cause rough idle, stalling, reduced power, increased emissions, and potential damage to catalytic converters if left untreated.
  • Typical fixes (non-recall related): Spark plug replacement, ignition coil replacement (or coil-on-plug packs), fuel injector service/clean or replacement, fuel pressure check, vacuum leak repair, addressing compression if diagnosed as mechanical.

Practical guidance for 2015–2020 F-150 owners
If you own or are considering a 2015–2020 Ford F-150 and encounter codes from the five complaints (P0128, P0300, P0302), here are practical steps to approach diagnosis and repair:

Start with a solid diagnostic plan

• Retrieve and review freeze-frame data from the scan tool to understand engine load, RPM, temperature, and other conditions when the code set.
• Confirm misfire with misfire count data and check all ignition components on relevant cylinders.
• Inspect cooling system health if P0128 is present: coolant level, leaks, radiator cap, thermostat operation, radiator fans, water pump, and thermostat housing.
• For P0300/P0302: inspect spark plugs and ignition coils for cylinder 2; test fuel pressure and inspect fuel injectors; look for vacuum leaks; check for clogged or dirty injectors and MAF sensor condition.

Prioritize repairs by symptom and risk

• If misfire is isolated to cylinder 2 (P0302):
  • Begin with a coil-on-plug check/replacement for cylinder 2 and replace the spark plug(s) in that cylinder set if recommended by the service procedure.
  • If misfire persists after coil/plug service, test the fuel injector for that cylinder or swap a suspect injector to confirm if the injector is the cause.
• If P0300 is present without a single persistent cylinder misfire:
  • Perform a comprehensive misfire diagnostic: check all ignition systems, fuel delivery, and for vacuum leaks; inspect the EGR and PCV systems; consider possible intake manifold issues or compression problems if other diagnostics point there.
• If P0128 is present:
  • Inspect the cooling system thoroughly, including thermostat function (verify it opens/closes as designed), coolant temp sensor operation, and coolant condition/level.
  • Consider a thermostat replacement and coolant flush if the thermostat is stuck or sensor readings are out of spec.

Consider economic considerations and timing

• Early-stage fixes (spark plugs, coils, simple thermostat/coolant service) are relatively inexpensive and can be completed in a few hours.
• More involved fixes (injector service/replacement, fuel pump, or significant cooling system work) can be more costly and require additional diagnostic time.
• As a rough 2025 range, expect:
  • Thermostat replacement and coolant service: roughly $150–$500 depending on labor rates and whether auxiliary cooling components are touched.
  • Spark plug and ignition coil work (isolated to cylinder 2): $150–$700 depending on parts (plugs per cylinder and coil costs) and whether more cylinders are affected.
  • Fuel injector service/repair or replacement: $200–$800 (or more if multiple injectors and labor are involved).
  • General diagnostic fees: $100–$150 for a local shop, potentially waived if a paid repair is estimated.

Safety implications

• Misfires can cause rough driving and reduced engine performance, which may impact vehicle safety in certain driving conditions.
• Prolonged misfires can damage catalytic converters and reduce fuel efficiency; coolant systems issues can lead to overheating if not addressed.
• If you observe persistent check engine lights, loud ticking, overheating, or loss of power, seek prompt professional inspection.

Maintenance and prevention tips

• Follow the vehicle’s maintenance schedule for spark plugs, ignition components, and cooling system service.
• Use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended coolant and 50/50 pre-mixed coolant when flushing or refilling.
• At mileage intervals where coil-on-plug or spark plug replacements are recommended, plan for preventative replacement to avoid misfire-induced damage.
• Keep an eye on fuel system cleanliness; use quality fuel and consider periodic use of a fuel system cleaner as recommended by a trusted technician (not a substitute for diagnosed issues).

Data limitations and interpretation

• The dataset contains only five owner complaints and one line stating no recalls. It does not provide a statistically representative sample of all 2015–2020 F-150s, nor does it establish defect trends or manufacturing-wide reliability.
• The presence of the same codes in multiple complaints suggests potential recurring themes (emissions-related thermostat/cooling concerns and cylinder misfire issues), but does not prove a general defect pattern for the model year range.
• If you are solving a specific vehicle issue, use this guide as context and rely on professional diagnostic procedures and official Ford service bulletins/recalls if applicable.

Summary: Does this translate to a recall history?

• No recalls found in the provided dataset for the 2015–2020 Ford F-150.
• The five owner complaints point to two recurring themes—misfires (P0300, P0302) and a coolant/thermostat issue (P0128)—but there is no official recall entry to cite from this data.
• For owners, focus on careful diagnostics and targeted repairs for misfires and cooling system integrity. Expect 2025 repair cost ranges as outlined above, depending on exact cause and chosen repair path.

Key takeaways for owners

• If you see P0128, verify cooling system health and thermostat operation; plan for thermostat replacement if the thermostat appears to be stuck open or if readings are inconsistent.
• If you see P0300 or P0302, diagnose ignition components (sparks and coils) first, then assess fuel delivery and possible vacuum or sensor issues.
• There are no documented official recalls in this dataset for these model years, but always check current NHTSA recalls and Ford service bulletins for updates, and consult your dealer if you have ongoing symptoms.