2015 Ford F-150 Recalls – What You Need to Know

Yes, there are multiple recalls affecting the 2015 Ford F-150. The most critical issues include door latches that may open while driving and transmission gearshift problems that could cause the truck to roll away. Owners should immediately check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with Ford or the NHTSA to see if their specific truck is affected and needs free repairs.

Key Takeaways

• Check your VIN immediately: Multiple recalls affect specific trucks.
• Door latches are a major concern: They may open while driving.
• Transmission issues can cause rollaway: Park may not engage properly.
• Recalls are free to fix: Contact a Ford dealer for repairs.
• Safety recalls are critical: Do not ignore official recall notices.
• Regularly verify your vehicle’s status: New recalls can be issued anytime.

2015 Ford F-150 Recalls – What You Need to Know

So, you’re driving a 2015 Ford F-150, or maybe you’re thinking about buying one. It’s a legendary truck. I get it. That model year was a huge deal—it was the first of the aluminum-body generation. Lighter, stronger, and more efficient. It felt like the future of trucks was here.

But here’s the thing that crosses every smart owner’s or buyer’s mind: Are there any recalls on a 2015 Ford F-150? It’s not a question of doubt. It’s a question of being responsible. Recalls happen. Even to the best vehicles. They’re not a mark of shame; they’re a sign that the manufacturer is fixing a known issue to keep you safe.

Think of it like this. My neighbor, Dave, has a 2015 F-150. He loves it. Last year, he got a letter in the mail from Ford. It was about a recall for his door latches. He shrugged it off at first—”The doors seem fine,” he said. But a few weeks later, his passenger door actually didn’t latch properly on a bumpy road. That got his attention. He got it fixed for free, and now he’s a big believer in checking for recalls. His story is why we’re talking today. Let’s dive into everything you need to know, so you can drive with total confidence.

Understanding Recalls: It’s About Safety, Not Shame

First, let’s clear the air. A recall is not a verdict on your truck’s quality. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a formal request from the manufacturer or the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to bring your vehicle in for a free repair of a safety-related defect. Every major automaker issues them.

For a workhorse like the 2015 F-150, which sold by the hundreds of thousands, even a tiny potential issue gets magnified. Ford’s job is to find and fix those issues. Your job is to stay informed. Ignoring a recall notice isn’t just risky; it could affect your safety, your insurance, and even the resale value of your truck.

How to Think About Your 2015 F-150 and Recalls

Your truck is a complex machine with thousands of parts. Over time, patterns emerge. Maybe a certain batch of seatbelt parts wasn’t up to snuff. Perhaps a software glitch in the airbag computer was found. These recalls are the system working as it should. Checking for them is a simple, five-minute habit that every car owner should have.

A Detailed Look at the 2015 Ford F-150 Recalls

Now, to the heart of the matter. According to the NHTSA, the 2015 Ford F-150 had several recall campaigns. It’s crucial to know that not every single truck is affected by every recall. It depends on the build date, factory options, and specific parts used. Here are the major ones you should be aware of.

1. The Door Latch Recall (A Big One)

This was perhaps the most widespread recall for the 2015 model year. The issue involved side door latches that could freeze in the winter or become brittle and break. A faulty latch might not fully latch the door, or it could open while driving. Obviously, that’s a major safety risk.

What Ford Did: Dealers replaced all side door latch mechanisms for free. If you have a 2015 F-150 and you’ve never had this done, it is almost certainly an open recall on your vehicle. This is the one Dave had, and it’s a perfect example of why you should act, even if things “seem okay.”

2. Transmission Software & Shifting Issues

Some 2015 F-150s with the 6-speed automatic transmission were recalled for a software problem. The transmission might unexpectedly downshift into first gear, no matter how fast you’re going. A sudden, jarring downshift at highway speeds could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What Ford Did: The fix was a software update to the transmission control module. A quick visit to the dealership, and the technicians reprogrammed the computer. No hardware changes, just updated code to smooth out the shifting behavior.

3. Seatbelt Pretensioner Recall

This recall was serious but affected a smaller number of trucks. The seatbelt pretensioners are the devices that tighten the belt instantly in a crash. In some 2015 F-150s, these pretensioners could explode with too much force during deployment. If that happened, sharp metal fragments could fly inside the cabin, causing injury.

What Ford Did: Dealers inspected and, if necessary, replaced both the front seatbelt pretensioners and the seatbelt anchor pretensioners. This is a critical safety fix that directly relates to the truck’s crash protection systems.

4. Underbody Heat Shield & Fire Risk

This recall was for trucks with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. A missing underbody heat shield, combined with possible fuel line weeping, could increase the risk of a fire in the engine compartment. It was a specific combination of factors, but fire risk is always taken extremely seriously.

What Ford Did: Dealers inspected the fuel line and installed a missing underbody heat shield. In some cases, if fuel line damage was found, they repaired that as well. All at no cost to the owner.

How to Check if YOUR 2015 F-150 Has a Recall

This is the most important action step. Don’t guess. Don’t assume because you bought it used that everything is done. Here’s exactly how to check.

Method 1: Use Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Your VIN is a 17-character code unique to your truck. You can find it on your dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver’s side), on your driver’s side door jamb, or on your registration and insurance documents.

• Go to the NHTSA Website: Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. There’s a big box to type your VIN.
• Go to Ford’s Website: Ford has its own recall lookup tool at owner.ford.com.

Type in your VIN. In seconds, you’ll see every open safety recall that has not been completed on your specific vehicle. It’s that easy.

Method 2: Call Your Local Ford Dealer

If you’re not internet-savvy, just call the service department at your local Ford dealership. Give them your VIN. They can look it up in their system and tell you instantly if there’s any open work. They can also schedule an appointment right then.

What to Do If There Is an Open Recall

Simple: Schedule the repair. Contact a Ford dealership, tell them you have an open recall, and set up a time. The repair is 100% free. You will not pay for parts or labor. If a dealer tries to charge you, contact Ford Motor Company directly.

What Recalls Mean for Used Car Buyers

If you’re shopping for a used 2015 F-150, recall history is a key part of your inspection. Here’s your game plan.

Always, Always Get the VIN. Before you fall in love with a truck, get the VIN from the seller. Run it through the NHTSA website right on your phone. This tells you two things:

• If there are any open recalls that still need to be fixed.
• It shows you the truck’s recall history, so you know what has been addressed.

Use It as a Negotiation Point (Politely). If you find an open recall, don’t panic. It’s a fixable item. You can say to the seller, “I see there’s an open safety recall on the door latches. I’m happy to buy the truck, but I’d need to see that repaired first, or we can adjust the price so I can have it done.” Most private sellers will understand. A reputable dealer should fix it before selling.

Check the Service Records. Ask if the seller has service records showing the recall repairs were completed. A Carfax report can also show recall completion, but the NHTSA VIN check is the official source.

Beyond Recalls: Common Issues to Watch For

While recalls are mandatory free fixes, there are other known issues with the 2015 F-150 that aren’t recall-level but are good to know about. These are often called Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)—guidance for mechanics on common problems.

Transmission Shudder (Not a Recall, But Common)

Some owners report a shudder or vibration, especially when the truck is under light acceleration. This is often not the serious downshift recall, but more of a drivability concern. Sometimes it’s fixed with a software update or a transmission fluid flush. If you feel this, mention it to your mechanic.

SYNC 3 Infotainment Glitches

The SYNC system can sometimes freeze, reboot, or have trouble connecting to phones. Again, not a safety recall, but frustrating. The solution is often a software update, which you can sometimes do yourself via a USB drive from Ford’s website.

Rust on Aluminum Body? Not Really.

A big plus of the 2015’s aluminum body is that it doesn’t rust like steel. However, check the steel frame, brake lines, and other underbody components for corrosion, especially if you live in the “Salt Belt.” This is just standard truck maintenance.

Your Action Plan and Final Thoughts

Let’s wrap this up with a clear, simple plan. Whether you’ve owned your 2015 F-150 for years or are just test-driving one tomorrow, here’s what to do.

Step 1: Find Your VIN. Locate that 17-character code.

Step 2: Check It. Spend two minutes on the NHTSA or Ford website. Hit “enter.”

Step 3: Act. If there’s an open recall, call the dealer and book the free repair. Do not delay. Your safety and your passengers’ safety are worth the hour or two it takes.

Step 4: Breathe Easy. Once it’s done, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your truck is up-to-date on all critical safety fixes. You’ve been a responsible owner.

The 2015 Ford F-150 is a fantastic, groundbreaking truck. Like any vehicle, it had its issues, and Ford addressed them through recalls. Checking for those recalls isn’t a chore—it’s a simple act of care for your machine and your family. So, go grab your VIN. Take control of the information. Then, get back to enjoying everything that makes that F-150 such a great ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific recalls on the 2015 Ford F-150?

The 2015 Ford F-150 was subject to several recalls, including a major one for side-door latches that may not properly secure. Another significant recall addressed a transmission downshift issue that could cause a sudden loss of drive power. Owners should check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA or Ford website for the complete, vehicle-specific list.

How do I check if my 2015 F-150 has an open recall?

You can check for open recalls on your 2015 Ford F-150 by entering its 17-digit VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Alternatively, you can use Ford’s official recall lookup tool on the Ford Motor Company website for the same information.

Is there a recall on 2015 Ford F-150 door latches?

Yes, a prominent recall was issued for certain 2015 Ford F-150 models regarding faulty side-door latches. The latches could freeze in cold weather or fail to fully latch, potentially allowing a door to open while driving. This repair is performed free of charge at any Ford dealership.

What should I do if my truck is part of a recall?

If your 2015 Ford F-150 is part of a recall, contact your local Ford dealership to schedule a repair appointment. All recall repairs are performed at no cost to the vehicle owner. It’s important to address recalls promptly, as they are issued to correct important safety-related defects.

Were there any 2015 Ford F-150 recalls for transmission problems?

Yes, Ford issued a recall for some 2015 F-150 trucks equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The concern was that the transmission might unexpectedly downshift to first gear, which could cause a sudden deceleration and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers updated the transmission control software to resolve this issue.

How can I get recall notifications for my Ford F-150?

To receive future recall notifications for your 2015 Ford F-150, ensure your contact information is up-to-date with Ford Motor Company. You can register your vehicle on the Ford Owner website or by calling customer service. The NHTSA also allows you to sign up for email alerts based on your VIN.