Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact shifted the gear shifter into park and turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle rolled backwards again. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting under the hood, the contact became aware that the shifter cable had melted. The contact purchased a new shifter cable and replaced the shifter cable. The vehicle was started and driven to the residence. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred at night, which was dangerous for being on the side of the road. The contact stated that the shifter cable had melted again within 12 hours. The contact stated that the failure was the result of a design flaw. …
customer states that the frame of the vehicle has been compromised by corrosion. the vehicle only has 163,844 miles on it and it has major holes in the frame. The chassis could break in half prohibiting the use of this vehicle on the roadway due to the safety of occupants. I advised the customer of this of which they bought a frame repair kit (Pre-cut over frame c-channel steel) to weld onto the frame to support a longer lifespan. The truck is now safe for the roadway.
I own the above mention vehicle, there was no disclosure to me at the time of purchase of a very serious design flaw with the spark plugs that could and likely will break off in the engine during replacement and the extreme cost in changing these plugs around 900 to 1000 dollars if no plugs break off and even more in the plugs do break off or heads have to removed to extract the plugs even worse pieces of prshell could fall into the engine cylinder and cause engine damage to around 8000 dollars now that I aware of the extreme cost 3 or 4 times the amount for routine maintenance of changing spark plugs in these Ford vehicles Ford is no help at all saying its not a safety issue I cant help it the design flaw with these long 2 piece plugs is so serious and the price gouging of the consumer for the cost to change spark plugs is so expensive and so bad I strongly feel that the federal gov …
On the morning of March 5th 2015 I started my truck to warm the inside and also melt the snow off my windshield. I got in the truck and backed out away from house. Due to having snow on the driveway I turned on the 4 wheel drive in high. My four wheel drive would not work so I tried to swicth to 2 wheel drive back to four wheel drive but the 4 wheel drive would not turn on. I grabbed the gear shift to put the truck back in park when I noticed my gear shift could float to park to 1st gear freely and would not shift. At this time I noticed smoke starting to come inside cab from under dash and thru the vents. I jumped out and opened the hood. A 1 foot section of a wiring harnes mounted to the firewall had caught fire. I made attempts to put out the fire but within a few seconds the engine compartment was engulfed. In 2 to 3 minutes the entire inside of the cab was also completely on fire. …
I was driving and heard a sound come from my engine compartment. I didn't lose power, but pulled over to look under the hood. Not noticing anything obvious I checked the fluid levels and noticed that my transmission fluid was low. It had been checked two months prior during oil change. I had no visible signs of leaks. I found a forum on the internet that talked about transmission fluid going from the transmission to the transfer case, but unable to return. They had a $20 seal replaced under warranty. The forum had stated that this was a known condition but nothing was being done by Ford motor company. A mechanic had said that it only effected 17-18% of vehicles manufactured between 2004-2008. I called two local dealerships and they knew the problem but said that there was no recall on it. It takes approximately 3 hours to change, by dropping the transfer case and replacing the seal. …
I don't even have 150,000 miles on this thing. I get it serviced regularly. I've used the 4x4 when needed, as I live in the Sierra Nv Mountains area. I don't overdo it, I don't abuse it. One day with "ZERO" Clues or indications my truck popped out of drive into neutral ON ITS OWN I put it back into drive. Then as I tried to accelerate NOTHING, I got a code/msg saying faulty transmission, my O/D kept turning off and on. I pushed it to the side if the road. I eventually got reverse back, 1st gear, but that's it. And NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. Its Automatically you need a transmission. [redacted]!! You go online and this is happening to TONS of people. Are you saying WE ALL NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS?? Kinda odd same trucks, same issues on the same part. What's the common denominator here ford??? Your [redacted] transmissions. Figure it out!!! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers for transmission repairs. The transmission column shift assembly was replaced in 2007. In 2010, the transmission fluid spilled and the gasket, filters, and spark plugs were replaced; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle did not accelerate over 40 MPH and vibrated. The contact also stated that when the vehicle was driven up hill with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle decelerated. In addition, the check engine and transmission fault indicators illuminated. The manufacturer provided the contact with case number: n24150780-f193g8. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.
I just wanted to add my vehicle to the list of complaints about the differential. Mine makes noise and has made noise for quite some time. I thought it might be the tires or rotors. I found out that it was coming directly from the rear differential. Based on the complaints I have heard, I am pretty sure this is the same thing. The noise sounds like metal running on metal. I believe this should be something Ford should pay to fix. If I have to pay for it, I'm definitely not using Ford. I read that's many people have the same complaints. This failure is security public problems, because accidental or crash May occur.
Truck was bought and I replaced all spark plugs and even had to replace a clinoid because was told that was the problem. Its not... There is a ball valve in the transmission that keeps the truck from building enough pressure to be able to shift which throws a code and says misfire on 6 been replaced twice now so clearly not the problem. This is a major issue.. Truck feels as if fixing to fie then check engine light will come on start flashing but throw no codes and you cant speed back up because it feels like your truck is about to die and you don't want to blow your motor.
1. Brake dot 3 is running out after several months. When I apply the brakes, the vehicle keeps going. In order to keep the vehicle running, I must push down the brake very hard to stop the vehicle. I have to constantly refill the oil tank. 2. When driving on the highway and the speed reaches at around 45-65 MPH, the vehicle automatically loses power and hit at 3-5 MPH before stopping. After I completely turn off and reset the battery, the vehicle starts normal again. The vehicle happened from 2009 to current time, but the odb scan does not detect any code or errors.
Transmission complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 112 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Ford F-150, 10% of the model year's 1,112 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Ford F-150, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.