Seeking advice regarding Powerboost issues

[Stuckey in NC]

Hey Folks,

Back in August I purchased a 2021 Powerboost 302A sport off the lot from a local dealer in Raleigh NC. I worked with this same dealer for purchasing my 2021 mach e (killer car BTW).

At the time I was driving a 2004 F150 fx4 that had 318,000 miles on it. Amazing truck that I would trust to drive any distance, anytime. The trucks only fault was that it was not a 4 door. I have two young children and my family had simply outgrown the truck. I had never considered a new truck, however, after reading about the powerboost I decided it was what I wanted. After finding one at a local dealer that had a truck with 95% of what I wanted in a truck I decided to make the leap and sell the 04.

During the test drive I asked about the hard up and down shifts I was experiencing. The salesman said it was pretty normal for the new hybrid trucks and once the truck learned my driving characteristics it would smooth out. This is my first new truck purchase so I just assumed this was the case. After the purchase I kept asking the dealer about the transmission issues which consisted of harsh shifts, almost stalling or lack of power when taking a left turn from a stop, and shuddering in 8-9-10 under a load. I was told it would take 1500 miles or so for the truck to "break in" and "learn me" and to just continue to drive it.

At 2,000 miles the truck is slamming gears when downshifting....almost feels like I have been rear ended. Transmission is overall just very jerky and harsh and making clunking sounds. 8-9-10 gear shutter is more profound. The truck also will fall on its face during the 1-3 shift...especially when taking a left hand turn. If it does not fall on its face it will slip the 1-3 shift for 2-3 seconds then SLAM into gear. During this time we take a trip to the mountains of NC where I have to leave the truck in tow/haul mode to limit how much it seems to be trying to self destruct. It feels like a kid is trying to learn how to drive a stick shift and just found out how to neutral/clutch drop. Its almost like the electric motor/gas motor and transmission just aren't on the same page. I am not comfortable having my family in this truck.

I'll cut to the cliff notes version. Dealership 1 is who sold me the truck. Dealership 2 is another dealership 60 miles away

Dealership 1 (3,086 miles)(11/2/21)(1 business day)
Changes oil. Does not have time to check transmission issues. Calendar is 4-6 weeks out to address issues. NO loaner

Dealership 2 (3300ish miles) (11/4/21)(1 business day)
They reset the transmission tables and sent me on my way.
Transmission problems are still happening and some are worsening. NO loaner

Dealership 1 (4956 miles)(12/1-12/13-2021)(10 business days)
Keeps truck for 12 business days. Transmission techs recognize and identify problems and a case is opened with ford. They check transmission fluid and perform some software updates. Transmission problems are still reported to be present by the techs. They are out of things to try and tell me that there is a big software update due in March from Ford and that should help. NO loaner

Back to dealership 2 (7252 miles)(1/28-Current 2022)(20 business days as of 1/19/22)
They have now had the truck for 20 business days. Transmission tech road with me and acknowledged harsh shifting, harsh hybrid drive engage/disengagement, and the 1-3 fall on its face when turning left situation. Last I heard the dealership was working with a Ford engineer on trying to find a solution. NO Loaner


Extremely frustrating have to take so much time off of work to address these issues while making payments on a truck that I cannot confidently drive with worried about it causing an accident or self destructing. On top of that I am having to borrow a vehicle from family to drive around bc no loaners are available.

This thread is just in regards to the transmission issues mentioned. There are several other "minor" things going on that seem to be common that I can live with until a fix is offered.

So at this point what would you guys do? Lemon law? Unload the truck in this market? I am worried that even if a fix is found for my transmission issues the truck has been shifting so hard that other components are prematurely being worn/damaged.

This is the only vehicle out there that I want right now, however, my experience with this truck and Ford customer care really have me questioning the brand. I really with my 04 would have been a 4 door right now.

Thoughts? Comments? Experiences?

Thanks guys

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[Orlando150]

I don‘t know when you truck was built but did any dealer attempt this update? https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/powerboost-tsb-harsh-1-3-upshift.7204/

It fixed my 1-3 shift issues (never had the issues you describe from 8-10) and the left turn hesitation has not reoccurred since the update either.

 

[2drunk2]

I feel for you bud. I wish I could offer advice but best I can do is let you know you are not alone. I have had similar issues with my XLT 302A I purchased in April. I love the truck (when it's working right) and no other truck will meet my needs as well as this does; I have some high altitude demands (11k ft) where FI is a must and the propower is lifesaver.

Just had in the shop again yesterday for hard downshifts (equivalent to hitting the breaks), loss of engine power on left turns, loss of power steering at start up, gear shift stuck in park. Ford tech (their master tech) working with Ford Specialist from social media case told me that the fix is a software update in March (SSM 50217 DTC U0143:87 In The Trailer Module (TRM)) and July (SSM 50473 Erroneous DTC U1A01:93 In the TCU).

Reading through those, I don't believe they relate to the issue at all but like you, I no longer know what to do. It seems service departments can't fix the issue and Ford Corporate really doesn't care; no urgency for them too with market conditions but they will lose some future sales from those of us impacted but cost analysis is in their favor to not fix.

I have had other issues (transmission leak, center speaker pop, propower errors, misc sensor errors), most urgent was a loss of complete brakes which was later determined to be "bad or incomplete programming." After the correction, continued to receive "Check Brake System" errors and had multiple appointments where I was told they could find nothing wrong. Yesterday, I was told that the master tech found that the brake module was incorrectly calibrated at the initial fix and that's why I have been having the errors but was advised that if brake issues happened again, the module would need to be replaced- I don't like trial and error with brakes, especially when I have land in the mountains that require traveling a dirt road with 25% grade up to 11.4k ft (Don't want to try skydiving in my truck).

I feel I have enough documentation and issues to pursue Lemon Law but I really don't want too as no other rig would meet my needs; I would most likely need to step up to a 3/4 ton and add a supercharger. Also, I really like the truck when it's working but the downtime, amount of service appointments, and honestly the cost of the truck to be having this much issues is upsetting. I feel bad in way as I feel I have complained so much lately about this tuck but usually by this point, I am doing mods and having fun instead of just keeping it running. I held onto my abused/ beaten 08 Ram with 200k+ miles as it has been my reliable vehicle this last year.

 

[Sledderj]

Having some similar issues with mine. Had the left turn cutout happen a few times in 20,000Kms. I have also had the 1 to 3 shift issue where the engine revs and feels like you are going nowhere until it finally shifts and snaps your head back. Oddly enough, only after turning right, but that might just be due to how my commute is. Not really any egregious backshift problems, but I do notice a very slight shudder or vibration in the gas pedal under moderate acceleration. Maybe from 30 to 60 MPH. None of it is terrible enough to not have confidence in the truck. I haven't had it in to the dealer for anything yet, but I was thinking of taking it in and requesting the transmission TSB.

Sync is also a little glitchy, I've had to reset it a couple times. I lose wireless carplay for a few seconds at the same place in my commute every day. The other latest one is I get the "Do you want to enable rear seat occupancy alert" window popping up a few times a week now. Those are annoyances, but not the end of the world. I quite like the truck overall.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Having some similar issues with mine. Had the left turn cutout happen a few times in 20,000Kms. I have also had the 1 to 3 shift issue where the engine revs and feels like you are going nowhere until it finally shifts and snaps your head back. Oddly enough, only after turning right, but that might just be due to how my commute is. Not really any egregious backshift problems, but I do notice a very slight shudder or vibration in the gas pedal under moderate acceleration. Maybe from 30 to 60 MPH. None of it is terrible enough to not have confidence in the truck. I haven't had it in to the dealer for anything yet, but I was thinking of taking it in and requesting the transmission TSB.

Sync is also a little glitchy, I've had to reset it a couple times. I lose wireless carplay for a few seconds at the same place in my commute every day. The other latest one is I get the "Do you want to enable rear seat occupancy alert" window popping up a few times a week now. Those are annoyances, but not the end of the world. I quite like the truck overall.

Hi there! Can you send us a private message with your VIN and Ford dealership name? I’ll look into this on my end. Thanks!

 

[Stuckey in NC]

I don‘t know when you truck was built but did any dealer attempt this update? https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/powerboost-tsb-harsh-1-3-upshift.7204/

It fixed my 1-3 shift issues (never had the issues you describe from 8-10) and the left turn hesitation has not reoccurred since the update either.

Thank you for replying. Truck was built in July 2021 according to the door jam. Dealer says the truck is up to date on all software that's applicable for its build date. This leads me to another thought....If a truck is built in say March and is put on hold waiting for chips until July....does that get marked as a July build?

 

[Stuckey in NC]

Hi there. Can you send us a DM with more information about the transmission issues regarding your 2021 Powerboost 302A sport? I’ll see how I can assist on my end.

I have replied with the name of the current dealership the truck is at the and the VIN. The current dealership has been driving and trying to find solutions for the trucks issues for over 3 weeks.

Thanks

 

[Stuckey in NC]

I feel for you bud. I wish I could offer advice but best I can do is let you know you are not alone. I have had similar issues with my XLT 302A I purchased in April. I love the truck (when it's working right) and no other truck will meet my needs as well as this does; I have some high altitude demands (11k ft) where FI is a must and the propower is lifesaver.

Just had in the shop again yesterday for hard downshifts (equivalent to hitting the breaks), loss of engine power on left turns, loss of power steering at start up, gear shift stuck in park. Ford tech (their master tech) working with Ford Specialist from social media case told me that the fix is a software update in March (SSM 50217 DTC U0143:87 In The Trailer Module (TRM)) and July (SSM 50473 Erroneous DTC U1A01:93 In the TCU).

Reading through those, I don't believe they relate to the issue at all but like you, I no longer know what to do. It seems service departments can't fix the issue and Ford Corporate really doesn't care; no urgency for them too with market conditions but they will lose some future sales from those of us impacted but cost analysis is in their favor to not fix.

I have had other issues (transmission leak, center speaker pop, propower errors, misc sensor errors), most urgent was a loss of complete brakes which was later determined to be "bad or incomplete programming." After the correction, continued to receive "Check Brake System" errors and had multiple appointments where I was told they could find nothing wrong. Yesterday, I was told that the master tech found that the brake module was incorrectly calibrated at the initial fix and that's why I have been having the errors but was advised that if brake issues happened again, the module would need to be replaced- I don't like trial and error with brakes, especially when I have land in the mountains that require traveling a dirt road with 25% grade up to 11.4k ft (Don't want to try skydiving in my truck).

I feel I have enough documentation and issues to pursue Lemon Law but I really don't want too as no other rig would meet my needs; I would most likely need to step up to a 3/4 ton and add a supercharger. Also, I really like the truck when it's working but the downtime, amount of service appointments, and honestly the cost of the truck to be having this much issues is upsetting. I feel bad in way as I feel I have complained so much lately about this tuck but usually by this point, I am doing mods and having fun instead of just keeping it running. I held onto my abused/ beaten 08 Ram with 200k+ miles as it has been my reliable vehicle this last year.

Thanks for the reply. I can really relate to your feelings described in the final paragraph. Im feeling like a fool after getting rid of my +300,000 mile F150 for this one considering the amount of time that truck was in the shop during my entire term of ownership compared to the 6 months that Ive had this $58k prize. But there is nothing else out there like the powerboost. Hopefully my issues can be resolved and Ford makes things right.

 

[wilmaj32]

Welcome to the club! Unfortunately its not a good club to be in. I'm having similar issues. I had the truck at the shop and they were able to soften the 1-3 shifting with a program but did nothing to fix the high gear shutter, 7-10. I just returned from a road trip and it was absolutely horrible. I had to lock out 9-10 the whole trip. My passegers were looking at me like the truck was going to explode. What a PIA. not to mention the horrible fuel mileage I had having to do this. Now I guess I get back on the 1-2 month waiting list at the service department. I love the truck overall but this transmission problem is becoming a deal breaker.

 

[Scarecrow06]

I am having the same issue in the lower gears. No issues in higher gears. Truck runs very smooth on the highway. I am due for my first 10K service and purchased the maintenance package when I purchased the truck so I am going to mention it then. They are also fixing an issue with the back window rattling when playing music. This was my first new car ever and my first truck. I want to love it but issues like this among another handful make it difficult to do so and to recommend the brand. Happy to do so if Ford is willing to fix all the issues. I plan to keep this truck for a very long time given the extremely high cost and don't want to always be worrying about reliability. I see Ford comments on several posts to look into their VIN. Would love the same.

 

[Sledderj]

Having some similar issues with mine. Had the left turn cutout happen a few times in 20,000Kms. I have also had the 1 to 3 shift issue where the engine revs and feels like you are going nowhere until it finally shifts and snaps your head back. Oddly enough, only after turning right, but that might just be due to how my commute is. Not really any egregious backshift problems, but I do notice a very slight shudder or vibration in the gas pedal under moderate acceleration. Maybe from 30 to 60 MPH. None of it is terrible enough to not have confidence in the truck. I haven't had it in to the dealer for anything yet, but I was thinking of taking it in and requesting the transmission TSB.

Sync is also a little glitchy, I've had to reset it a couple times. I lose wireless carplay for a few seconds at the same place in my commute every day. The other latest one is I get the "Do you want to enable rear seat occupancy alert" window popping up a few times a week now. Those are annoyances, but not the end of the world. I quite like the truck overall.

Update. Had the transmission TSB done when I was in for the last oil change. Quite happy with the shifting now. No more left hand turn cutouts yet either. Hopefully it stays that way.

 

[Stuckey in NC]

Update. Truck is doing all the same stuff but getting worst. 5th time in and 73 days later they decided to replace the entire transmission.
They are hoping to be done in a few weeks.

 

[bpost]

Hey Folks,

Back in August I purchased a 2021 Powerboost 302A sport off the lot from a local dealer in Raleigh NC. I worked with this same dealer for purchasing my 2021 mach e (killer car BTW).

At the time I was driving a 2004 F150 fx4 that had 318,000 miles on it. Amazing truck that I would trust to drive any distance, anytime. The trucks only fault was that it was not a 4 door. I have two young children and my family had simply outgrown the truck. I had never considered a new truck, however, after reading about the powerboost I decided it was what I wanted. After finding one at a local dealer that had a truck with 95% of what I wanted in a truck I decided to make the leap and sell the 04.

During the test drive I asked about the hard up and down shifts I was experiencing. The salesman said it was pretty normal for the new hybrid trucks and once the truck learned my driving characteristics it would smooth out. This is my first new truck purchase so I just assumed this was the case. After the purchase I kept asking the dealer about the transmission issues which consisted of harsh shifts, almost stalling or lack of power when taking a left turn from a stop, and shuddering in 8-9-10 under a load. I was told it would take 1500 miles or so for the truck to "break in" and "learn me" and to just continue to drive it.

At 2,000 miles the truck is slamming gears when downshifting....almost feels like I have been rear ended. Transmission is overall just very jerky and harsh and making clunking sounds. 8-9-10 gear shutter is more profound. The truck also will fall on its face during the 1-3 shift...especially when taking a left hand turn. If it does not fall on its face it will slip the 1-3 shift for 2-3 seconds then SLAM into gear. During this time we take a trip to the mountains of NC where I have to leave the truck in tow/haul mode to limit how much it seems to be trying to self destruct. It feels like a kid is trying to learn how to drive a stick shift and just found out how to neutral/clutch drop. Its almost like the electric motor/gas motor and transmission just aren't on the same page. I am not comfortable having my family in this truck.

I'll cut to the cliff notes version. Dealership 1 is who sold me the truck. Dealership 2 is another dealership 60 miles away

Dealership 1 (3,086 miles)(11/2/21)(1 business day)
Changes oil. Does not have time to check transmission issues. Calendar is 4-6 weeks out to address issues. NO loaner

Dealership 2 (3300ish miles) (11/4/21)(1 business day)
They reset the transmission tables and sent me on my way.
Transmission problems are still happening and some are worsening. NO loaner

Dealership 1 (4956 miles)(12/1-12/13-2021)(10 business days)
Keeps truck for 12 business days. Transmission techs recognize and identify problems and a case is opened with ford. They check transmission fluid and perform some software updates. Transmission problems are still reported to be present by the techs. They are out of things to try and tell me that there is a big software update due in March from Ford and that should help. NO loaner

Back to dealership 2 (7252 miles)(1/28-Current 2022)(20 business days as of 1/19/22)
They have now had the truck for 20 business days. Transmission tech road with me and acknowledged harsh shifting, harsh hybrid drive engage/disengagement, and the 1-3 fall on its face when turning left situation. Last I heard the dealership was working with a Ford engineer on trying to find a solution. NO Loaner


Extremely frustrating have to take so much time off of work to address these issues while making payments on a truck that I cannot confidently drive with worried about it causing an accident or self destructing. On top of that I am having to borrow a vehicle from family to drive around bc no loaners are available.

This thread is just in regards to the transmission issues mentioned. There are several other "minor" things going on that seem to be common that I can live with until a fix is offered.

So at this point what would you guys do? Lemon law? Unload the truck in this market? I am worried that even if a fix is found for my transmission issues the truck has been shifting so hard that other components are prematurely being worn/damaged.

This is the only vehicle out there that I want right now, however, my experience with this truck and Ford customer care really have me questioning the brand. I really with my 04 would have been a 4 door right now.

Thoughts? Comments? Experiences?

Thanks guys

I stopped reading after the first paragraph but I had the exact same shifting issue and the problem was that the factory had installed an outdated power control module(chip) on the drive train. They probably did this because it was a 2021 and a 2021 chip wasn’t available after sitting several months on the factory lot. So they stuck in a 2020 chip which was incompatible. After getting the chip replaced It works perfectly. See attached picture for the part code.

 

[Orlando150]

Update. Truck is doing all the same stuff but getting worst. 5th time in and 73 days later they decided to replace the entire transmission.
They are hoping to be done in a few weeks.

You should have your dealer look at this TSB https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/transmission-shudder.2312/post-230378

 

[Stuckey in NC]

Update.

I got the truck back today. The write up said the reason for a full hybrid drive replacement was due to them finding metal in the bottom of the transmission when they pulled the pan. They also replaced the cooler and flushed the lines.

Transmission guy says the truck software is up to date. I have only put 50 miles on it but so far the transmission shutter is very very light compared to before. It still down shifts super aggressively and its really clunky when skipping gears. The transmission guy says it will smooth out as it "learns me".

We will see how it goes. I'll report back in a few hundred miles. Fingers crossed.

Thanks,

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