Ford Electrical Problems

Electrical issues make up roughly 7% of all Ford owner complaints. The majority of the issues have been reported by Edge owners.

The complaint we hear about most often is door ajar light stays on in the 2013 Edge.

Common Ford Electrical Problems

  1. Rodent Damage to Soy-Based Wire Coating

    Newer Ford vehicles use an electrical wire coating that is a more eco-friendly, soy-based material. But maybe it's a little too eco-friendly? There's been an uptick in owner complaints about rodents using the coating as a chew toy and causi…

    Continue reading article "Rodent Damage to Soy-Based Wire Coating" A chewed wiring harness showing exposed copper wiring

  2. Door Ajar Light Won't Shut Off

    Ford owners are dealing with a door ajar warning lights that won’t shut off. 2011-2013 Ford Edge owners, in particular, are having this problem in record numbers. The problem happens just outside the car’s standard warranty and has prompted…

    Continue reading article "Door Ajar Light Won't Shut Off" An illuminated door ajar warning light

Where Electrical Complaints Happen

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

Worst Models

What Ford Owners Say About Their Electrical

Rodents Can't Get Enough of Ford's Soy-Coated Wiring and That's a Big Problem

This car is only 3 months old. Dealer removed the engine cover in front of me and I saw the beginnings of a white insulation nest and droppings. The coolant line running across the engine was chewed and leaking. We saw other lines and wires with similar damage across the entire engine compartment.

2017 Fusion Owner

Rodents Can't Get Enough of Ford's Soy-Coated Wiring and That's a Big Problem

I began to wonder why the old truck had no troubles being parked in the same place for 15 years and right away the new truck has this chronic issue. Doing a little Internet research I discovered that the wiring insulation as well as a few other component parts on this and the 2016 models is made from a soy-based material. Turns out that to a rat or other rodent that insulation looks like a tasty little snack!

2015 F-150 Owner

Recent Electrical News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Ford is recalling over 2,100 Fusion Energi sedans to prevent accidental electrocutions.

    There are small gaps behind an access panel that allow for physical contact with an uncovered, high-voltage fuse. Engineers made the shocking discovery while inspecting the 2019 model year. To meet federal safety standards (and to stop frying its customers) Ford will install better covers starting on April 1st.

    keep reading article "Engineers Made a Shocking Discovery About the 2019 Fusion Energi"

  2. An investigation is being opened into why electric tailgates are opening on their own in 2017 Ford Super Duty trucks.

    The F-250 and F-350 trucks are equipped with electronic tailgates that can be opened with the key fobs, but five owners filed complaints saying the tailgates opened without warning and uncommanded.

    In TSB #17-2196, Ford told its dealers that water could get into a wiring harness and cause “uncommanded tailgate openings” in Super Duty trucks. If the tailgate is down while driving, all the jostling can cause extensive damage.

    Besides, no-one likes getting caught with their tailgate down.

    keep reading article "Electric Tailgates Opening on Their Own? Investigation Targets 2017 Super Duty Trucks"

  3. Ford has issued a small but important electrical recall for 87 vehicles with improperly secured power supply cables.

    The cables are at the starters and alternators and the unsecured connections could cause electrical arcs. Those arcs could easily start fires.

    There are so many recalls these days that it’s no longer shocking when brand new vehicles get called back for repairs. But it really makes you wonder wire these automakers can’t get their act together.

    Puns aside, find out if your vehicle is affected here. It only takes a minute, so watt are you waiting for?

    keep reading article "Unsecured Connections Are Causing Electrical Arcs in Newer Ford Models"