This F-150 owner's dream truck quickly turned into an electrical nightmare, forcing Ford to buy it back under the Lemon Law after repeated attempts to fix constant sensor failures failed.
I found Jordan Brown's frustrating experience on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page after Ford bought back his 2024 F-150 STX under the Texas Lemon Law. In less than eight months, the truck suffered persistent, unresolved electrical issues (including "tire pressure sensor failure" and "Front camera Fault"), resulting in over 60 days in the shop across multiple dealers.
Not even a Ford engineer could find a fix. Now, having accepted the repurchase, Brown is seeking advice on whether to stick with the F-150 or switch to the Ford Bronco Badlands, which he feels better suits their lifestyle. What would you do?
Here is Jordan's unbelievable story.
Jordan Brown on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page says,
"Well, my baby (2024 F-150 STX) is being bought back after having it for less than 8 months. For about 2,300 miles, it's been non-stop electrical issues, including "tire pressure sensor failure," "pre-collision assist failure," and "Front camera Fault service required."
"After being in the shop for over 60 days, eight different times, to 4 different dealers, no resolution was found. Their last attempt was to call out a Ford engineer, but after no solution there, I was offered a buyback under the Texas Lemon Law. She was great, but definitely not the first new car experience everyone hopes for."
"Now onto deciding if I will switch from the problematic F-150, and go with the Ford Bronco Badlands, as I feel it'll fit my lifestyle a little more. If you have any pros/cons of the Bronco, let me know, as I'm ready to make the change."
Ford F-150 Lemon Law Nightmare:
When a new vehicle delivers eight months of ownership misery, the disappointment cuts deep. I've covered the auto industry's highest highs and lowest lows for decades, and I can tell you that Jordan Brown's story is sadly not unique, but it is deeply concerning.
Jordan's brand-new 2024 F-150 STX became a revolving door at four dealerships, spending over 60 days in the shop due to persistent electrical faults, including the dreaded F-150 Pre-Collision Assist failure service-required warning and "tire pressure sensor failure." The result? A Texas Lemon Law buyback offer.
This outcome, while frustrating, is a small victory for the consumer, demonstrating that persistence pays off when dealing with chronic, unresolved defects. But now Jordan faces a critical decision: does he risk another modern, complex F-150, or pivot entirely to the more rugged, lifestyle-oriented Bronco Badlands? This dilemma perfectly encapsulates the current anxiety around the long-term reliability of advanced Ford safety features.
As I explored in a recent piece, an owner's 2024 Ford Bronco with only 600 Miles Died In Rural Arkansas while his Fiancé was driving. He says, "I Was a Big Ford Fan, But Not Any Longer." The complexity of modern vehicles has created a new class of problems that often stump dealership service departments, even after corporate engineers get involved.
The core issue here is not the F-150's capability—it remains the best-selling truck for a reason—but the execution of its electronic nervous system. When you read accounts like Jordan's, where a dealer's last attempt involves calling out a Ford engineer, only to offer a repurchase, it highlights a severe systemic failure in analyzing Ford's dealer response to unresolved software problems.
Frankly, it's unacceptable. We see a similar level of disconnect in the dealership network when owners deal with mechanical failures compounded by the dealer's ineptness, as I reported in: I Watched In Horror As the Ford Tech Forgot the Oil Filter on My 2024 F-150, and Ran It Without Oil For Who Knows How Long, I'm Worried About Catastrophic Damage.
The F-150 Versus Bronco Badlands
Jordan is now contemplating switching from the Ford F-150 to the Bronco Badlands—a move many lifestyle buyers are considering. The F-150, even the STX trim, is built for utility, payload, and towing. The Bronco, particularly the Badlands trim with its advanced Sasquatch-level features, is engineered as the best off-road alternative to a full-size pickup truck and as a pure recreation vehicle. This is a choice between maximum capability and maximum fun.
When I look at this choice, I see a clear solution based on lifestyle.
Jordan said the Bronco "will fit my lifestyle a little more." If he doesn't routinely tow heavy equipment or haul massive payloads, the smaller, more agile Bronco Badlands is an escape hatch from the complicated, high-stakes world of the modern full-size pickup. The Badlands, equipped with the H.O.S.S. 2.0 suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and the advanced G.O.A.T. Modes, provides exceptional utility for camping, trail riding, and overlanding.
This shift is becoming increasingly common, prompting us to ask: Is the Ford Bronco Badlands the true successor to the old-school F-150 Utility? The answer for many, including Jordan, is leaning toward "yes."
For anyone dealing with a buyback scenario—a situation that necessitates understanding how to navigate a Ford Lemon Law repurchase process—you must recognize the mental and financial cost of persistence. It's not just about recovering the initial expense, but about ensuring your next vehicle doesn't follow the same path as I covered in my piece here: My 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Engine Replaced 10K Miles Ago Is Eating Oil: It's Already Down a Quart in 1,800 Miles, But I Can't Afford a New Payment.
What Owners Need to Know About Depreciation and Persistence
Persistence is key to moving forward with confidence. The financial sting of a buyback can be offset by choosing a vehicle that truly aligns with your core needs, eliminating the need for complex, often-failing systems you didn't need in the first place.
The takeaway for Jordan, and for every reader currently struggling with the same warnings he saw—the Ford F-150 electrical issues buyback under the Texas Lemon Law—is that sometimes the most reliable vehicle is the one with fewer high-tech components that can fail.
However, as I covered in my piece about Ford paint issues, sometimes it's the high-tech manufacturing process that Bronco owners are facing. So, My 2023 Ford Bronco With Less Than 20,000 Miles, the Paint Is Melting, and the Dealer Won't Fix It, Saying It's User Error.
What F-150 Owners Are Saying
The sentiment in the community echoes Jordan's frustration and the search for an exit strategy.
Reddit: "My truck was totally disassembled, removing the entire interior to find a wire that was pinched during assembly. They also had to replace three separate computers. It's an electrical nightmare."
YouTube: "I lost everything—AC, power steering assistance, every warning light came on. I finally got a buyback, but I've been driving a rental for 90 days. Ford's tech support is non-existent when it comes to these software gremlins."
Quora: "Switching from the F-150 Lariat to the Bronco Badlands was the best decision for my weekend lifestyle. I don't tow, and the Bronco's G.O.A.T. modes handled everything the F-150's 4x4 system struggled with. Less truck, more fun."
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Lifestyle: If you don't use the F-150's full towing/payload capacity daily, the Bronco Badlands is a highly capable and fun alternative that reduces reliance on complex, often-failing electronic systems.
- Document Everything: Jordan's success in securing a buyback was due to his meticulous documentation of the 60+ days in the shop and eight repair attempts. This is your primary defense in a Lemon Law case.
- Escalate Quickly: Don't wait eight months. If a dealer fails to fix a safety-related electronic issue (Pre-Collision Assist Failure) after two attempts, escalate immediately to Ford Corporate and consult a Lemon Law attorney.
- Embrace Simplicity: The more advanced the technology, the greater the potential for persistent, hard-to-diagnose electrical gremlins. Sometimes a simpler platform is the more reliable choice.
Conclusion
Jordan's experience with his F-150 is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of modern automotive complexity, but his successful buyback offers a chance for a fresh start. I firmly believe he should lean into the Bronco Badlands—it aligns with his needs, provides a mental break from his previous frustration, and proves that sometimes, the best upgrade is choosing a different, more focused platform.
Tell Us What You Think
If you were in Jordan's shoes, facing the choice between the utility of another F-150 and the adventure of the Bronco Badlands, which way would you go? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.
Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jordan Brown
Comments
I don't think I'd go with…
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I don't think I'd go with anything of the same brand....
But that's me.
You gotta be kidding me. …
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You gotta be kidding me. After buying garbage, you gonna buy more? I'm still drinking my 2010 F150 Lariat with 292k miles, almost all original. If I have to replace it, I would buy an older, low milage one. Stop supporting garbage cars.
DO NOT BUY A FORD BRONCO.DON…
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In reply to You gotta be kidding me. … by dave cardinal (not verified)
DO NOT BUY A FORD BRONCO.DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. WHEN FORD BUYS YOUR F150 BACK, ASK THE FORD RAV DEPT IF YOU SHOULD, THEY WILL DISCREETLY TELL YOU NOT TO. OR ASK THEM IS THERE ANOTHER MODEL I DHOULD STAY AWAY FROM? OBVIOUSLY IF I KNOW FORD RAV DEPT, I KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT. LOVED MY F150’s. ALL OF THEM. MY LAST ONE WAS ALSO BLACK CREW CAB COINCIDENTALLY.
9 MONTHS OF HELL. ALMOST THE SAME AS YOU. FORD MADE GOOD AND PAID FOR THE RENTAL I FINALLY HAD TO DRIVE FOR THE ENTIRE LAST TWO MONTHS. OTHERWISE I HAD LOANERS MORE OFTEN THAN I HAD MY NEW TRUCK. I DID GO TO GET ANOTHER LATELY. TOO MUCH MONEY. WAS GOING TO GET A RANGER THEN. DEALER JERKED ME AROUND WITH NUMBERS AND I GET SPECIAL NON NEGOTIABLE PRICING BEC OF WHO I WORK FOR. I DON’T WORK FOR FORD. THAT DEALER HELPED ME DODGE A BULLET. I STILL WANTED AN F150 UNTIL A WEEK AGO. FORD PRODUCES 1 MILL CARS A YEAR. AND HAS HAD 8 MILL RECALLED. THANK GOD I DIDN’T GET THAT FORD. NO MORE FORDS FOR ME. I’M DRIVING A RENTAL ESCAPE RIGHT NOW. 2024 or 2025 w 12k miles. WIERD NOISES, SMELLS LIKE IT’S BURNING OIL. AND AN ODD METAL ON METAL SOUND NEW TONIGHT. I’LL BE SWITCHING TO SOMETHING ELSE TMR. LITERALLY. I DID LIKE THE TOYOTA COROLLA I HAD AS THE FIRST RENTAL, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS TOO SMALL. HAVE ALREADY ASKED THE RENTAL COMPANY TO GET ME ANOTHER COROLLA. I’LL LOOK INTO A SMALL TOYOTA SUV NOW. I’D LOVE A TACOMA THOUGH IF THE NUMBERS WERE RIGHT. TUNDRA IS JUST TOO BIG AND I DON’T NEED IT. I LIKE MY TRUCKS. FORD OWNER THROUGH AND THROUGH. NEVER AGAIN SADLY. GOD MADE ME DODGE A BULLET. LOVE MY F150’S BUT I LIKED PONTIACS ALSO. ENOUGH SAID?
Why would you buy another…
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Why would you buy another Ford? Are you a gluten for punishment? Buy a '22 or older Tundra with a V-8,virtually bulletproof!
Like a ford Broncos would be…
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Like a ford Broncos would be any better.
You have a problem with a…
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You have a problem with a Ford and you buy another Ford, that defies logic. Plus using lifestyle in a sentence maybe Jordan was not really a pickup guy to begin with. Either way Broncos are cool, but towing is not the only reason you buy a pickup, you buy one to haul stuff and tow stuff, he apparently doesn't need either, but I question the decision to stay with a Ford
After numerous recall and…
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After numerous recall and mechanical gremlins, I gladly traded a 2023 Ford Maverick for a SUBARU Outback Wilderness.
Absolutely LOVE this thing!
More space, Ground clearance, better AWD system.
Dealership was terrific to deal
with too.
I'm DONE WITH FORD, the dealership, the entirety of
I wish we had the lemon law…
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I wish we had the lemon law here in Canada. I had a 2023 Ford F150....it had the 5.0 liter engine replaced at 40000 km for a knock in cylinder 5 that had been there since new. Took a year to get the dealership to recognize the problem. The A/c quit working in the first 5 months of owning resulting in the dash being torn out to replace the evaporator. Then over last winter noticed the windshield was leaking....as it turns out in manufacturing they hadn't completely sealed the windshield left a 1 1/2 inch in the top passenger side without sealant. Leak was so bad they had to replace the headliner and several attempts to get rid of the mold smell in the truck. They had to tear out the dash 2 x more to chase an electrical issue with the passenger side air bag. Which after 2 harnesses they ended up replacing the air bag. Then less than a month later the transmission whining that had been going on since new they finally got it "replaced". Or so they said. Had a bunch of other issues as well with gear shift position sensor, cruise control switch. When I approached the dealership to replace it they told me my vehicle to trade in was worth $ 24000 less than when I purchased it 15 months previous. I approached Ford for help....their customer service line and the best they said they could do was to send me $1000 for loss of use of the vehicle for the 3 months it was in the shop. Payments alone during that time were over 3000. To top this all off one customer service rep would send me to dealer and then dealer sent me back to customer service rep and then to service department at dealership and on and on. I tried everything to get out of this vehicle as I had totally lost faith in it. 18 months of ownership and to get out of it it cost me $24000. Worst part is I had to buy a truck while mine was in the shop because I work out of my vehicle and dealership would only give a bronco sport or escape as a replacement. So now I am not onlymout the 24000 but also another 16000 for the truck I had to buy to replace the one that was supposed to be a trouble free ride. I have purchased 2 lincoln cars and 2 new trucks from Ford and the best they would do was give me 1000. Which they never did follow through on.
Switching from a Ford to…
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Switching from a Ford to another Ford is like a starving man eating laxatives.
Why in the H#ll would you…
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Why in the H#ll would you buy Another Ford?
I ain't never!!
Why in the H#ll would you…
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Why in the H#ll would you buy Another Ford?
I ain't never!!
I bought a F750 that was a…
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I bought a F750 that was a Ford buyback truck with only 20,000 miles on it. Electrical issues were the reason for the buy back. It was about 25% of sticker and we used it to deliver fuel for 6 or 7 years. Someone will own this "lemon" truck for a fraction of sticker price. It will get fixed.
Run from Ford. If you want…
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Run from Ford.
If you want reliability, comfort, and a lot of fun:
GET A TOYOTA 4 RUNNER!
You will not be sorry. After ten years, it will probably be worth 60%of what you have paid for it!
Take it anywhere and you know that it will get you home, with a smile on your face.
I'd run from another Ford…
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I'd run from another Ford lol.
Seems like every time I pick…
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Seems like every time I pick up my phone Somebody is bashing ford they must be doing something right Number one seller. I think you just got a bad 1 as they say lemon. I'm happy with my150, be nice if They would stop bashing Ford. My neighbor has a GMC, it's nice but my F 150 will run circles around it..
LOL, as long as the…
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LOL, as long as the consumer keeps buying garbage, guess what??? I love your logic, I just bought a turd, let me buy another one with a different smell.... Then they wonder why te US market is full of bloated, shitty, expensive turds
The problem is the brand. …
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The problem is the brand. If you're looking for quality, Toyota is the only manufacturer who gets it right
I drive a1976 Hiboy I bought…
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I drive a1976 Hiboy I bought new,and a 1989 F-150 4x4. Both have 300 Inline 6 bangers,and 5 spd manuals. I prefer them over my wife's 2018 F-150 4x4 super crew.
Wow. You really showed them…
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Wow. You really showed them. Another Ford product engineered by the same people. You only changed lanes when you needed to find a different road.