Ford F-150 Eliminates Key Security Feature: What You Need to Know
The Ford F-150, America’s best-selling vehicle, is making a significant change in its 2025 model that has caught the attention of many consumers. The beloved SecuriCode keypad, a feature that has allowed Ford F-150 owners to lock or unlock their vehicles without keys for decades, will no longer be a standard feature. Instead, it will be offered as a dealer-installed option for an additional cost of $455, according to Ford Authority.
Ford’s decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature has left many loyal F-150 owners questioning the reasoning behind this change. The SecuriCode keypad, which first debuted in 1980 and has since become a familiar sight on many Ford and Lincoln vehicles, has provided a convenient and secure way for owners to access their vehicles without the need for traditional keys. By entering a unique code, owners could unlock the doors of their F-150, providing an added layer of security in an era where key fobs and virtual keys have become the norm.
In response to the backlash from consumers, Ford has stated that the SecuriCode keypad will still be available for customers who wish to have it installed by their dealer, or they can opt to use the FordPass app to lock and unlock their doors and access other features of their vehicle. While this may provide a workaround for some owners, many are still disappointed by the removal of this once-standard feature from the F-150 lineup.
The decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature on the 2025 Ford F-150 is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry where manufacturers are looking for ways to monetize their vehicles beyond the initial purchase price. In recent years, we have seen other automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz, charging owners for additional features that were previously included as standard.
It is worth noting that the SecuriCode keypad will remain a standard feature on the 2025 Lincoln Corsair SUV, highlighting the differences in approach between the Ford and Lincoln brands within the Ford Motor Company. While some may argue that the removal of the SecuriCode keypad is a necessary step to modernize the F-150 lineup, others believe that it is a step backward in terms of convenience and security for owners.
Consumer Reactions
The response from consumers to Ford’s decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature on the 2025 F-150 has been mixed. While some see it as a necessary change to keep up with advancements in technology, others view it as a step in the wrong direction. Many long-time F-150 owners have expressed disappointment at the removal of a feature that they have come to rely on for years.
One F-150 owner, Sarah Thompson, shared her thoughts on the change: “I’ve been a loyal Ford customer for years, and the SecuriCode keypad has been one of my favorite features of the F-150. It’s so convenient to be able to unlock my truck without having to fumble for my keys. I’m disappointed that Ford is now making it an optional feature that comes at an extra cost.”
Others, however, see the move as a necessary evolution in the automotive industry. John Smith, a technology enthusiast and F-150 owner, commented, “As technology advances, it’s important for automakers to adapt and innovate. While I understand why some people may be upset about the change, I see it as a sign of progress and a way for Ford to offer more customizable options to their customers.”
Industry Trends
The decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature on the 2025 Ford F-150 is reflective of broader trends in the automotive industry. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, automakers are looking for new ways to differentiate their vehicles and offer unique features to consumers. This shift towards customization and personalization has led to the introduction of optional features that were once considered standard.
In recent years, we have seen a growing trend of automakers charging customers for features that were previously included at no extra cost. Mercedes-Benz, for example, faced backlash when they introduced a paid subscription service for faster acceleration on their electric cars. While some argue that this trend is a way for automakers to stay competitive and profitable, others see it as a way to nickel and dime consumers for features that should be included as standard.
Looking Ahead
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to the changes being made by automakers like Ford. The decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature on the 2025 F-150 is just one example of how manufacturers are looking for new ways to monetize their vehicles and offer unique features to customers.
For F-150 owners who have come to rely on the convenience and security of the SecuriCode keypad, this change may be met with disappointment. However, for others who see it as a necessary step towards modernization and innovation, it may be seen as a positive move by Ford.
In the end, the decision to make the SecuriCode keypad an optional feature on the 2025 Ford F-150 raises important questions about the future of automotive technology and the role of optional features in the industry. Only time will tell how consumers will respond to these changes and whether they will ultimately benefit from the increased customization and personalization options offered by automakers.