Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks following reports that a transmission issue can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift into second gear, increasing the risk of loss of control, the company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
The recall covers F-150 light trucks equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission built during the 2014 through 2017 production period, and includes model years 2015 through 2017 as noted by Ford on the NHTSA recall listing.
The NHTSA safety recall report says an intermittent selection signal from the transmission range sensor to the powertrain control module can lead to a temporary, unintended downshift into second gear, which may cause an abrupt reduction in wheel speed and in some situations allow the rear tires to slide until vehicle speed slows.
Ford reported it had received hundreds of related complaints and claims, including 444 warranty claims and 105 customer service reports, with additional field reports and formal complaints filed with NHTSA, according to the company announcement and agency records.
Ford told owners and dealers that dealers will update the powertrain control module software or calibration at no cost, and that owners will be notified by mail and instructed to bring affected vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to receive the free update.
The automaker said it had confirmed multiple customer incidents possibly linked to the defect, including two injuries and one crash that Ford described as potentially related to the unexpected downshift reports.
Investigation Findings Impact And Owner Guidance
Ford said its Critical Concern Review Group reviewed complaints after being contacted by NHTSA and found electrical connections that degraded from thermal cycling and vibration, which can interrupt the selection signal to the powertrain control module, according to Ford's account of the review.
The company characterized that high mileage transmissions can show varied failure modes as subcomponents wear and age, and it is pursuing a software calibration remedy for affected vehicles while it continues work on a final fix.
Ford began notifying dealers about the recall and will mail letters to owners about the safety risk, with further communications to follow when a final remedy is available, the company said. Owners with questions can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
The recall is listed with the NHTSA under ID 26V237000 and with Ford under ID 26S28, as shown in the agency and company notices.
