Dive Brief:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a preliminary evaluation on March 21 of nearly 1.3 million, 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickups equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions.
• The probe comes as the agency received 138 customer complaints alleging unexpected downshifts at highway speeds without any driver input, and which has caused rear-wheel lockup, skidding or loss of vehicle control in some cases.
• The investigation will determine the scope and severity of the potential safety issue. The NHTSA typically aims to complete its probes within eight months. Ford may be required to recall the F-150 models if the agency determines the transmission problem could pose an “unreasonable risk to safety.”

Dive Insight:

The NHTSA safety investigation follows a major recall issued by Ford in June 2024 covering over 550,000 model year 2014 F-150s for a similar transmission fault. 

The recall was required to to address an intermittent loss of signal between the transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control module that can cause a sudden downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. Theses 2014 F-150 models were also equipped with 6-speed transmissions. 

Ahead of that recall, Ford was notified of 300 warranty reports, 96 field reports and 124 customer complaints related to unexpected transmission downshifting on 2014 F-150 pickups, including 40 reports of rear wheel lock-up and/or loss of vehicle control, according to the NHTSA.

Ford determined that the electrical problem causing the unexpected downshifts in 2014 F-150 models was a result of contamination and connector corrosion involving the transmission output shaft speed sensor circuit. The repair included updates to the powertrain control module calibrations on the vehicles.

Ford has issued 29 recalls since Jan. 1, according to the NHTSA. A recall in February included up to 240,510 model year 2020-2021 Explorer SUV and Lincoln Aviators for improperly secured front seat belt buckle anchor bolts and second row seat retractor bolts.

The 29 Ford recalls this year also follows dozens of others in 2024. The automaker issued a total of 67 recalls last year, according to the NHTSA, the second highest behind Stellantis North America, which had 72.