Ford is recalling nearly1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks across the United States after identifying a fault that can trigger sudden gear changes. The issue has been linked to a small number of injuries and at least one reported crash. The recall follows a lengthy investigation by US regulators into complaints about unexpected downshifting in certain models. The company says it will address the problem through a software update provided free of charge to vehicle owners.
Investigation Links Transmission Fault to Sudden Downshifts
The recall affects F-150 light trucks fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission and produced between March 2014 and August 2017. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue centres on an intermittent signal from the transmission range sensor to the vehicle’s powertrain control module.
When that signal becomes unreliable, the system may incorrectly interpret the vehicle’s status and trigger a temporary shift into second gear. According to the NHTSA, this can cause a brief butabrupt reduction in wheel speed, which in some cases may lead to the rear tires sliding until the vehicle slows.
Ford has acknowledged 444 warranty claims and 105 customer service reports potentially connected to the fault, as reported by the Associated Press. The company is also aware of two injuries and one accident that may be related, although the precise circumstances of those incidents have not been detailed.
The regulatory review began in March 2025, when the NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into complaints involving 2015–2017 models equipped with the 6R80 transmission. The scope of the investigation was later expanded before the recall decision was finalised.
Electrical Wear Identified as Likely Cause as Software Fix Planned
Ford has indicated that the problem may stem from deteriorating electrical connections within the transmission system. According to the company, heat and vibration over time can degrade these connections, leading to a loss of signal from the transmission range sensor.
When inaccurate data is sent to the powertrain control module, the system may respond incorrectly by initiating an unintended downshift. This miscommunication between components is the primary mechanism behind the issue identified by regulators.
To resolve the problem, Ford dealers will update the vehicles’ powertrain control module software. The update is intended to correct how the system processes signals from the transmission sensor, reducing the likelihood of unintended gear changes.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to take their trucks to authorised Ford or Lincoln dealerships. The repair will be carried out at no cost. Notification letters are expected to be sent in stages, with the final remedy anticipated later in the year.
The recall adds to a series of safety actions by Ford in recent years, many of which have involved software-related issues. The company has stated previously that it has expanded its safety and testing efforts, as scrutiny over vehicle reliability continues.
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