Ford F-150 Under NHTSA Scrutiny Due to Gearbox Concerns
The Ford F-Series, including the F-150, remains the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., according to Kelley Blue Book data. However, a recent investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has placed a spotlight on a potential safety issue within a popular model.
The NHTSA has launched a preliminary evaluation into 2015 to 2017 model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks following consumer complaints regarding a serious gearbox issue. Ford sold over 765,649 of its ‘Tough’ vehicles in 2024, outpacing the Chevrolet Silverado by a significant margin.
A 2016 Ford F-150 MVP Edition is under investigation.
Consumer Complaints
According to reports, the NHTSA received 138 complaints from Ford F-150 owners. These drivers reported that their vehicles unexpectedly downshifted to lower gears while traveling at highway speeds, causing rapid deceleration without driver input or warning.
One owner from Ohio described a frightening experience: “The truck automatically shifted from 6th Gear to first gear, nearly throwing me through the windshield” while driving at 70 miles per hour.
The NHTSA stated in a release that the probe impacts 1,270,970 Ford F-150 pickup trucks across the 2015 to 2017 model years. This preliminary investigation is the first step in the Federal agency’s recall process. It could force Ford to roll out a fix if the agency deems one necessary.
Additional Recalls
This recent investigation is not the only recall-related issue facing Ford vehicles. Ford has previously announced a recall of 10,627 vehicles, including certain 2021-2022 Ford F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Super Duty pickups, and the Lincoln Navigator, due to a software issue.
Furthermore, Ford recently announced a recall of 950 units of the 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning due to a manufacturing defect in its high-voltage battery cells. Owners are advised to limit charging to 80% until the problem is addressed. Ford will send letters to owners on March 17 to bring their vehicles to dealers for inspection and free replacement of the high-voltage battery array if needed.
The Ford Motor Company is publicly traded under the ticker F on the New York Stock Exchange.
