Ford has issued a repeat recall, requesting that 567 owners of 2021 F-150 pickup trucks return to dealerships for a second round of repairs. The issue, which can cause the trucks to unexpectedly shift into neutral while in motion, was reportedly addressed in a 2022 recall. However, Ford has since determined that the initial fix was unsuccessful for a limited number of owners.
In 2022, Ford recalled over 47,000 trucks due to a software error. This software glitch could lead to the vehicles detecting low transmission fluid pressure and shifting into neutral even when the pressure was within normal parameters. The primary solution involved a software update for most vehicles.
However, it was later discovered that the tool used by dealerships to apply the software updates had a flaw. In some cases, the tool would indicate a successful installation even if the update process had failed. As a result, some trucks were returned to their owners, under the false assumption that the issue had been resolved, when in fact, the problem persisted.
Dealers now need to reinstall the update for these trucks using a revised process. This new process gives them the ability to verify the installation before the vehicle is returned. Ford has identified the specific F-150s requiring this second repair and will be notifying the owners directly via mail.
Automakers frequently issue recalls to rectify safety defects, and sometimes these recalls are issued more than once. While automakers strive to contact every owner to arrange for vehicle repairs, they aren’t always successful in reaching everyone. Millions of vehicles on American roads require free recall repairs. To determine if your vehicle is affected, you can utilize the VIN tool available at the recall center.
