NHTSA Investigates Ford F-150s Over Transmission Downshift Complaints
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into reports of problematic transmissions in older Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The investigation centers on complaints of unexpected downshifts, which could cause rear-wheel lockup. If a defect is found, this could lead to a recall of approximately 1.3 million U.S. Ford F-150 pickups from the 2015 through 2017 model years.
According to reports, around 138 owners of the affected trucks have lodged complaints regarding their vehicles’ tendency to unexpectedly downshift gears. This action can potentially result in a temporary locking of the rear wheels. One complainant stated that the truck abruptly shifted from sixth gear to first gear, nearly causing them to lose control while traveling at 70 mph (110 km/h).
Transport Canada does not have an equivalent active investigation listed on its website. However, it’s worth noting that issues investigated by U.S. authorities often lead to similar investigations or recalls in Canada, especially for popular vehicles like the F-150, which are substantially identical across the border.
It appears that the model years listed above may not be the only F-150 pickup trucks with transmission issues. A recall issued by Transport Canada last year addressed the same problem in particular F-150s from the 2014 model year. The output shaft speed sensor was determined to be the problem. Similarly, Transport Canada issued a recall three years ago affecting specific F-150s from the 2021 model year, citing the powertrain control module (PCM) as the potential cause, for incorrectly programmed performance. These recalls suggest a pattern of transmission-related concerns across several model years.
