NHTSA Investigates Ford F-150 Trucks Over Downshift Concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary evaluation into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks in the United States. The investigation concerns reports of unexpected gear downshifts, sometimes accompanied by a temporary rear wheel lock-up.
NHTSA announced the investigation on Monday, following 138 consumer complaints. These complaints involve Ford F-150 trucks from the 2015 to 2017 model years.
Complaints detail that the trucks unexpectedly shifted to lower gears while traveling at highway speeds, without warning or driver input, and the vehicle then rapidly decelerated. A Ford spokesperson confirmed the automaker is “working with NHTSA to support its investigation,” specifying the issue relates to vehicles equipped with six-speed transmissions.
One 2023 complaint from an Ohio owner of a 2016 F-150 described the truck unexpectedly shifting from 6th gear to 1st gear at 70 mph, nearly causing the driver to go through the windshield. The rapid deceleration and potential for wheel lock-up have raised safety concerns.
Many owners have also reported difficulties in obtaining replacement parts.
NHTSA notes that the sudden downshift can cause a temporary lock or skid of the vehicle’s rear wheels, potentially leading to a loss of control. The agency stated no crashes or fires have been reported as a result of this issue.
This investigation is part of a series of NHTSA probes into F-150 unexpected downshifting issues.
Previously, in June, Ford recalled over 668,000 2014 model year F-150 trucks due to similar downshift concerns. This recall was the latest in a series since 2016. In 2016, Ford recalled 153,000 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles. NHTSA opened a probe regarding a similar issue in December 2017, with Ford expanding its recall in 2019 to include 1.48 million F-150 trucks in North America, including 2013 models. Ford later recalled 107,000 2013 F-150 vehicles after the original repair proved faulty.
In November, Ford agreed to pay a $165 million civil penalty after NHTSA found the automaker failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner.
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