The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The probe follows reports of unexpected gear downshifts, which are sometimes accompanied by a temporary rear wheel lock-up.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is leading the inquiry. They have received 138 consumer complaints regarding the issue. The investigation aims to determine the severity of the potential problem and its safety implications.
Consumers described experiencing an unexpected transmission downshift to a lower gear while at highway speeds. According to the complaints, this occurs without any advance warning or driver input, which leads to the vehicle decelerating rapidly. Some drivers also reported that the vehicle’s rear wheels would lock, seize, or skid during the downshift, potentially causing loss of control. NHTSA noted that this could increase the risk of crashes and injuries. However, the agency’s report indicated that no crashes or fires have been reported thus far.
The preliminary evaluation began on Friday and covers Ford F-150 models from the 2015 to 2017 model years.
