The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into almost 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks following numerous complaints about a potentially dangerous gear shift issue.
The probe, which began Friday, focuses on 2015-2017 model year F-150s. The NHTSA initiated the investigation after receiving over 130 consumer complaints about the trucks.
Drivers have reported unexpected gear downshifts without prior warning while driving at highway speeds, according to the agency. The vehicles would then decelerate rapidly. Some complaints detail the rear wheels temporarily locking, seizing, or skidding following these sudden shifts.
These wheel lock-ups could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, increasing the risk of crashes and subsequent injuries.
A Ford spokesperson, in a statement to The Post, said, “We are working with NHTSA to support its investigation.”
The NHTSA has stated that no crashes or fires have been linked to the reported faulty gear shift at this time.
