Ford is recalling more than 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. due to a serious transmission problem.
This issue can cause the vehicles to abruptly downshift into first gear, regardless of speed, potentially leading to loss of control and increased risk of accidents. The recall targets certain F-150 trucks from the 2014 model year, according to Yahoo News.
The problem stems from a communication breakdown between the powertrain control computer and the transmission speed sensor, as reported in documents submitted to U.S. safety regulators. Additionally, corrosion and issues with connecting pins have been identified as contributing factors.
Ford disclosed in documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that they have received 396 warranty and field reports, along with 124 customer complaints involving 482 trucks.
The government has received 130 complaints, including reports of drivers losing control or experiencing rear wheel lock-ups, resulting in injuries. There has been one crash potentially linked to this issue.
Ford will update the powertrain control software at no cost to owners. Notification letters will be sent to owners in early July, and Ford aims to complete the repairs by the third quarter of this year.
Owners can choose from pick-up and delivery services or mobile services at participating dealers.
According to Ford, a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard may illuminate before the truck downshifts.
Sometimes, the issue can resolve itself while the truck is in motion, allowing normal driving. In other cases, drivers may need to stop and restart the engine to fix the transmission problem.
The NHTSA began investigating the trucks' automatic transmissions in March after receiving complaints about sudden downshifting.
They are currently assessing whether these trucks should have been included in previous recalls. In 2016, Ford recalled trucks and other vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years.
Two additional recalls affecting over 1.5 million trucks from the 2011-2013 model years were issued in 2019. Ford is working with the NHTSA to support the ongoing investigation.
Reason for Recall: Transmission problem causing abrupt downshifts into first gear, increasing accident risk.
Repair Options: Owners can choose pick-up and delivery services or mobile services at participating dealers.
Next Steps: Owners will receive notification letters in early July, and repairs are expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
This recall is a significant step in ensuring the safety of Ford F-150 owners and addressing the transmission issues that have raised serious concerns among drivers and regulators alike.