Ford Recalls 1.4 Million F-150 Trucks to Resolve Gearshift Issue

Ford is recalling approximately 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a serious gearshift problem. This defect could result in loss of vehicle control, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. The recall affects F-150 trucks equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, manufactured between March 12, 2014, and August 18, 2017.

Details of the Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted the potential risks in their recall report. Some affected vehicles may encounter an intermittent selection signal from the transmission range sensor to the powertrain control module. This could lead to an unexpected downshift into second gear.

Impact of the Gearshift Issue

The unintended downshift may cause a sudden decrease in wheel speed. Such a reaction can momentarily cause the rear tires to slip until the vehicle’s speed stabilizes. As a result, the risk of losing control of the vehicle is heightened.

Reported Incidents

Ford has acknowledged two reported injuries and one accident that may be connected to this gearshift defect. Furthermore, as of early this month, there have been:

• 444 warranty claims
• 105 customer service reports

Next Steps for Owners

Vehicle owners set to be affected by this recall will receive notifications by mail. They are advised to take their F-150 to an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer. The necessary update will involve recalibrating the powertrain control module at no cost to the owner.

Ford is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers and has taken these steps to correct the gearshift issue in the recalled F-150 trucks.