The Breakdown:
- Ford is recalling 1.4 million F-150 trucks due to potentially faulty transmissions.
- The six-speed transmission could unexpectedly downshift into second gear while the vehicle is in motion.
- The recall affects the 2015-2017 F-150.
Ford has issued a recall for nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickups. The trucks could have a faulty six-speed automatic transmission that will inadvertently downshift from sixth to second gear.
The recall affects the 2015-2015 F-150, with 1,392,935 vehicles involved. According to the recall report, affected F-150s may have a Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) sending faulty signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
This is happening due to degrading electrical connections in the transmission lead frame, caused by thermal cycling and vibrations. This can result in the “momentary detection of incorrect TRS signal positions by the PCM,” which could cause an unintended downshift, reduced wheel speed, and loss of vehicle control.
Ford first learned of the issue in October 2024. That is when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided the automaker with Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) that may be related to unintended downshifts.
Through February 2025, Ford investigated the issue, but in March of that year, the NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) into the concern. In January 2026, the agency elevated the PE to an Engineering Analysis and provided Ford with additional VOQs.
The automaker continued to investigate the issue until April 7, when it approved a recall. As of April 2, Ford is aware of 444 warranty claims, 121 field reports, 105 customer service reports, and 316 VOQs. It knows of two injuries and one accident potentially related to the issue.
Ford will fix the issue by updating the PCM calibration. The new software includes “additional time for the control system to recognize failed or failing TRS hardware prior to commanding the downshift during this unique shift command fault.” If affected vehicles exhibited certain diagnostic trouble codes, Ford will also replace the lead frame.
Gallery: 2017 Ford F-150 Limited
Motor1’s Take: Having your transmission unintentionally downshift while driving is a scary experience, especially if it happens at highway speeds.
