Ford Recalls 550,000 Pickup Trucks Over Dangerous Transmission Issue

Ford is recalling over 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2014 model year due to a transmission issue that can cause abrupt downshifting to first gear, increasing crash risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations, and the company is working to resolve the issue.

Ford has issued a recall for more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the United States due to a transmission defect that can result in unexpected downshifting to first gear, regardless of the vehicle's speed.

The recall affects certain F-150 models from the 2014 model year, part of Ford's F-Series, the highest-selling vehicles in the nation. Ford disclosed in documents released Tuesday by US safety regulators that this defect could lead to a loss of control, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

This recall follows a March probe by US auto safety regulators into complaints involving over 540,000 Ford pickup trucks suddenly downshifting to a lower gear. Ford attributes the problem to a lost signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer, potentially exacerbated by corrosion and issues with connector pins.

To address the issue, dealers will update the powertrain control software at no cost to owners, who will be notified via letters in early July.

Ford's documentation revealed 396 warranty and field reports along with 124 customer complaints about the transmission problem, covering 482 trucks. Additionally, 130 complaints were made to the government, with 52 incidents alleging the locking up of rear wheels or loss of vehicle control. The company confirmed reports of two injuries and one potential crash related to the defect.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated the investigation in March following complaints about sudden downshifts in automatic transmissions. The agency is also reviewing if these trucks should have been included in earlier recalls for similar issues, such as those affecting certain 2011, 2012, and later added 2013 F-150 models in a 2016 recall.

Ford has committed to collaborating with NHTSA throughout the ongoing investigation.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)