Ford Recalls Over 1.3 Million F-150 Trucks Due to Unexpected Downshift Risk

The Ford Motor Company is initiating a significant recall affecting approximately 1,392,935 of its 2015-2017 F-150 light trucks. According to a safety recall report submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles may experience an intermittent signal issue from the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This malfunction could potentially lead to an unintended downshift into second gear, posing a risk of reduced vehicle control and increasing the likelihood of a crash. The affected trucks were manufactured between March 12, 2014, and August 18, 2017, and are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The defect arises from the degradation of electrical connections within the transmission lead frame, a consequence of thermal cycling and vibration over time. This degradation can cause the PCM to momentarily detect incorrect TRS signal positions, triggering the unintended downshift. In certain situations, particularly when the vehicle abruptly reduces speed due to the downshift, the rear tires could slide, leading to a potential loss of vehicle control. While the defect is estimated to affect about 1% of the total population of involved vehicles, the potential for serious incidents remains. Some drivers may notice a warning light, such as the malfunction indicator light or a wrench light, illuminate on the instrument cluster if the TRS is degrading.

Ford’s investigation into these unintended downshift events began in October 2024, following inquiries from NHTSA. The company’s Critical Concern Review Group reviewed data and conducted track evaluations to assess the impact of these sudden downshifts. The preliminary evaluation by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation was elevated to an Engineering Analysis in January 2026, prompting further review of customer reports. As of early April 2026, Ford reported awareness of 444 warranty claims, 121 field reports, 105 customer service reports, and 316 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires potentially related to this issue, accounting for a total of 891 vehicle identification numbers. The company is aware of two injuries and one accident that may be connected to this defect.

To address this safety concern, Ford will implement a remedy involving a software update to the PCM calibration. Vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to schedule an appointment at a Ford or Lincoln dealership for this service, which will be provided at no cost. The updated PCM calibration is designed to allow the control system additional time to recognize failing TRS hardware before initiating a downshift in response to this specific fault. In cases where a vehicle has previously displayed diagnostic trouble codes related to this condition before the software update, dealerships will replace the lead frame as part of an existing extended warranty program.

Ford began notifying dealers on April 15, 2026, and interim owner notifications were scheduled to commence on April 27, 2026, with completion expected by May 1, 2026. Remedy owner notifications are slated to begin on July 13, 2026, and conclude by July 17, 2026. Owners can begin checking the VIN applicability of this recall on April 15, 2026. For specific information regarding whether their vehicle is affected, owners can contact Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or reach out to a local Ford or Lincoln dealer.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company and NHTSA.

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