NHTSA Investigates Ford F-150 Transmission Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into approximately 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks from model years 2015 to 2017 due to reports of unexpected transmission downshifts at highway speeds. The downshift has been associated with temporary rear-wheel lock-ups, causing rapid deceleration and potentially leading to loss of vehicle control, though no crashes or injuries have been reported. The investigation stems from 138 consumer complaints and may lead to a recall if a widespread issue is confirmed. This problem is associated with the trucks' six-speed transmissions, and Ford is cooperating with NHTSA during the investigation. Previously, Ford has faced recalls for similar issues, including downshifting problems in other F-150 models. This probe highlights ongoing safety and quality challenges for the automaker, which has been under scrutiny for its recall management practices.