Federal Authorities Investigating 1.3 Million F-150s for Unexpected Downshifting | Carscoops

      F-series trucks manufactured between 2015 and 2017 are experiencing unexpected downshifts at highway speeds, which in some cases can lead to rear-wheel lockup.

      The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is currently scrutinizing Ford’s F-150.

      Approximately 1.27 million trucks equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission are included in this safety investigation.

      Modern automatic transmissions are advanced enough to anticipate the need for a downshift before the driver even realizes it. However, Ford F-150s are opting to change gears at inappropriate times, prompting regulators to investigate an issue that could impact nearly 1.3 million vehicles.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is examining the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 models after receiving 138 complaints from drivers who report unexpected and unrequested gear changes.

      These downshifts occur without warning and at highway speeds, which can be more than just disconcerting; some drivers have noted that the shifts not only slow the truck but could potentially lock the rear wheels, creating a hazardous situation. In adverse weather, this effect could mimic the experience of navigating through a vehicle control training course, although significantly less enjoyable.

      While the ODI report doesn't specify the transmission in question, it's known that Ford launched the 13th generation F-150 for the 2015 model year, with the 10-speed automatic not introduced until the 2018 model year. This indicates that the affected trucks likely utilize the older six-speed automatic.

      An estimated 1,270,970 trucks are part of the ODI's preliminary investigation, which will assess the issue to determine if a comprehensive engineering analysis is warranted. If it is found that there is a defect in the transmission or its control unit, Ford may be required to issue a recall for all those trucks. Unlike a quick over-the-air update, this would necessitate owners visiting dealerships.

      Earlier this month, Ford announced a recall for thousands of F-150 trucks due to a software issue that affected the functionality of electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes on towed trailers. The remedy for this recall, which also impacted the brand’s Super Duty trucks as well as the Maverick, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, involves implementing new software for the integrated trailer brake control module.