Ford Recalls Nearly 1.4 Million F-150 Trucks Over Potential Transmission Defect

Ford is recalling close to 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks due to a possible defect in the six-speed automatic transmission that could cause unexpected downshifting from sixth gear directly to second.

The recall covers model years 2015 through 2017, totaling 1,392,935 vehicles. According to official documents, the issue may stem from a malfunctioning Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), which can send inaccurate signals to the truck’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The root cause appears to be wear in the electrical connections within the transmission lead frame. Over time, exposure to heat fluctuations and vibrations can degrade these connections. As a result, the PCM may briefly misinterpret the TRS data, potentially triggering an unintended downshift. This can lead to a sudden drop in wheel speed and, in some cases, reduced driver control.

Ford became aware of the potential problem in October 2024, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shared vehicle owner complaints possibly tied to unexpected downshifts.

The company investigated the issue through early 2025. In March, NHTSA initiated a preliminary review, later escalating it to a more detailed engineering analysis in January 2026, alongside additional consumer reports.

Ford continued its internal review until April 7, when it decided to move forward with the recall. As of April 2, the automaker had documented 444 warranty claims, 121 field reports, 105 customer service cases, and 316 owner complaints. There have also been two reported injuries and one crash potentially linked to the defect.

To resolve the issue, Ford plans to update the PCM software. The revised calibration is designed to give the system more time to detect faulty TRS signals before initiating a gear change. In vehicles where diagnostic codes indicate deeper problems, technicians will also replace the transmission lead frame.