Ford is recalling more than 550,000 2014 F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. due to a transmission defect that can cause the vehicles to unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed.
The automaker said a lost signal between the transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer causes the truck to downshift unexpectedly. This sudden downshift can result in drivers losing control of their vehicles, raising the risk of crashes.
"This issue can lead to a loss of vehicle control, which increases the risk of a crash," Ford said in documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Ford said drivers might see an illuminated malfunction indicator light after the downshift. In some cases, the signal could be restored while driving and the truck will resume normal function. In others, the truck may need to be stopped and restarted to get the transmission to work properly again.
Ford will update the powertrain control software at no cost to the owners. Notifications will be sent out to owners beginning July 1, and repairs are expected to be available in the third quarter of this year.
The recall follows an investigation initiated by the NHTSA in March, after it received complaints from owners experiencing abrupt downshifts. The investigation turned up 396 warranty and field reports and 124 customer complaints, involving 482 trucks. Additionally, there were 130 complaints to the government, with 52 alleging rear wheel lockups or loss of vehicle control. Notably, two complaints reported injuries and one reported a crash potentially caused by the issue.
Owners of any vehicle can check for open recalls using their vehicle's VIN or license plate number at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
