Important Safety Issue: Sudden Downshifts Increase Crash Risk
Ford is recalling more than 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a potentially dangerous transmission problem. The recall covers certain 2014 model year F-150 trucks that can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the truck is going.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this issue is caused by a lost signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer. This malfunction can also be caused by corrosion or problems with connector pins. The sudden downshift can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
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The NHTSA investigation began in March 2024 after receiving complaints from owners of these trucks. Ford says they are not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue, but the potential for serious harm is high.
What Ford is Doing
Ford will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles by mail. Dealers will fix the problem free of charge. The fix likely involves replacing the faulty sensor or repairing the connection between the sensor and the computer.
This is the latest in a series of recalls for the F-150, which is America's best-selling truck. In recent years, Ford has also recalled F-150s for problems with the tailgate, suspension, and fuel system.
What F-150 Owners Should Do
If you own a 2014 model year F-150, you should contact your local Ford dealer to see if your truck is included in the recall. You can also check the NHTSA website to see if your vehicle identification number (VIN) is listed in the recall.
If you have experienced any problems with your F-150's transmission, you should also report it to the NHTSA. This will help the agency to investigate the problem further and ensure that Ford is taking appropriate steps to fix it.
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