Federal safety regulators are investigating a potential issue affecting nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks after receiving over 138 consumer complaints regarding unexpected transmission shifting. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on March 24, 2025, that this probe focuses on model years 2015 through 2017, with complaints alleging that the transmission may downshift to a lower gear without warning while traveling at highway speeds.
Consumers have voiced serious concerns about this sporadic transmission issue, detailing incidents where their vehicles unexpectedly decelerated rapidly, increasing the risk of crashes. As reported, some drivers have experienced their rear wheels locking or skidding during the downshift, amplifying the potential danger on the road. A Ford spokesperson, Maria Buczkowski, stated that the vehicle manufacturer is cooperating with the NHTSA’s investigation.
This latest evaluation comes on the heels of Ford recalling nearly 50,000 vehicles due to potential issues with backup cameras in 2020-2023 Ford Explorers, Lincoln Aviators, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsairs, as well as issues regarding incorrect repairs stemming from earlier recalls. Specifically, the NHTSA is working through a preliminary evaluation that may lead to an engineering analysis to gauge the investigation’s scope and severity.
In a concerning case, a 2016 F-150 owner from Ohio reported that while driving at 70 miles per hour, the truck automatically shifted from sixth gear to first gear, nearly throwing them through the windshield. Such complaints cast a shadow over Ford's reputation for reliability, prompting NHTSA to investigate the downshifting unexpectedly through its established channels.
Previously, Ford had been under scrutiny for similar issues; this is not the first time the F-150 has faced unexpected downshifting investigations. In June 2023, Ford had to recall 668,000 2014 model year F-150 trucks for accidents related to the same malfunction, implying ongoing engineering challenges that have plagued early models in the series. Ford had initially addressed this issue back in 2016 when it recalled 153,000 vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions.
Despite regular improvements to safety features, complaints persist, demonstrating a notable gap in quality control that has led to a multitude of recalls. The NHTSA previously noted that no crashes or fires had been reported concerning the current investigation, yet the agency warns that further analysis is needed to determine potential remedial actions.
Historically, the F-150 has also undergone expansions in recalls; for instance, in 2019, Ford expanded its recall to cover approximately 1.48 million trucks in North America, including 2013 models, reflecting ongoing regulatory pressures.
In summary, the NHTSA is currently evaluating potential mechanical failures in the F-150 model years 2015 to 2017 that could endanger drivers due to unexpected gear shifts. As the situation continues to unfold, the manufacturer remains committed to assisting regulatory bodies. Ford's transparency in cooperating with the NHTSA will be critical in mitigating consumer fears as they navigate the complexities of automotive safety.
