Federal regulators are examining a potential safety issue affecting nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on March 23 that it has opened a preliminary investigation into reports of unexpected transmission downshifts in F-150 trucks from model years 2015 through 2017.
The Issue at Hand
According to the agency, NHTSA has received 138 consumer complaints alleging that vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions suddenly downshifted without warning — in some cases, from high speeds to first gear — while traveling on highways. These abrupt shifts reportedly resulted in a rapid deceleration and, in several instances, a temporary rear-wheel lock-up.
Safety Risks and Consumer Reports
Owners who filed complaints described harrowing experiences, including skidding and sudden vehicle instability. One 2023 complaint from an Ohio driver described the transmission dropping from sixth to first gear while traveling at 70 mph — an incident they said nearly sent them through the windshield. Other reports detail instances where the rear wheels seized or skidded, increasing the likelihood of losing control on the road.
While NHTSA confirmed no crashes or fires had been attributed to the issue so far, the potential for accidents remains a serious concern. The agency emphasized that temporary wheel lock-up and loss of traction could pose a major safety threat, particularly at high speeds.
Ford’s Response
A Ford spokesperson said the company is cooperating with NHTSA and confirmed that the issue involves F-150s equipped with six-speed transmissions. The automaker has previously recalled various model years for similar problems and is likely to face further scrutiny if this investigation leads to a broader recall.
A History of Downshifting Complaints
This is not the first time Ford has dealt with transmission-related issues in its best-selling F-150 line. Over the past several years, the company has launched multiple recalls due to uncommanded downshifting:
- 2016: Ford recalled 153,000 model-year 2011–2012 F-150 trucks due to unintended downshifts.
- 2019: The company expanded that recall to include 1.48 million trucks across North America, covering the 2013 model year.
- 2023: NHTSA opened an investigation into 2014 F-150s, eventually prompting Ford to recall 668,000 vehicles after reports of downshifts into first gear.
- Later in 2023: Ford recalled 107,000 2013 trucks, citing issues with the prior fix implemented during earlier recalls.
What Happens Next
The current inquiry is classified as a preliminary evaluation, the first step in NHTSA’s formal defect investigation process. The agency will review data and determine whether to escalate the investigation into an engineering analysis, a more intensive stage that often leads to recalls if a defect is confirmed.
Ford owners affected by this issue have also reported extended delays in securing replacement parts — a compounding frustration that has raised questions about how the automaker is managing recall-related service logistics.
Regulatory Pressures Mount
This investigation follows increased regulatory pressure on Ford. In November 2023, the company agreed to pay a $165 million civil penalty for failing to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras in a timely manner — a penalty that highlighted growing scrutiny of Ford’s safety oversight practices.
As NHTSA continues its evaluation, Ford F-150 owners from the affected model years are encouraged to report any similar transmission behavior and to stay informed through official NHTSA channels and Ford communications. If a recall is initiated, the automaker will be required to offer repairs at no cost to owners.
For now, this investigation signals another chapter in Ford’s ongoing efforts to address reliability concerns in its most popular vehicle line — a truck that remains a cornerstone of the U.S. auto market, but not without its challenges.
