The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the equivalent of Transport Canada, has opened an investigation into Ford F-150 pickup trucks from the 2015 to 2017 model years regarding transmission issues. In total, 1.27 million trucks are affected.
The investigation covers more than 1.2 million models.
In some F-150s, the transmission downshifts without warning.
Ford led all automakers in 2025 with 153 campaigns.
The issue that has caught authorities’ attention concerns numerous complaints from owners about downshifts that occur without warning and that are sometimes accompanied by rear wheel lockup.
The investigation, officially launched on January 30, concerns more than twice the number of trucks as initially targeted by the first investigation. That initial probe had led to a recall.
It goes without saying that unexpected rear wheel lockup significantly increases the risk of accidents. One owner even reported that his vehicle shifted abruptly from sixth to first gear while traveling at over 110 km/h on the highway.
The problem specifically affects F-150s equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, as well as certain 2017 models equipped with the 10-speed gearbox. According to Ford, the failure stems from degraded electrical connections in the transmission wiring harness. This deterioration, caused by heat and vibration, leads to signal loss from the output shaft speed sensor and the transmission range sensor.
Last year, Ford dominated the recall column with 153 campaigns. We’re not yet talking about a recall in the case presented here. Still, this investigation highlights the kind of problem that has been damaging Ford’s reputation for years: quality-related issues.
Ford claims the problem is different from the one that prompted four recalls affecting 2011 to 2014 models. Several owners have already had components replaced, suggesting a recurring defect rather than isolated incidents.
We will see whether this new NHTSA investigation will result in another massive recall for Ford.
DEARBORN, MI., Nov 11, 2014--The all new 2015 Ford F150 at Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Truck Plant. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford
San Antonio, TX., Oct 01,2014---The all-new 2015 Ford F150 on the streets of San Antonio and off-road in the Texas back country, where media are driving the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every F-150 customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The 2015 Ford F-150 also introduces an all-new available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto-Start Stop and 11 class exclusive smart features that include available remote release tailgate with the click of the key fob, LED headlamps, 360 degree camera system and more. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen
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The available 3.5-liter TiVCT V6 in the all-new Ford F-150 produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped it has a payload capacity of 1,910 pounds and can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
SanAntonio, TX., Sept. 28,2014---The all new 2015 Ford F150 on the streets of San Antonio, Texas, where media are driving the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every F-150 customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The 2015 Ford F-150 also introduces an all-new available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto-Start Stop and 11 class exclusive smart features that include available remote release tailgate with the click of the key fob, LED headlamps, 360 degree camera system and more. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen
SanAntonio, TX., Sept. 28,2014---The all new 2015 Ford F150 on the streets of San Antonio, Texas, where media are driving the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every F-150 customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The 2015 Ford F-150 also introduces an all-new available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto-Start Stop and 11 class exclusive smart features that include available remote release tailgate with the click of the key fob, LED headlamps, 360 degree camera system and more. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen
