Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. because of a transmission problem that can cause unexpected downshifts and raise the risk of crashes, federal regulators announced on Thursday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can make certain trucks suddenly shift into second gear, resulting in a possible loss of vehicle control.
The action covers F-150 models with six-speed automatic transmissions built from March 12, 2014, to August 18, 2017. Affected owners might see a malfunction indicator light or wrench light on the dashboard when the sensor issue occurs, NHTSA said.
Ford has attributed the malfunction to electrical connections that wear down over time because of heat and vibration, leading to signal loss from the transmission range sensor. Regulators said incorrect signals from the sensor can trigger the unintended downshifts.
NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation of 2015-2017 F-150s equipped with the 6R80 transmission in March of last year after receiving related complaints. The agency expanded its investigation in February.
The Michigan-based automaker knows of two “potentially” related injuries and one accident, according to NHTSA. Dealers will remedy the issue by updating the powertrain control module software.
Ford plans to mail notification letters to owners beginning April 27. Owners can have the work done at a Ford or Lincoln dealer.