Ford F-150 investigation: sudden downshifts, rear-wheel lockups in 2015-2017 models
Ford F-150 trucks under investigation for sudden downshifts and wheel lockups
Ford F-150 investigation: sudden downshifts, rear-wheel lockups in 2015-2017 models
NHTSA investigates 1.27 million Ford F-150 trucks (2015-2017) over complaints of sudden downshifts and rear-wheel lockups, with an engineering analysis underway.
2026-02-03T06:01:23+03:00
2026-02-03T06:01:23+03:00
2026-02-03T06:01:23+03:00
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded an investigation covering 1.27 million Ford F-150 trucks from 2015–2017 due to complaints about sudden downshifts and brief rear-wheel lockups. An engineering analysis is now underway to determine the scope of the issue.Road HazardOwners report that the pickups can abruptly shift to a lower gear without warning. This causes the vehicle to slow down sharply, and the rear wheels may lock momentarily. Such incidents heighten the risk of accidents, especially on highways or when towing.Ford's ExplanationThe automaker told NHTSA that this defect differs from cases with 2011–2014 models, where an external speed sensor malfunction was to blame. In the updated F-150s, wear on electrical connections due to heat and vibration is suspected, leading to signal loss from another transmission sensor.More Concerns EmergeAgency checks revealed another dangerous scenario: if the TRS signal is lost, a vehicle reversing uphill can unexpectedly shift to neutral and roll forward. This finding prompted the in-depth engineering analysis.The investigation could result in a mass recall if the engineering review confirms the defect. For Ford, this is another challenge in a segment where the F-150 remains a key model. Meanwhile, NHTSA continues data collection and technical evaluations to assess the risk level for 1.3 million drivers.
NHTSA investigates 1.27 million Ford F-150 trucks (2015-2017) over complaints of sudden downshifts and rear-wheel lockups, with an engineering analysis underway.
Michael Powers, Editor
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded an investigation covering 1.27 million Ford F-150 trucks from 2015–2017 due to complaints about sudden downshifts and brief rear-wheel lockups. An engineering analysis is now underway to determine the scope of the issue.
Road Hazard
Owners report that the pickups can abruptly shift to a lower gear without warning. This causes the vehicle to slow down sharply, and the rear wheels may lock momentarily. Such incidents heighten the risk of accidents, especially on highways or when towing.
Ford's Explanation
The automaker told NHTSA that this defect differs from cases with 2011–2014 models, where an external speed sensor malfunction was to blame. In the updated F-150s, wear on electrical connections due to heat and vibration is suspected, leading to signal loss from another transmission sensor.
More Concerns Emerge
Agency checks revealed another dangerous scenario: if the TRS signal is lost, a vehicle reversing uphill can unexpectedly shift to neutral and roll forward. This finding prompted the in-depth engineering analysis.
The investigation could result in a mass recall if the engineering review confirms the defect. For Ford, this is another challenge in a segment where the F-150 remains a key model. Meanwhile, NHTSA continues data collection and technical evaluations to assess the risk level for 1.3 million drivers.
