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Ford is recalling about 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. following a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into reports of unexpected downshifts, the regulator said Friday.
The NHTSA recall stated that Ford was aware of two injuries and one accident that may be related to the problem, and that dealers would update the trucks’ powertrain control module (PCM) software as a solution.
Earlier this year, the regulator had expanded a safety-related investigation into the issue. A preliminary review was first opened in March last year after complaints were received about the unintended downshift. Ford’s research evaluated trends observed in customer reports, including those involving vehicles driving on wet surfaces or towing trailers.
The recall affects model year 2015–2017 F-150 pickups equipped with the “6R80” transmission.
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A 2015-2017 model year Ford F-150 pickup truck at Ford’s Rouge Center. (Ford Motor Co.)
Ford had previously said that the problem may have been caused by electrical connections wearing out over time due to heat and vibration, leading to signal loss from the transmission range sensor.
The regulator said incorrect signals are likely to lead to unintentional downshifts.
HUGE HONDA RECALL AFFECTS 440K VEHICLES OVER AIRBAGS MAY BE USED ‘UNEXPECTED’
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | FORD MOTORCO. | 12.87 | +0.43 |
+3.46% |
Owners of affected F-150 pickups are being notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to receive a software update for their PCM to correct the problem.
If an affected vehicle previously displayed certain diagnostic trouble codes related to this condition before the software was installed, dealers will replace the lead frame in accordance with a corresponding extended warranty program. There will be no costs associated with this service.
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Ford’s assessment noted issues related to vehicles driving on wet surfaces or towing vehicles. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Dealers are expected to be notified on April 15, while interim owner notifications will be sent starting April 27 and completed by May 1.
The mailing of remedy owner notification letters is expected to begin on July 13 and be completed by July 17.
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Ford F-150 owners can find out if their pickup is affected by the recall on April 15 by searching using their VIN.
Reuters contributed to this report.
