
Ford Motor Company has issued a major safety recall affecting approximately 1.39 million Ford F‑150 pickup trucks in the U.S. The recall applies to 2015–2017 model‑year F‑150s equipped with a 6‑speed automatic transmission, addressing a defect that may cause an unexpected downshift while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some affected vehicles may experience intermittent signal errors between the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When this occurs, the transmission can unintentionally downshift without driver input. You can read the full safety recall report here.
This sudden downshift can briefly reduce wheel speed and, in certain conditions such as wet roads or when towing, may cause the rear tires to lose traction. The condition increases the risk of losing vehicle control and raises the likelihood of a crash. Ford reports hundreds of related complaints, along with two injuries and one accident potentially linked to the issue.
Ford will fix the issue free of charge. Repairs include a software update to the PCM, and in some cases, replacement of the transmission lead frame if diagnostic trouble codes are present.
Ford has outlined a phased recall schedule to notify both dealers and owners. Dealers were scheduled to be notified on April 15, 2026; the same date affected vehicle VINs became searchable in Ford and NHTSA systems. Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between April 27 and May 1, 2026, informing drivers of the issue and upcoming remedy.
Final remedy notification letters are planned for mid‑July 2026, at which point owners will be instructed to schedule service for the free repair. Ford notes there is no charge for the remedy and encourages owners to act promptly once they receive official notice.
To determine whether your vehicle is affected, locate your truck’s VIN and contact a Ford dealer, visit NHTSA.gov/recalls, or call 1‑866‑436‑7332.