Overview

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a 'Preliminary Evaluation' into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks from 2015-2017 over unexpected downshifting issues.
• The investigation stems from 138 consumer complaints alleging sudden downshifts to lower gears at highway speeds, causing rapid deceleration and occasional rear-wheel lockup.
• Ford has acknowledged the issue, attributing it to the trucks' six-speed transmission, and is cooperating with the NHTSA's ongoing evaluation.
• No crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with the complaints, but the NHTSA will assess the scope and severity of the potential safety risks.
• This investigation adds to Ford's history of recalls for similar transmission problems and broader safety concerns, with the F-150 remaining the top-selling truck in the U.S. in 2024.