Ford Issues Another Recall For Pickup Truck Transmissions Downshifting
Ford has recalled more than 550,000 pickup trucks due to transmissions involuntarily falling into a lower gear, reports ABC News.
The recall applies to certain 2014 model year F-150 trucks, which are prone to downshifting into first gear regardless of speed. The problem reportedly lies with a signal being lost between the transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer, as well as corroded connector pins.
This recall follows an investigation launched by NHTSA in March over complaints of over 540,000 Ford trucks from model year 2014 abruptly downshifting to a lower gear.
Though Ford said the problem will impact less than 1% of recalled vehicles, the F-Series pickup vehicles are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., and the automaker has received 396 warranty and field reports as well as 124 customer complaints related to the issue, comprising a total of 482 affected trucks.
The U.S. government has received 130 complaints related to the problem–52 of which detail a loss of power or the rear wheels locking up. Another two complaints claimed injuries occurred as a result, and one other complaint alleges a crash.
Owners will begin receiving recall notices in early July. Ford plans to implement a powertrain control software update as a remedy, but repairs aren’t expected to be made available until the third quarter of this year.
