America’s best-selling car, the Ford F-150, is as soon as once more beneath scrutiny because the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) opens a brand new investigation into transmission points that would pose a severe security danger. The probe impacts an estimated 1.3 million F-150 pickup vehicles from mannequin years 2015 by means of 2017, all outfitted with six-speed automated transmissions.
The investigation, launched after 138 shopper complaints, focuses on experiences of the vehicles unexpectedly downshifting into decrease gears — typically all the best way into first gear — with out warning whereas driving at freeway speeds. The abrupt gear change has been linked to sudden deceleration and, in some circumstances, short-term rear-wheel lock-up. In keeping with NHTSA, this mechanical habits may improve the danger of a crash, although no incidents of accidents or fires have been reported to this point.
One alarming report from a 2016 F-150 proprietor in Ohio describes the car downshifting from sixth to first gear at 70 mph, practically propelling the motive force into the windshield. Different complaints echo comparable eventualities, with some drivers experiencing skidding or lack of car management, significantly when the rear wheels momentarily seize up throughout the gear drop.
This isn’t the primary time Ford has confronted stress over its truck transmissions. Actually, this newest inquiry follows a troubling sample. Again in June 2023, Ford recalled over 668,000 F-150s from the 2014 mannequin 12 months for a similar situation. And going additional again, the automaker started addressing transmission-related complaints with recollects as early as 2016, when 153,000 vehicles from the 2011–2012 mannequin years have been introduced in for fixes. That recall later expanded in 2019 to incorporate 1.48 million vehicles, together with 2013 fashions, as the problem continued. Even after these efforts, Ford recalled a further 107,000 models from 2013 because of issues with the unique restore.
The continuing considerations have additionally fueled pressure between the automaker and federal regulators. In a separate however notable growth final November, Ford agreed to a $165 million civil penalty after NHTSA discovered it had delayed recalling autos with faulty rearview cameras — additional underscoring scrutiny over the corporate’s recall administration practices.
For now, this newest investigation into the 2015–2017 F-150s stays on the preliminary analysis stage. Meaning NHTSA continues to be gathering knowledge earlier than deciding whether or not to escalate the probe into a proper engineering evaluation — the following step earlier than any potential recall. Ford has acknowledged that it’s totally cooperating with NHTSA and dealing to help the investigation.
House owners of affected autos are inspired to remain alert for updates from NHTSA and Ford, and to report any uncommon transmission habits to the company.
Given the F-150’s standing as a staple in American driveways and job websites, the end result of this investigation may have vital implications — not only for the Blue Oval, however for thousands and thousands of drivers who depend upon these vehicles day by day.