Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 1.39 million F-150 pickup trucks after federal regulators determined a transmission range sensor defect can cause the trucks to unexpectedly downshift into second gear while driving — creating an abrupt reduction in wheel speed that can cause rear tires to slide and the driver to lose control. The recall was announced April 17, 2026, under NHTSA recall number 26V237. Ford is aware of 444 warranty claims, 105 customer service reports, two injuries, and one accident potentially related to the defect.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall affects F-150 pickup trucks equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and August 18, 2017. This covers F-150 trucks from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years with six-speed automatics. Owners can confirm whether their specific vehicle is included by entering their VIN at nhtsa.gov or by contacting a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Ford plans to begin mailing recall notifications to affected vehicle owners on April 27, 2026.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The defect involves an intermittent signal loss between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module. When this signal connection fails, the truck can abruptly and unexpectedly downshift into second gear without any driver input. The sudden downshift causes an abrupt reduction in wheel speed that can cause rear tires to slide until the vehicle slows — posing a serious crash and loss-of-control risk, particularly at highway speeds. The electrical connections inside the transmission are believed to degrade over time from heat and vibration, leading to the intermittent signal failures. Some owners may notice an illuminated malfunction indicator light or wrench light on the dashboard as a warning sign.
What Should You Do?
Take your F-150 to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the powertrain control module calibration updated at no cost. Watch for the recall notification letter beginning April 27, 2026. You can verify your vehicle’s recall status now by visiting nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your 17-digit VIN. Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about this recall.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-recall-f-150-pickup-trucks-gearshift-issue/
