Regulators dig deeper into F-150 transmission drama as probe moves into full behind-the-wheel analysis. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has officially upgraded its earlier review into a full engineering analysis. That’s the stage where things get technical, parts and vehicles get tested, and automakers start sweating a little harder.
27 million F-150 pickups from the 2015 through 2017 model years. Drivers say the trucks can suddenly downshift without warning or any input from the driver. Imagine cruising along at highway speed when the transmission decides second gear sounds fun.
Owners report abrupt deceleration and, in some cases, the rear wheels briefly locking, which can cause skidding. Attempted fixes have been made by replacing parts like the molded lead frame or the valve body. Ford says this situation is different from earlier recalls that hit older F-150s.
Those were tied to signal loss from one speed sensor. In these newer trucks, the suspected trouble involves electrical connections inside the transmission lead frame wearing down over time from heat and vibration, leading to signal loss from a different sensor. Investigators also found another eyebrow-raising scenario.
During testing, a truck reversing uphill could lose the transmission signal, slip into neutral, and then roll forward. Not exactly confidence-inspiring if you’re backing up a trailer on a steep incline.
This case highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in modern automotive manufacturing. The fact that multiple owners have reported similar issues with different parts suggests a systemic problem that needs to be addressed.
