3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks for a potential issue involving the automatic transmission. The investigation, which began on January 30, 2026, focuses on trucks equipped with Ford's 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years.
According to documents filed with NHTSA, the problem is related to a signal loss in the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor due to degraded electrical connections in the lead frame, causing additional signal loss to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). This can result in unexpected shifts to neutral, upshift, or downshift.
The issue has been reported by more than 300 owners of affected trucks, with over 40 percent experiencing at least one wheel lockup event caused by the transmission downshifting. Ford claims that this OSS sensor failure is different from a previous OSS-related failure that resulted in four recalls covering 2011-2014 model year F150s.
Preliminary testing has shown that a possible side effect of the TRS cutting out is a change in vehicle direction, specifically a sudden shift into neutral while reversing up a hill, which can cause the truck to roll forward. The investigation highlights the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repair of any issues related to the transmission.
As an expert in the automotive industry, it's clear that this issue has significant implications for the safety and reliability of these vehicles. It's essential for owners to stay informed about the progress of this investigation and to take necessary precautions to prevent any further damage or risk.