The vehicle’s automatic transmission may unexpectedly shift into first gear at any speed, potentially resulting in a loss of control and a crash.
Ford Recalls Over 550,000 F-150 Trucks Due to Downshifting Issue
Ford has issued a recall for over 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a defect that causes the transmission to unexpectedly downshift to first gear regardless of the vehicle’s speed. This recall affects certain models from the 2014 production year, with the 6R80 Transmission.
Safety Regulators Warn of Increased Accident Risk
Documents released on Tuesday, June 25th 2024, by U.S. safety regulators indicate that this sudden downshifting can result in drivers losing control of their vehicles, significantly raising the risk of an accident. This recall follows an investigation initiated by U.S. auto safety regulators in March, which looked into complaints concerning more than 540,000 2014 Ford pickup trucks abruptly downshifting to a lower gear.
Transmission Defect and Recall Details
The recall notice explains, “An intermittent output shaft speed (OSS) failure at certain vehicle speeds could cause a sudden downshift to first gear, leading to a potential loss of vehicle control.” This issue is attributed to a loss of signal between the transmission speed sensor and the Powertrain Control Module, potentially due to corrosion and issues with connector pins.
Owners will be notified via mail in early July, and dealers will update the powertrain control software at no cost. Ford anticipates that repairs will be available in the third quarter of this year. The company also offers mobile service or pickup and delivery at participating dealers.
What is the Repair
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with software to prevent an unintended downshift into first gear if the OSS fails intermittently. They will also conduct a diagnostic test to see if any additional transmission repairs are required. To update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software in your vehicle, you can schedule an appointment through the FordPass App, online, or by calling an authorized Ford Dealership. Dealers will also perform a diagnostic test to determine if an additional transmission repair is necessary.
Were You or Someone You Know Injured?
HOW TO Prevent the Ford Recall Transmission from Unexpectedly Shifting into 1st Gear
Ford advises that before the transmission downshifts, drivers might notice a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard. In some cases, the signal can be restored while driving, allowing the vehicle to operate normally. In other instances, drivers may need to stop and restart the engine to reset the transmission.
NHTSA Recall Notice, No. 24V444
NHTSA Reports of Accidents & Injuries
Ford’s statement, posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports 396 warranty and field claims and 124 customer complaints related to the defect, covering 482 trucks. The automaker has also received 130 complaints from the government, with 52 alleging that the rear wheels locked up or drivers lost control of their trucks. Two injuries and one crash potentially linked to the defect have been reported.
Potential Injury Analysis Ramos Injury Intelligence™
The Ramos Injury Intelligence™ system, which uses advanced machine learning to evaluate motor vehicle accident injuries, provides an insightful analysis into how this transmission defect could contribute to accidents and subsequent injuries. According to Ramos Injury Intelligence™, unexpected downshifting to first gear can result in a rapid deceleration, causing drivers to lose control, especially at high speeds. This loss of control significantly increases the likelihood of a collision.
The system identifies several potential injury scenarios resulting from this defect:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden deceleration can cause the head to snap forward and backward, leading to whiplash injuries. This is particularly common in rear-end collisions resulting from abrupt stops.
- Spinal Injuries: The abrupt change in speed can exert excessive forces on the spine, potentially causing disc herniation or other spinal injuries.
- Head Injuries: Loss of control at high speeds can lead to severe accidents where occupants might suffer traumatic brain injuries due to impacts with the interior of the vehicle or from being thrown around inside the cabin.
- Lower Extremity Injuries: Sudden stops and loss of control can lead to frontal collisions, increasing the risk of leg and knee injuries due to impact with the dashboard or other parts of the vehicle.
Ramos Injury Intelligence™ emphasizes the importance of addressing such mechanical issues promptly to prevent these types of injuries and to ensure the safety of all road users. By understanding the mechanics of such defects and their potential impacts, drivers and safety regulators can take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Have You Been Injured Through No Fault of Your Own?
NHTSA Investigation and Prior Recalls
NHTSA launched its investigation in March following complaints about sudden downshifts in the trucks’ automatic transmissions. The agency is considering whether these trucks should have been included in previous recalls addressing similar issues.
Previous recalls have been issued by Ford for trucks and other vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years in 2016, with additional recalls in 2019 for pickups from the 2011 to 2013 model years, covering approximately 1.5 million vehicles. Ford is collaborating with NHTSA to support the ongoing investigation.
Owner Resources and Contact Information
- Recall number is “24S37.”
- Contact Ford customer service: (866) 436-7332
- NHTSA’s safety hotline at (888) 327-4236
- NHTSA Check for Recalls: nhtsa.gov/recalls
