Ford F-150 transmission investigation A formal inquiry from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) targets 1.28 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks (model years 2021-2023) because of more than 130 complaints about automatic transmission equipment downshifting into first gear which causes sudden vehicle slow-downs. The high-risk investigation focuses on America’s top-selling vehicle because members of the driving public claim this defect can cause devastating collisions.
🚨 Ford F-150 transmission investigation NHTSA Investigation Overview
The safety review involves 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks which utilize 10-speed automatic transmission systems. The 131 filed reports consist of 52 documented cases about vehicle control loss and 6 incidents that led to accidents where one person received an injury. The number of people searching for “Ford F-150 transmission problems” increased by 400% during July 2024 immediately after NHTSA started its public investigation of the issue.
🔧 What’s Causing the Sudden Downshifts?
Drivers experience terrifying instances when trucks shift to first gear during highway driving at speeds between 60-75 mph resulting in the following problems: The vehicle experiences unexpected braking while its headlights stay off. Drive wheels experience lock-up and skidding as a result of wet pavement. Risk of rear-end collisions due to rapid speed drops.
NHTSA’s Preliminary Findings:
The Transmission Control Module software experiences data reading errors that can lead to incorrect operations. Mechanical wear inside turbocharger components happens because of powertrain-related pressures in EcoBoost vehicles.
📢 Owner Complaints & Viral Social Media Reactions
During my journey on I-35 the truck shifted abruptly into first gear which resulted in my body hitting the steering wheel. This incident caused the driver behind me to avoid hitting the trailer. The guy behind me almost rear-ended my trailer.” The YouTube footage showing a downshift accident received more than 2.1 million views after its release three days ago which triggered widespread fury across viewers. The hashtag #FixOurF150 has become popular on X (Twitter) while vehicle owners call for vehicle recalls.
🛠️ Ford’s Response & Repair Options
Although Ford admits to full NHTSA cooperation they have chosen not to initiate a safety recall. Owners report fixing shifting problems through the installation of SSM 52032 software update to their TCM systems. Ford’s customer satisfaction program targets only models built in 2021 while leaving behind newer model versions from 2022 until 2023.
What Owners Should Do Now:
- Check for TCM updates at Ford dealerships.
- Avoid using Tow/Haul mode (linked to 40% of incidents).
- Report issues to NHTSA.gov.
