Ford recalls 552,000 F-150s for transmission issue

• The recall applies to the 2014 Ford F-150 with a 6-speed automatic transmission
• It could unexpectedly shift into first gear at any speed
• Ford had similar troubles with the 2011-2012 F-150

Ford is recalling 552,188 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 6-speed automatic transmission to address an issue that could cause unintended shifts into first gear regardless of speed, the NHTSA disclosed Tuesday. The expanded recall applies to the 2014 Ford F-150. 

In the affected vehicles, a loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and powertrain control module can cause the unexpected downshifts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Such an abrupt downshift could cause drivers to lose control, hence the recall. If this does occur, drivers may see a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard.

In some cases, the signal loss could be intermittent and correct itself while driving, according to an accompanying recall report. Otherwise, the vehicle may need to be stopped and restarted to restore normal transmission functionality.

To address the problem, dealers will install an updated powertrain control module software free of charge. Ford plans to begin mailing notification letters to owners July 1. Owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall site and reference recall number 24S37. 

Ford has identified some potential causes, including “contamination, power short to ground, connector corrosion, connector pin swaging, and incorrect outputs” from the output shaft speed sensor. But the automaker has noticed this behavior before on other vehicles equipped with the same transmission, and issued a recall for 2011 and 2012 F-150 pickups to address unintended downshifts.

Less than 1% of vehicles in the current recall population are thought to have the defect leading to unintended downshifts. They were identified through manufacturing records tracing the calibrations for the powertrain control module used in specific vehicles. The recall process began in February 2024, after Ford noticed an increasing number of reports related to unintended downshifts in 2014 F-150 trucks.