Unexpected Downshift Can Cause Loss of Control

Affected vehicles (1)

Component / system

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.

Risk / consequence

Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 1, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.

Chronology of events

1. Oct 30, 2024

   On October 30, 2024, NHTSA provided Ford with Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) potentially related to unintended downshift events on 2015-2017 model year (MY) F-150 vehicles equipped with the 6-speed automatic 6R80 transmission. On October 31, 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) began investigating these claims. During November 2024 through February 2025, the CCRG reviewed information learned during previous investigations, including transmission concerns resulting from degradation of electrical connections due to thermal cycling and vibration over extended time in service. High mileage vehicle transmissions can experience a wide range of issues with different failure modes and performance consequences due to wear and aging of subcomponents. Outputs of the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) are affected by this degradation. TRS-related faults can result in a maximum unintended downshift from 6th gear to 2nd gear (6-2) and are possible on 2015-2017MY F-150 vehicles. Additionally, the CCRG conducted track evaluations to assess deceleration and the impact on vehicle control of 6-2 downshifts.

2. Mar 21, 2025

   On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to further investigate the unintended downshift concern. In April and May 2025, Ford submitted its two-part response to NHTSA’s PE25002 Information Request. On January 30, 2026, NHTSA ODI elevated PE25002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA26001) and provided Ford with additional VOQs potentially related to unintended downshift events. The CCRG continued to review customer experiences reported in VOQs throughout its investigation and observed that this condition has varied impacts on drivers’ experiences dependent on driving situations and conditions. The CCRG conducted vehicle evaluations to assess several trends observed in customer reports, including reports involving vehicles towing trailers and vehicles driving on wet surfaces. As of April 2, 2026, Ford is aware of 444 warranty claims, 121 field reports, 105 customer service reports, and 316 VOQs in the US potentially related to this concern, received between April 24, 2015, and November 3, 2025, and representing a total of 891 VINs. Ford is aware of two injuries and one accident potentially related to this concern.

3. Apr 7, 2026

   On April 7, 2026, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

Apr 15, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026 No Dealers

Owner notification

Jul 13, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026 Phased Recall