Ford has announced a safety recall affecting approximately 144,000 F-150 trucks in Canada. The recall is due to a gearshift issue that can affect driver control of the vehicle. The problem is specific to F-150s with six-speed automatic transmissions produced between 2015 and 2017. In the U.S., nearly 1.4 million vehicles are impacted, including certain 2014 models.
The issue stems from degraded electrical connections within the transmission lead frame, leading to a signal problem from a transmission sensor. This could result in an unexpected downshift to a lower gear while the vehicle is in motion, potentially causing a temporary reduction in wheel speed and leading to rear tire sliding until the vehicle slows down.
Ford has reported two injuries and one accident that may be linked to this issue. To address the problem, Ford dealers can update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software on affected vehicles, resolving the issue. Alternatively, if a vehicle has previously shown specific diagnostic trouble codes related to the sensor, Ford will replace the transmission lead frame at no cost.
F-150 owners can check if their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number on Ford’s recall webpage.