INDIANA – Ford is recalling more than 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks because of an issue that can cause the transmission to suddenly shift down to first gear.
First gear is usually used to drive a vehicle at very low speeds, so suddenly shifting to first gear at high speed could cause the truck to slow rapidly or even cause the driver to lose control.
The trucks involved are from the 2014 model year.
The problem with these particular trucks first came to Ford’s attention in February of this year, though, as the automaker received a number of reports of 2014 F-150s suddenly downshifting at the wrong time.
Before that happens, a malfunctioning indicator light in the truck’s gauge cluster may turn on. In some cases, the problem may quickly rectify itself and the truck will continue driving normally. In other cases, the truck may need to be shut down and restarted before the transmission begins working normally again.
To fix the problem, Ford dealers will update the trucks’ control module software at no cost to the owner. In a few days, Ford will start mailing letters to the owners of the trucks involved.
A new software update to fix the 2014 trucks will be ready sometime in the next three months.
Customers with questions can call Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 and ask for information about recall number 24S37.
