Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over reports of sudden and unexpected gear downshifts in nearly 1.3 million F-150 pickup trucks in the United States.
The probe involves 2015-2017 F-150 models equipped with six-speed transmissions. The investigation was launched after 138 consumer complaints described abrupt downshifts to lower gears while driving at highway speeds, causing rear-wheel lockups and temporary loss of control.
Investigation Details: Dangerous Downshifts
The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to determine whether an engineering analysis is necessary before considering a potential recall.
- Consumer reports describe incidents where F-150 trucks unexpectedly shifted from sixth to first gear at speeds of up to 70 mph, creating hazardous driving conditions.
- Some drivers reported that the rear wheels temporarily locked, causing the vehicle to skid or seize, raising the risk of crashes.
- However, no accidents or fires linked to the issue have been reported so far.
Ford’s Response: Cooperation with Regulators
A Ford spokesperson confirmed that the company is cooperating with NHTSA, assisting with the investigation. The automaker is awaiting the outcome of the preliminary evaluation.
Recurring Issue: History of F-150 Recalls
This latest investigation adds to Ford’s long history of downshift-related recalls:
- In June 2024, Ford recalled 668,000 2014 F-150 models over the same issue, citing drivers losing control or experiencing rear-wheel lockups.
- In 2019, the company expanded a previous recall to 1.48 million F-150s from the 2013 model year due to downshift problems.
- In 2016, Ford recalled 153,000 trucks from the 2011-2012 model years for similar transmission issues.
- In November 2024, Ford agreed to pay a $165 million civil penalty after NHTSA determined the company failed to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras on time.
Potential Impact: Safety and Financial Risks
If NHTSA’s investigation leads to a recall, Ford could face significant repair costs and potential reputation damage.
- The automaker’s stock could face short-term volatility, as investors gauge the potential costs and impact on future sales.
- Ford may also experience increased legal scrutiny, as previous recall-related penalties have placed the company under closer regulatory watch.
Key Takeaway: Safety Concerns Persist for F-150 Owners
The NHTSA investigation highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding Ford’s F-150 pickups, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades. While no accidents have been reported, the risk of rear-wheel lockups poses a serious hazard to drivers.
Ford owners are advised to stay informed about the investigation’s progress and watch for potential recall notices. Investors should monitor how the probe could impact Ford’s financials and stock performance.
