1.3 Million Ford F-150 Trucks Under Federal Investigation for Sudden Gear Drops
Ford’s best-selling pickup is in the hot seat — again.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks, model years 2015 through 2017, after receiving dozens of complaints that these vehicles are suddenly and unexpectedly downshifting into first gear while traveling at highway speeds.
Yes, you read that right. A truck traveling 70 mph may, without warning, decide it’s time to go back to first gear — causing instant deceleration, possible rear-wheel lockup, and in some cases, temporary loss of control.
While this may sound like a rare hiccup, it’s anything but. According to NHTSA, at least 138 complaints have been filed so far. One F-150 owner in Ohio described his experience as a nightmare on wheels, saying, “It nearly threw me through the windshield.”
A Dangerous Pattern That Keeps Repeating
This isn’t the first time Ford has faced scrutiny over transmission issues in its flagship pickup line. In fact, it’s part of a growing timeline of transmission-related safety concerns involving the F-150 and its six-speed automatic transmission system.
Back in 2016, Ford recalled around 153,000 trucks from the 2011–2012 model years due to similar gear-shifting problems. That recall expanded in 2019 to cover 1.48 million trucks, including 2013 models. And in 2023, another 668,000 trucks from the 2014 model year were recalled — again, for sudden downshifting issues.
Now, it appears that the 2015–2017 models are experiencing similar transmission behavior. Although the trucks haven’t yet been recalled, the signs point to an ongoing systemic issue.
What’s Really Going On Inside the Transmission?
The current theory, supported by Ford’s past recalls and NHTSA investigations, suggests that the issue stems from a malfunctioning output shaft speed sensor located inside the transmission. When this sensor sends incorrect information to the powertrain control module, the truck may misinterpret its speed — triggering a downshift into first gear even when the vehicle is moving at highway speed.
This sudden gear change can cause the rear wheels to seize or lock, resulting in skidding or unexpected deceleration. In rear-wheel-drive trucks especially, this kind of behavior can quickly escalate into a major safety hazard — particularly when towing a load, navigating winter roads, or hauling equipment for a business.
Ford has acknowledged the investigation and said it is cooperating fully with NHTSA. However, the automaker has also clarified that the issue affects only trucks with six-speed automatic transmissions. Newer F-150s with ten-speed transmissions appear to be unaffected.
Not Just a Recall — A Real DOT Compliance Risk
If you’re in the commercial driving world, this isn’t just a news headline — it’s a serious compliance red flag. Vehicle defects like this can result in more than just a repair bill. They can trigger DOT violations, lead to failed roadside inspections, or even contribute to preventable crashes that damage your safety score and increase your insurance premiums.
And let’s not forget the operational downtime. A truck sitting in the shop for weeks while waiting for parts isn’t making you money — it’s costing you time, productivity, and potentially your customer’s trust.
Beyond that, there’s the human factor. Drivers need to feel safe in the vehicles they operate. If they’re worried about their truck pulling a mechanical stunt at 65 mph, you’re going to have a retention problem on your hands.
What Fleet Operators and Truck Owners Should Do Now
If your company runs any 2015–2017 F-150s, especially those used for work or hauling, now’s the time to act. Start by reviewing your fleet list and identifying which trucks fall into this model range. Once identified, you can run each vehicle’s VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool to see if it has any active recall notices or is included in the investigation.
Don’t stop there. Review maintenance records and driver feedback. Has anyone reported odd shifting behavior? Jerky acceleration? A transmission that “doesn’t feel right”? These could all be signs of a developing problem that hasn’t fully shown itself yet.
In many cases, this type of issue can be intermittent — appearing suddenly and without warning. That’s why it’s critical to listen closely to drivers who raise concerns, even if the truck “seems fine” during routine checks.
If your truck shows symptoms, remove it from service immediately and schedule a detailed inspection with a qualified mechanic. A proactive approach could prevent a crash, save a life, or protect your business from a lawsuit you didn’t see coming.
What Happens Next?
As of now, this is a preliminary evaluation, not a full recall. That means NHTSA is in the process of gathering data, evaluating reports, and determining whether this investigation warrants escalation to an engineering analysis. If so, it may lead to an official recall and a federally mandated fix.
Keep in mind, this process can take months — even longer if Ford pushes back on liability. That’s why it’s smart for businesses to stay ahead of the curve by tracking these updates and taking internal action now rather than waiting for a government notice.
Industry Insight from Dan Greer
“When a truck starts making its own decisions, it’s not being independent — it’s being a liability. The faster you respond to problems like this, the more control you keep over your business.”
Dan Greer, founder of Eclipse DOT, believes the role of a fleet leader isn’t just to react to problems — it’s to anticipate them, prevent them, and stay three steps ahead. This Ford investigation is a textbook example of how a hidden mechanical issue can snowball into a DOT nightmare if ignored.
Whether you’re running a crew of five pickups or fifty, your job isn’t just to move freight — it’s to protect people, your business, and your reputation on the road.
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Reliable Sources You Can Trust
To dive deeper into this ongoing investigation, we recommend reading the following reports from trusted media and federal sources:
Reuters: US opens probe into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation – PE25-002 (PDF)
NHTSA Recall Report for 2014 Ford F-150