NHTSA Broadens Investigation of Ford F-150 Transmission Issues Affecting 1.27 Million Trucks

Federal regulators are expanding an investigation into 1.27 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to safety concerns regarding their transmissions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received multiple reports from drivers indicating that these trucks experience unexpected transmission downshifts without any warning or driver input. This alarming issue is often accompanied by a temporary rear-wheel lockup or skidding, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

The investigation specifically targets model years 2015-2017 F-150 trucks that are equipped with “6R80” transmissions. Notably, the F-150 has consistently been the best-selling pickup truck in the United States.

FORD RECALLS 1.4M VEHICLES OVER REARVIEW CAMERA ISSUE

A model year 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck at Ford’s Rouge Center. (Ford Motor Co.)

NHTSA’s investigation follows a preliminary evaluation initiated on March 21, 2025, after receiving complaints regarding the 6R80 transmission.

In response to NHTSA’s information request, Ford stated that the alleged defect in the 2015–2017 F-150s is distinct from the issues that led to four safety recalls for the 2011–2014 models.

SEE INSIDE FORD’S NEW WORLD HEADQUARTERS, WHERE INNOVATION MEETS DESIGN

Ford explained that the earlier recalls were attributed to manufacturing defects in a part supplied by an external vendor, which resulted in the loss of signals from a speed sensor.

The automaker indicated that the alleged defect in the newer vehicles may stem from electrical connections deteriorating due to thermal cycling and vibration over time, which can lead to signal loss from the transmission range sensor (TRS).

FOX Business has reached out to Ford for further comments.

The investigation covers model years 2015-2017 F-150 pickup trucks. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has also identified another potential safety defect related to the TRS issue. Preliminary testing revealed that vehicles experiencing TRS signal loss while moving uphill in reverse could inadvertently shift into neutral, causing the vehicle to roll forward.

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The Office of Defects Investigation has opened an engineering analysis to conduct further testing and review additional technical data.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Federal regulators are expanding an investigation into 1.27 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to safety concerns regarding their transmissions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received multiple reports from drivers indicating that these trucks experience unexpected transmission downshifts without any warning or driver input. This alarming issue is often accompanied by a temporary rear-wheel lockup or skidding, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

The investigation specifically targets model years 2015-2017 F-150 trucks that are equipped with “6R80” transmissions. Notably, the F-150 has consistently been the best-selling pickup truck in the United States.

FORD RECALLS 1.4M VEHICLES OVER REARVIEW CAMERA ISSUE

A model year 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck at Ford’s Rouge Center. (Ford Motor Co.)

NHTSA’s investigation follows a preliminary evaluation initiated on March 21, 2025, after receiving complaints regarding the 6R80 transmission.

In response to NHTSA’s information request, Ford stated that the alleged defect in the 2015–2017 F-150s is distinct from the issues that led to four safety recalls for the 2011–2014 models.

SEE INSIDE FORD’S NEW WORLD HEADQUARTERS, WHERE INNOVATION MEETS DESIGN

Ford explained that the earlier recalls were attributed to manufacturing defects in a part supplied by an external vendor, which resulted in the loss of signals from a speed sensor.

The automaker indicated that the alleged defect in the newer vehicles may stem from electrical connections deteriorating due to thermal cycling and vibration over time, which can lead to signal loss from the transmission range sensor (TRS).

FOX Business has reached out to Ford for further comments.

The investigation covers model years 2015-2017 F-150 pickup trucks. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has also identified another potential safety defect related to the TRS issue. Preliminary testing revealed that vehicles experiencing TRS signal loss while moving uphill in reverse could inadvertently shift into neutral, causing the vehicle to roll forward.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The Office of Defects Investigation has opened an engineering analysis to conduct further testing and review additional technical data.

Reuters contributed to this report.