--- title: "Feds Investigating Over 1 Million Ford F-150s for Unintentional Downshifts" date: "2025-03-24" modified: "2025-03-24" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/feds-investigating-over-1-million-ford-f-150s-for-unintentional-downshifts" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "pickup" --- # Feds Investigating Over 1 Million Ford F-150s for Unintentional Downshifts ![]() The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the 2015-2017 [Ford]() F-150 following at least 138 incidents in which the transmission downshifted unexpectedly at speed. Customers have reported outcomes from simple deceleration or momentary wheel lock-up to loss of control resulting from the shift. Fortunately for all involved, no accidents or injuries have resulted. "This unrequested transmission downshift would cause unexpected rapid vehicle deceleration," [NHTSA's announcement said](). "Certain consumer complaints additionally allege that the vehicle's rear wheels temporarily lock, seize, and/or skid during the downshift resulting in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk for crash and injury." Because the feds have not narrowed the issue to any particular variant of the F-150, NHTSA is casting a wide net. Given the model years in question, it points to an issue with Ford's six-speed automatic, which was targeted in a recall campaign for the previous-generation F-150 (2011-2013 model years, specifically) [conducted back in 2019](). In that case, customers reported a similar condition—a sudden, unexpected downshift followed by potential rear wheel lock-up. ![]() The 2017 model year coincides with the introduction of the 10-speed automatic that Ford co-developed with General Motors. While it doesn't appear that the 10-speed has anything to do with this particular issue, that gearbox has been blamed for its share of [unrelated problems](), including a [wheel lock-up condition]() in other applications. While this is the first step toward what could become a recall for the 2015-2017 F-150, regulators will need time to look into the issue and determine the scope of the defect, assuming there is one. Only then will they make a recommendation to Ford. *Got a tip? Send it in: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()