Washington, D.C.: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on March 24 that it has opened a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks following reports of unexpected downshifts that cause temporary rear-wheel lock-ups.
Investigation Details
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 138 consumer complaints regarding the issue. Drivers reported that their transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear while traveling at highway speeds without warning or driver input. This sudden shift led to rapid deceleration, posing a potential crash risk.
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Additionally, some complaints noted that the rear wheels locked up temporarily, causing the vehicle to seize or skid, increasing the likelihood of loss of control. While the issue presents a serious safety concern, no crashes or fires have been reported so far, according to NHTSA.
Next Steps
The preliminary evaluation, which began on March 22, aims to assess the severity and safety risks of the defect. Depending on the findings, NHTSA may escalate the probe, potentially leading to a recall or corrective measures by Ford.
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Ford’s Response
Ford has acknowledged the investigation and stated that it is fully cooperating with regulators. However, the company has not yet issued a formal statement regarding a potential fix or recall.
NHTSA urges F-150 owners experiencing shifting issues to report their complaints for further review. This remains a developing story, and updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
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