Ensuring Road Safety: Unpacking the Ford F-150 Transmission Investigation
Federal Regulators Initiate Extensive Probe into Ford F-150 Transmissions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has commenced a significant investigation covering nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks. This inquiry addresses a potential flaw in the automatic transmission system that could cause unexpected gear changes, affecting vehicles from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years.
Exploring the Root Cause: Signal Loss in Transmission Sensors
Launched in early 2026, the NHTSA's investigation centers on trucks equipped with Ford's 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission. Documents related to the investigation indicate that the issue may stem from signal loss in the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor, attributed to compromised electrical connections within the lead frame. This signal degradation subsequently impacts the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS).
The Peril of Unforeseen Gear Shifts and Wheel Lock-ups
According to NHTSA records, a loss of signal from the TRS can lead to spontaneous shifts into neutral, unexpected upshifts, or sudden downshifts. Ford's internal "shift map" programming, designed for worst-case scenarios, permits maximum allowable downshifts at speeds between 35 and 64 mph, potentially causing temporary rear-wheel lock-ups.
Alarming Reports from Truck Owners Detail Safety Incidents
The Office of Defects Investigation at NHTSA has analyzed over 300 owner questionnaires. A significant portion, exceeding 40 percent, describe experiencing at least one instance of wheel lock-up directly linked to sudden transmission downshifts, highlighting the severity of the safety risk.
Distinguishing Current Issues from Past Recalls and New Concerns
Ford asserts that the current OSS sensor malfunction is distinct from earlier, similar issues that led to four separate recalls for 2011–2014 F-150 models. Additionally, preliminary tests conducted by the NHTSA's Vehicle Research Test Center reveal that a TRS failure could also alter vehicle direction, particularly noting scenarios where trucks reversing uphill might unexpectedly shift into neutral and roll forward.