Ford recalling 552K pickup trucks over transmission problem

Ford is recalling more than 552,000 pickup trucks over a transmission issue that could cause it to suddenly downshift into first gear, increasing the risk of a crash, according to documentation posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall potentially affects certain 2014 models of the Ford F-150 pickup trucks, Ford said in its report to the NHTSA. The Ford F-series has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for years.

The problem stems from a temporary loss in signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer, which could cause the downshift to first gear and cause drivers to lose control, “regardless of vehicle speed.”

Owners will receive letters by mail by July 5, notifying them of the recall. They will be advised to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to update the powertrain control module software. A Ford spokesperson said the software update is expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2024.

Customers will also be able to use mobile service and pickup and delivery to update the software, free of charge, the spokesperson said.

The Ford recall number is 24S37. Owners may contact the company’s customer service directly or contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline.