Topline
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started an investigation into 2014 Ford F-150s following dozens of reports from drivers stating the trucks’ automatic transmission can downshift without warning, opening the doors for a potential expansion of a recall issued for similar problems in earlier model trucks
Key Facts
The NHTSA said it has received 86 complaints from drivers of 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles all alleging the vehicles can “suddenly and unexpectedly” downshift while the car is in motion, a problem the agency says can lead to a locking of the rear wheels, loss of control of the vehicles and increased risk of injury or death.
One consumer told the administration he and another driver were hurt after the sudden shift of gears in his truck caused him to crash into another car and a concrete barrier.
The investigation into the gear shifts of 2014 F-150s comes several years after similar issues in 2011, 2012 and 2013 models with 6-speed automatic transmission led to a recall of nearly 1.5 million trucks.
The NHTSA investigation will decide if a recall is also needed for 2014 Ford F-150s.
Representatives for Ford did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment Friday but told the Associated Press it is working with the NHTSA to support the investigation.
Surprising Fact
The new investigation comes two months after 113,000 F-150 vehicles were recalled due to a rear axle problem that the NHTSA said could cause the trucks to lose drive power or to roll away while in park. That recall applied to F-150 vehicles with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design.
Big Number
91. That’s how many vehicle safety recalls have been issued by the NHTSA so far this month. That includes a recall for 285,000 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles for defective airbags and 116,000 Mercedes cars for an increased fire risk due to loose electrical wiring.
