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Ford has announced a recall of nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a gearshift issue that could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, raising the risk of a crash. The recall applies to F-150 models equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and manufactured between March 12, 2014 and August 18, 2017.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected trucks may experience an intermittent selection signal from the transmission range sensor to the powertrain control module. This problem can cause the transmission to temporarily shift into second gear unexpectedly. The abrupt downshift could lead to a sudden drop in wheel speed, which may result in the rear tires sliding until the vehicle slows down. In certain situations, this could make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their trucks, increasing the possibility of a crash.
Ford has reported two injuries and one accident that may be linked to this issue, as detailed in reports from the automaker. Additionally, the company is aware of 444 warranty claims and 105 customer service reports that could be connected to the gearshift malfunction as of early this month. Owners of the recalled trucks will receive notification letters by mail and are being asked to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a free update to the powertrain control module calibration.
The recall process is ongoing, and Ford encourages all affected owners to respond to the recall notice promptly to ensure their vehicles are repaired and safe to drive.