The Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for 552,188 units of the 2014 Ford F-150 due to an issue with the powertrain control module calibration. The problem could cause the trucks to downshift unexpectedly into first gear, leading to rear wheel lock-up.
According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the affected pickups are equipped with the 6R80 transmission. This transmission, derived from the ZF 6HP automatic, features six forward gears, rear-drive applications, and a maximum torque input of 800 Nm.
Reports of unexpected transmission downshifting on 2014 models with the 6R80 transmission prompted Ford to investigate the matter. The company received 96 field reports, 124 customer complaints, and 300 warranty reports related to this issue, with 40 vehicles experiencing rear wheel lock-up or a loss of control.
As a result, Ford has developed updated PCM calibrations with an OSS signal plausibility check to prevent unintended downshifts into first gear. Dealers already have the calibrations, and owner notifications are scheduled to be sent out between July 1 and July 5.
The affected vehicles are 2014 models produced between June 17, 2013, and December 23, 2014. Owners of these trucks should be on the lookout for Ford-branded envelopes arriving via first-class mail.
