Ford recalls 1.5 million F-150 pickups that can downshift without warning
(Matt York / Associated Press)
Reporting from Detroit —
Ford is recalling nearly 1.5 million pickup trucks in North America because the transmissions can suddenly downshift into first gear.
The recall covers F-150 trucks from the 2011 through 2013 model years with six-speed automatic transmissions.
The company says a glitch in sending a signal from the transmission speed sensor is the cause. Ford has had five reports of accidents, including one that caused a whiplash injury from a sudden downshift.
Owners will be notified by letter starting March 4. Dealers will update the powertrain-control software to fix the problem.
Ford’s F-Series pickup is the top-selling vehicle in the United States.
