The f-150 1. 4 million vehicles recall is now underway after Ford Motor Company said nearly 1. 4 million F-150 pickup trucks are being recalled over a gearshift issue that can raise the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem can trigger an unexpected downshift into second gear. Ford plans to begin sending owner letters on April 27 ET.
What regulators say is happening
Federal regulators said the issue stems from a loss in signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module transmission. In affected trucks, that signal loss can cause the vehicle to shift down suddenly, which may lead to a loss of vehicle control. The f-150 1. 4 million vehicles recall affects trucks with a six-speed automatic transmission built between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017.
NHTSA said some owners may see an illuminated malfunction indicator light or wrench light on the dashboard if the transmission range sensor is having trouble. Ford is aware of two injuries and one accident that may be tied to the gearshift issue, adding urgency to the fix.
Which trucks are included
The recall covers F-150 vehicles equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission produced during the listed build window. Ford said owners can bring their trucks to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for affected components to be updated or replaced. The company has not said that drivers need to stop using the vehicles immediately, but the recall notice makes clear that the defect can increase crash risk.
In its recall report, NHTSA described a failure that can cause some trucks to unexpectedly downshift into second gear. That is the core safety concern driving the f-150 1. 4 million vehicles recall and the reason regulators flagged the issue for prompt action.
Immediate reaction from regulators and Ford
Federal safety officials placed the focus squarely on the transmission signal failure, while Ford outlined a repair path through dealer service. The Michigan-based carmaker said it will notify owners beginning April 27 ET and direct them to dealers for the needed updates or parts replacement.
For owners, the first visible warning may be a dashboard light tied to the transmission range sensor. For regulators, the broader concern is that a sudden downshift at speed can compromise control fast enough to turn a mechanical defect into a roadside emergency.
Why this recall matters now
The f-150 1. 4 million vehicles recall sits among the largest safety actions involving one of Ford’s best-known trucks. The issue is narrow in scope, but the safety implications are serious because the defect can affect how the vehicle behaves while in motion.
Ford says notice letters begin April 27 ET, and owners of covered trucks should watch for those mailings and the dashboard warning signs tied to the transmission range sensor. As the f-150 1. 4 million vehicles recall moves into the repair phase, the key question will be how quickly affected drivers get the fix in place.
