Ford Recalls Nearly 1.4 Million F-150 Trucks Over Gearshift Defect Ford is recalling approximately 1.4 million F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. due to a gearshift issue that could lead to loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of crashes. The defect, affecting trucks with a six-speed automatic transmission made between March 2014 and August 2017, can cause an unintended downshift into second gear, potentially leading to rear tire sliding. Owners will be notified to have their powertrain control module recalibrated free of charge at Ford or Lincoln dealerships. Ford is initiating a significant recall encompassing nearly 1.4 million of its highly popular F-150 pickup trucks across the United States. This extensive recall is prompted by a critical gearshift defect that poses a substantial risk of vehicle control loss and consequently elevates the probability of accidents. The affected F-150 light trucks are specifically those equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, manufactured within a defined production window spanning from March 12, 2014, to August 18, 2017. This particular manufacturing period has been identified as the source of the potential defect. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the findings detailed in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) safety recall report. According to the report, the identified issue revolves around an intermittent transmission range sensor signal. This signal, which communicates vital information to the powertrain control module, may experience interruptions. Such intermittency can lead to an unintended and abrupt downshift into second gear. While this may seem like a minor transmission adjustment, the report clarifies that this unexpected downshift can trigger a temporary but significant reduction in wheel speed. In certain driving conditions, this sudden deceleration could cause the rear tires of the truck to lose traction and slide, particularly until the vehicle’s speed naturally decreases. This loss of rear tire grip is a direct precursor to potential loss of vehicle control and increases the risk of a collision, especially during maneuvers or at higher speeds. Ford has proactively acknowledged the reported issues. As of early this month, the manufacturer has been made aware of a considerable number of warranty claims and customer service reports that appear to be directly linked to this specific gearshift problem. Specifically, Ford has documented 444 warranty claims and 105 customer service reports that warrant attention in relation to this defect. To address this safety concern comprehensively, Ford will be disseminating official recall notifications to all affected vehicle owners via postal mail. These notifications will provide clear instructions on the necessary steps to rectify the issue. Owners will be advised to schedule an appointment and bring their F-150 trucks to an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership. At the dealership, a complimentary software update will be performed on the vehicle's powertrain control module calibration. This update is designed to correct the intermittent signal issue and restore the transmission's proper functioning, thereby mitigating the risk of unintended downshifts and subsequent loss of control. The company is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles, and this recall represents a crucial step in upholding that commitment