Ford Motor company issued a safety recall for select 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles with 6-speed automatic transmissions. These vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of the transmission output speed sensor signal to the powertrain control module, potentially resulting in a temporary, unintended downshift to first gear, the company said.
This unexpected downshift without warning could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash. Currently, Ford is aware of five reports of accidents potentially related to this issue.
The recall affects approximately 1.48 million vehicles in North America, including approximately 1.26 million in the United States. Affected 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles were built at Dearborn Assembly Plant from April 28, 2010 to Oct. 28, 2013, and Kansas City Assembly Plant from May 18 2010 to Nov. 18, 2013.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software of affected vehicles.