Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions

Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions

May 23, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – May 23, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.4 million 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks whose transmissions can shift on their own, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and only affects trucks with 6-speed automatic transmission.  

 Recall summary

The automatic transmission in the affected trucks can unintentionally shift from sixth to second gear while driving. This happens due to degraded electrical connections inside the transmission control module.

The shift can cause the rear wheels of the car to lock up, resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Recall risks

A sudden loss of control can result in an accident and injuries to the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Warning signs

A malfunction indicator light (MIL) and a wrench symbol may illuminate on the dashboard. 

The background of the recall

The recall is the result of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which was opened in March 2025 following 138 complaints alleging unwanted downshifts that would happen “without warning or driver input.” 

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer had been notified of two accidents and an injury.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2026, Ford recalled more than 420,000 trucks and SUVs whose windshield wipers could have stopped working. 

In February 2026, nearly 120,000 Ford and Lincoln cars were recalled over a fire risk caused by a faulty engine block heater. 

The repair

The dealers will update the transmission’s software. If needed, they will also repair the electrical components inside the transmission control module. This repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 13, 2026 and July 17, 2026. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 1.4 million trucks are affected by this Ford downshift recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions
Ford expands 2022 recall over ‘loss of brake function’

Ford expands 2022 recall over ‘loss of brake function’

May 6, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – May 6, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 123,611 SUVs and pickup trucks over a brake fluid leak, which could lead to brake failure.

This recall serves as the expansion of an identical one from March 2022 and affects the following models:

  • 2017 – 2018 Ford Expedition
  • 2017 – 2018 Ford F-150
  • 2017 – 2018 Lincoln Navigator  

Recall summary  

The brake master cylinder converts the force a driver applies to the brakes into hydraulic pressure.  This cylinder is connected to a booster, which uses vacuum to increase the braking force. 

In the affected vehicles, due to “brake fluid contamination,” the fluid may leak from the cylinder into the booster and diminish its performance.

If the brake fluid level drops too low, the brakes may fail.

Recall risks

The vehicle may take longer to stop – or not stop at all – upping the chances of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the brake fluid level drops below a certain level, the driver may see a red brake warning light accompanied by a chime and a message on the vehicle’s display.  

Background of the recall

In March 2022, older models of these vehicles were recalled over the same issue. Since then, Ford received 90 warranty claims about new models experiencing the same problem and issued the present recall to address it.

No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2025, Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick pickup trucks were recalled over a stalling issue that was not successfully repaired during the previous recall.  

In March 2025, Ford recalled Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs because their seat belts did not provide sufficient protection in a crash, as reported. 

The repair

The dealers replace the brake master cylinder and the brake booster free of charge.

The owners should receive letters with more information between April 28, 2025, and May 2, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 123,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this Ford brake fluid leak recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord expands 2022 recall over ‘loss of brake function’
Ford issues second recall for cars with defective trailer brakes

Ford issues second recall for cars with defective trailer brakes 

April 1, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – April 1, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 10,627 pickup trucks and SUVs whose trailer brakes may fail. This defect could increase the stopping distance, upping the chances of a crash and injury.   

 The following models are affected: 

  • 2022 Ford Expedition
  • 2022 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2022 Ford Maverick
  • 2022 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford F-150

These vehicles were originally recalled three years ago but for some reason were not repaired.

Recall summary  

Trailer brake operation is controlled by a computer called the Integrated Trailer Relay Module. Due to a software error in the module, the affected vehicles’ trailer brakes may stop working.

Recall risks

With the brakes on the trailer out of action, the vehicle may take longer to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

These trucks and SUVs were already recalled in April 2022 to have their trailer brake control module software updated. But, as it turns out, some dealers did not actually do the update, despite marking it as done.

Other Ford recalls

In February 2025, Ford Super Duty trucks and Lincoln Corsair SUVs were recalled because their rearview cameras could fail to show an image.  

In September 2024, Ford was prompted by a US government investigation to recall several models, including F-150 trucks, over an engine defect that could cause them to stall. 

The repair

Dealers will update the trailer brake control module software free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information between April 14, 2025, and April 18, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 10,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this repeated Ford trailer brake recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for cars with defective trailer brakes 

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