NHTSA Complaint #11590500 — 2012 FORD EXPEDITION

On [XXX] @ [XXX]. I was traveling [XXX] in Logan Co., OK in my 2012 Ford Expedition EL (purchased used Jan. 2020) at an approximate speed of 45 mph when the vehicle downshifted into 1st gear causing a rapid deceleration wherein the vehicle behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me. The engine rpms climbed significantly while the speedometer stopped working and the vehicle never shifted into any higher gears for the next five blocks wherein I was able to pull my vehicle into a safe place. Again, the vehicle continued only in 1st gear! After turning the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes, it appeared everything had reset and I slowly drove it straight to my mechanics shop. (However, shop was closed until after Memorial Day, so I again drove it slowly back home). Total trip was approximate 12 miles. Issue took place approximate 5 miles from when I left my residence. Ironically, I had visited my mechanic the day before inquiring about an issue wherein the vehicle would beep and a "wrench symbol" would display on the instrument panel and the speedometer and instrument display would stop working. I advised this was the 2nd time that issue occurred within the past few days, however, once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, all seem to be okay. In responding to my inquiry, my mechanic seemed to think it was an instrument cluster issue. That if it persisted, return to have it checked out. Never during any of these two (2) prior occurrences did the vehicle downshift as it did on the [XXX] of May. As an attorney, I began researching potential causes and came across the NHTSA's previous investigation(s) into this issue. However, I am dumbfounded that as serious as this issue is, NO recall has been made. As to me, it is my understanding that Ford's Customer Service Program has even expired regarding fixing this life threatening issue. I am lucky that there was not a semi-truck behind me or it would have been serious. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION