NHTSA Complaint #11596848 — 2021 FORD F-150 HYBRID

While operating the vehicle, I shifted into park, using the console shifter. With no warning, the vehicle malfunctioned. The console shifter indicator light started blinking next to the "P" and it would not let me shift back into gear. I turned off the vehicle and tried to restart it in the hopes that it would clear the error. The vehicle engine would not start, and told me to shift the vehicle into park. I was unable to shift the gear into park or any gear. A tow truck driver came and we were able to force the vehicle into neutral for towing, but the vehicle's parking brake engaged and would not disengage. Every time we turned off the parking brake, it immediately turned itself back on. Thus, we could not push the vehicle into a better position for the tow truck to get the vehicle and the tow truck operator had to drag the vehicle with its back tires not turning. At the Ford dealership, a service employee inspected the vehicle and said there was no physical damage to any component and that some kind of electronics error had caused the fault. He said it was a known issue with F150 transmissions and that a Ford service bulletin indicated a 6-hour "module" reprogramming process was necessary to make the truck operable. He said that it could recur. I spoke to Ford customer service. A representative there confirmed that this is a known issue with F150 transmissions but that no recall had been made. She also stated that Ford did not know why it happens and that, even after being "reprogrammed", it could happen again. Based on my experience and discussions with Ford, the F150 can suddenly become inoperable and (because of the parking brake) immovable. Thankfully, the transmission error occurred for me in a safe location near my home. It could have been very dangerous had the vehicle become immovable in an unsafe location or far from home or help. I am concerned it will happen again. The vehicle is currently at the Ford dealership in Grand Ledge, MI.