NHTSA Complaint #11650342 — 2016 FORD F-150

Component/System: Automatic transmission. Yes, the failed transmission components are possible but not likely available for inspection upon request contingent on the repair shop not having scrapped them. I’ve had two transmission rebuilds due to repeated failures. Safety Risk: The vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear at highway speeds without warning, causing sudden deceleration. Also, at red lights causing jolting or delayed acceleration. This put my safety and others at serious risk of rear-end collisions or loss of vehicle control, especially during high-speed driving, in addition to other things. Confirmed by Service: Yes, the issue was diagnosed and confirmed by two independent repair shops. Each diagnosed severe internal transmission failure consistent with sudden mechanical shock. The failure of the transmission had codes displayed indicating such, and I have a print out from the mechanic prior to the rebuild as I wanted to confirm it was not any other issue before rebuilding. Inspections: The state of New Jersey has not inspected this vehicle. Warning Signs: There were no dashboard warning lights, error messages, or audible alerts prior to the failure that reasonably could have been linked to such event(s). The first rebuild occurred in early 2023, and similar failures repeated despite full rebuilds. No advance indication was ever given before the vehicle downshifted. Second rebuild was in the Fall of 2023. In prior instances to rebuilds, there were wrench light warning alerts indicated on dashboard, however they made no sense and clicking OK dismissed them with no re-alert or info pertaining to such. When this did occur, and since nothing could be linked to it in the average drivers head, it was assumed an accidental notification.