NHTSA Complaint #11650349 — 2016 FORD F-150

In May of 2023, the transmission downshifted unexpectantly while going 50 mph from 6th gear to 1st gear for a second, causing the rear tires to lock up for that moment before shifting back to 6th gear. This caused a quick loss of control and reduction of speed while in traffic. Luckily no accident occured during this. If it had not shifted back to 6th gear, the result would have been much different putting myself and others on the road at risk of an accident at high speeds with traffic behind the vehicle and oncoming traffic. Prior to this incident the truck would occassionally not start and the gear selection indicator was not illuminated as normal and the engine light would occasionally come on. Speaking with Ford dealerships they identified it as the molded lead frame connector within the transmission. I'm unsure of the damage this has caused on other parts from the significant shift change at high speeds and I'm concerned of what has been damaged but not shown as of yet. They replaced the molded lead frame connector at a cost to me and the truck has not had that issue since.