NHTSA Complaint #11653978 — 2016 FORD F-150

I’m a single mother driving a 2016 Ford F-150, my only vehicle, while transporting small children daily. I’ve been experiencing sudden, violent shaking and unexpected downshifting while driving, especially at highway speeds. On more than one occasion, it has felt like the rear wheels try to lock, causing the entire truck to jolt and decelerate rapidly, putting my safety and the safety of my children at serious risk. I’ve taken the truck to the dealership and multiple independent mechanics, but no one can diagnose the issue because no error codes appear related to the transmission or shifting. The only code that comes up is for a faulty catalytic converter, but both catalytic converters have already been replaced. The dealership confirmed that the check engine light keeps coming on anyway, even though there’s no actual issue with the new parts. They said it’s as if the system is being triggered by something else, but they don’t know what. I was relieved to learn that NHTSA is investigating this exact issue in 2015–2017 F-150 models, because what I’m experiencing matches it exactly. I depend on this truck for everything, school drop-offs, groceries, and survival, and I have no backup vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to prioritize this investigation and take action. This is not just a transmission defect, it’s a public safety threat, and families like mine are being forced to drive dangerous vehicles simply because there’s no help yet. Please step in and hold Ford accountable before someone gets seriously hurt.