NHTSA Complaint #11704655 — 2017 FORD F-150

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to second or third gear. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like the brake pedal was depressed, and the engine revved to over 5,000 RPMs. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle shuddered, and felt like the vehicle was being driven over rumble strips on the roadway. The contact stated that the unexpected downshifts only occurred while driving approximately 60-70 MPH. The contact was able to reset the transmission by turning off and restarting the vehicle initially; however, the failure reoccurred, and the transmission could no longer be reset to normal functionality. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the transmission was a closed system, and the transmission case could not be opened. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle, and the mechanic determined that the valve body needed to be replaced, and that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.