NHTSA Complaint #11706289 — 2017 FORD F-150

While driving ~70mph on I-80 in central Wyoming, my truck suddenly and unexpectedly downshifted to a low gear, causing RPMs to spike to 8000+ and making me swerve and nearly go off the road. No warning lights or cautions appeared. I pulled over, turned off the ignition, and checked my engine compartment to see if I could find any issues but everything appeared normal. I resumed driving and everything felt normal. Approximately 100 miles later a check engine light appeared. No other cautions or messages appeared. My transmission and engine oil temperature gauges showed readings in the middle of the normal range. I was 10 miles from the nearest town and immediately stopped at a mechanic shop to diagnose the issue. After several days trying to diagnose the issue, they told me that my transmission had severely overheated, was near failure, and needed to be replaced. I had a regular transmission service less than 12 months prior at a Ford dealership and no issues were noted. I am writing this because I am aware of many other F-150 owners experiencing similar problems and I believe Ford needs to address this clearly systemic issue with the 10R80 transmission.