NHTSA Complaint #11712417 — 2019 FORD F-150

While operating my 2019 Ford F-150 XLT on a highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly and aggressively downshifted without any driver input. The abrupt deceleration created an immediate safety hazard. I was wearing a seatbelt; without it, there was a substantial risk of ejection and serious injury or death. A vehicle traveling behind me was forced to brake suddenly and skid to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. This incident placed multiple motorists at significant risk The vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, and no action on my part caused the downshift. Shortly after the incident, the wrench warning indicator illuminated on the dashboard, signaling a mechanical malfunction. I immediately took the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership, where I was informed that the transmission had failed and required complete replacement. I was required to pay for the repair out of pocket because the vehicle had approximately 62,000 miles, slightly exceeding the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Following this incident, I became aware of numerous consumer complaints describing substantially similar failures, including unexpected and erratic shifting and sudden downshifts. These reports indicate a recurring and systemic transmission defect involving unpredictable gear engagement. Given the volume of complaints, the existence of class action litigation, and the severity of the safety risk, this condition constitutes a safety-related defect rather than a performance issue. My understanding is that in March 2025, NHTSA initiated an investigation into this matter. Ford was obligated to report this condition as a safety-related defect under 49 C.F.R. § 579, as it presents an unreasonable risk of crashes, serious injury, or death. Complaint trends demonstrate a pattern consistent with a defect. Ford should issue a recall for affected vehicles and reimburse consumers who have incurred costs to repair or replace defective transmissions to mitigate ongoing risk