NHTSA Complaint #11715707 — 2020 FORD F-150

While driving my 2020 Ford F-150 on the highway, the transmission suddenly failed, causing loss of normal drivability and creating an immediate safety concern due to reduced vehicle control at highway speeds. The failure involved the transmission system, which I later learned may be related to Ford’s recall notice stating that the installed remanufactured transmission may be missing an internal bearing. Prior to the complete failure, the vehicle exhibited symptoms consistent with the recall, including harsh shifting, shuddering, and vibration. These symptoms escalated until the transmission malfunctioned to the point the vehicle was no longer safely operable, requiring me to tow the truck to Rocklin Transmission. The transmission was replaced out of pocket by that independent service center, and the failed component should be available for inspection upon request through that facility. The malfunction created a serious safety risk because the transmission could become stuck in certain gears, illuminate the check engine light, or potentially fail to properly engage Park, all of which increase the risk of a crash or injury. The issue was confirmed by the independent repair facility when diagnosing and replacing the transmission. The vehicle has not been inspected by Ford or other representatives prior to the repair because the failure required immediate corrective action to restore safe vehicle operation.