Ford has recalled several vehicles in the recent past for various issues, but now, it has recalled its popular F-150 pickup truck after discovering that a previous recall remedy may not have been correctly applied.
The issue was related to the gear shift lever system, which, when operated swiftly, could lead to the loss of PRNDL gear indication in the instrument cluster. Not only that, the vehicle could shift to reverse momentarily before it secures the forward drive function.
According to CarComplaints.com, a recall was issued for the same problem nearly nine years ago in October 2017. Ford has found that the issue is still present in the 2018 F-150 pickup truck powered by 3.3L engines mated to 6-speed transmissions with a column-mounted shift lever.
Ford has recalled 10,742 units of the affected F-150, and owners should be aware that the issue could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Thus, it would be ideal to make use of the recall and have the problem addressed.
How Did Ford Not Fix the Problem in 2017?
According to a recall report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford was unable to solve this problem in the 2017 recall because the affected vehicles “may not have received the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software remedy.”
The report claims that the remedy software was not installed correctly:
“According to Ford’s records, certain 2018 MY Ford F-150 vehicles did not have the remedy for Safety Recall 17S35 / 17V-669 installed correctly but were recorded as having the repair successfully completed. Because the correct software update remedy may not be installed on the vehicle, the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 17S35 / 17V-669 may still exist on 3.3L engines and 6- speed transmissions with a column mounted shift lever.”
Describing the software-related problem, the recall report states that “the rapid movement of the transmission shifter from Park to Drive (~30 milliseconds) may cause loss of PRNDL gear indication in the instrument cluster and momentary (<1 second) engagement of Reverse operation before the vehicle achieves forward Drive function.”
“This could result in unintended vehicle movement. An operator could alternatively experience momentary Neutral operation rather than Reverse,” the report added.
What Causes the Gear Shift Indicator Issue?
The Ford F-150’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may not be calibrated to process the gear change when the shift lever is moved rapidly from park to drive. The report stated:
“This vulnerability exists with a column shifter cable that is installed at one end of its full adjustment. On vehicles with this condition, rapid column shift movement (~30 milliseconds) from Park to Drive can overshoot the shift cable position into the “Drive/Manual” gear selection transition-zone. This can cause the PCM calibration to command a momentary, inaccurate gear selection into either Neutral or Reverse based on the last PRNDL position recognized by the PCM.”
Unfortunately, the drivers of the affected vehicles receive no warning or advance alert when this problem kicks in, which could leave them confused about which gear has been selected.
Ford’s Remedy Program to Ensure the Issue is Fixed This Time
Ford has revealed that a simple software update will fix the problem. For owners who have paid for the remedy, they will be eligible for reimbursement. The recall report specified:
“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the PCM software updated. Then, the software part numbers will be validated using the Software Validation Form in the Professional Technician System before the FSA is closed. There will be no charge for this service.
“Ford provided the general reimbursement plan for the cost of remedies paid for by vehicle owners prior to notification of a safety recall in May 2023. Owners who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense may be eligible for reimbursement, in accordance with the recall reimbursement plan on file with NHTSA.”
Remedy owner notification letters are expected to be mailed from July 6, 2026, to July 10, 2026.