Ford has issued one of the largest recalls of 2026, and it affects America’s best-selling pickup. Nearly 1.4 million F-150 trucks are now being called back over a transmission defect that could create a serious safety risk.
The issue is not a minor annoyance or dashboard glitch. According to federal recall documents, some trucks may unexpectedly downshift while driving, potentially causing sudden deceleration and loss of control.
That kind of problem is especially concerning in a full-size pickup often used for towing, highway driving, and daily work duty.
If you own a mid-2010s F-150, this is one recall you do not want to ignore.
Which Ford F-150 Trucks Are Affected?
The recall covers 1,392,935 Ford F-150 trucks in the United States from the 2015 through 2017 model years equipped with the six-speed 6R80 automatic transmission. The affected trucks were built between March 12, 2014, and August 18, 2017.
Ford’s internal campaign number is 26S28, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the recall as 26V237.
What Is The Transmission Problem?
According to recall documents, the issue stems from degraded electrical connections that can develop over time due to heat and vibration.
Those failing connections may cause the Transmission Range Sensor to send incorrect signals to the Powertrain Control Module. If that happens, the truck can temporarily and unexpectedly downshift into second gear while in motion.
A sudden drop into second gear can rapidly reduce rear wheel speed, which may cause the rear tires to slide and increase the risk of a crash.
Has Anyone Been Hurt?
Ford says it is aware of one accident and two potentially related injuries connected to the defect. The company had also logged hundreds of warranty claims and customer complaints before launching the recall.
That complaint volume helped trigger a broader federal investigation into unexpected downshifts on these trucks before the official recall was announced.
What Is Ford Doing To Fix It?
Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software at no cost to owners.
The revised calibration is intended to better detect faulty sensor signals before commanding an unintended downshift. In some cases, additional transmission lead frame repairs may also be required, depending on the truck’s condition.
Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing in late April, with further remedy notices to follow later in the year.
What Owners Should Do Now
If you drive a 2015, 2016, or 2017 Ford F-150 with the six-speed automatic, check your VIN through Ford or the NHTSA recall database as soon as possible.
Even if your truck feels normal today, intermittent faults can appear without warning. And when the issue involves an unexpected highway downshift, waiting is not a smart strategy.