NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
118 reports53,000 miles · Jun 29, 2015
Unknown Or Other
PAINT BLISTERS ARE STARTING TO APPEAR ON REAR LIFT GATE. DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS NOT RUST BUT CORROSION DUE TO THE ALUMINIUM MATERIAL THAT THE LIFT GATE IS MADE OF AND POOR PREP WORK OR CONTAMINATION FROM THE FACTORY PAINT. THEY INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND IT WILL MOST LIKELY CONTINUE UNTIL THE LIFT G…
Read full complaint
PAINT BLISTERS ARE STARTING TO APPEAR ON REAR LIFT GATE. DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS NOT RUST BUT CORROSION DUE TO THE ALUMINIUM MATERIAL THAT THE LIFT GATE IS MADE OF AND POOR PREP WORK OR CONTAMINATION FROM THE FACTORY PAINT. THEY INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND IT WILL MOST LIKELY CONTINUE UNTIL THE LIFT GATE IS REPAINTED. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THE HOOD MAY ALSO HAVE THIS ISSUE IN THE FUTURE SINCE IT IS ALSO ALUMINUM. A CAR THAT IS THREE YEARS OLD AND GARAGE KEPT SHOULD NOT HAVE BLISTERING PAINT. MY OTHER VEHICLE IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD AND BESIDES CHIPS THE PAINT IS FINE.
NHTSA ODI #10731043
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2015
Unknown Or Other
SPONTANEOUS AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF PASSENGER SIDE THIRD ROW/CARGO GLASS. NO OTHER CARS IN SIGHT ON A SMOOTH ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 72 DEGREES OUTSIDE. TRAVELING SLIGHTLY BELOW HIGHWAY SPEED AS WE HAD JUST COME THROUGH A CURVE. LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS SIMPLY GONE, BROKEN IN A MILLION SHARDS THAT WENT EVERY D…
Read full complaint
SPONTANEOUS AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF PASSENGER SIDE THIRD ROW/CARGO GLASS. NO OTHER CARS IN SIGHT ON A SMOOTH ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 72 DEGREES OUTSIDE. TRAVELING SLIGHTLY BELOW HIGHWAY SPEED AS WE HAD JUST COME THROUGH A CURVE. LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS SIMPLY GONE, BROKEN IN A MILLION SHARDS THAT WENT EVERY DIRECTION, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. GLASS EMBEDDED IN SECOND ROW SEAT BACKS, AND ALL ITEMS IN CARGO AREA. VISIBLE SCRATCHES AND GOUGES IN PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE WINDOW FROM THE FORCE OF THE GLASS HITTING IT. HAD ANYONE BEEN SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA ODI #10715896
9,311 miles · Apr 29, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND HEARD A SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS WERE TURNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG HARNESS AND SHOCKS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND HEARD A SOUND WHEN THE WHEELS WERE TURNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG HARNESS AND SHOCKS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WITH THE SHOCKS RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WERE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE ASSUMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD INCLUDED THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE AND THE SAFETY BELT MINDER PER THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN BEEPING AS USUAL TO NOTIFY HER WHEN AN OCCUPANT WAS UNBLOCKED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RCM HAD NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH THE MANUAL STATED THAT THE RCM WAS INCLUDED. THE DEALER THEN IDENTIFIED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE SERIES OF BEEPING SOUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,311.
NHTSA ODI #10713607
73,009 miles · Apr 19, 2015
Suspension
REAR SUSPENSION FAILED, AND THE REAR DROPPED GOING 45 MPH DOWN THE ROAD. CHANGED RELAYS, BUT THE REAR IS STILL SAGGING. THE AIR SUSPENSION WON'T KICK ON. CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10706513
30,515 miles · Dec 13, 2014
Seats
NECK PROBLEMS DUE TO ANGLE OF HEAD REST WHILE BREAKING, I AM 6'5'. THE EXISTING HEADREST IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664062
60,000 miles · Dec 11, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
SMELLED A BURNING PLASTIC SMELL FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE . AFTER SEARCHING I DISCOVERED THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING HAD OVERHEATED AND HAS MELTED IN THE FRAME FROM THE HEAT OF THE LIGHTING. THIS IS A STOCK HOUSING FROM FORD WITH FORD INSTALLED LIGHTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10663647
30,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
EngineService BrakesStructureCrashInjury
VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED. SPEED WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. DRIVER AVOIDED TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITIES STANDING WORKERS AND UNINTENTIONALLY HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND WORKERS INSIDE THOSE VEHICLES. 6 INJURED TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TWO CRITICALLY HURT! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619402
10,000 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION BUT SINCE SHE WAS NOT DRIVING THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINES RPMS. THE VEHICLE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION BUT SINCE SHE WAS NOT DRIVING THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINES RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,250.
NHTSA ODI #10577948
17,000 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION FAILED ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO BOTTOM OUT. THE VEHICLE LOST HANDLING ABILITY, COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT I USE THE VEHICLE TO TOW BOATS AND SNOWMOBILE TRAILERS OFTEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED.…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION FAILED ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO BOTTOM OUT. THE VEHICLE LOST HANDLING ABILITY, COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT I USE THE VEHICLE TO TOW BOATS AND SNOWMOBILE TRAILERS OFTEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IF THE AIR SUSPENSION WERE TO FAIL WHILE ATTACHED TO A TRAILER THE TONGUE WILL HIT THE ROADWAY AND MAY BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I THINK THE SUSPENSION SHOULD BE RE-DESIGNED TO INCLUDE A SET OF SPRINGS TO PREVENT THE SUSPENSION FROM COMPLETELY BOTTOMING OUT IF THE AIR SUSPENSION FAILS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576990
51,120 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE WE WERE TRAVELING AT THE RATE OF SPEED LISTED ABOVE WITH NO POWER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO SOMEONE IN THIS POSITION. AS WE ATTEMPTED TO SEE IF WE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD OCCURRED AN E…
Read full complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE WE WERE TRAVELING AT THE RATE OF SPEED LISTED ABOVE WITH NO POWER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO SOMEONE IN THIS POSITION. AS WE ATTEMPTED TO SEE IF WE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD OCCURRED AN ERROR APPEARED ON THE SERVICE DISPLAY OF SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. A FEW MINUTES LATER WE NOTICED THE ADDITIONAL CODE OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT. WE HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED AT THIS POINT. NOT SATISFIED AS THE COULD BE HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564308
Official recalls
3Apr 27, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
May 3, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Feb 2, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ17010 · Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Opened Dec 25, 2017 · Closed Oct 22, 2019
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.