The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on February 2 2026 that it has expanded its investigation into 1.27 million Ford F‑150 pickup trucks from the 2015‑2017 model years. The probe follows a preliminary evaluation opened on March 21 2025 and focuses on reports of unexpected downshifts that can cause rear‑wheel lockup and sudden deceleration.
The expanded investigation now covers a broader range of vehicles and will involve additional testing and data collection to determine the root cause of the transmission problem. The 6R80 six‑speed automatic transmission used in the affected models is suspected of failing due to worn electrical connections and intermittent loss of the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) signal, which can trigger a shift into neutral or cause a vehicle to roll forward when reversing uphill.
Ford has not yet issued a formal response to the expanded investigation. The F‑150 is the company’s flagship product and represents a large share of its revenue; a prolonged investigation or recall could impose significant repair costs, potential litigation, and reputational damage that would affect sales and profitability.
Historically, Ford has faced transmission recalls: a June 2024 recall of 668,000 2014 F‑150s for similar downshift issues, and ongoing class‑action lawsuits over the 10R80 ten‑speed transmissions in 2017‑2020 models. The current investigation focuses on the 6‑speed transmission, underscoring a broader transmission concern across the F‑150 line.
The expanded investigation signals heightened regulatory scrutiny and may influence Ford’s future product strategy and supply‑chain decisions. Management has emphasized the importance of safety and quality, but no official statement has been released yet. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by stakeholders who rely on the F‑150’s reliability and by investors who monitor Ford’s risk profile.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.