Ford recalls 550,000 F-150 pickup trucks due to transmission problems – WFTV

The recall affects certain 2014 F-150 pickup trucks.

Documents released Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the transmission downshifting problem can cause drivers to lose control of their trucks, increasing the risk of crashes.

The recall came after U.S. auto safety regulators began investigating complaints in March that more than 540,000 2014 Ford pickup trucks could suddenly shift into a lower gear, increasing the risk of accidents.

Ford says the problem is caused by a loss of signal between a transmission speed sensor and the engine control computer. There could also be corrosion and problems with the connector pins.

The car dealer says he is aware of 130 complaints to the government, 52 of which were about the rear wheels locking up or the drivers losing control of the truck.

Owners will be notified of the problem by letter and dealers will update the software free of charge.

According to AP, Ford said in a statement Tuesday that the company expects the repairs to be available in the third quarter of this year.