2014 Ford F-150 Powertrain (other) Problems

This is my second report with a little more detail. My vehicle is showing all signs of current recall on 2014 F-150’s. I haven’t driven it in 4 weeks because it downshifted on me while I was driving 75mph on the freeway for the second time. My speedometer dropped to 0. Thankfully I was able to exit the freeway with no incident. It restarted after 30 minutes no engine light and I was able to finish my trip. On the way back home it did it again as I was driving the backroads and to this day the engine light is still on. The engine code is P0720, the current recall code. I called my local dealer and the main Ford customer service and they both said my vehicle was not attached to the recall. I asked for a courtesy fix but they said no. I can’t afford paying to fix it even if I were to be reimbursed. Please advise me what I should do. Thank you in advance.

NHTSA ID

11776187

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

**VEHICLE SAFETY INCIDENT REPORT & RECALL FAILURE COMPLAINT** **1. COMPONENT FAILURE & INSPECTION** * **System:** 6R80 Transmission Molded Lead Frame Assembly / Output Speed Sensor (OSS). * **Failure:** Intermittent OSS signal loss caused the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to misread vehicle speed and command an uncommanded, severe downshift from 5th gear directly into 1st gear. * **Inspection Availability:** Vehicle is currently located at the Ford dealership service center and is available for immediate physical and electronic inspection upon request. **2. SAFETY HAZARD & INCIDENT DETAILS** * **Risk:** Severe risk of high-speed rear-end collision, loss of control, and catastrophic injury. * **Incident:** On October 29, 2026, while driving 45 mph on an active highway, the transmission abruptly downshifted to 1st gear without driver input. This caused instantaneous rear-wheel lockup and tires screeching, bringing the truck to a complete halt in live traffic. * **Prior Symptoms:** Following the dealer-mandated software update for Recall 24S37 / 24V444, the truck experienced 5 documented transmission dropouts (5th to 1st gear) with an illuminated Wrench / Service Engine Light. **3. RECALL FAILURE & REMEDY DISPUTE** * **Recall Involved:** Recall 24S37 / NHTSA 24V444 (Issue Date: June 14, 2024 - 6R80 Sudden Transmission Downshift PCM Reprogramming). * **Defect/Failure:** The dealership completed Recall 24S37 (PCM software reflash). However, the software fix failed to eliminate the hazard, resulting in full rear-wheel lockup at 45 mph. * **Current Status:** The servicing dealer confirmed the lead frame must be replaced, but refuses recall/warranty coverage and is forcing out-of-pocket payment because diagnostic trouble codes were not active during the initial software flash months ago. The software remedy failed to remediate the unsafe condition, and hardware replacement is required to restore vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID

11774715

Incident

Oct 29, 2026

In the last month this has happened twice. While driving down the freeway my vehicle just downshifted on its own, speedometer dropped to 0, and I lost steering power but vehicle was still running. The wrench for service came on and the battery light also. As I was trying to get to a safe location the infotainment system went off first followed by my dash lighting. On the first time it happened after letting the vehicle sit for about an hour upon restart everything reset and was ok, but the engine light is still on after second incident and I'm afraid to drive it now.

NHTSA ID

11772200

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

I own a 2014 Ford F-150 equipped with the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission (VIN: [XXX]), currently at approximately 133,000 miles. On XXX, while driving at ~70 mph on [XXX], my truck experienced an abrupt, unintended downshift — the precise failure mode described in Recall 24S37. The software patch prevented it from making it worse and a orange wrench came across the dashboard, but still it required some evasive maneuvering. I proceeded directly to the dealer to investigate; however, they were booked for the day. Not understanding the full impact I left to come back in the morning. The vehicle eventually became unsafe to operate, would not start, and had to be towed to Gullo Ford. The dealer then pulled diagnostic trouble codes, confirmed the transmission lead frame had failed, and replaced the lead frame at my expense of $1,977.04 (2127.04 with a coupon of 10% off) (invoice and repairs completed enclosed). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11770903

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

I was driving up the Interstate I565 heading towards Decatur Al from Huntsville Al. I was cruising at about 80 mph. All of a sudden my trucks transmission downshifted into first gear causing my back end to fish tail and the RPM's maxed out in the red and the engine lost all power. After that it would not start and I had it towed to the Ford Dealership. They did nothing and they charged me. They went ahead and took care of the recall then: because an intermittent loss of signal from the output shaft speed (OSS) sensor / internal lead frame can cause an unexpected downshift to first gear regardless of vehicle speed. Recall DetailsPrimary/Initial Recall: Campaign 24S37 (NHTSA 24V444) in June/July 2024, covering over 550,000 U.S. vehicles (approx. 668,000 globally).Follow-up / Re-repair Recall: Campaign 26S45 (NHTSA 26V378) issued mid-2026 for roughly 44,963 vehicles where the prior PCM software fix was improperly applied or missed.Affected Vehicles: Select 2014 Ford F-150 trucks built at Dearborn and Kansas City plants (built mid-2013 through late 2014) What Happens & Safety RiskSymptom: Sudden, unintended drop to first gear, potentially causing rear-wheel lock-up, skidding, or a sudden reduction in vehicle speed.

NHTSA ID

11766192

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train); however, a failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly Auto Parts, and DTC: P0722 (Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal) was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and the molded leadframe was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 145,500.

NHTSA ID

11765833

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Mileage

145,500 mi

Keeps going into limp mode, codes are pointing to lead frame, a lot of sensor A codes. Rough shifting from 1st to 2nd as well as sudden down shiffting.

NHTSA ID

11764486

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Ford did recall on transmission, it failed on my way home. I took it back and they refuse to fix trying to separate event to warranty issue. 3weeks later I have no truck and being stalled by ford. Even Elena Ford has it on her desk(computer) 4 days no response. They quickly processed the recall so they can imply it never had one. Lead module(connector) is reason and part of recall.

NHTSA ID

11763985

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission became stuck in fifth gear. The “WRENCH” warning light was illuminated at start-up. The contact stated that while shifting from neutral(N) to reverse(R), the vehicle made a clunking sound and lurched backward. The failure became progressively worse. While driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11763188

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Mileage

171,000 mi

We purchased this 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew (3.5L EcoBoost) used on Dec 31, 2022. Just two days after taking it home, the vehicle began experiencing sudden, violent, uncommanded downshifts from 6th to 1st gear at highway speeds. This occurred throughout our ownership. Because this was our family's only form of transportation, we had no choice but to continue driving it under these terrifying conditions, repeatedly navigating a lethal safety hazard with our three children in the vehicle until the powertrain suffered a catastrophic failure. This matches the exact defect investigated under NHTSA Campaign 24V444 / Recall 24S37 and expanded under Recall 26S45. On Dec 23, 2023, a final highway downshift forced the powertrain into 1st gear, creating immense kinetic stress and engine-braking that instantly shattered internal components and caused a severe engine knock. Less than a mile later, while trying to get our family home in life-threatening -40 degree Fairbanks winter weather with our three children inside, the engine completely blew, leaving us stranded. The Fairbanks Ford dealership initially stated that Ford would be liable for the consequential damages. However, it later backtracked, claiming that a local customer satisfaction program had "timed out" at the 150,000-mile threshold. A diagnostic certification from a local Nissan dealership has documented the failure. I was an original reporter aiding the push to reopen this failed software recall investigation, and Ford's corporate delays allowed this defect to destroy my engine before a real fix was issued. Due to this defect, our family has suffered extreme financial hardship: we spent $6,513.68 out of pocket for a 5-month Turo rental starting Christmas Day 2023; I was forced to leave my job due to a lack of transportation in a sub-zero climate; and I had to liquidate my retirement early. We have paid on time for 3 straight years on a broken vehicle and currently owe $19,633.44 on a financial ghost. Ford Motor Co

NHTSA ID

11762410

Incident

Dec 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the RPM increased with the transmission stuck in second gear. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was pulled over, the ignition was turned off, and the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was provided an estimate for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the output shaft speed sensor and the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (POWER TRAIN) by the owner of the vehicle, but the remedy failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after receiving the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that, since the recall was already performed, the additional repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11759100

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

After transmission had programming update it never shifted properly. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they said nothing wrong. Transmission failed at only 82000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11758952

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

My 2014 Ford F-150 was previously included in Ford Safety Recall 24S37 regarding unintended transmission downshifts caused by an intermittent Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor issue. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford mobile technician on January 20, 2026. No qualifying codes were found at that time, and the recall was closed under my VIN. The recall involved the risk of an unintended downshift into first gear that could result in loss of vehicle control. On August 20, 2026, while my husband was driving approximately 40-50 mph, the truck suddenly downshifted and rapidly lost speed. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 10-15 mph and had to be moved into a parking lot to avoid remaining in traffic. After parking, the truck would no longer move under its own power. The wrench warning light illuminated and the vehicle became undrivable. The symptoms experienced appear substantially similar to those described in Recall 24S37. The dealership has indicated that the current failure may involve the transmission lead frame and speed sensor system, but I am concerned that this event may be related to the same transmission downshift condition addressed by the recall. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this incident.

NHTSA ID

11758660

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wrench warning light illuminated, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. Additionally, the vehicle immediately went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with molded leadframe failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11758323

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V378000 (Power Train); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic trouble code for the transmission was retrieved. The vehicle then failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the molded lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11756923

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

127,000 mi

While driving, the malfunction indicator light (yellow wrench) will illuminate, followed by a complete loss of communication between the instrument cluster and the transmission. The speedometer immediately drops to zero even though the truck is still moving, and other information, such as the fuel range, goes blank. The truck will also struggle to accelerate from a stop, almost as if it is starting in second gear. If I shut the truck off and restart it, everything returns to normal. Before the malfunction light comes on, the transmission will often make a very hard downshift or remain stuck in first gear and refuse to shift as speed increases. After a few seconds, the warning light appears, communication is lost, and the transmission shifts again, often very harshly. This seems to happen more often at lower speeds. This creates a serious safety risk because I lose all knowledge of my speed while driving, and the transmission may not respond properly when pulling into traffic or trying to reach a safe place to pull over. The dealer is aware of the problem. Recall 24S37 was supposed to correct it, but it did not. Recall 26S45 acknowledges that the original repair was not effective for all vehicles, but my VIN is not included even though I am experiencing the same failure. I have reported the issue to the dealer multiple times by phone and through their online service system. A dealership representative told me I am not the only customer experiencing this problem, but the dealer has not inspected the truck since completing Recall 24S37 and has not taken action or returned my calls. The malfunction indicator light consistently appears about four seconds after the transmission begins acting abnormally and immediately before the instrument cluster loses communication with the transmission. I am now nervous to drive the truck, especially from a stop or at lower speeds, because I never know when the problem will occur.

NHTSA ID

11755274

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Vehicle Information: Year: 2014 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Component: Power Train (Transmission / Powertrain Control Module) Dealership Involved:Midway Motors Ford, 2075 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460 Complaint Description:I am filing a formal safety complaint against Ford Motor Company and Midway Motors Ford in McPherson, KS, for failing to provide a free remedy under active federal safety recall 24S37 (NHTSA Campaign 24V444).My 2014 Ford F-150 was brought to the dealership to complete safety recall 24S37, which addresses severe, sudden transmission downshifts. The dealership performed a software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Immediately following this update, the truck's drivability severely deteriorated, and the transmission began violently slamming into 3rd gear, locking itself into a dangerous transmission fault "limp mode." The diagnostic scans post-update indicate a failure of the molded lead frame/speed sensor. According to Ford's official technical service bulletin for recall 24S37, physical replacement of the molded lead frame is an explicitly authorized remedy when diagnostic codes appear following the software flash. However, both the local servicing dealership (Midway Motors Ford) and Ford Corporate Customer Service are actively refusing to perform this physical safety repair free of charge. They are wrongfully claiming that because my vehicle has over 200,000 miles, it is disqualified from financial assistance. They are confusing a federal, non-expiring safety recall with an older, expired warranty extension program (19N01).By refusing to replace the defective lead frame that their own software update triggered into an active failure state, the manufacturer and dealer are leaving my vehicle in an unsafe, undrivable condition and violating federal recall mandates. I request that NHTSA intervene to compel Ford to complete the mandatory safety recall remedy at zero cost to me.

NHTSA ID

11754506

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe downshift from 5th gear directly into 1st gear while traveling at approximately 45 mph on a public road. This caused sudden, violent engine braking and an immediate drop in speed, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard and potential loss of vehicle control. This vehicle previously received the PCM software update under Ford Safety Recall 24S37 (NHTSA Campaign 24V444). The software update failed to prevent the sudden downshift event caused by the failing Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor on the transmission molded lead frame. When contacting Ford Corporate Customer Service and local dealerships, Ford refused to cover diagnostic scanning or hardware replacement, claiming the recall is marked "completed" in their database because the software patch was installed more than 12 months ago. A software update that fails to prevent a 5th-to-1st downshift leaves a defective physical sensor on the road. Ford is refusing to evaluate or remedy a persistent, life-threatening recall failure on a 6R80 transmission.

NHTSA ID

11754376

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The RPM's increased and the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train) months prior to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the diagnostic test and repair were not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

NHTSA ID

11753557

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

206,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stopped suddenly. The contact regained control of the vehicle after 3 attempts. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11753063

Incident

Jul 20, 2022

Mileage

150,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11752357

Incident

May 27, 2026

Mileage

140,053 mi

I brought my 2014 Ford F-150 to Gentilini Ford in Woodbine NJ in response to recall notice number 24S37 on XXX for an issue with the molded leadframe on the 6R80 transmission. The recall gave the option of reprogramming the existing leadframe or replacing the leadframe. My leadframe was reprogrammed and not replaced. Shortly after the recall while driving back to [XXX] from NC, the transmission dropped into first gear while cruising down a narrow road causing the back tires to chirp. Several dash lights then came on and the transmission went into limp mode which included rough shifting, sluggish starts, no speedometer or several gauges. When I made it to a point where it was safe to pull over, I immediately turned off the truck and did a visual inspection to make sure there was no damage. I returned to my truck began researching the issue online and quickly realized that it was caused by the actions taken during the recall. I placed several calls to Ford with no recourse. In late May of 2026, I learned of a new recall aimed at the correction of the recall and Ford was replacing the leadframes that were reprogrammed. Upon further research, I learned that late year 2014 f-150's with the 6R80 transmission were not included in the recall. I am reaching out for help in forcing Ford to include my truck in the recall. The issue happens almost every time I drive now and will eventually reset back to normal mode after several stops and restarts. It is a very dangerous situation when my speed drops dramatically on the narrow roads of North Carolina. There are no shoulders on the roads and the only place to pull over in the majority of situations is into a drainage ditch. Please help!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751788

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

While driving on the highway Vehicle appeared to downshift into to low of a gear range causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11750806

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

On July 2, 2026, the vehicle was brought to an authorized dealer for a scheduled appointment to resolve active Safety Recall 26S45 / NHTSA Campaign 26V378 (6R80 transmission sudden downshift defect). The dealership refused to perform the recall software update, claiming it was not needed for the vehicle. On July 12, 2026, while traveling at highway speeds on a public highway, the transmission suffered the exact un-commanded sudden downshift described in the recall. The violent mechanical force instantly snapped the rear driveshaft in half and severed the undercarriage air conditioning lines, creating a sudden, life-threatening loss of control and wheel speed reduction on a live highway. The vehicle is now permanently disabled due to the dealer's refusal to fulfill a federal safety mandate.

NHTSA ID

11750595

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

The truck suddenly decided to downshift from sixth gear to second gear. This has happened twice on our way to Staunton, Virginia.

NHTSA ID

11748618

Incident

May 29, 2026