Ford F-150 Unintended Downshift Issue – Investigation Alert (Short)

We are investigating reported concerns involving certain 2015–2017 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions, relating to unexpected or unintended downshifting while driving. If your vehicle is affected, you may contact us confidentially and free of charge. No lawsuit has been filed and no class proceeding has been certified in British Columbia.

Ford F-150 Unintended Downshift Issue – Investigation (Detailed)

Our firm is reviewing reported concerns involving 2015–2017 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions, where owners have reported unexpected downshifting events during operation.

According to publicly available recall information, certain vehicles may experience intermittent signals from the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This condition may result in a temporary and unintended downshift into a lower gear, including downshifts from higher gears to second gear.

Owners have reported symptoms such as abrupt deceleration, jerking, loss of speed, and warning lights on the dashboard. In some cases, these events may occur without warning.

At this stage, no lawsuit has been filed and no class proceeding has been certified in British Columbia. This review remains preliminary.

Potential Automotive Class Proceeding Under Investigation:

Ford F-150 Unintended Downshift and Transmission Control Issues (2015–2017)

Our firm is currently investigating a potential Canada-wide class proceeding, including in British Columbia, concerning:

-         Ford F-150 – model years 2015, 2016, 2017 (equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions)

According to recall documentation, some vehicles may experience intermittent or degraded electrical signals within the transmission system, which can result in unintended downshifting events.

The condition is reportedly associated with degradation of electrical connections in the transmission lead frame, which may occur over time due to thermal cycling and vibration. This degradation may cause the system to incorrectly interpret transmission position signals.

Reported symptoms and effects may include:

• Sudden or unintended downshift into a lower gear
• Abrupt deceleration while driving
• Temporary loss of speed or propulsion
• Illumination of warning lights (e.g., malfunction indicator light or wrench light)
• Jerking or instability during operation

In certain driving conditions, an unexpected downshift may cause rapid reduction in wheel speed, which may result in loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a collision.

Available information indicates that the manufacturer has issued a recall involving a software update to the powertrain control module, and in some cases, replacement of transmission components where diagnostic codes are present.

However, this investigation is ongoing to assess whether reported issues persist, whether the scope of affected vehicles is broader, and whether a class proceeding may be an appropriate method of resolving common issues under British Columbia’s Class Proceedings Act.

If you own or lease a 2015–2017 Ford F-150 and have experienced unexpected downshifting, abrupt deceleration, or related transmission issues, you may contact us to share your experience. Providing information is confidential, free of charge, and does not obligate you to retain our firm or participate in any legal proceeding.

This page will be updated as our investigation progresses.
This webpage is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions – Ford F-150 Downshift Investigation

What issue is being investigated?
We are reviewing reports that certain Ford F-150 vehicles may experience unintended downshifting due to transmission control system issues.

Has a class proceeding been filed?
No. At this time, this is a preliminary investigation only. No Notice of Civil Claim has been filed and no class proceeding has been certified in British Columbia.

What does “certification” mean?
Certification is a procedural step where a court determines whether a lawsuit may proceed as a class proceeding. It does not determine liability or damages.

Which vehicles are included?
The investigation concerns:

• 2015–2017 Ford F-150 equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

What symptoms have been reported?
Reported symptoms include unintended downshifting, abrupt deceleration, warning lights, jerking, and temporary loss of speed.

Has Ford proposed a remedy?
Available information indicates that Ford has issued a recall involving a software update to the powertrain control module, and in some cases component replacement. However, outcomes may vary depending on the vehicle.

How can I provide information?
If you own or lease an affected vehicle and have experienced related transmission issues, you may contact us to share your experience. This is confidential, free of charge, and does not obligate you to participate in any legal proceeding.

Will I automatically be part of a class proceeding if one is certified?

If a class proceeding is certified, individuals who fall within the defined class are typically included automatically unless they choose to opt out, subject to the court’s order.