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.
2014 Ford F-150 transmission problems
428 complaints (28% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 101,000. 10 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 428
- of this car's complaints
- 28%
- typical mileage
- 101,000
- crashes
- 10
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission7
- Driveline: driveshaft1
- Driveline1
- Automatic transmission: internal: shaft: output1
- Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford F-150 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Ford F-150 transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Won't shift 64Jerking 36Transmission failure 20Harsh shifting 16Hesitation 16Shudder 10Slipping 8Whining noise 7
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S45. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6, 2026.
Recall number 26V378000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S37.
Recall number 24V444000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V‑248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury, and included approximately 153,581 vehicles. Ford identified the root cause of the unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear to be intermittent signal loss from the transmission’s Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor due to solder joint cracks on the OSS circuit board as a result of manufacturing process issues. The OSS sensor is mounted onto the molded lead frame and transmits changes in transmission shaft speed to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The remedy program described in safety recall 16V‑248 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In December 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-010) to assess the scope and remedy effectiveness of safety recall 16V‑248. As a result of this ODI investigation, Ford issued safety recall 19V‑075 to expand the scope of 16V‑248 to include MY 2011-2013 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions and included approximately 1,263,051 vehicles. The remedy program described in safety recall 19V‑075 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In June 2019, Ford issued safety recall 19V‑433 as the remedy program used to service MY 2013 Ford F-150 5.0L and 6.2L vehicles in accordance with safety recall 19V‑075 did not contain the necessary updates to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 107,857 vehicles. On March 27, 2024, ODI opened this Recall Query (RQ24-005) to investigate the scope of the above-described safety recalls. At the time that this investigation was opened, ODI had received 86 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, in MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles. As a result of this Recall Query, Ford filled safety recall 24V‑444 on June 14, 2024, to include MY 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles and expand the scope of safety recalls 16V‑248, 19V‑075 and 19V‑433. The remedy program described in safety recall 24V‑444 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring and included approximately 552,188 vehicles. In its May 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford concluded that a predominant root cause for the intermittent OSS signal loss has not been identified outside of the original safety recall (16V‑248). Ford’s investigation also concluded that the primary causes of the defect in MY 2014 F-150 vehicles were related to the molded lead frame and the control assembly transmission main. In the May 2024 response, Ford identified 2,184 total reports that described unintended vehicle transmission downshifting and rear wheel lock-up events; 1,441 warranty claims and 743 reports from consumer complaints, field reports, consumer surveys, and lawsuits/legal claims. Note that the values presented here and in the table above represent the total number of reports which can include a single consumer with multiple reports of the same event as well as a consumer with reports of multiple distinct events. Of the 1,441 warranty claims, 551 warranty claims involved repair of the molded lead frame (38%) and 509 warranty claims involved repair of the control assembly transmission main (35%). Ford has also stated that the PCM programming used to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting was implemented starting with MY 2015 vehicle #1 production and onward. In view of the safety recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ24-005). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ24005
What 2014 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
**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 / the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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)
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 (the federal safety agency 24V444) in June/July 2024, covering over 550,000 U.S. vehicles (approx. 668,000 globally).Follow-up / Re-repair Recall: Campaign 26S45 (the federal safety agency 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.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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
Questions about the 2014 Ford F-150 transmission
Does the 2014 Ford F-150 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 428 complaints about the transmission of the 2014 Ford F-150, 28% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 101,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Ford F-150 transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V378000, 24V444000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-150 have bad transmission?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2013 (1,346 complaints), 2018 (1,022 complaints) and 2011 (830 complaints).
Other 2014 Ford F-150 problems
Brakes 346Engine 191Electrical 164Steering 160Visibility 142Acceleration 103Fuel system 72Driver assistance 47Airbags 31Body 31Wheels 25Suspension 10Locks 9Seat belts 9Seats 9Lights 8Tires 4
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