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.
2014 Ford F-150: harsh or hard shifting
16 of the 1,541 complaints about the 2014 Ford F-150 describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 171,000
- recalls
- 2
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
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.
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)
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted into first gear, and the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to stop in the middle of the road in a slightly sideways position. The powertrain warning light was blinking, and the infotainment screen turned black. Upon restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle responded briefly and made a clunking sound. The instrument cluster and the infotainment system were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an acquaintance's residence, who informed the contact that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer at the owner's expense. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the PCM had failed and could not connect to the computer at the dealer. The dealer determined that the PCM needed to be replaced for further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and several complaints were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
My 2014 Ford F-150 is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the Ford transmission molded lead frame safety recall 24S37. While driving approximately 55 mph late at night on a five-lane roadway, the vehicle suddenly and violently jerked, downshifted and came to a complete stop becoming stalled out as I was approaching a major traffic intersection. The truck was disabled in traffic and would not restart for approximately 2-3 minutes, leaving me stranded in an active travel lane and at risk of being struck from behind by another vehicle at high speed. The vehicle has displayed transmission-related symptoms including inability to correctly indicate gear position, harsh shifting, unexpected downshifts into 1st gear while driving, transmission fault warnings, and check engine lights. Initially it was mostly dying while idling and we thought it was the common "Fuse 27" issue, being unaware of the recall. Then the condition reproduced multiple times and symptoms worsened dramatically. Ford dealership inspected the vehicle. According to the technician's written report, the truck was found to be "having transmission problems, unable see what gear the truck is in and shifts to 1st gear while driving" and recommended replacement of the molded lead frame. The dealership confirmed transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes were present and documented symptoms consistent with lead frame failure. Despite the recommendation of the lead frame replacement and documenting symptoms consistent with the safety recall, the repair was not approved. The vehicle continues to experience symptoms associated with the recalled defect and is unsafe to drive away. Dealership confirms software update will not correct problem. I am submitting this complaint as the transmission defect poses a significant safety hazard to me, my children, and other drivers due to unexpected downshifts, loss of power, stalling, and the risk of becoming disabled in traffic. The truck remains available to inspect
My 2014 f150 xlt Ecoboost 4x,4 was experiencing symptoms directly related to Recall 24S37 / 24V444 (erratic/harsh shifting while on the highway). P0606, P0607 (PCM Processor Faults) P0706, P0707 (Transmission Range Sensor issues) P1702-00 (TRS Circuit Intermittent) P1921-00 (Transmission Range Signal issues) This was following the software update in the last recall. Plus the truck would not start despite a brand new battery. I purchased a new lead frame and was told by Ford to take it to Conklin Automotive in Newton Ks so I had it towed Jan 7th. My truck is still there. They replaced the lead frame but released it to me without a diagnosis, without replacing transmission fluid due to a stripped dipstick they were unable to remove, without trying the many options for removal or refilling it and without checking to see if the lead frame fixed the main issue. I had said from the beginning they needed to check the neutral safety switch and fuses. Finally by end of Jan he checked and found a corroded fuse and the truck started but because of refusal to refill the fluid they didn't check the lead frame. So I have had to rent cars for a month resulting in financial distress and return the truck to a different shop to be fixed. Ford refuses to honor the recall even tho it was extended to my year and model of truck, and refuses to help because Conklin, where they told me to go, is not an authorized dealership. I've attached all the correspondence with them and Ford.
After recall 24S37 was performed on my Ford F-150 to address potential sudden downshifting to first gear, my truck began experiencing serious transmission issues that had never occurred prior. The recall required PCM reprogramming, and immediately afterward, the vehicle started hard shifting and unexpectedly downshifting at highway speeds (one example 5th to 3rd gear and also while passing or decelerating). This was alarming and unsafe. Before this recall, the transmission operated perfectly with no symptoms, warning lights, or signs of malfunction. I returned the truck to the Ford dealership that performed the recall. Their road test confirmed the issue, and they diagnosed it as damage to the overdrive clutch. However, they stated the damage was “likely present before” the recall work—despite no prior symptoms—and recommended full transmission replacement at a cost of nearly $10,000, which I declined. The issue clearly began immediately after Ford’s recall remedy and fits the exact risk the recall was supposed to prevent. The vehicle is available for inspection. I believe the recall work either caused or triggered the failure and that Ford should be held accountable.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough shifting and unintended downshifting into first gear. Additionally, the transmission inadvertently shifted to fifth gear while idling from a stop. The transmission warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who updated the PCM software, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 13-6-8 (Transmission High Gear Engagement from A Stop); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
It is 2014 F150 platinum it has a recall on the transmission. I took it in. They programmed it. I left with it. It was worse. and said that they had to get my truck was there for over a month and a half after the part was put on it. The transformation was worse now it’s back in the shop again for another two weeks. They’re telling me I need a new transmission. Anybody with common sense would know that if you’re driving 60 to 70 miles an hour and your truck shifts from six gear to first gear it’s going to tear something up in the transmission. I got it out and it was hard shifting out of first and the second out of fifth and the sixth and reverse was whining. All I’m asking for is help they want me to pay $6600 for a new transmission that I don’t have I’m on disability. Please help
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed the federal safety agency Campaign; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hard shifted from 1st to 2nd gear. In addition, the vehicle also hard shifted from 5th to 6th gear while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
I have the same symptoms that are covered under Compliance Recall 12C23, and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01. Vehicle will sporatically go into limp mode at speed, causing hard shifts. If vehicle is shut off and turned back on, sometimes it will clear the issue on its own. I have reached out to Ford, and they tell me that although they're aware of the same exact issues between 2011 and 2013, my vehicle is not covered due to being a 2014 model year. This is same transmission that was installed in the 2011 to 2013 year vehicles. Currently the replacement part is on backorder. My vehicle has under 150,000 miles as required under the customer satisfaction program. I'd greatly appreciate for some one to look into this, and see if it can be extended to all Fords with the 6r80 transmissions. This is a very well known issue with these transmissions, all should be repaired before major damage or collisions occur.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission would randomly downshift causing the vehicle to abruptly loose motive power. Additionally, while driving the vehicle would experience hard shifting. During the failure the check engine and service vehicle warning lights were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who examined the vehicle but found no failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area
- Intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration
- Intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration
- Intermittent grinding noise while driving in two wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be...
- No start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement
- 2009-2017 vehicles equipped with a 6R80, 6R100, 6R140 automatic transmission have an updated main control...
- Some 2004-2014 F-150 and 2006-2008 mark lt vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit noisy...
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
Questions about the 2014 Ford F-150 harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2014 Ford F-150?
16 of 1,541 owner complaints about the 2014 Ford F-150 (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Ford F-150?
There are 2 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Ford F-150
Brake failure 125Check engine light 97Loss of power 79Power steering loss 67Won't shift 64Stalling 42Jerking 36Overheating 26Backup camera 25Fuel pump 25Engine failure 21Fire or smoke 20Transmission failure 20Airbag light 19Won't start 19Grinding brakes 18Door locks 17Steering lock-up 17ABS 16Hesitation 16Misfire 13Adaptive cruise 11Shudder 10Spongy pedal 10Wipers 9No deployment 8Slipping 8Knocking 7Whining noise 7Screen failure 5Sudden acceleration 5Tire blowout 5Warning lights 5
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