The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure caused the RPM to become elevated, and the exhaust fan activated without the engine overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restart the vehicle to reset the system. The “WRENCH” and the message to “See Owner’s Manual” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a personal diagnostic computer and retrieved DTC: P0715; for a failure of the input shaft speed sensor inside the transmission. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
2016 Ford F-150 transmission complaints
Page 12 of 22: complaints 311 to 340 of 618, newest first, as owners wrote them.
To whom it may concern. The vehicle down shifts from a much higher gear to a lower gear which causes a violent slow down and high revs of the engine. This is happening much more frequently and is dangerous because of the rapid deceleration. The reason I think it is downshifting is the RPM's spike and the gear selector flashes when the episode happens. My VIN Number is [XXX] . I have taken the vehicle in a few times to my local Ford Dealer. Hall Ford Elizabeth City NC. They tell me there is nothing more they can do until Ford gives them direction. I had another service appointment today and I pushed Hall Ford Elizabeth City NC to do another inspection and they did see a code which they say they reset but did not know if it was what caused our issue. The code P1921 (Range Sensor) which if defective some sources say it could cause the transmission to have issues understanding what gear to go to. I need some help Please let me know what I can do, short of parking it, or driving it and have it have a serious episode. -- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while at a red light the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission repair facility where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Driving 45mph vehicle down shifted. This has happened twice in the last two weeks.
Was driving down highway going about 60/65 mph. Then the transmission shifted from 6th gear to 1st gear very rapidly. Was able to pull over to side of road and truck repeatedly jerked while shifting back into 3rd then back to 6th. Truck drove normally for a while afterward and then it happened again when driving roughly 40 mph. This seems like a major safety issue considering downshifting 5 gears suddenly reduces speed quickly and can cause an accident or loss of control. It seems something with the transmission is the issue. It is available for inspection if requested. There’s been issues with the gears shifting incorrectly and when taken to ford they just say they don’t know what I’m talking about and give the truck back but it’s pretty obvious when driving that there’s a transmission issue. However this is the first instance where it shifted significantly when driving at a high speed. The check engine and wrench lights popped on when the incident occurred as well.
Vehicle will suddenly downshift and has locked up the rear tires. Sometimes vehicle won't start because the P (park) light is not illuminated
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was able to pull over to a nearby parking lot, and the vehicle was turned off and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Sea Breeze Ford (1701 NJ-35, Wall Township, NJ 07719), who diagnosed that the brakes might have caused the failure. The dealer replaced the brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.
I’m a single mother driving a 2016 Ford F-150, my only vehicle, while transporting small children daily. I’ve been experiencing sudden, violent shaking and unexpected downshifting while driving, especially at highway speeds. On more than one occasion, it has felt like the rear wheels try to lock, causing the entire truck to jolt and decelerate rapidly, putting my safety and the safety of my children at serious risk. I’ve taken the truck to the dealership and multiple independent mechanics, but no one can diagnose the issue because no error codes appear related to the transmission or shifting. The only code that comes up is for a faulty catalytic converter, but both catalytic converters have already been replaced. The dealership confirmed that the check engine light keeps coming on anyway, even though there’s no actual issue with the new parts. They said it’s as if the system is being triggered by something else, but they don’t know what. I was relieved to learn that the federal safety agency is investigating this exact issue in 2015–2017 F-150 models, because what I’m experiencing matches it exactly. I depend on this truck for everything, school drop-offs, groceries, and survival, and I have no backup vehicle. I am asking the federal safety agency to prioritize this investigation and take action. This is not just a transmission defect, it’s a public safety threat, and families like mine are being forced to drive dangerous vehicles simply because there’s no help yet. Please step in and hold Ford accountable before someone gets seriously hurt.
We noticed that the f-150 would down shift and jerk the whole vehicle and the RPM would spike. It would throw you forward when it occurred. We brought it to Hall Ford October 23, 2024. Left it for three days and Hall Ford could not duplicate the issue. We have experienced the issue multiple times and we want to document this issue. It is dangerous. We noticed that the federal safety agency Investigating 1.3 Million Ford F-150s For Unexpected Downshifts. That is when the light went off that this was exactly what we were experiencing. Please help us get this fixed at the Hall Ford or any Ford dealership near us. 04/16/2025 The contact stated that since the complaint has been submitted the failure has been more frequently. When the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal the vehicle locked up.
Traveling at a speed of 55 mph, truck downshifted from 6th gear to 2nd gear. Pulled off the road, and truck would not restart. Towed to Ford dealer who replaced the transmission lead frame at a cost of $1200. This is a serious safety concern! Thankfully no one traveling behind me, or an accident would have occurred.
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that his wife expressed concerns that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was struggling to shift into gear and then unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25002 (POWER TRAIN); as possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contacted depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic transmission valve body. The automatic transmission valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
On [XXX] I was pulling a trailer with a 1981 F150 home from Louisville, KY. When we enter onto the Interstate System and reached cruising speed by transmission indicator started jumping around switch between gear and downshifted very hard into first gear while I was navigating traffic - semi trailers and passenger vehicles around us. The truck then went into what I would call limp mood for several miles and we were unable to maintain highway speeds with nowhere to exit the interstate there in Louisville area. Eventually the truck regained normal power and we continued our journey back home to the St. Louis Missouri area. We had to stop several time out of fear to check engine oil, transmission fluid and engine temperature out of precautions. We were very stressed after this hard downshift that almost resulted in striking other vehicles on the interstate from the downshifting and rapid decrease in speed on the interstate. No warning light came on just the crazy shift indicator lights going haywire. The next day on [XXX] I was going to refuel and the transmission downshift again on me from 6 gear to first without warning. I took and dropped it off at a local shop for inspection and fixing. The problem was finally diagnosed as the transmission frame module and had to be replaced at a cost of over $900. I had to take it to another local shop here in the St. Louis Area who specializes in Transmission Repairs because my truck was out of warranty, CP Transmissions and Performance replaced the Frame Modular and told us to keep monitoring the status of recalls, but currently my 2016 did not fall under any. I am writing you now as I've seen several article indicating that my year has been noted as having this issue. I have the repair receipt on file and can share that information if needed. On the road when it occurred from Louisville, to St. Louis, not warning light were present. Only after the second occurrence did I finally get a warning light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
My truck is experiencing sudden and unexpected downshifting while driving.
Vehicle downshifts unexpectedly sometimes and it also kicks hard when slowing down or coming to a stop. Brought it to Hempstead Ford and test drove it with Charlie the senior service advisor, he said he understands and feels what I’m explaining, but Ford says its normal.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from fourth gear to first gear. The vehicle jerked and made an abnormal grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The transmission fluid was changed; however, no repairs were made to the transmission. The contact stated that the dealer turned off the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
While traveling on the highway my F150 downshifted to 3rd gear from 6th causing the truck to slow abruptly. I pulled over and it would not accelerate, after turning the ignition off and on a few times the problem seemed to have went away long enough to get home.
unexpected downshifts to lower gears at highway speeds which leads to temporary rear wheel lock-up, sudden deceleration, and sometimes loss of control.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the transmission downshifted to a lower gear while attempting to stop at a traffic light. The check engine and the service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission occasionally downshifted unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The independent mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
When accelerating on the highway at approximately 55mph, I had a sudden downshift from 6th to 3rd gear that caused me to slow down unexpectedly and lose control, go off the roadway into the shoulder. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - TRANSMISSION, YES How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CAUSED ME TO GO OFF THE ROADWAY INTO SHOULDER WITH MY K9 Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES - MULTIPLE TIMES OVER LAST 2 YEARS Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? BY MULTIPLE FORD DEALERS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ONLY THE TRANSMISSION GEAR HUNTING WHEN ACCELERATING
In several different cases I was driving around 40-45 mph and when I went to slow down and turn, the transmission downshifted way to early to 1st or 2nd gear. No warning lights came on in any of the incidents.
My husband and I would like to file a complaint about our truck. Our truck transmission shifts down with NO reason and at random times. We have asked our car lot, (Oak Motors, Indianapolis) shop about this at the time of purchase and we were told it is a sealed unit so there is nothing they could do. We have had this truck over a year and this shifting has become more erratic at any speed and it scares me while driving. Now I hear about the investigation and honestly this truck is a safety risk. It causes GREAT anxiety to drive!! Not to mention the added stress and wear on u joints and the rear differential. This truck has not caused an accident yet but one is bound to happen.
While driving at highway speed Transmission suddenly down shifted Into 3rd gear on its own.
Vehicle suddenly downshifted on highway causing rapid deceleration. Vehicle was then limited to third gear (although dash did not indicate such) with tachometer limited to approximately 1500rpm. After resting for 2 days, vehicle suddenly ran like normal, with no logical explanation.
Dropped from 6th gear to 4th gear while going roughly 70 mph on the highway. It shot up in rpm and I was having trouble slowing down/braking.
The truck starts up everything fine and then a few minutes later comes up with the wrench and bogs down the truck like they can’t get up and gearing I would have to shut it off a couple different times for it to work good again and sometimes it does it while you’re driving down the road
The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into second gear. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
driving down the road and the transmission stopped driving at stop light, forced the gas pedal down, and finally kicked itself into gear to jerk the truck hard into another lane. had a horrible smell afterward
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while exiting the driveway driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle failed to accelerate or move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist who determined that a transmission replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 37-39 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fourth to first gear. The vehicle jerked and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The contact waited 30 seconds before shifting the transmission into drive(D) to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25002 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
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