According to data from Kelley Blue Book, the best-selling car in the U.S. is Ford’s (F) F-Series trucks, which include the F-150, the heavier-duty F-250 and F-350, and the venerable F-150 Lightning EV.
In 2024, over 765,649 Ford Tough vehicles left dealer lots, eclipsing its nearest Detroit rival — the Chevrolet Silverado — by more than 200,000 units.
However, investigators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into a potentially dangerous issue affecting one of Ford’s bestselling vehicles.
A 2016 Ford F-150 MVP Edition. Reuters reports that the NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into 2015 to 2017 model year Ford F-150s after complaints from consumers reported about a serious issue affecting its gearbox.
Ford
Ford’s grinding gears
Reuters reports that the agency opened a preliminary evaluation of 2015 to 2017 model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks after 138 consumers complained about a serious issue affecting the truck’s gearbox.
According to the complaints, Ford drivers reported that their F-150s unexpectedly downshifted to lower gears while traveling at highway speeds, followed by rapid deceleration, without the driver touching anything or the vehicle displaying any warning.
One complaint came from a 2016 F-150 owner from Ohio, who said, “The truck automatically shifted from 6th Gear to first gear, nearly throwing me through the windshield” while traveling 70 miles per hour on the highway.
More Automotive:
The most reliable new hybrids in 2025New car buyers are in for good news about inflated pricesBMW’s newest Mini Cooper is a cool car for buyers on a budget
The NHTSA explained in a release that the probe will impact 1,270,970 Ford F-150 pickup trucks across the 2015 to 2017 model years.
This preliminary investigation is the first stage in the Federal agency’s recall process. It could force Ford to roll out a fix for the problem if the agency feels it is necessary.
Related: Ford hits yet another recall roadblock
More recall trouble for Ford
Ford’s latest NHTSA probe follows major recall trouble involving some of its other popular vehicles.
Ford’s F-150 has been involved in a previously announced recall regarding 10,627 cars, including the 2021-2022 Ford F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Super Duty pickups, and the Lincoln Navigator.
These cars were previously repaired under a recall regarding a software issue that prevented trailer brakes from functioning. According to the NHTSA, Ford dealers will update the related software at no cost to owners.
Additionally, Ford recently announced a recall of 950 units of the 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning due to a manufacturing defect in its high-voltage battery cells that could cause an internal short circuit. Owners are advised to limit charging to 80% until the issue is fixed.
The Blue Oval will send owners letters about the issue on March 17, prompting them to bring their vehicles to dealers. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery array if needed for free.
The Ford Motor Company is traded under the ticker F on the New York Stock Exchange.
Related: Veteran fund manager issues dire S&P 500 warning for 2025
