Ford Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles for Software Fault Leading to Unexpected Gear Changes
Ford is recalling 1.4 million vehicles due to a software fault that could lead to unexpected gear changes while driving. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration raised concerns about the glitch causing abrupt gear shifts, potentially catching drivers off guard. Ford has acknowledged two injuries and one accident related to the issue. The recall focuses on updating the powertrain control module software in affected Ford pickup trucks, including the popular F-150 model.
The safety probe into the F-150 was initiated after reports of sudden gear changes. This recall follows a previous massive recall of over four million vehicles due to a separate software issue involving the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM). The ITRM fault could lead to the loss of taillights, turn signals, and brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is offering software updates to address this issue, with over-the-air updates available in May or at Ford and Lincoln dealers immediately.
The recall affects various vehicle types, including Ford F-250 trucks, Ford E-Transit 2026 vehicles, and multipurpose passenger vehicles produced between 2021 and 2026. Ford has stated that the software updates are necessary to ensure compliance with federal safety standards and to enhance driver control and visibility while towing trailers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.