Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the United States due to transmission problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that certain 2014 F-150 pickup trucks have been experiencing unexpected downshifting to first gear, regardless of their speed.

This downshifting issue could potentially cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to car accidents. Ford has stated that the recall does not apply to trucks within a specific VIN number range. To determine if their vehicle is affected, customers are advised to contact Ford's toll-free number or their local dealership for assistance.

According to Ford, this malfunction can result in an abrupt transmission downshift to first gear without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The NHTSA launched an investigation in March after receiving over 80 complaints regarding these transmission issues. So far, the agency has recorded a total of 86 complaints, including one incident where a driver claimed to have crashed into another vehicle and a concrete barrier after the sudden downshift.

Customers who believe their F-150 might be impacted by the recall are encouraged to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford has designated the recall as 24S37. Alternatively, they can reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov for further information.

Ford is committed to addressing this issue promptly and ensuring the safety of its customers. Vehicle owners are advised to take the necessary steps to check if their pickup truck is affected by the recall and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for repairs and replacements to minimize any potential risks on the road.