Recall 22V188 covers 47,084 2021 Ford F-150 trucks for false low-pressure codes that shift the transmission into neutral. Free repair at a franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 47,084 2021 F-150 pickups because a false low transmission fluid pressure code can make the transmission unexpectedly shift into neutral. That shift causes loss of drive power and increases crash risk, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The PCM/ECM calibration software on the 2021 Ford F-150 is the programming inside the powertrain computer. It monitors engine and transmission behavior, sets diagnostic trouble codes, and helps control how the 10R80 automatic transmission responds while driving. One of those codes is P0868, which points to low transmission fluid pressure.
On affected F-150 trucks, a branch of the transmission diagnostic logic was turned on by mistake for vehicles without Auto Start-Stop technology. Under certain conditions, the software reads a pump gear failure even though the transmission hardware is working. When that false reading sets P0868, the transmission shifts into neutral and the truck loses drive power.
The owner-visible sign is a wrench light when the false code sets. Ford says transmission function can be restored by turning the vehicle off and then back on, but the underlying fix is updated PCM software that turns off the unintended diagnostic logic.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 47,084 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Ford F-150 pickup is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected shift into neutral causes a loss of drive power and increases the risk of a crash. A wrench light appears when this happens, and transmission function returns after a key-off/key-on cycle. Drive cautiously and schedule the PCM software update. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM software update that fixes the false low-pressure code and unexpected neutral shift.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V188 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the Powertrain Control Module software so the low transmission fluid pressure diagnostic logic no longer triggers an unexpected shift into neutral. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for this recall repair before the owner letter, Ford's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented costs through April 29, 2022. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 25, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| March 29, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 2, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 2, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V188?
Recall 22V188 covers 47,084 2021 Ford F-150 trucks with a false low-transmission-fluid-pressure diagnostic code that can make the transmission unexpectedly shift into neutral. That loss of drive power increases crash risk. Ford dealers will update the PCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 22V188. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM software update. Reference Ford recall number 22S15 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power while the truck is moving. Ford says a false diagnostic code for low transmission fluid pressure can trigger an unexpected shift into neutral, which increases the risk of a crash.
What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021 Ford F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 22V188.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V188000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V188 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V188000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →