Recall 25V169 affects 567 2021 Ford F-150 trucks for an unexpected shift into neutral. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 567 2021 F-150 trucks that were repaired incorrectly under an earlier transmission recall. A false low transmission fluid pressure code can make the transmission unexpectedly shift into neutral, causing loss of drive power and increasing crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2021 Ford F-150 uses PCM/ECM calibration software to help manage engine and transmission behavior. The Powertrain Control Module, or PCM, is the computer that reads operating data and tells the automatic transmission when and how to respond. Its software has to match the recall repair Ford intended for the truck.
On affected F-150 trucks, the earlier repair for recall 22V-188 did not install the correct remedy software. The service tool downloaded and installed the wrong calibration, so the truck does not contain the intended 22S15 remedy software. That wrong software can falsely set a low transmission fluid pressure trouble code. When that happens, the transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral.
A wrench light will illuminate when this occurs. Ford also says transmission function can return after a key-off, key-on cycle, but that warning means the truck needs the corrected software repair.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 567 |
| 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?
If the transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral, the truck loses drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. A wrench light will illuminate when this happens. A key off and key on cycle restores transmission function, but the recall repair is still needed. 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 a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM software update that fixes the false low-transmission-pressure code and unexpected shift to neutral.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V169 and Ford recall 25S24 when you call.
- Drive with extra space until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the truck loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the Powertrain Control Module software so the truck no longer falsely sets the low transmission fluid pressure code tied to an unexpected shift into neutral. The recall repair is available now, and the software update is free. If you've already paid out of pocket for this PCM software repair before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan gives owners a way to claim documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk or contact Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V169?
Recall 25V169 covers 567 2021 Ford F-150 trucks that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-188. A low-transmission-fluid-pressure diagnostic code can falsely activate and shift the transmission into neutral. Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module 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 25V169. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the Powertrain Control Module software update. Reference Ford recall number 25S24 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a loss of drive power. If the transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral, the truck loses propulsion, which increases crash risk. Ford's repair updates the Powertrain Control Module software so the false low-pressure diagnostic code no longer triggers that shift.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V169000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V169 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V169000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →