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Campaign 26V237 Posted April 14, 2026 1,392,935 units

2015-2017 Ford F-150 Recall 26V237: Downshift Defect

Recall 26V237 covers 1,392,935 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks for unexpected second-gear downshifts that risk loss of control. Free software repair once Ford opens it.

Ford is recalling 1,392,935 2015-2017 F-150 trucks under recall 26V237 because a lost signal between the transmission range sensor and powertrain control module can trigger an unexpected downshift into second gear. That downshift can lead to loss of vehicle control and a crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford opens the final remedy.

Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?

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What's wrong?

The transmission range sensor on the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 tells the powertrain control module which transmission position the truck is in. The powertrain control module is the computer that uses that signal to control shifting in the 6-speed automatic transmission.

On affected F-150 trucks, electrical connections in the transmission lead frame degrade from heat cycles and vibration over time. That degradation can make the computer briefly read the wrong transmission range sensor, or TRS, signal. When that happens, the transmission can unexpectedly downshift from 6th gear to 2nd gear instead of following the normal shift command.

Ford says some drivers notice an illuminated malfunction indicator light or wrench light in the instrument cluster. Those lights mean the truck has detected a fault, but the recall concern centers on the faulty signal and the unexpected downshift.

Who's affected?

VINs became searchable on April 15, 2026.

2015 Ford F-150 automatic transmission
2016 Ford F-150 automatic transmission
2017 Ford F-150 automatic transmission
Units affected1,392,935
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

An unexpected downshift into second gear can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. If the malfunction indicator light or wrench light appears, drive cautiously, leave extra space, and contact a Ford dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Ford's final remedy letter before scheduling the powertrain control module software update that fixes the transmission signal loss; Ford anticipated that letter in July 2026.
  3. Contact a franchised Ford dealer once the final repair opens. The dealer repair is free.
  4. Reference recall number 26V237 and Ford recall 26S28 when you call.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the truck unexpectedly downshifts into second gear, pull over when safe and call a Ford dealer.

What happens at the repair

For now, Ford is sending interim letters that explain the safety risk. Once the final remedy is available, a Ford technician will update the powertrain control module software so it responds correctly to the transmission range sensor signal. The final dealer repair will be free once it opens. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses for related repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep invoices and repair paperwork, then ask Ford customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

April 14, 2026 NHTSA published the recall
April 15, 2026 Dealer notification began
April 15, 2026 Dealer notification ended
April 15, 2026 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
April 27, 2026 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 26V237?

Recall 26V237 covers 1,392,935 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks with a transmission range sensor signal loss that can cause an unexpected downshift into second gear. That downshift can lead to loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk.

What should I do if my 2015-2017 Ford F-150 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 26V237. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for interim guidance. Ford expects the final software remedy in July 2026.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module software free of charge once the final remedy is available.

Is it safe to drive my Ford F-150 before the final repair?

Ford has not issued a do-not-drive order for this recall. The safety risk is an unexpected downshift into second gear, which can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. If the truck shifts unexpectedly, stop driving and contact a Ford dealer.

When will Ford notify owners about recall 26V237?

Ford mailed interim owner letters on April 27, 2026 to explain the safety risk. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, with Ford anticipating that final repair notice in July 2026.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V237000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #26V237
NHTSA recall # (full)26V237000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 18, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →